While CCTV security cameras might seem like a way to ensure safety, they can create a sense of surveillance that may impact a child’s natural behavior and comfort.
Every now and then, a parent asks us why we don’t have cameras in our classrooms. We know questions like this usually come from the same place: wanting reassurance that their child is safe, happy, and well cared for. We completely understand that, and it’s a question we’ve spent a great deal of time considering ourselves.
Roots & Wings values trust and respect, of every child, teacher and family member in our community. We’ve found that true safety and accountability come from strong relationships and transparency—not constant surveillance. Below is a considered break-down of our approach as a result of conversations with many families over the years.
In a world driven by screens, we can all remain grounded in trust, connection and human interaction!
1. Self-Expression – Respecting Children’s Need for a Safe and Comfortable Environment
We recognize that children thrive best in environments where they feel safe and free to be themselves, without the pressure of being constantly watched. While CCTV security cameras might seem like a way to ensure safety, they can create a sense of surveillance that may impact a child’s natural behavior and comfort. We prioritize creating a space where children can feel free to express themselves, learn, play, and grow authentically.
2. Honoring Family Trust Through Privacy and Respect
We know that entrusting your child to us is a profound act of trust. We honor this by respecting your child’s privacy and maintaining clear boundaries between supervision and intrusion. By not using security cameras in classrooms, we reinforce the confidence families have in our care while protecting your child’s dignity.
While we do not rely on security cameras, we have strong safety protocols in place to ensure your child’s well-being.
3. Encouraging Genuine Teacher/Student Interaction
- Our educators focus on building strong, personal relationships with each child. Without security cameras, teachers and children can engage more authentically, fostering a warm and nurturing environment. This approach supports better emotional and social development.
- We’ve spoken with educators from centers with live-feed camera systems, and many shared how stressful it was having parents watching in real time and calling about normal classroom moments (a child crying, mealtimes, independent play, etc.). That kind of over-monitoring can really affect an educator’s ability to lead the room with confidence, and it can also impact both staff wellbeing and a child’s ability to settle and regulate naturally.
- We’ve even heard that some parents found that having constant access to their child’s classroom feed created an obsessive need to check in. They expressed a desire to turn that access off so they could focus on work and daily responsibilities without distraction.
4. Protecting Sensitive Data and Privacy
CCTV systems collect and store video footage, which can be vulnerable to unauthorized access or misuse. By choosing not to have cameras, we eliminate the risk of sensitive video data being compromised, ensuring that children’s privacy is safeguarded from potential breaches.
Our educators focus on building strong, personal relationships with each child. Without cameras, teachers and children can engage more authentically, fostering a warm and nurturing environment.
5. Effective Alternative Safety Measures
While we do not rely on security cameras, we have strong safety protocols in place to ensure your child’s well-being. These include regulated staff-to-child ratios audited by Fraser Health, regular headcounts, secure access controls, and an open-door policy. We use the Brightwheel app which allows parents to see their child’s room check-ins, message staff directly, and share photos. These measures guarantee that children are closely supervised and safe at all times.
In Conclusion…
Roots & Wings remains committed to fostering trust and respect among every child, teacher, and family member in our community. Our approach has been guided by the needs of our families and community, grounded in building relationships and maintaining transparency rather than relying on surveillance, reflects our Core Values.
Are you looking for a Montessori school for your child? Download our handy checklist for reference during your next preschool tour: What to Look for In a Montessori Preschool.
Want to learn more? Contact us today for a tour!
