City of Alachua, FL
Home MenuSchool Crossing Guard
The Crossing Guard Unit is staffed by civilian employees. These non-sworn positions have a very important job in making sure that school children have a safe means to get to their respective schools. There are currently four crossing guard locations in the city that are staffed.
The Crossing Guards operate on the Alachua County School Board schedule during the morning and afternoon hours while school is either gathering or releasing children. These dedicated individuals work in the inclement weather to make sure our children are safe.
There is no experience necessary to become a school crossing guard, as you will be trained to the State of Florida Standards upon being hired. All safety equipment is provided at no cost to you.
To be certified, the prospective School Crossing Guard must attend a total of eight hours of training. The training includes four hours of classroom instruction conducted by a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) certified trainer. He/she must pass the final test with a minimum score of 75. A two-hour in-the-field instruction session at a real or simulated intersection without children present must be accomplished. The final two hours is an on-site observation by a certified trainer at the guard’s primary post. The guards are retrained on an annual basis to ensure that they still meet the qualifications of the position.
If you are interested in becoming a school crossing guard or would like more information, Contact Sergeant. C. Hunt at (386) 462-1396 or by email at chunt@alachuapd.org.
Safety Tips
For toddlers and preschoolers:
- Toddlers and preschoolers need adult supervision at all times while they are outdoors and indoors. They should never be permitted near or on a street.
For school age children, teach them to:
- Stop at the curb or edge of the road before crossing, and to never run into the street.
- Look and listen for traffic to the left, then to the right and then to the left again.
- Cross at the street corner and walk in crosswalks. Obey the traffic signals and signs. Keep looking while crossing the street.
- Always watch out for cars. The drivers may not see pedestrians or yield right of way.
- Never go between parked cars to cross the street.
For adolescents, tell them to:
- Walk or run facing traffic and stay to the left where there are no sidewalks.
- Always be aware of their surroundings.
- Continue crossing the street if you are halfway when the light changes. Be quick, but do not run!
- Wear clothing that can be easily seen after dark. Apply reflective tape or material to the clothing for added visibility.