Teen and Middle School After-School Program Safety Protocol
After-school programs serving middle and high school youth require different safety approaches than those for young children. This protocol addresses the unique supervision, behavioral, and safety needs of teen programs while meeting state licensing and funding requirements.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 25 minutes
- Role: Program Director / Site Coordinator
- Total Items: 30
Arrival and Attendance
Track youth arrival and attendance.
- Attendance taken and roster current for enrolled youth?
- Late arrivals documented with time?
- School or parents notified of unexpected absences per program protocol?
- All non-enrolled visitors signed in with ID check?
- Non-enrolled youth turned away per program enrollment policy?
Age-Appropriate Supervision
Verify supervision appropriate for teen program.
- Adequate staff-to-youth ratio maintained per licensing?
- Supervision style age-appropriate (oversight without excessive control)?
- Staff building positive, professional relationships with youth?
- All program areas and outdoor spaces supervised?
- No adult-youth one-on-one situations in private spaces?
Behavior and Conflict Management
Verify conflict management and behavior protocols.
- Youth-developed behavior expectations posted and reviewed?
- Staff using de-escalation strategies before consequences?
- Conflict resolution skills actively taught in programming?
- No prohibited discipline practices (corporal punishment, humiliation) used?
- Suspension or removal from program used only as last resort after other strategies?
Bullying Prevention
Monitor and address bullying behaviors.
- Youth and staff know anti-bullying policy?
- Any bullying reports investigated and addressed today?
- Cyberbullying policy communicated and enforced for device use during program?
- Positive social climate activities promoting respect and belonging?
- Coordination with school counselors on known bullying situations?
Substance Use and Safety
Verify substance use prevention measures.
- Zero tolerance substance policy communicated to youth and parents?
- Staff alert to signs of substance use or impairment?
- Facility checked for drug paraphernalia or contraband?
- No tobacco, vaping, or e-cigarette use on program premises?
- Mental health and substance use referral resources available to youth?
Dismissal and Accountability
Verify safe dismissal of all youth.
- Dismissal plan documented for each enrolled youth?
- All youth released to authorized persons or per documented self-dismissal plan?
- Parental authorization for youth to self-dismiss on file?
- All youth accounted for at end of program?
- Late parent pickup protocol followed for any youth not picked up on time?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- After-School Program Daily Operations Safety Check
- After-School Program Emergency Preparedness Review
- After-School Program Activity Planning Safety Review
- After-School Program Pickup Authorization and Safety
- Childcare Staff Background Check Compliance Tracking
- Childcare Center Emergency Communication and Parent Notification Protocol
- Infant Safe Sleep Environment Monthly Compliance Audit
- Childcare Center Pest Control and Integrated Pest Management Inspection
Related After School Programs Checklists
- After-School Program Daily Operations Safety Check - FREE Download
- After-School Program Emergency Preparedness Review - FREE Download
- After-School Program Activity Planning Safety Review - FREE Download
- After-School Program Pickup Authorization and Safety - FREE Download
- After-School Homework Help and Tutoring Program Daily Operations - FREE Download
- After-School STEM Enrichment Program Safety and Quality - FREE Download
- After-School Teen Program Safety and Quality Assessment - FREE Download
- After-School Program Emergency Closure and Crisis Communication - FREE Download
- After-School Program Enrollment and Registration Compliance - FREE Download
Why Use This Teen and Middle School After-School Program Safety Protocol?
This teen and middle school after-school program safety protocol helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for program director / site coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Teen and Middle School After-School Program Safety Protocol cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Arrival and Attendance, Age-Appropriate Supervision, Behavior and Conflict Management, Bullying Prevention, Substance Use and Safety, Dismissal and Accountability. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 25 minutes.
Who should use this Teen and Middle School After-School Program Safety Protocol?
This checklist is designed for Program Director / Site Coordinator professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.