Operators learn effective crowd management techniques, including supervision strategies and staffing ratios for busy play areas.
We teach emergency preparedness, equipping staff with clear procedures for responding quickly and effectively to injuries or other incidents in soft play environments.
We train staff to spot early signs of equipment fatigue-such as fraying ropes, cracked panels, or loose bolts-and take immediate action.
SIOTO's Soft Play Safety Training provides comprehensive instruction for business owners, managers, and staff responsible for running soft play facilities, ensuring every play environment is safe, compliant, and well-maintained.
We guide you through supplier vetting processes, so you work only with trusted vendors who meet rigorous safety standards.
SIOTO provides a customizable safety checklist that can be tailored to your facility's specific layout and equipment types.
SIOTO's safety program teaches accident prevention through play design, ensuring every activity is engaging yet risk-controlled.
Our instructors explain how to evaluate new equipment for compliance with national safety standards and certifications before installation.
SIOTO emphasizes liability prevention, giving you the tools to operate a facility that meets insurance requirements and reduces the risk of legal claims.
The course outlines how to create and maintain incident reports and safety logs for insurance and legal compliance, protecting both the business and its guests.
Our program includes case studies of real-life incidents, offering valuable lessons to prevent similar situations in your own facility.
Operators learn first aid basics specific to soft play-related injuries, ensuring they can provide immediate assistance when needed.
We teach how to implement a preventive maintenance schedule to extend the lifespan of your soft play equipment and maintain safety compliance.
Our training program focuses on equipment setup best practices, from secure anchoring of structures to correct placement of mats, barriers, and padding to minimize the risk of injury.
The course includes strategies for positive reinforcement when enforcing safety rules, making children more receptive to guidance.
With SIOTO's Soft Play Safety Training, you can confidently operate a safe, fun, and compliant facility that delights families and builds your reputation for excellence.
Participants learn age-appropriate zone design, separating toddler, preschool, and older children's play areas to prevent collisions and ensure developmental safety.
We provide guidance on safe equipment installation and dismantling, reducing the chance of accidents during setup or relocation.
Our training emphasizes clear safety signage and effective communication with parents and guardians to set expectations for safe play.
We explain the role of ongoing training and refreshers, keeping safety standards high even as staff and equipment change over time.
We incorporate parental engagement techniques, encouraging caregivers to play an active role in supervising their children.
Effective in 2009 we mandated the basic course as a minimum for SIOTO membership. The advanced course is optional.
There are 2 levels of training, basic and advanced. You earn different seals for display for each level you complete. Each has a minimal fee associated with it to cover training resources, testing, site maintenance, mailings, etc..
Those who are willing to participate in higher standards and safe practices, training and education, and willing to abide by all state and federal guidelines as they apply are welcome to join.