​​​​​Authorized Pick-Up Individuals
Educators will only release a child to a custodial parent/guardian or to individuals explicitly authorized in writing on the child's Authority and Release Form. If an educator does not personally recognize the individual picking up your child, they will:


  • Confirm their identity with another staff member who recognizes them, OR
  • Request official government-issued photo identification and cross-reference the name against the child's file before allowing the child to leave.


​Temporary or One-Time Pick-Up Changes
If someone other than a regular caregiver is picking up your child, you must notify JCD twenty-four (24) hours in advance. This can be done via a written note or by completing the Special Consent Form (available in the program room or on the JCD website).  


  • Underage Pick-Ups: Any request to allow an individual between the ages of 12 and 17 to pick up a child must be approved in advance by the ED or Supervisor. (approval via email only, cannot submit special consent form)
  • Routine Consistency: Please instruct anyone picking up your child to walk directly to the assigned JCD room. Children are instructed to always report to their daycare room first; it is the caregiver’s responsibility to locate them there.


Impaired Pick-Up Policy
If any authorized individual (including a parent) arrives to pick up a child and exhibits signs of intoxication or impairment, or if an educator reasonably suspects they pose a potential safety risk to the child, JCD reserves the right to refuse to release the child. Staff will attempt to contact an alternative authorized person on the file. If the impaired individual becomes combative or insists on leaving with the child, educators will immediately notify the police.


Parental Separation and Custody Agreements
All custodial parents/guardians are required to sign initial registration materials. In the event of a parental separation or divorce, JCD will continue to recognize either parent's equal authority to visit, pick up, or make decisions for the child unless a legally binding court order or a directive signed by both parents is provided to the center.
If a custody agreement exists stipulating limited parental access, JCD requires a complete copy of the document for the child's file. All documentation is kept strictly confidential.


Dismissing a Child Unescorted (Alone)
Children ten (10) years of age or older may be permitted to leave JCD unescorted only if:


  1. A formal Unescorted Release Authorization Form is signed by both the parent and the ED or Supervisor.
  2. The parent provides a specific note or phone call for that day's release specifying the exact time.
  3. The ED and Supervisor deem the child developmentally ready to leave independently.


An educator will verify the release instructions, document the exact departure time, initial the attendance log, and dismiss the child. If the child is scheduled to return to JCD later that same day, they must be escorted back into the building by an individual sixteen (16) years of age or older to be re-admitted.​

Related Policies

Safe Arrival & Absence Reporting Procedures

Late Pick Up Policy & Fees

Releasing a Child from Care & Authority to Pick Up