Running a daycare from home is a rewarding way to support families in your community but it also comes with unique responsibilities. Beyond providing a nurturing environment, you need to ensure the safety of the children, your staff, and your property.

While every daycare is different, there are a few common physical threats worth addressing. By putting the right systems in place, you can create a safe, secure environment where children can thrive and parents can have peace of mind. Here are the top physical threats to in-home daycare security and how you can confront them.

Unauthorized access

It’s important to control who comes in and out of your home daycare. Even well-meaning visitors can disrupt routines or create confusion, especially during busy drop-off and pick-up times.

Ways to help prevent unauthorized access:

• Use controlled entry systems, such as keypad locks or key fobs, to limit entry to authorized individuals.
• Keep all exterior doors locked during operating hours.
• Create a visitor policy that includes ID checks and pre-arranged pick-ups.

Tracking who comes and goes

Knowing exactly who is on-site at any given time is essential, not only for security, but also for safety during an evacuation.

Consider these steps:

• Maintain a sign-in/sign-out log for parents, staff, and visitors.
• Install video surveillance cameras at entry points to keep a record of arrivals and departures.
• Integrate your monitoring system with entry logs for a more complete picture.

Emergency preparedness

Emergencies can take many forms, from a medical situation to a severe weather event. Having a clear plan and the tools to act quickly can make all the difference.

Best practices for preparedness:

• Create and practice emergency procedures with your staff.
• Install panic buttons or monitored alarm systems for quick response in urgent situations.
• Keep updated contact lists for parents and emergency services.

Fire safety

With children in your care, you need to be ready to respond to a fire or smoke event quickly and calmly.

Fire safety essentials:

• Install monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that alert you and emergency services simultaneously.
• Keep fire extinguishers accessible and maintained.
• Plan and practice evacuation drills so children and staff know what to do.
• Do regular safety audits to ensure there are no potential fire hazards in your daycare space. This includes maintaining clear entries/exits and removing anything with frayed wires, etc.

Environmental hazards

In-home daycares can also face risks from environmental issues like gas leaks, flooding, or extreme temperature changes. These can interrupt operations and, in some cases, pose health risks.

Ways to stay ahead of environmental hazards:

• Use sensors to detect gas leaks, water leaks, and temperature fluctuations.
• Address maintenance issues promptly to prevent avoidable hazards.
• Keep emergency supplies on hand in case of short-term disruptions.

A layered approach to daycare security

The most effective way to protect your in-home daycare is to combine multiple layers of security.

That might include:

• Physical barriers, such as locked gates and secured doors.
• Technology, like surveillance cameras and environmental sensors.
• Procedures, such as sign-in policies and emergency drills.

When all these elements work together, you can create a safer, more resilient environment for the children in your care and peace of mind for you and the families you serve.

• Contact us today to learn more about security and surveillance.
• Learn more about what home and business security means to us.
• Subscribe to our blog to stay informed about the latest security news and insight.