Go to any school zone and you’re bound to see a lot of things, such as backpacks, brown lunch bags and the ever-present crossing guard.  But just because they’re there doesn’t mean they should be… especially if they haven’t been rigorously background checked.

If it seems too outrageous to even consider that a crossing guard could be anything but sweet and protective, think again.  Any person can apply to any job… including a person who has a criminal record.  And if they aren’t screened, those individuals could easily have access to kids.

So what is a parent to do?  First of all, any mom or dad should ask about crossing guards — who employs them, whether they are background checked,  etc.  If they haven’t been screened, parents should demand to know why.  And if they have, parents should definitely make it a point to meet the crossing guards if at all possible.

Above all else, it’s a safety precaution… and our children deserve to be safe.