Red Flags
What is a sign that a staff member is not actively supervising?
Looking at their phone or facing away from students, engaging in other staff or adult conversations, clumping, etc.
What does "scanning" mean in active supervision?
What is one simple way to build rapport with students during free play?
Join in their activity or ask questions about their interests
A student walks away from the group while you are on the playground- what is your first move?
What is the staff-to-student ratio for Eagle Zone?
K-5: 1:15
JR's: 1:10
True or False: If you can hear youth, you're supervising them.
False. You should always be moving your body to be actively seeing and hearing students at all times! Communication should be happening via walkies when students are moving spaces.
Name on way to position yourself for optimal supervision on the playground.
Stand where you can see the whole area. (Standing up on top by the slides to ensure everyone can be seen while being able to engage with students as they play)
What is the benefit of using students names frequently during programming?
Builds connection, reinforces attention, shows respect, shows you are invested in them.
Two students are arguing loudly- what is your response?
Move closer, intervene calmly, redirect behavior, follow behavioral policy if applicable.
True or False: Staff can leave students unattended to step out of the room if needed.
False: if a staff member is the only staff in the space, they need to be communicating with fellow team members to have coverage for the space prior to stepping out.
Name two behaviors that may suggest youth are not being properly supervised or engaged in activities.
1. Wandering off/sitting off to side
2. Escalating conflicts
What does "proximity" mean in supervision?
Staying physically close to students to prevent issues. (sight and sound when possible)
What is a creative way to engage students during downtime or waiting periods? (What are some specific examples your site does?)
Use quick games, riddles, storytelling, etc. (Make it site specific)
You notice a student isolating themselves- what should you do?
Provide care to the student, ask follow up questions to fully understand what happened if it was not witnessed by a staff member. Fill out Injury Incident Report- providing as much details as possible. Notify a program lead on what happened.
What does "blind spot" mean and what are some examples of "blind spots" in your building?
How can transitions be supervised effectively?
How can staff use youth leadership to boost engagement?
Assign roles, let youth lead activities, celebrate contributions
You overhear a student talking about something inappropriate. What should you do?
Intervene calmly, redirect conversation, document if appropriate, follow up with program lead if needed.
What should be communicated on walkies and what should not?
Do's: When students are moving spaces, if a staff needs to step away from program for a moment and needs coverage. When a student is going home for the day, when staff needs additional support, etc.
Don'ts: Talk about sensitive information over the walkies, we never know who might also be listening! Casual conversations, keep walkie conversations short and clear, etc.
Describe a situation where passive supervision led to a safety issue.
Can be site specific. (Look for: lack of engagement or missed warning signs) (Ex. staff not redirecting students from sitting on top of monkey bars- this could lead to a student potentially falling and getting injured)
List three strategies for maintaining supervision in a chaotic environment.
1. Stay mobile, move around spaces and spread out
2. Use clear communication with fellow team members
3. Engage with students
4. Position yourself strategically
Describe a strategy for re-engaging a youth who's withdrawn or disinterested.
Offer choices, connect one-on-one, validate feelings, involve them in planning, etc.
A student is consistently testing boundaries and ignoring instructions. How do you maintain supervision without escalating?
Stay calm, use positive reinforcement, set clear expectations, involve additional support if needed.
What is the protocol if a student is missing during programming?
1. Alert team and Program lead
2. Search areas thoroughly
3. Contact Supervisor and follow emergency plan