Special Education

School Staff - Critical Incident Checklist

All school personnel are affected by a critical incident such as a disaster or the death of a student or staff member; everyone should be clear about his/her role in dealing with a tragic event. The following is a sample checklist for school personnel who are not teachers which can be adapted by a School Team to fit the protocol developed in a particular school.

	If possible, attend the staff meeting to be informed about the traumatic event and the plans for the school day. If you are unable to attend, contact a member of the School Team and get the information.
	Ensure that you are informed of appropriate strategies to handle students' questions or comments. Redirecting students to teachers or counselling staff may be an appropriate response.
	Ensure that you are clear on procedures for handling requests or calls from parents, news media and others. Be aware that extra personnel may be in the building, but report anyone who appears to be on school grounds inappropriately to the Principal immediately.
	Provide names of any students or staff whom you are concerned about to the School Team.
	Attend after school staff meeting.
	Participate in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.

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