COVID Policy
Brooklyn Game Lab has, and will continue to, adhere to recommended guidelines regarding health and safety, which may include conducting health checks, use of masks, and social distancing. Staff are required to be vaccinated and vaccination is encouraged of all program participants. Read more about our Covid Plan.
FIRSt aid AND cpr
Managers and select program Leads attend Red Cross training that covers First Aid and CPR and certifications are kept current. At least one Manager is available at each location every day during programming.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Managers as well as Lead members of the Social Skills program team have attended mental health training. More information can be found at https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org and https://thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us/
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Background checks are performed prior to hire for all staff, using publicly available databases including the sex offender registry.
Additional background checks are performed by BGL’s payroll administrator (ADP) for all Managers prior to promotion.
Background checks are re-run annually on all staff using publicly available databases, including the sex offender registry, to ensure information is current.
All staff are trained on where to find important safety items at each Lab location, including:
Exit doors
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Additionally, floor plans indicating where these items are at each location, are posted at each Lab and are readily available for staff and anyone in the Lab to see.
Emergency evacuation gathering points are established for each Lab location and staff are trained to know where to go in the event of an emergency. Staff are not permitted to be alone with a child at any time and are instructed to stay as a group in emergencies.
Safety policies are in place for each Lab to address the specifics of each location (ie. use of stairs; staff-only areas etc.)
FACILITIES SAFETY: Fire & EVACUATION
SCHOOL PICKUP PROCEDURE
All staff are given school pickup training on their first day. A map with a planned route to/from each school and the Lab, is provided to all staff doing pickups. Instructions include:
Only cross streets during walk signals;
Confirm street is clear and safe before crossing;
If walking with a large group, one instructor is at the front, one at the back, and one hovering to ensure everyone is walking safely;
Children are directed not to engage in physical play during the walks. If a child is having issues during a walk, staff raise concerns to Managers immediately and Managers speak with the child and speak with parents if necessary.
All staff are trained in walking pickup procedures (detailed above) and follow the same instructions for walking with children to/from parks for outdoor play.
Battle Lab (outdoor play) Rules of Conduct and safety instructions are communicated to all Battle Lab-trained staff. Battle Lab-trained staff monitor all outdoor play and maintain a safe and controlled environment for the children.
The primary rule of Battle Lab is that in order for everyone to have fun, we need to create and maintain a safe and trusting environment. This is reinforced with the children before, during and after play, and children modeling unsafe behaviour are removed from play until they can safely re-engage.
OUTDOOR CONDUCT
BGL has an established and comprehensive Code of Conduct which is communicated to staff upon hire and is continuously reinforced through the company culture. Concerns about potential violations of the Code of Conduct are investigated. Violation of the Code of Conduct is grounds for dismissal.
CODE OF CONDUCT
SUSPICIOUS person in space policy
The safety and security of everyone in the Lab is our first priority. Access to each Lab location is monitored and staff have been trained to prevent unauthorized patrons from entering the space. Managers will address suspicious behavior and call authorities if needed.
Information about a child or their family will not be divulged either in person or over the phone, to anyone who cannot substantiate they are the child’s parent or caregiver.
Managers are informed of indicators of potential child abuse, and are aware of guidelines for reporting suspected abuse. Staff are directed to bring concerns about a child’s welfare to the attention of their managers.