Childcare Center Technology Acceptable Use and Digital Safety Policy
Technology in childcare settings requires specific policies to protect children's online safety, maintain appropriate staff device use, and comply with federal COPPA requirements. This monthly review ensures technology use is safe, appropriate, and policy-compliant throughout the program.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes
- Role: Center Director / IT Coordinator
- Total Items: 30
Child Online Protection
Verify child online safety measures active.
- Content filters active and updated on all child-accessible devices?
- No child personal information collected online without COPPA-compliant parental consent?
- No child photos posted publicly without written parental authorization?
- Children's technology use supervised at all times?
- Screen time within AAP guidelines (none for under 18 months, limited for 2-5)?
Staff Device Use Policy
Verify staff device policies are followed.
- Staff not using personal phones during child supervision?
- Staff using only program-authorized devices for child photos?
- No child photos shared on personal social media accounts by staff?
- All staff signed social media policy?
- All program devices password protected with screen lock?
Device Security and Updates
Verify devices are secure and updated.
- All operating systems updated with current security patches?
- Antivirus or security software current on all devices?
- Data backups current for program records stored on devices?
- Strong passwords in use and not shared among staff?
- Wi-Fi network password protected with WPA2 or better encryption?
Family Communication Technology
Verify family communication technology is compliant.
- Family communication apps used with parental authorization and data privacy terms reviewed?
- Apps used with or about children verified COPPA compliant?
- Photo sharing via app done only for children whose parents authorized?
- Data retention policy in place for digital family records?
- Family contact information and child records stored securely?
Educational Technology Quality
Assess quality of educational technology use.
- Educational apps and programs developmentally appropriate?
- No apps with advertising directed at children?
- Technology use interactive and educational rather than passive viewing?
- Technology use not replacing hands-on play, outdoor time, or social interaction?
- Staff facilitating and guiding technology use rather than leaving children unengaged?
Policy Documentation
Verify technology policies are documented and communicated.
- Written technology acceptable use policy in place?
- Technology policy included in parent handbook?
- All staff trained on technology policy at hire and annually?
- Any technology policy violations tracked and addressed?
- Technology policy reviewed and updated annually?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Childcare Quality Improvement Plan Progress Review
- Childcare Hand Hygiene Observation and Training Compliance
- Childcare Vendor and Contractor On-Site Safety Protocol
- Childcare Center Vendor and Visitor Safety Screening
- Childcare Licensing Complaint Response and Investigation Protocol
- Childcare Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Compliance Protocol
- Preschool Positive Behavior Support Plan Development
- After-School Program Emergency Closure and Crisis Communication
Related Daycare Centers Checklists
- Daycare Center Daily Opening Inspection - FREE Download
- Daycare Child Sign-In and Sign-Out Procedure Check - FREE Download
- Daycare Staff-to-Child Ratio and Supervision Check - FREE Download
- Daycare Health and Illness Exclusion Check - FREE Download
- Daycare Emergency Drill Documentation - FREE Download
- Daycare Center Annual Licensing Compliance Review - FREE Download
- Daycare Sanitation and Cleaning Log - FREE Download
- Daycare Parent Communication and Engagement Review - FREE Download
- Daycare Classroom Environment Setup Check - FREE Download
- Daycare Substitute Staff Orientation Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Childcare Center Technology Acceptable Use and Digital Safety Policy?
This childcare center technology acceptable use and digital safety policy helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for center director / it coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Center Technology Acceptable Use and Digital Safety Policy cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Child Online Protection, Staff Device Use Policy, Device Security and Updates, Family Communication Technology, Educational Technology Quality, Policy Documentation. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 30 minutes.
Who should use this Childcare Center Technology Acceptable Use and Digital Safety Policy?
This checklist is designed for Center Director / IT 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.