Child supervision guidelines

  • Published
  • By Capt. Morgan McNabb
  • 341st Medical Operations Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The weather is warming up and the days are getting longer. With the shift in the seasons comes more opportunity for children to play outside as well as more opportunity for parents to also enjoy activities with friends. Guidance regarding child supervision requirements to ensure the safety of children when walking to and from school, playing outside and staying home alone is available. 

Although youth supervision guidelines vary from state to state, each wing commander is tasked with establishing a safety policy for those assigned to the installation.This plan is established based upon the developmental stage of the child and his ability to care for him or herself in the absence of an adult. They include required ages for leaving children unattended in a motor vehicle, at home and at a playground, just to name a few. Some common mistakes often made include leaving young children in a motor vehicle when making purchases at the Base Exchange or dropping off siblings at the Child Development Center or Youth Center, as well as leaving young children home alone and having siblings babysit prior to reaching the minimum age and completion of the required safety training. 

Children who stay home without a babysitter or adult supervision must be at least 10 years old and must have completed a safety course that is provided at the Youth Center. During this 30-minute course, children will view a video developed by kids for kids that covers fire safety, gun safety, appropriate ways to answer the telephone and door, as well as emergency preparedness. The next class is scheduled for March 30 at 4 p.m. 

Those who wish to babysit must also meet the minimum age requirements and complete a sitter safety course. New sitters will complete five hours of instruction that covers the aforementioned safety topics as well as ages and stages of child development, play activities, first aid and CPR. 

To register for either of the Youth Program classes, contact Stevie Brown at 406-731-4634. A copy of the Youth Supervision Guidelines are available at the Child Development Center, Youth Center and Family Advocacy Program office in the 341st Medical Group. For questions related to this policy, contact Kathy Desy, Airmen and Family Services chief, at 406-731-3994 or the Family Advocacy Program at 406-731-2161.