What if I have a runner/escape artist in my class?

Preschool: 1. Lock the main door. 2. Establish a Buddy.
Your classroom door can lock from the outside. Obviously, this doesn’t mean it’s Fort Knox since tall preschoolers can reach around and unlock it themselves. It does mean, though, it will give you an extra few minutes to see them escaping and prevent it.
If you have a teen helper, assign them being a buddy to the escape artist all morning. Their main way to serve this morning is to engage and give attention to this one child so to keep them safe.


Elementary (Grades K - 5): Establish a Buddy.
If you have a teen helper, assign them being a buddy to the escape artist all morning. Their main way to serve this morning is to engage and give attention to this one child so to keep them safe.


Other thoughts:
The Service Team Leader also serves as an extra watchful eye in the hallway.

Engage the parent for help. Ask them what they suggest to help their child feel safe and want to stay with the group. Parents offer great tips! Partnering with parents is a win-win in ministry.

Get curious. Be a detective and see what the child loves to play with or do. Many times one on one attention for a season is a key tool to keep a child safe and engaged until they grow in maturity.

If it is a child with special needs, a buddy is the strategy.