Keeping Our Youngest Learners Safe: Guidance for Child Care Providers

CLASP is a national, nonpartisan advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to advancing policy solutions that expand economic opportunity and remove barriers for individuals and families. In recent years, immigration policy has become an area of urgent focus, particularly as harmful or unclear policies, combined with a heightened anti-immigrant climate, can create fear and instability for children and families navigating the immigration system.

In response, CLASP recently hosted a timely and thoughtful webinar recognizing the growing concern around immigration enforcement actions impacting early childhood education settings. With reports of enforcement activity near or involving these sensitive spaces, the webinar aimed to equip providers, educators, and community members with clear information about their rights, along with practical guidance to help protect the safety, dignity, and well being of staff, children, and families.

Key Recommendations for Staying Safe from Immigration Enforcement:

Know Your Rights

Educate staff and families about constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the requirement for a judicial warrant.

Create a Safe Space Policy

Develop a clear policy outlining procedures for handling immigration actions.

Designate Staff Roles

Identify staff members responsible for interacting with immigration agents and train them accordingly.

Control Access

Limit entry points and mark private areas to protect children's privacy.

Document Everything

Keep thorough records of interactions with immigration agents, noting details like names and actions.

Emergency Communication

Use secure messaging apps (like Signal or WhatsApp) to notify parents about incidents.

Minimize Disruption

Ensure children are kept safe and out of sight during enforcement actions.

Practice Scenarios

Conduct role-playing exercises to prepare staff for potential interactions.

Community Resources

Connect with local organizations for support and training.

Provide Family Resources

Share information on legal services, mental health support, and emergency family planning.

Call 911

If immigration agents arrive, call 911 to alert local law enforcement.

Warrant with a Name

If immigration agents present a valid judicial warrant, it should list a specific individual. If that person is in the facility, you would need to allow entry. However, if the warrant is administrative (not signed by a judge), you can refuse entry. This distinction is crucial.

Documentation Guidelines (SALUTE):

S - Size/Strength: Number of officers present.

A - Actions being taken by the agents.

L - Location: Where the action is occurring.

U - Uniform: Identify the agents' uniforms/badges.

T - Time/Date: Record the time and date.

E - Equipment: Note any equipment or weapons present.

At the heart of this work is a shared commitment to children and families, ensuring that every child is able to learn, grow, and feel safe in the spaces caregivers and educators create. By staying informed, prepared, and connected to one another, early childhood education providers can continue to be a source of stability and care, even in uncertain times.