Stairs should always be correctly maintained in a school setting. This means no ragged edges or strings on carpeted stairs, nothing left on the stairs, an approved safety gate at the bottom and top of the stairs (where applicable), and a handrail that is firmly affixed at child level.
Preschoolers or other young children should be taught to walk in a line with the teacher at the front or back of the line, depending upon the situation. The teacher should always be at the bottom of the stairs, in case of an accidental tumble.
Require young students to have one hand on the handrail whether climbing up or down stairs. The rail will help stabilize the children and give them something to hold on to if they miss their footing.
Children should always walk up or down stairs in single file. This helps prevent crowding or pushing on the stairs.
Students should always walk on the stairs. They should never be allowed to run, jump or to take the stairs two or more steps at a time. They should not jump down from the stairs when descending, or hop up the stairs bunny fashion.
Toddlers and infants who are too young to safely climb stairs should be carried by an adult. Another adult should be present if more than one toddler or infant needs to be transported up or down stairs.