Safety and Security

Put your mind at ease! HCCA utilizes the latest technology and methods in security, evaluation monitoring processes and procedures for assuring your child's safety while attending Hampton Cove Christian Academy.

• "Sign-in" and "Sign-out" procedures – Located at the front desk, each child must be signed in and signed out of school using a unique numeric computer code which is entered only by those authorized on the Emergency Contact Release form. (Make sure this form is kept up to date.) You must let the HCCA office know if someone besides those authorized on the Emergency Contact Release form will be picking up your child. We will not release a child unless the office is notified in advance with a Release Authorization Form or handwritten note, stating who that authorized person is. Please inform them that their identification will be checked.  Children will not be released to anyone not pre-authorized to do so.
• Closed-circuit TV monitoring system – Located throughout the school, on the playground, in every classroom, and the principal's office, remote cameras allow HCCA staff to follow your child's progress, development, and interaction in the classroom; while also monitoring and training our staff and teachers on a daily basis.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

• Fenced-In Playground & Locked Doors - As a family member, you are welcome to visit our school at any time; however, for your child's safety, all doors, other than the main entrance, are locked at all times and playground areas are fenced in. If you need to enter the building, please use the intercom and someone from our staff or office will release the Mag-lock to open the door for you. The front door is convienently opened during arrival and departure times, and staff members are always present.
• Required Legal Authorization of Non-Custodial Visits. In the event of a non-custodial parent visit, a written notification from a representative of the courts must be on file in the office authorizing impromptu visitation rights.
• Supervised Mobility - HCCA classes move as a unit from one area to another. A teacher and/or assistant always accompanies students any other time i.e., bathroom, etc.
• Records availability - HCCA's custom-designed computerized school administration system keeps your child's records maintained and accessible at the touch of a key.

Preventing Child Abuse. Not tolerated in any form, HCCA takes a number of steps to ensure the personal safety and well-being of every child. We are dedicated to not only preventing child abuse within our school, but our teachers and staff are trained to recognize signs of child abuse, and to report it to the proper authorities.

• Employee Background Checks – The first step we take at HCCA in preventing child abuse, is hiring only the most qualified teachers and staff who must pass through criminal background checks and register with the Alabama Child Abse and Neglect Registry.
• Closed Circuit TV Monitoring System – We welcome parents into our building at all times, using closed circuit TV monitors that provide clear visibility of everyone who enters the facility.
• Legal Obligation to Report Suspected Child Abuse. HCCA staff and teachers do not take lightly, our obligation by law to report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities. Any teacher who suspects abuse must notify the principal immediately. The principal determines what action is required. Under no circumstances do HCCA employees take independent action in notifying authorities without school administration interaction.

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. Proverbs 13:24

Child Discipline Policy. Corporal and physical punishment is not allowed at HCCA, under any circumstances, and failure by any teacher or staff member to comply with this rule, can result in termination of employment.

The manner in which HCCA manages children's behavior is one of the most important elements of our commitment to quality education and compassionate childcare in a Christian-based setting. In order to support growth and learning, the consequences of poor behavior or undesirable actions must always be administered in a firm but positive nature. This does not necessarily equate with punishment since our goal is teaching God's grace and patience so that learning and discipline go hand-in-hand.

Civil/Weather Emergency. Civil/Weather Emergency plans are carefully articulated and posted and regular drills are held to familarize all staff and parents with the following procedures:

Fire Drills. In coordination with Fire Prevention Week and the local fire department, HCCA children participate in two fire drills during the school year: once in the fall, and once in the spring.  The school facility meets Standard Building Codes and Guidelines set forth by the State Fire Marshal's Office and the City of Huntsville.  In addition to an automatic fire alarm and sprinkler system, individual fire extinguishers are also available.  An approved emergency exit/evacuation plan is posted in each classroom.  In case the building has to be evacuated, students will be moved to a designated safe area and parents will be contacted.

Severe Weather. In the event of pending weather conditions or civil emergencies, HCCA will carefully monitor and follow all recommendations, alerts or warnings issued by the Civil Defense and the National Weather Service Authorities.  An approved emergency exit plan and evacuation routes for  shelter are posted in each classroom.  Automatic emergency lighting is available for use when necessary.