Emergency Telephone Numbers & Emergency Notification SOP

Purpose

To ensure immediate access to emergency contact information and establish clear procedures for responding to medical emergencies, serious injuries, or illnesses involving children in care.

Scope

This SOP applies to all childcare personnel, administrators, and operators responsible for supervising children and responding to emergencies within the facility.

Policy Statement

The facility shall maintain clearly posted emergency telephone numbers and follow established emergency response and parent notification procedures to protect the health and safety of all children in care.

Required Emergency Information Posting

Emergency Numbers

Emergency service telephone numbers must be posted on or near every telephone in the facility and include, at a minimum:

• 911

• Ambulance services

• Fire department

• Police department

• Poison Control Center

• Florida Abuse Hotline

• County Public Health Department

Facility Location Information

The following information must be posted with the emergency numbers:

• Facility name

• Physical address

• Clear directions to the facility

• Descriptions of major intersections and local landmarks

This information must be easily readable and accessible to all staff at all times.

Emergency Response Procedures

Life-Threatening Emergencies

1. In the event of a life-threatening injury or medical emergency, childcare personnel shall:

   • Immediately call 911.

   • Provide first aid or CPR as trained and appropriate until emergency responders arrive.

2. After emergency services have been contacted, the custodial parent or legal guardian must be notified as soon as possible.

Serious Illness, Accident, or Injury

1. Custodial parents or legal guardians must be notified immediately of any:

   • Serious illness

   • Accident

   • Injury

   • Medical emergency involving their child

2. Staff must obtain and follow the specific instructions provided by the parent or legal guardian regarding care and next steps.

Parent Unable to Be Reached

1. If the custodial parent or legal guardian cannot be contacted:

   • The facility owner or director shall contact the individuals designated by the parent or legal guardian on the child’s enrollment form.

2. Any written instructions provided by the custodial parent or legal guardian must be followed as documented.

Documentation

• Emergency contact information must be maintained and kept current in each child’s enrollment record.

• Staff must document the incident, actions taken, notifications made, and outcomes according to facility incident reporting procedures.

Compliance

Failure to post required emergency information or follow emergency notification procedures may result in licensing violations and corrective action.