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Substance Use and Impairment Prohibition SOP

Policy Statement

No person shall serve as an operator, owner, employee, volunteer, or contractor of the child care facility while using or under the influence of narcotics, alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, or any other substance—including prescription or over-the-counter medications—that impairs their ability to provide safe care, supervision, judgment, or decision-making.

Purpose

To ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children by maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free environment at all times during child care operations.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals on duty or representing the facility, including:

  • Owners and operators

  • Directors and administrators

  • Teaching and support staff

  • Substitutes, volunteers, and interns

  • Contractors while on-site

Definitions

  • Under the Influence: Any condition in which a person’s mental, physical, or emotional capacity is impaired due to alcohol, drugs, or other substances.

  • Impairing Substances: Includes alcohol, illegal drugs, misused prescription medications, marijuana, narcotics, or any substance that affects alertness, coordination, judgment, or behavior.

Procedure

  1. Prohibition

    • Individuals shall not report to work or remain on duty while under the influence of any impairing substance.

    • Consumption, possession, or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs on facility premises is strictly prohibited.

  2. Prescription & OTC Medications

    • Staff using legally prescribed or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired judgment must:

      • Notify the Director or Administrator prior to reporting for duty.

      • Be reassigned or sent home if impairment is observed or reasonably suspected.

  3. Observation & Reporting

    • Supervisors are responsible for monitoring staff behavior and fitness for duty.

    • Any staff member who observes suspected impairment must report it immediately to administration.

  4. Immediate Action

    • If impairment is suspected:

      • The individual will be removed from direct child supervision immediately.

      • Safe transportation home may be arranged if necessary.

      • An incident report will be completed.

  5. Disciplinary Action

    • Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination, in accordance with facility policy and applicable laws.

Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

  • Licensing violations

  • Disciplinary action

  • Termination of employment

  • Legal consequences

Acknowledgment

All staff must acknowledge understanding of and compliance with this policy as a condition of employment.