Duties
POSITION: School Crossing Guard
QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated competence for assigned
performance responsibilities
REPORTS TO: Superintendent or Designee
JOB FUNCTION: To provide safe access via walk paths to and from
Brookwood School District 167 property by providing adult supervised crossing(s) at designated public streets.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Direct or escort pedestrians safely across streets, stopping traffic as necessary.
- Direct traffic movement or warn of hazards, using signs, flags, lanterns, and hand signals.
- Communicate traffic and crossing rules and other information to students and adults.
- Learn the location and purpose of street traffic signs within assigned patrol areas.
- Serves as a good example to children.
- Maintains regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
- Follows universal precautions in accordance with OSHA standards.
- Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary, fringe benefits, and work year to be
established by the Board of Education.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually
in accordance with provisions and the Board’s
policy on Evaluation of Educational Personnel.
Expectations of Effective School Crossing Guards
- Safely guide children and other pedestrians across streets, especially during school start and end times.
- Monitor traffic and ensure that all vehicles have come to a complete stop before allowing anyone to cross.
- Constantly observe traffic flow, driver behavior, and pedestrian movement.
- Stay off phones or any distractions – 100% focus is required at all times.
- Serve as a role model by following traffic rules and behaving respectfully.
- Maintain a calm, friendly, and authoritative demeanor – especially when dealing with children, parents, or aggressive drivers.
- Use hand signals and/or a whistle confidently to direct both pedestrians and drivers.
- Give clear instructions to children – especially younger ones – who may be unsure what to do.
- Always wear high-visibility clothing (like reflective vests) and use a standard stop paddle for directing traffic.
- Be presentable and weather-appropriate – the role is outdoor in all types of weather.
- Be Dependable and Punctual
- Arrive on time for assigned shifts – children rely on consistency.
- Stay for the entire duty period, including early arrivals or late dismissals if needed.
- Understand the Law and Protocols
- Know local traffic laws and school crossing procedures.
- Be prepared to report incidents, unsafe driver behavior, or hazards to the appropriate authorities.
- Engage Positively with the Community
- Greet children and parents warmly; help foster a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
- Recognize familiar faces and be alert to any unusual behavior or situations.
Things Crossing Guards Should Avoid:
- Avoid using your phone, eating, or chatting excessively while on duty. Always keep your eyes on traffic and the crosswalk.
- Don’t stand in the middle of the road unless it’s time to stop traffic. Stay visible but safe when not actively crossing people.
- Turning Your Back to Traffic
- Always face the direction traffic is coming from when entering the street – you need to see the drivers and make eye contact if possible.
- Waving Cars Through While Kids Are Present
- Never signal vehicles to go through when children are waiting or crossing. Always prioritize pedestrians.
- Crossing Without the Sign
- Don’t cross anyone without holding up your stop sign clearly. It’s your badge of authority – use it every time.
- Avoid assuming kids will cross safely on their own – always escort them or guide them firmly but kindly.
- Arguing With Drivers or Parents
- Stay calm and professional, even if someone is rude or impatient. Let your supervisor or local authorities handle repeat offenders.
- Don’t skip wearing your reflective vest or using your stop paddle – they’re crucial for visibility.
- Crossing During Unofficial Times
- Stick to your assigned times. If you’re not scheduled or trained for certain times of the day, it’s risky to act on your own.
- Ignoring Weather Conditions
- Don’t forget to adjust your stance and alertness depending on weather – slippery roads, fog, or snow make your job harder and more dangerous.
- Crossing Guards need to be visible and ready at all times to ensure student safety.