Health, Safety, and Security at SMARTS

Our Commitment to Wellness and Preparedness

Every member of the SMARTS team undergoes extensive training that prepares them for both everyday wellness needs and emergency situations. Our staff maintains current certifications in CPR and First Aid from the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. We follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for illness prevention and work closely with local health departments in both Maryland and the District of Columbia. This means our pandemic response protocols reflect the most current public health guidance, and we update our procedures as recommendations evolve.

Wellness and Illness Prevention

Daily health monitoring forms the first line of defense in maintaining a healthy environment for all students and staff.

Daily Wellness Screenings

Each day begins with a wellness check at our Family Communication Area. Staff members greet children and conduct visual assessments for signs of illness, including flushed cheeks, lethargy, or respiratory symptoms. We ask families to complete a brief self-assessment before drop-off, checking for fever above 100.4°F, cough, or other symptoms outlined by our local health departments. Throughout the day, our instructors continue monitoring students for any changes in health status. If a child shows signs of illness during the program, we isolate them in a designated wellness area and contact parents immediately.

Infectious Disease and COVID-19 Protocols

When a confirmed or suspected case of an infectious disease occurs, we notify affected families within 24 hours by phone and in writing. Our notification protocols follow Maryland Department of Health and DC Health guidelines, which specify different procedures for various illnesses. For COVID-19 exposure, we notify all families whose children were in the same group as the exposed child. We provide clear information about isolation periods, testing recommendations, and return-to-program requirements based on current health authority guidance.

Holistic Safety Measures

A truly safe environment addresses both physical security and emotional well-being.

Emotional Safety and Character Development

The SMARTS curriculum intentionally builds character alongside academic skills. We cultivate kindness, empathy, and respect through supervised activities that teach social skills and cooperation. Our growth mindset approach creates a safe space where children feel comfortable taking intellectual risks, knowing that mistakes are opportunities for learning rather than sources of shame. Staff members receive training in recognizing signs of bullying, social exclusion, and emotional distress, and intervening promptly when concerns arise.

Teacher Qualifications and Background Checks

Every SMARTS instructor meets rigorous standards:

• Criminal background checks through both Maryland State Police and FBI databases, or the DC Metropolitan Police for District locations
• Current CPR and First Aid certification renewed biennially through accredited providers
• Educational background in Child Development, Education, or related fields
• Maryland State Department of Education or DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education clearance, where required
• Professional development in trauma-informed care and positive behavior support

Site Operations and Security

Physical security measures protect children throughout their time in our care.

Access Control and Security Protocols

SMARTS operates on an Authorized Entry policy. Only individuals listed on a child's Enrollment Agreement may request access or information about a student. Phone requests for pick-up changes require verification through security questions based on enrollment records. All emergency contacts must be 18 years of age or older and have valid government-issued photo identification. We do not accept verbal authorizations for releasing children to new individuals—written updates to the Enrollment Agreement must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance, except in documented emergencies.

Sanitation and Hygiene

We sanitize high-touch surfaces, toys, and learning materials at least twice daily using EPA-registered disinfectants approved for use around children. All cleaning products are non-toxic, stored in locked cabinets, and handled only by trained staff. Hand-washing occurs before and after meals, after restroom use, after outdoor play, and before STEAM activities involving shared materials. Staff model proper handwashing technique—20 seconds with soap and water—and supervise younger children to build healthy habits.

Daily Care Procedures

Structured routines provide consistency and safety throughout each session.

Nutrition and Food Safety

At sites where SMARTS provides meals, we follow USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. Menu options vary by location based on facility capabilities and partnership agreements with host schools or community centers. We maintain detailed allergy records for each enrolled student in multiple locations—at sign-in areas, in classrooms, and in meal preparation spaces. Staff members with severe allergy training supervise all meal times. Our Fit 2 Be Smart program reinforces healthy choices through physical activity and nutrition education aligned with USDA MyPlate recommendations.

Pick-up, Drop-off, and Authorized Release

Every SMARTS location uses either a paper or an electronic roster system that timestamps all arrivals and departures. Staff members check photo identification for all adults picking up children, including parents and guardians we see daily. We match the ID to our authorized list before releasing any child. This policy has prevented several unauthorized pick-up attempts over our years of operation. New individuals must appear on an updated Enrollment Agreement with their full legal name and relationship to the child documented.

Emergency and Crisis Management

Our emergency procedures are tested regularly and supported by both local and national resources.

Drills and Evacuation Plans

All SMARTS locations conduct fire drills monthly, severe weather drills quarterly, and lockdown drills twice per year, aligning with local school district requirements. Each site maintains detailed evacuation routes, designated meeting areas, and communication trees. Staff members carry emergency contact information and medical forms during all drills and actual emergencies. We document each drill, noting completion time and any procedural improvements needed.

National Support Center and Crisis Team

Local SMARTS centers connect to a National Support Center that provides backup resources during emergencies. This network includes licensed social workers, crisis counselors, and administrative personnel available 24/7. During local emergencies—such as severe weather events or facility issues—the Support Center can assist with family notifications, temporary relocations, and coordination with emergency services. Site directors have direct phone numbers to emergency support teams, and families receive crisis contact information in their enrollment packets.

Parents can contact their site director during program hours or reach our main office at (contact information available on enrollment materials) for non-emergency questions about safety protocols. We welcome parent feedback on our safety procedures and review all suggestions with our safety committee.