Young children are constantly coming and going in the GSLP parking lot. Always remember: Safety first! Here’s how you can help protect our kids:
Drive slowly and carefully while in the driveway and parking lot. Young children can dart out unexpectedly from between cars. In addition, church staff and visitors, including many senior citizens, must cross the driveway to reach their cars.
Always hold the hands of all children in your care when walking in the lot. It’s easier for drivers to see adults than small kids. Holding hands also keeps curious and active children from dashing into driving lanes.
Never let a child stand outside the car while you buckle or unbuckle another. Have kids wait inside the car while you buckle each one into a safety seat. (Visit the NHTSA site to get help with installing safety seats.)
Never leave kids in the car when coming into school! Get to know the other parents in your child’s class and add them to your authorized pick-up list. Create a “Pick-Up Pals” group text to let them know you need someone to sign out your child (a great strategy for avoiding late fees, too!). If an extra hand is unavailable, call the office if you need someone to walk a child out to your car. It is illegal to leave children under age 8 unattended in a vehicle, including sleeping babies. (For more information, see this law summary page.)
Pay close attention to children when chatting in front of the school. Kids can quickly wander into traffic while a care provider is distracted.