5.7.1
Socialization Site
Location – Facilities
There are multiple options to consider when planning a Home-based social. Home-based socials may be held at different locations based on the availability and the center(s) involved in planning the social. If desired, multiple centers may work together to host a home-based social at a single site/location.
Socialization site options:
- A classroom within the center
- A “cottage”, which is a classroom at the center which is already set up specifically for socials (available at the Anderson and Birchwood locations only)
- A classroom at a nearby school
- A Community Resource center
- Another off-site location (e.g. park). For instance, a field trip is an option instead of an on-site location.
Note: If a social is held at an off-site location, the Field Trip Planning Form may be required. Refer to SOP Planning Activities for more information on planning field trips.
Safety Requirements
All facilities where children are served, including areas for learning, playing, sleeping, toileting, and eating are, at a minimum:
- Clean and free from pests;
- Free from pollutants, hazards and toxins that are accessible to children and could endanger children’s safety;
- Designed to prevent child injury and free from hazards, including choking, strangulation, electrical, and drowning hazards, hazards posed by appliances and all other safety hazards;
- Well lit, including emergency lighting;
- Equipped with safety supplies that are readily accessible to staff, including, at a minimum, fully-equipped and up-to-date first aid kits and appropriate fire safety supplies;
- Free from firearms or other weapons that are accessible to children;
- Designed to separate toileting and diapering areas from areas for preparing food, cooking, eating, or children’s activities
Considerations
When planning the site location for a Home-based Social, Home Visitors should consider:
- Ages of children in the program – the site should be developmentally appropriate and safe for the ages served.
- Ability of parents to transport themselves to the site location. If unable to find transportation, the Home Visitor may need to coordinate transportation for the family, which may involve using an agency vehicle, car seats, etc.
- Meal/snack to be served – where will the food be from (e.g. Cook), how it will be transported to the site, by whom, etc. Refer to SOP Home-based Socials: Meals.
- Assigned responsibilities – who will be handling which tasks during the social