Crossing Guards

Start a Crossing Guard Program at your school!

 

Adult school crossing guards play an important role in the lives of children who walk or bicycle to school. They help children safely cross the street at key locations. They also remind drivers of the presence of pedestrians. The presence of adult crossing guards can lead to more parents feeling comfortable about their children walking or bicycling to school.

 

5 Steps to Start a Crossing Guard Program at your School

Step 1: Figure out where crossing guards are needed by considering:

• Intersections with high volumes of pedestrian and car traffic
• The speed of vehicles at the crossing
• The sight distance of the crossing
• The width of the street and the number of lanes of traffic a student must cross
• Are there any built-in traffic control devices like traffic signals or signage?
• The age of the students who will be crossing the street

 

Step 2: Recruit Volunteers

• Must be over 18 years old

• Ideas for places to recruit volunteers include: 

  • Ask your principal for suggestions

  • School Newsletter

  • PTO or PTA

  • Neighborhood HOAs

  • Community Organizations and Places of Worship

  • Firefighters for special events like Walk to School Day

 

Step 3: Equip your crossing guards with safety vests and stop signs

• Check with your school to see if they already have equipment available
• Contact the BVSD Transportation Department for equipment 
• If your PTO/PTA would like to purchase equipment, Amazon, Safety Masters and Grainger are good sources

 

Step 4: Train your Crossing Guards

• Set up a training for your volunteers with the BVSD Transportation Department by emailing SafeRoutes@bvsd.org.
• Colorado Department of Transportation Crossing Guard Manual (link)

 

Step 5: Scheduling and Communication

• Utilize spreadsheets or sign-up tools like HelpAtSchools.com (link) to create an online schedule for volunteers to sign up for shifts at specific posts.
• Encourage volunteers to sign up for at least two shifts per week.
• Let volunteers know who to contact if they can't make their shift
• Provide emergency contact information for the volunteer, including the phone number for the front office of the school
• Make sure to communicate lots of appreciation for volunteers who donate their time to help our children be safe!