Safety is our #1 priority! 

We are committed to creating a physically and emotionally safe environment for every child in our care. Each staff member plays a key role in promoting safety by being present, proactive, and positive. 

Physical Safety

We lead by example and follow all school and program rules to ensure a safe space for all participants.

Key Guidelines:

• • Know where the kids are—always. Children must remain in direct supervision of a staff member at all times.

  • Use good judgment. Stay alert and prevent accidents by anticipating potential hazards. Ask yourself, “Could this be unsafe?” and “Is everyone safe right now?”
    
    

Examples of good judgment include:

• • Stopping a game when it becomes too rough or competitive.

  • Choosing to play tag on the grass instead of blacktop.

  • Engaging at the children’s level—you’re playing with them, not against them.

  • Establishing clear physical boundaries where you can see, hear, and respond to children quickly.

    • • Use the “back to the wall” method: keep children in front of you—never behind you.

Other Expectations:

• • Avoid leader clumping—staff should be spread out, actively supervising and not congregating or socializing.

  • Continuously circulate through the space to observe and engage with the children.

  • Report safety concerns or injuries to your site supervisor immediately.

  • All injuries must be communicated to parents.

  • If someone not affiliated with the school or program is on campus, alert the site supervisor, who will ask them to leave if necessary.

Emotional Safety

A child’s emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical safety.

You can support this by:

• • Building trust. Make kids feel safe opening up to you.

  • Listening empathetically. If a child shares something difficult, take it seriously. Acknowledge their feelings—never dismiss or downplay them.

  • Encouraging and praising. Help children build confidence by celebrating their efforts and progress.

  • Avoiding sarcasm or hurtful jokes.

  • Responding with compassion. Behavior is often driven by emotion—listen first, then respond calmly and supportively.

  • Addressing exclusion and bullying right away. Every child deserves to feel included.

  • Fostering friendships. Create opportunities for children to interact and connect through play.

  • Promoting fun over competition. Focus on inclusion, effort, and good sportsmanship—not just winning.

Restraining Children & Elopement

Elopement—when a child runs away from their supervised area—is a serious safety concern.

If a child leaves your group and does not return after you give verbal instructions:

• • Do not leave your group unattended to chase after the child.

  • Immediately notify the Site Supervisor or another available staff member for assistance.

  • While waiting for help, do your best to keep the child within your line of sight without compromising the safety of the rest of the group.

Physical Restraint: You may only physically restrain a child if they are in immediate danger of causing serious harm to themselves or others.

Examples may include:

• • Running toward a busy street

  • Attempting to harm another child or adult

  • Engaging in behavior that could lead to severe injury

If physical restraint becomes necessary:

• • Use the least amount of physical contact necessary to prevent harm.

  • Call for assistance immediately.

  • Once the situation is under control, report the incident to the Site Supervisor and document it as required.

workers compensation for card employees

WHAT TO DO WHEN AN ILLNESS OR INJURY OCCURS

All injuries sustained at work must be reported, even if you would like to decline treatment.

EMERGENCY Injury or Illness (Life or Limb threatening)

Call 911 immediately!

NON-EMERGENCY Injury or Illness

1. All injuries must be reported to the HR Department (HR@chicorec.gov) and your supervisor (Stephanie at 530-815-5256) right away. 

2. You or your supervisor will call the Company Nurse Hotline at (877) 518-6711

• • • Provide the group name: Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).

    • Provide the agency name: Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD)

3. Company Nurse representative will do one of the following:

• • • Advise you to seek medical care from the designated medical facility;

    • Advise you to obtain emergency care;

    • Advise you to obtain first aid advice or decline treatment.

If you have been advised to seek care, the Company Nurse will fax an authorization for you to be seen and treated at the Work Health Solutions Clinic (non-emergency) or the hospital (emergency).

4. After reporting your injury to the Company Nurse representative, you are responsible for the following:

• Informing Human Resources and your supervisor of your injury (if you have not already);

• Coordinate with HR to make an appointment to be seen at the Work Health Solutions Clinic. In most cases, same day appointments will be made.

• Sign an Employee’s First Report of Injury (DWC1) prior to being seen. HR will coordinate getting the form to you for signature.

• Before leaving the treating facility, you must obtain a Return-to-Work Status Form. This form will indicate if/when you can return to work and if you require any work modifications. CARD requires this form be submitted to HR prior to you returning to work.

Work Health Solutions Clinic (Non-Emergency)

Phone: (530) 715-8004

564 Rio Lindo Ave., Suite 201Chico, CA 

Hours: M – F; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Enloe Medical Center (Emergency)

Phone: 911

1531 Esplanade, Chico, CA