Childcare Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place Drill Protocol
Active threat and lockdown preparedness is now a required component of childcare emergency planning. This protocol guides developmentally appropriate lockdown drill planning and execution for childcare settings, ensuring staff and children can respond safely while minimizing trauma.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Annually (drill); Monthly readiness review
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes for drill and debrief
- Role: Center Director / Safety Coordinator
- Total Items: 30
Emergency Plan Readiness
Verify lockdown plan is current and accessible.
- Written lockdown and shelter-in-place plan in emergency operations plan?
- Clear lockdown signal or code defined and tested?
- Room securing procedure (lock door, block entrance, move away from windows) documented?
- Staff trained to distinguish between lockdown (stay inside) vs evacuation scenarios?
- Law enforcement contact information and facility address accessible to all staff?
Room Securing Procedures
Verify room securing procedures are functional.
- All classroom and restroom doors have functioning locks?
- Door barricade device or heavy furniture available if locks are insufficient?
- Window coverings available in each classroom to block exterior view?
- Safe area in each classroom away from windows and doors identified?
- Phone or communication device accessible in each classroom during lockdown?
Age-Appropriate Lockdown Procedures
Verify procedures appropriate for infant and preschool ages.
- Calm, age-appropriate language for lockdown guidance practiced with staff?
- Drill conducted without causing fear or trauma in young children?
- Infant room staff has plan to quickly move infants to secured area?
- Procedure for children with mobility disabilities in lockdown?
- Post-drill emotional support and normalization plan for children?
Drill Performance Assessment
Document drill performance.
- Lockdown signal heard and recognized in all areas of facility?
- All rooms secured within target time (2 minutes)?
- All children accounted for and in secured locations?
- Silence or quiet maintained in classrooms during lockdown simulation?
- All-clear signal recognized and rooms cleared properly?
Parent Communication Plan
Verify parent communication procedures for real events.
- Parent notification plan documented for actual lockdown event?
- Parents informed NOT to call facility during active lockdown?
- Off-site parent reunification site and procedure documented?
- Protocol for releasing children only to authorized persons at reunification?
- Media response protocol directing press to law enforcement?
Annual Drill Documentation
Complete annual drill documentation.
- Formal drill log completed with date, type, participation, and performance?
- Staff debrief completed within 24 hours of drill?
- Age-appropriate debrief and safety reassurance provided to children?
- Emergency plan updated based on drill findings?
- Drill record filed for licensing inspection review?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Childcare Facility Alleged Abuse or Neglect Response Protocol
- Childcare Stranger Safety and Authorized Pickup Security Protocol
- Childcare Emergency Supply Kit and Go-Bag Inspection
- Childcare Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Compliance Protocol
- CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit
- Childcare Afternoon Dismissal and Transportation Safety Protocol
- Childcare Playground Seasonal Safety Inspection
- Childcare Special Diet and Food Allergy Management
Related Child Safety Checklists
- Child Protection and Abuse Prevention Policy Compliance Check - FREE Download
- Childcare Staff Background Check Compliance Audit - FREE Download
- Childcare Mandated Reporter Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Childcare Facility Alleged Abuse or Neglect Response Protocol - FREE Download
- Childcare Stranger Safety and Authorized Pickup Security Protocol - FREE Download
- Childcare Emergency Supply Kit and Go-Bag Inspection - FREE Download
- Childcare Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Compliance Protocol - FREE Download
- Childcare Environmental Health Hazard Identification and Remediation - FREE Download
- Childcare Aquatic and Water Safety Inspection - FREE Download
- Childcare Behavioral Guidance and Positive Discipline Compliance - FREE Download
Why Use This Childcare Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place Drill Protocol?
This childcare lockdown and shelter-in-place drill protocol helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for center director / safety coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annually (drill); monthly readiness review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place Drill Protocol cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Emergency Plan Readiness, Room Securing Procedures, Age-Appropriate Lockdown Procedures, Drill Performance Assessment, Parent Communication Plan, Annual Drill Documentation. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually (drill); monthly readiness review. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes for drill and debrief.
Who should use this Childcare Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place Drill Protocol?
This checklist is designed for Center Director / Safety 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.