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Smoking, E-Cigarette, and Vaping Prohibition SOP

Purpose

To ensure a safe, healthy, and smoke-free environment for all children, staff, and visitors by strictly prohibiting smoking, e-cigarette use, and vaping in and around the child care facility and during transportation or off-site activities.

Scope

This SOP applies to:

  • All owners, operators, employees, volunteers, contractors, parents, guardians, and visitors

  • All children enrolled in care

  • All facility property, vehicles, and off-site activities

Policy Statement

Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, is strictly prohibited:

  • Inside the child care facility

  • In all vehicles used to transport children

  • In all outdoor areas of the facility

  • During field trips or off-site activities while children are in care

Definitions

  • Smoking: The burning or carrying of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or similar product.

  • E-cigarettes/Vaping: Any electronic device that delivers nicotine or other substances through vapor or aerosol.

  • Premises: All indoor and outdoor areas of the child care facility, including playgrounds, parking lots, and entrances.

Procedures

1. Facility and Grounds Compliance

  • Smoking, e-cigarette use, and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the premises at any time.

  • Outdoor areas, including playgrounds, sidewalks, and parking areas, are included in this prohibition.

  • Staff must immediately address any observed violations and request compliance.

2. Transportation Compliance

  • Smoking, e-cigarette use, and vaping are strictly prohibited in all vehicles used to transport children.

  • This includes facility-owned vehicles and any privately owned vehicles used for child transportation.

  • Vehicles must remain smoke-free at all times, whether children are present or not.

3. Field Trips and Off-Site Activities

  • Smoking, e-cigarette use, and vaping are prohibited during all field trips and off-site activities while children are in care.

  • This applies to staff, volunteers, and any accompanying adults.

4. Staff Responsibilities

  • All staff must comply with this policy at all times.

  • Staff are responsible for modeling appropriate behavior and ensuring children are not exposed to smoke or vapor.

  • Violations by staff may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

5. Parent, Guardian, and Visitor Compliance

  • Parents, guardians, and visitors must comply with the smoking prohibition while on the premises or during facility-sponsored activities.

  • Repeated violations may result in restricted access or additional corrective action.

6. Written Notification Requirement

  • Owners/operators must notify custodial parents and legal guardiansĀ in writingĀ that smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is prohibited on the premises.

  • Notification may be provided through:

    • Parent handbook

    • Enrollment agreements

    • Written policy acknowledgments

    • Posted notices and signage

7. Documentation

  • Written notification must be maintained as part of enrollment records.

  • Signed acknowledgments should be retained according to recordkeeping requirements.

Enforcement

  • Any violation of this policy will be addressed immediately.

  • Continued or serious violations may result in corrective action, removal from premises, or further administrative action as applicable.