Recent changes in immigration policy have raised concerns among families, particularly those with undocumented members. Child care centers and family child care homes are urged to remain safe and welcoming spaces for all families. Leaders in these settings play a crucial role in providing guidance and reassurance during these uncertain times.
The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) has developed a guide to assist child care providers in establishing "Safe Space" policies. Providers are encouraged to review their security and privacy policies, ensuring they address interactions with authorities, protect private information, and outline emergency procedures. These policies should comply with laws while enhancing safety and data protection.
A safe space policy should include several key components:
1. **Staff Roles and Responsibilities**: Clearly define which staff members will interact with immigration agents, notify on-site staff, and contact off-site personnel such as directors or community partners.
2. **Interacting with Immigration Agents**: Designated staff must verify the credentials of immigration agents, including checking for a warrant signed by a judge before granting access. Staff should accompany agents if access is granted, documenting all events while prioritizing safety without physical interference.
3. **Minimizing Disruption**: Efforts should be made to prevent children and parents from encountering immigration agents.
4. **Parent Notification**: Parents need to be informed about any enforcement actions, including the arrival and departure of agents, while being reassured about measures taken to protect their children and personal information.
The Immigration Defense Project advises that ICE may present administrative warrants that do not meet the legal standards of a judicial warrant; therefore, it's important always to request a physical warrant labeled "U.S. District Court" with a judge's signature.
Child care programs are encouraged to maintain accessibility for all families while upholding constitutional principles of educational equity. This commitment involves creating protected spaces within program properties like classrooms or playgrounds where federal immigration agents' presence might deter families from accessing services.
General security measures include keeping doors locked during operating hours, training staff on privacy protocols regularly, collecting private information only as necessary, and securely storing it for programmatic purposes only.
The policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with regulations at various levels.
