Childcare Mandated Reporter Compliance Checklist
Every childcare worker is a mandated reporter in all 50 states, required by law to report reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. This annual compliance checklist verifies all staff have received required mandated reporter training, understand their obligations, and that center policies support timely and accurate reporting.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Annually
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Center Director
- Total Items: 32
Staff Training Compliance
Verify all staff have completed required mandated reporter training.
- All current staff have completed state-required mandated reporter training?
- Training completion certificates on file for all staff?
- Training is within required renewal period for all staff?
- New staff complete mandated reporter training before working with children?
- Training covers abuse types, reporting process, and immunity provisions?
Center Reporting Policy
Verify center policy supports proper mandated reporting.
- Written mandated reporting policy documented in staff handbook?
- Policy does NOT require supervisor approval before making a report?
- State CPS hotline number posted in staff work areas?
- Policy includes simultaneous notification to licensing agency when CPS report is made?
- Policy covers documentation of reports made and child disclosures?
- Anti-retaliation policy protects staff who make good-faith reports?
Abuse Recognition Training
Verify staff can recognize signs of abuse and neglect.
- Staff trained to recognize signs of physical abuse?
- Staff trained to recognize signs of sexual abuse?
- Staff trained to recognize signs of neglect (physical and educational)?
- Staff trained to recognize emotional/psychological abuse?
- Staff trained on proper response to child disclosures (listen, don't promise secrecy)?
Documentation and Reporting Procedures
Verify reporting procedures are understood and documented.
- All staff understand how to make a report (hotline number, online portal)?
- Staff understand the 'reasonable suspicion' standard (not proof required)?
- Staff trained to document child disclosures and observed injuries objectively?
- Staff know to notify director after (not before) making a report?
- Staff understand they have legal immunity for good-faith reports?
Internal Abuse Prevention Policies
Verify policies preventing abuse within the program.
- Two-adult policy in place (no one-on-one adult-child situations)?
- Open door policy for all rooms with children?
- Security cameras covering all areas where children receive care?
- Bathroom assistance policy documented with safety protocols?
- Social media contact with current or former families prohibited by policy?
Review of Past Reports and Outcomes
Review any mandated reports made during the review period.
- Number of mandated reports made during past 12 months documented?
- All reports made within required timeframe (typically 24-72 hours)?
- Licensing agency notified of all reports per state requirements?
- Center cooperated fully with all CPS investigations?
- Policy improvements implemented based on past incidents or near-misses?
- Compliance notes and observations
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Childcare Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place Drill Protocol
- 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 Playground Daily Safety Inspection
- Childcare Playground Monthly Maintenance Inspection
- CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review
- Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance
Related Child Safety Checklists
- Child Protection and Abuse Prevention Policy Compliance Check - FREE Download
- Childcare Staff Background Check Compliance Audit - FREE Download
- Childcare Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place Drill Protocol - 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 Mandated Reporter Compliance Checklist?
This childcare mandated reporter compliance checklist helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for center director professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Mandated Reporter Compliance Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Staff Training Compliance, Center Reporting Policy, Abuse Recognition Training, Documentation and Reporting Procedures, Internal Abuse Prevention Policies, Review of Past Reports and Outcomes. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Childcare Mandated Reporter Compliance Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Center Director 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.