The principal of each school shall ensure that certificated employees, teacher aides or yard aides supervise the conduct and safety, and direct the play, of students of the school who are on school grounds before and after school, during recess, and during other intermissions.
Teachers shall be present at their respective rooms and open them to admit students not less than 30 minutes before the time when school starts, or as specified in the collective bargaining agreement.
Safety rules for the use of facilities and equipment shall include as appropriate:
1. Rules on acceptable playground behavior and on the proper use of play apparatus in elementary schools.
2. Rules relating to gymnasium and field areas in high schools.
3. Safety rules clearly posted in chemistry classes.
4. Shop class rules, including the requirement that power equipment never be used without the teacher's presence in the shop. Students must pass safety tests at mastery level before using such equipment, and test results must be kept on record.
School staff shall train students on the above rules and include safety instruction in their lesson plans when appropriate. Copies of the rules may be sent to parents/guardians and shall be readily available at the school at all times.
The principal or designee shall:
1. Clearly identify supervision zones on the playground and require that supervisors remain outside at a location from which they can observe their entire zone of supervision.
2. Require that all individuals supervising students remain alert in spotting dangerous conditions and report any such conditions to the principal or designee promptly.
3. Establish emergency procedures that ensure swift response to accidents, fighting, and situations that could become dangerous, such as overcrowding or unusual gatherings of students.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that teachers, teacher aides, yard aides and volunteers who supervise students receive training in the above safety practices and in supervisory techniques which will help them to forestall problems and resolve conflicts.
When determining the ratio of playground supervisors to students, the principal or designee shall consider the size of the playground area, the number of blind spots that are not immediately visible, the age and gender of the students, and the general nature of their behavior.
Release of Student to Adult
Students shall be released during the school day in the custody of an adult only if:
1. The adult is the student's parent/legal guardian with custody.
(cf. 5021 - Noncustodial Parents)
2. The adult has appropriate identification and the verified authorization of the student's parent/legal guardian with custody.
3. The adult is a properly authorized law officer acting in accordance with law.
(cf. 5145.11 - Questioning and Apprehension)
4. The adult is taking the student to emergency medical care, at the request of the principal or designee.
(cf. 5141.4 - Child Abuse Reporting Procedures)
Eye Protection Devices
The district shall provide eye protection devices in accordance with law.
Staff shall ensure that all students, teachers and visitors wear eye protective devices when they are engaged in or observing an activity or using hazardous substances likely to cause injury to the eyes. (Education Code 32030, 32031)
Missing Children
In order to enable district staff to assist in locating missing children, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that Department of Justice information on missing children is posted at every school. In schools maintaining elementary grades, this information shall be posted in areas restricted to adult use. (Education Code 38139)
Elementary school principal are urged to review missing children's pictures whenever a new student enrolls or transfers into the school. (Education Code 49068.5)
Playground Design, Equipment and Maintenance
Teachers, teacher aides, maintenance staff, parents/guardians and students are encouraged to contribute their ideas for making the playground as safe as possible.
Playgrounds should be designed for ease of supervision and should have:
1. Clearly defined entry and exit routes that lead to and from play areas without crossing other major activities.
2. Fences or other barriers limiting vehicle access to play areas.
3. Proper water drainage.
4. Bicycle racks that are fenced and located where easily visible.
5. Safety rules posted at the entrance and near play equipment.
Playgrounds shall provide access for the handicapped in accordance with law.
The age, size and ability of the students who will use playground equipment shall determine the choice of equipment, the height of platforms and slides, and the diameter of climbing bars. Par courses and other adult equipment that is inappropriate for student use shall not be placed at elementary schools.
Playground equipment shall be installed by the manufacturer, by the manufacturer's representative, or by the district maintenance staff under the direct supervision of the manufacturer's representative. A signed statement shall be secured from the manufacturers representative stating that the equipment has been properly installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
Regulation ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: September 9, 1997 Alhambra, California