Children`s Ministry Handbook

Transcript

Children’s Ministry Handbook Revised June 2016 The Worship Place 811 Sun City Blvd. Georgetown, TX 78633 The Worship Place at Rocky Hollow 375 CR 245 Georgetown, TX 78633 1 Phone: 512.869.1310 www.theworshipplace.org 2 Table of Contents 1. Philosophy of The Worship Place Children’s Ministry ………………………………6 a. Purpose b. Core Values 2. Ministry Leadership 3. Policies ………………………………………………………………………………..7 a. Volunteer Requirements 8 i. Ministry Positions 9 b. Children’s Class Designations (Age Groups) / Promotion 12 c. General Policies ………………………………………………………………..13 i. Discipline Procedures ii. Conflict Resolution d. Health and Hygiene ……………………………………………………………15 i. Hand Washing ii. Sick Child iii. Infectious Disease iv. Diaper Changing Procedures v. Bodily Fluids Spill Procedures vi. Room Cleaning vii. Injury / First Aid Reporting 19 e. Safety and Security …………………………………………………………….20 i. Equipment / Emergency Evacuation ii. Check in / out Procedures iii. Playground Policies iv. Child Abuse Policy f. Parent Responsibilities ………………………………………………………... 23 i. Communication g. Curriculum ……………………………………………………………………..24 h. Classroom 24 i. Ratios i. Forms i. Classroom Check in/out ……………………………………………….25 ii. Ouch Report ……………………………………………………………..26 iii. Incident Report …………………………………………………………..27 iv. Child Registration ……………………………………………………….28 v. Baby / Young Child Information Form ………………………………... 29 vi. Volunteer Acknowledgement Form …………………………………… 31 3 4 Philosophy of The Worship Place Children’s Ministry Our Mission: We are continually GOING to the children of our world, INVITING them into welcoming communities, and PARTNERING with families to lead them in a GROWING relationship with Jesus Christ. Our Vision: It is our desire to partner with parents in the process of helping their children grow up into spiritually mature young men and women. We want to provide a safe and enjoyable environment specifically designed for children, where they can learn and grow with the guidance and supervision of caring adults. What to Expect: We have age-appropriate curriculum and classes for infants through 5th grade. Our Bible-based curriculum is taught by trained adults that love God and have a heart for serving and teaching children. We want all children to feel invited, welcomed, and safe! We want to get to know each child and their family so that we are able to meet the unique needs of each one. 5 Ministry Staff 6 Policies Volunteer Application Process Thank you for your interest in serving with The Worship Place! We believe that ministry to our children is vital to the health of our families and church. We are committed to providing our families with a safe and secure ministry environment. This includes volunteers who have been screened and have been cleared to work with children. Because we have this standard, we ask every person who applies to work with our children to go through a comprehensive background check. Every applicant will go through the following steps to ensure that our children are as safe as possible. 1. Application This form is used to help find the right placement for each volunteer and to gather basic information for future communications. 2. CriminalHistoryCheck We ask all of our volunteers to fill out the sheet that authorizes The Worship Place to run a criminal history check. Once we have obtained the authorization sheet, we will run the criminal history check. If an applicant has a charge against them for the sexual abuse of a minor or any other crime that puts our children at risk, the applicant will not be allowed to serve within The Children’s ministry at The Worship Place. 3. Training for The Children’s Ministry at The Worship Place Applicants must read and understand the Children’s Ministry Handbook and Policies and Procedures. New volunteers will be directed to read through the functions of our ministry, safety and procedures, and what to expect in the classrooms. If the leaders have reservations, then an evaluation will occur and the applicant may be asked to stop volunteering. If any of these requirements are not met, an applicant will be denied access to working with our children. Thank you for your heart for this ministry and your willingness to serve! 7 The Worship Place Children’s Ministry Volunteer Requirements • • • • • • • • • • 8 ü Application: All volunteers will be required to fill out an application. ü Background Check: For the safety of our children, and to protect the integrity of our volunteers, all workers will be required to complete a background check. If needed, we will gladly help you find another area of service. ü Arrival: All teachers, helpers, and greeters must arrive at minimum 30 minutes prior to the start of class, 9:00 am. As soon as the first child arrives, all children’s ministry volunteers must be in place and should not leave the children’s area until the last child is gone and the room is cleaned up. It is disruptive to families when we are not ready to accept their children and it communicates a lack of concern and care. Teachers/Helpers in the Scramblers and Climbers must arrive no later than 9:30 for prayer and to set-up your classroom. You may join the church body for worship, and then lead your children back to their assigned classroom when the children are dismissed after the children’s sermon during worship. ü Supervision: Never leave children unsupervised! Do not leave the classroom while children are in your care, unless there is an emergency. Please ask a greeter, registration table attendant, or the children’s ministry coordinator to step into your classroom, to retain two-deep (please see page 11), while you are away. Please return to the classroom as soon as possible. If you need to leave The Worship Place at Rocky Hollow due to an emergency, the children’s ministry coordinator and greeters will help find someone to take your place. ü Media & phone use: No texting, checking social media, or talking on your phone while you are in the classroom. Please give the children your undivided attention and care. No taking pictures using a camera or other device without prior permission by children’s ministry staff. ü Safety: When you are in the classroom, you are responsible for safety, security, evaluating the environment, and guiding behavior. ü Attendance: Please realize that children need consistency in schedule as well as caregivers. You are missed when you are not in attendance. As a teacher, you are ministering to the needs of the child and their family. Please make an effort to establish a relationship with the children and their families. Outreach is necessary in making sure all the needs of the family are met and to show Christ’s love. ü Confidentiality: Volunteers will, to the best of their ability, ensure confidentiality, respect, and privacy when it comes to the history, records, and conversations about families in The Worship Place. ü No gossip or slander. ü Attire: Volunteers must dress modestly and respectfully to maintain a professional appearance in and outside of our classrooms. Please no low-cut shirts or explicit/violent graphics on shirts. Shorts and skirts must be at least finger-tip length, and no midsections showing. Dress comfortably enough to move around the classroom with children. All children’s ministry volunteers must agree with and follow The Worship Place Children’s Ministries Policies and Procedures. The children’s ministry staff reserves the right to make changes to the policies and procedures as needed without prior written or verbal notice. Ministry Positions Children’s Ministry Coordinator: Must be a committed follower of Christ and be invested in a personal and growing relationship with God. Must also be able to lead both children and children’s ministry volunteers in carrying out the mission and vision of The Worship Place. Responsibilities: 1. Regularly attend The Worship Place, support The Worship Place leadership, and be committed to the mission and vision of the church. 2. Teacher recruitment and retention 3. Teacher orientation and training 4. Teacher scheduling 5. Classroom design and management 6. Curriculum selection and implementation 7. Attendance record-keeping 8. Guest follow-up 9. Promotion of The Worship Place 10. Communication with parents and congregation 11. Budget development and management 12. Participation as part of The Worship Place Church Staff (monthly meetings, retreats, church events, etc.) 13. Pray for the children and ministry as this is the key element of any and all ministry! Classroom Coordinator: Must be a committed follower of Christ and be invested in a personal and growing relationship with God. Must also be able to invest in the children, families, and fellow teachers/helpers in the classroom. Responsibilities: 1. Regularly attend The Worship Place, support The Worship Place leadership, and be committed to the mission and vision of the church. 2. Assist with curriculum prep each quarter. 3. Track supplies and needed items in the classroom. 4. Communicate and build a relationship with the children and families of the classroom. 5. Attend all of The Worship Place Children’s Ministry trainings and meetings and lead classroom specific break-out discussions. 6. Pray for the children and ministry as this is the key element of any and all ministry! 9 Lead Teacher: Must be a committed follower of Christ and be invested in a personal and growing relationship with God. Must also be able to teach children with provided material and lead both children and fellow workers. Responsibilities: 1. Regularly attend The Worship Place, support The Worship Place leadership, and be committed to the mission and vision of the church. 2. Serve twice/month in the same classroom (two “safe adults” per classroom). 3. Plan and prepare the Bible lesson and gather all needed materials (please let the children’s ministry staff know if materials are needed for crafts/activities in advance). 4. Sign all children into the classroom, with the help of the classroom helper. 5. Clean-up the classroom after the last child is picked up (all toys/materials back into their assigned tubs, tubs out in the hallway/on the cart, desks returned where they belong). 6. Comply with all policies and procedures in The Worship Place and The Worship Place Children’s Ministry. 7. Attend all of The Worship Place Children’s Ministry trainings and meetings. 8. Arrive no later than 9:30 am on the day of service for prayer and to assist with classroom preparation and orientation of classroom helpers to their role in that day’s lesson. 9. Serve with a desire to see the children of The Worship Place grow into a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and speak truth. 10. Pray for the children and ministry as this is the key element of any and all ministry! Teacher Helper/Teen Helper: Must be open to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and actively seeking to live a Christian lifestyle. Must also be willing to help and serve the lead teacher and children at all times. Responsibilities: 1. Regularly attend The Worship Place, support The Worship Place leadership, and be committed to the mission and vision of the church. 2. Serve at least once/month in the classroom (two “safe adults” per classroom). 3. Assist during the Bible lesson with gathering supplies, helping keep children’s attention, and providing support to the lead teacher. 4. Clean-up the classroom after the last child is picked up (all toys/materials back into their assigned tubs, tubs out in the hallway/on the cart, desks returned where they belong). 5. Comply with all policies and procedures in The Worship Place. 6. Attend all of The Worship Place Children’s Ministry trainings and meetings. 7. Arrive no later than 30 minutes on the day of service for prayer, assist with classroom preparation, and receive instruction from the lead teacher on that day’s lesson and activities. 8. Serve with a desire to see the children of The Worship Place grow into a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and speak truth. 10 9. Pray for the children and ministry as this is the key element of any and all ministry! Welcome Table/Greeter: Must be a committed follower of Christ and be invested in a personal relationship with God. Must also love to serve families and help families (especially new ones) feel welcome and at home and provide support to the classrooms during service. Responsibilities: 1. Regularly attend The Worship Place, support The Worship Place leadership, and be committed to the mission and vision of the church. 2. Serve at least once/month at the registration table or as a greeter. 3. Arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to class or service to prepare the registration table area and ready to greet families. 4. Clean-up the registration area after service. 5. Comply with all policies and procedures in The Worship Place. 6. Attend all of The Worship Place Children’s Ministry trainings and meetings. 7. Serve with a desire to see the children of The Worship Place grow into a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and speak truth. 8. Pray for the children and ministry as this is the key element of any and all ministry! Restroom Attendant: Must be a committed follower of Christ and be invested in a personal relationship with God. Responsibilities: 1. Regularly attend The Worship Place, support The Worship Place leadership, and be committed to the mission and vision of the church. 2. Serve at least twice/month. 3. Safely and quietly assist children from their classroom to the restroom. 4. Check restrooms to ensure no other adults (from the service) are present while children are in the restroom. 5. Provide assistance to a child using the restroom only if the child is three years old or younger, or if the child has special needs requiring extra assistance. 6. Safely and quietly assist children from the restroom to their assigned classroom once restroom breaks are completed. 11 Children’s Ministry Classroom Designations / Age Groups CRAWLERS: Birth – 24 Months (2 years) HIKERS: 3 and 4 Years SCRAMBLERS: K – 2nd Grade CLIMBERS: 3rd – 5th Grade When a child turns 24 months, they graduate to the next classroom immediately if potty trained. The Hikers, Scramblers, and Climbers will graduate the first Sunday of June. If a child turns five shortly after the beginning of the school year but is not enrolled in Kindergarten, they may also graduate to the Scramblers pending their developmental readiness. The Worship Place Children’s Ministry Coordinator and parents will come to an agreement on what is best for the child and the classroom environment. 12 General Policies Guiding Behavior • • • ü What is it? Love, trust, care, acceptance, and understanding! ü Who is responsible? You are! Guiding behavior of the children is your responsibility. You should model the behavior you expect of the children. Our responsibility as children’s ministry volunteers is to provide a loving and safe environment where the children feel they belong and are valuable to God and you. ü How do you do it? o Pray! o Focus on the positive and notice child’s appropriate behavior. Use words of encouragement. o Be consistent and over prepare. Children often get disruptive out of boredom, lack of structure, or too much structure. Find a balance for them and you. o Redirect! If a child is disruptive, offer alternative activities or provide the child with space to regroup. *Never strike a child or use physical force to secure compliance.* Steps to Discipline: PRAYER Example / Modeling Prevention and early intervention Communication Reward Positive Behavior Ignore (petty issues) Natural Consequences Disciple 13 Use the techniques at the top of the pyramid the most often, resorting to discipline only when absolutely necessary. After you have exhausted all other options and you feel the child is a distraction to the class, remove the child from the classroom, have the children’s ministry coordinator or registration table/greeter volunteer find the child’s parents, and release the child to their parents. Support and encourage the parents and tell them that you love the child, and hope to see them back next week. Pray for the child to return with an obedient heart towards God. Model the forgiveness and love that God freely gives us through Christ. Chain of Command & Conflict Resolution Who to go to if there is a need or problem: Need classroom supplies, suggestions for activities or how to interact with/guide behavior for a specific child/group of childrenà Classroom Coordinator Problem/situation with a child, parent/guardian, or fellow adult or teen volunteer à The Worship Place Children’s Ministry Coordinator Problem/situation with The Worship Place Children’s Ministry Coordinator/StaffàPastor Kelly *Please remember that there is often a difference between personal problems and classrooms problems. For ALL situations, PRAY, and refer to Matthew 18: 15-17 for conflict resolution. 14 Health and Hygiene Hand Washing One of the best ways to prevent the passage of germs is by correctly washing hands. It’s important to teach our children and model for them frequent hand washing. Hands should be washed with soup and water or sanitizing gel: Teachers or Caregivers should wash hands* 1. Upon arrival into the classroom or before beginning a teaching assignment outside the room. 2. Before preparing, serving, or eating food. 3. Before and after feeding infants or children. 4. After using or helping a child use the toilet. 5. After every diaper change. 6. After removal of disposable gloves. 7. After contact with body fluids (such as spit up, nasal discharge, tears, saliva, urine, stool, blood, or vomit) 8. After handling soiled items. Infants and children should wash hands* 1. Before preparing, handling, or eating food or snacks. 2. After every diaper change. 3. After using the toilet. 4. After contact with body fluids. * According to the Center for Disease Control, the proper method to wash hands is to wet them, rub soap into lather and rub hands together for 15 seconds. Rinse. The faucet should be turned off with a paper towel after drying hands. Health Policies 1. For the protection of all children and adults at church, parents are requested not to bring a child who appears to be ill. The committee on Control of Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a child should not be taken from home when any of the following exists: • Fever – currently or within the previous 24 hours (without medication) • Vomiting or diarrhea • Any symptom of a childhood disease such as scarlet fever, German measles, mumps, chicken pox, or whooping cough • Common cold – from the onset through one week • Sore throat 15 • • • • Croup Any unexplained rash Any skin infection – boils, ringworm, impetigo Pink eye or other eye infection 2. A parent will be notified if a child develops illness during preschool or children’s services. 3. No oral medication will be given to a child except by a parent or guardian. (All medication should remain in the parent’s possession.) 4. If a child contracts a childhood disease following a session in the children’s department, parents should notify the Children’s Ministry Coordinator so that other parents and teachers may be informed. 5. Parents should report any allergies and special needs to the department director. 6. All toys used by young preschoolers are washed and sanitized before, during, and after each session. Infectious Disease Believing we have a Biblical mandate to minister to all people, the occasion may arise when we are called to respond to the health care needs of children with serious disease including, but not limited to, Hepatitis-B, HIV, and Tuberculosis. Parents or guardians of children with these types of health concerns are expected to inform The Worship Place Children’s Ministry Coordinator. (All information and records, whether publicly or privately maintained, that identify a person with AIDS virus infection shall be strictly confidential.) At the discretion of the Children’s Ministry Coordinator, a committee may be formed to review individual cases of infectious disease for the protection of all those involved. If the parent or guardian does not agree to disclosure as necessary, the Children’s Ministry Coordinator may work with the family to see that home ministry is provided as resources allow. After review and consultation with professional medical personnel (and legal, if deemed necessary), teachers and caregivers will be instructed in the universal precautions and procedures for hygiene (appropriate for the particular disease) and will be expected to follow them. Diaper Changing Procedure* 1. Gather all necessary items 16 2. Lay child on a strip of changing paper (wax paper). 3. Put on a new pair of disposable gloves for every diaper change. 4. Remove wet/soiled diaper and use wipes or damp towels to clean child. (Use only wipes provided by parent or wipes labeled hypoallergenic). 5. Place wipes and diaper in plastic bag or lined trash receptacle with lid. 6. Remove gloves by pulling the glove inside out from the wrist so that all residue remains inside the glove. 7. Put on clean diaper. 8. Wash hands with soap and water after each diaper change. 9. For Babies / Ones, record the changing time and indicate “BM” or “WET”. 10. CHECK CHILDREN NEAR THE END OF THE SESSION. Send them home dry! * NOTE: The same procedure applies to children who are wearing “Pull Ups” Body Fluids Spill Procedure 1. Control bleeding by applying pressure with a clean towel or cloth and care for the injured appropriately depending on the severity of the situation. 2. First Aid supplies are located in rooms and in the kitchen pantry. 3. In order to protect everyone, disposable gloves are to be worn when handling any accident involving blood or body fluids. This includes: • Wiping a runny nose • Cleaning a cut or scrape • Checking a diaper • Assisting a child with toileting needs • Any time there is a risk of touching blood, vomitus, mucus, urine, or stool. 4. If an emergency prevents the use of gloves, immediately clean the exposed skin with soap and water to reduce the possibility of infection. 5. Any teacher with an open wound or lesion will keep it covered until the area has healed. 6. Clean any affected surfaces with disinfectant. (Bleach Solution: ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon cool water OR 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart cool water) 7. Wash hands, even after wearing gloves. Room Cleaning Procedure The primary sanitizer used is a bleach solution, mixed fresh daily. The Center for Disease Control recommends: For Bathrooms, diapering areas, etc.: ¼ cup bleach to 1-gallon cool water OR 1-tablespoon bleach to 1-quart cool water 17 For disinfecting toys, eating utensils, etc. 1-tablespoon bleach to 1-gallon cool water OR 1-tsp bleach to 1-quart cool water 1. In rooms with cribs, beds must be stripped of used linens and other items as the children leave. 2. Linens, smocks, bibs, burping diapers, blankets, etc. should be laundered after each use. 3. Each bed (including mattresses, rails, and any items attached to the beds such as mobiles, mirrors, etc.) should be wiped thoroughly with bleach solution and left to air dry. 4. All equipment such as infant swings, and walkers should be washed and sanitized after children leave. 5. Mats and vinyl-covered climbing equipment for babies / toddlers should be washed and sanitized after each session. 6. Diaper changing surfaces must be sanitized at the end of each session. 7. All toys used by infants or toddlers must be sanitized between uses by individual children (see washing and disinfecting toys) 8. Furniture used by preschoolers should be cleaned weekly or when soiled. 9. Tables and countertops used for food preparation and eating must be sanitized before and after using. 10. Toys and equipment used by children and not put into their mouths should be cleaned between sessions and when obviously soiled. A soap and water wash followed by clear water rinsing and air drying should be adequate. No disinfecting is required. (This includes toy dishes, dolls, transportation toys, etc.) Washing and Disinfecting Toys Toys mouthed by a child must be sanitized before another child plays with that toy. When a baby or toddler finishes playing with a toy, teachers should retrieve it from the play area and put it in a bin reserved for dirty toys. (This bin should be out of children’s reach) Toys can be washed between sessions and then transferred to a bin for clean toys and safely reused. 1. To wash and disinfect a hard plastic toy: o Scrub the toy in warm, soapy water. Use a brush to reach into the crevices. o Rinse the toy in clean water. o Immerse the toy in a mild bleach solution and allow it to soak for 10-20 minutes. o Remove the toy from the bleach solution and rinse in cool water. o Air dry. 2. Children in diapers should have only washable toys. 3. Stuffed toys and those not easily washed and sanitized should not be used for any session. 4. Toys too large to immerse in water must be swashed and sanitized by wiping. 18 5. Toys used outside, on the playground, or inside with sand must be washed before they are returned to the resource room or classrooms. End of Session Clean Up 1. Put away all items, art equipment, and supplies to their designated places. 2. Make sure all puzzles and items having more than one piece are complete before putting them away. 3. Clean, disinfect, and air dry the tables, chairs, toys, cabinets, sink, etc. (Refer to Room/Toy Cleaning procedures.) 4. Sweep or vacuum any debris. 5. Furniture and equipment should be arranged according to Sunday School placement. Any furniture that was moved should be returned to its designated area at the conclusion of each program. Handling Accidents / Injuries / OUCH Report 1. In the unlikely event a child is injured seriously, parents will be notified immediately. 2. If a child sustains a minor injury (i.e. bump, bruise, scrape), parents will be notified when the child is picked up. 3. An OUCH Report will be completed for every accident. These reports will be signed and dated by the teachers and parent/guardian, and kept on file. (See OUCH Report Form) Reporting Injuries ü All bites and cuts need to be cleaned with soap and water. ü The Children’s Ministry Coordinator must be notified ü The OUCH Report needs to be filled out and given to the parents as well as one to the Children’s Ministry Coordinator ü Notify parents immediately that their child was bitten/hit/fell IF skin has been broken and/or the child is inconsolable. ü Help parents understand that we are sorry this happened but unfortunately it is inevitable with young children sometimes and we will do everything in our efforts to prevent accidents and help children that are frustrated/aggressive. Let the parent know that you are concerned and listen to them. ü Notify the parents of the child who bit/hit when they pick up their child, and assure them that we love their child and look forward to their return the following week. ü Do not use names of who bit/hit or who was bitten/hit. Please be as general as possible. ü PRAY, and ask that God would help us to use circumstances such as these to model grace and forgiveness. 19 Safety and Security First Aid Kit: Located at Children’s Ministry Sign In Desk and at the First Aid area in the church located near the kitchen in the main hallway. AED: Located in the First Aid area in the church located near the kitchen in the main hallway. Plastic Gloves: Located in teachers box in each Children’s Ministry classroom. Emergency Exit: Each hallway has an exit at the rear of the facility, as well as an exit through each lobby. See Emergency Evacuation Procedures. First Response: There is at least 1 person on campus staff that is CPR/AED/First Aid trained. All teachers are encouraged to pursue this training as well. Background Check: All Children’s Ministry volunteers and staff are required to complete an application for Children’s Ministry, agree to the policies and terms of their position, and complete a Background Check authorization before they can serve in the ministry or with children. Training: All Children’s Ministry volunteers and staff must complete a ministry orientation and training prior to serving in the Children’s Ministry. Dismissal: If, at any time, The Worship Place has any reason to believe that a Children’s Ministry volunteers’ actions might put a child in danger in any way, they will be asked to resign from serving with the Children’s Ministry. Children’s Rooms 1. Only persons 18 or older may teach in the Crawler or Hiker classes. 2. All Children’s Ministry rooms should have at least 2 teachers present for any given session. If the teachers are related, it is recommended a third non-related teacher be enlisted. 3. Teacher-child ratios should be maintained according to current standards. (See TeacherChild ratios) 4. Entry into Children’s Ministry rooms is limited to Children and their Teachers during teaching sessions. 5. Names of Children with food allergies will be posted in plain view. 6. Bottles are to be warmed in a slow cooker if needed. The kitchen microwave is NEVER to be used to warm bottles or food that is given to Children. 7. Bottles, sipper cups, and pacifiers MUST be labeled with the child’s name. 8. Running, shouting, etc. should be reserved for outside play. 20 9. Because of the potential danger for eye damage, GLITTER should not be used with small children. 10. Emergency Evacuation Routes are posted in each Children’s Room. Other emergency procedures will be made available to teachers. • In case of fire or other disaster, teachers in each room will take small children to the North East Parking Area coming out of the building to the left. Parents may come for their children at the Teacher at that location. • In case of a Tornado or weather emergency, teachers in each room will take children to the Classroom attached to the youth room or one of the two adult rest rooms. 11. Fire Extinguishers are available in the Children’s Ministry hallways. 12. Cell phones must be turned off during teaching sessions. Check IN / OUT 1. Check in at Children’s Ministry Reception Desk 2. Ensure that Information Card is completed and up to date. (Should include allergies, illnesses, or injuries, etc.) 3. Receive Security card for use in picking your child up at the end of their session. 4. Take your child to their classroom (See Parent Responsibilities for placing your child in their classroom.) Playground 1. The playground is located just north of the main church building at The Worship Place at Rocky Hollow. It is in plain view of the parking lot. It is fenced and accessible through a gate. 2. The playground is designed for children up to age 7. 3. Adult supervision is required for children using the playground at any time. (The “Two Adult Rule” applies for use during church activities.) 4. For the safety of preschoolers, broad age-groups of children may not use the playground at the same time during scheduled church activities. (Younger preschoolers (up to age 3) are allowed on the playground at times when older children (ages 4-7) are not present and only when accompanied by a teacher or authorized adult) 5. Older children (ages 8 and up) and teens may not “play” on playground equipment. 6. No rough play or misuse of equipment will be permitted. 7. The playground may be used only during daylight hours. 8. A sign posted in plain view reads: • Equipment designed for children to age 7 • Adult supervision required • Not responsible for injuries 21 9. Damaged equipment and other hazards should be reported immediately to the Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Child Abuse According to Texas law, all suspected incidents of child abuse must be reported to: • • • The county Department of Children’s Services, or The local juvenile court, or The local Sheriff / Police The Children’s Ministry Coordinator or other ministerial staff should follow these procedures: 1. Document all efforts to handling the incident. 2. Report the incident as soon as possible to the church’s insurance company and attorney; then follow their professional guidance and recommendations. 3. Seek help for those involved through the guidance of a Christian Counselor. 4. Notify the child’s parents, guardians, or teachers if appropriate. 22 Parent Responsibilities Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. Teachers at church count it privilege to partner with parents in laying foundations for faith in young lives. Parents can help teachers by observing the following guidelines: • Become familiar with the Children’s Ministry Policies and Procedures. These policies have been adopted by our church family and are enforced for the well being of every child in our care. • Remember that each policy and guideline is based on the desire to provide a safe, secure learning environment for your child. If you do not understand the reason for a policy or guideline, please ask the Children’s Ministry Coordinator, or Children’s teacher to discuss it with you. Before Coming to Church 1. Remember to label all items (i.e. diaper bags, pacifiers, bottles, cups, toddler snacks, infant seats, clothing) with your child’s name. 2. Preschoolers who are being toilet trained need to bring extra changes of clothing in a labeled bag. Clothes that should be easy to take off and put on. 3. Leave personal toys at home. They make sharing too difficult and may not be appropriate for use in teaching. (An infant’s “security toy or blanket” would be an exception) 4. Bring your child regularly to church. They will feel more secure and eager to enter their room when church becomes an established function. 5. Talk to your child positively about going to church. Use names of your child’s teachers and friends in their room when talking about happy times at church. Arriving at Your Child’s Room 1. When bringing your child to a classroom, please knock at the door and wait for a teacher to open the door and greet you and your child with a personal welcome. 2. Give teachers any necessary information about your child. (Allergies, special physical needs, feeding and sleeping preferences, etc.) Update the Child Information Sheet as needed. 3. You will be given a SECURITY CARD, which must be presented when you return for your child. 4. Complete the Sign-In Sheet at the door. Be specific about your location in the building so teachers can find you quickly in case of an emergency. IF you are able to provide a cell phone number that can receive a text, this can also be used to communicate with you in the event of an emergency. 5. For the security of our children and their best teaching environment, parents and siblings should not enter the classroom. (Nursing Mothers are an exception) Traffic in and out of the classroom causes disruptions in teaching and unnecessarily upsets young children already in the room. 6. Tell your child you will be back for them, and then leave promptly. Prolonging the goodbye only makes separation more difficult for your child. Should your child experience prolonged anxiety, teachers will send for you or contact you via text message. Calling for Your Child 1. When returning for your child, knock at the door, hold your child’s Security Card and wait for your child to be brought to you. 2. Your child will be released to the parent/guardian who presents the security card. (Your child will not be released to a sibling or another child.) 3. Explain to grandparents, other adult relatives, and friends that your child will not be released to them unless they present your child’s Security Card. 23 Tips and Suggestions 1. If a child has a problem at church, it is better to discuss this with his teachers at a time other than Sunday morning. Never discuss a child’s problem in his / her presence. 2. Parents are encouraged to use any take home literature provided by the Children’s Ministry programs. These will help you continue at home what your child learned at church! Curriculum The two greatest commandments given by our Lord Jesus are to love God with all that we are and to love others as He loves us. Accordingly, our curriculum thrust will always be to help our children integrate these precepts into every area of their lives through eventual acts of service, obedience, worship, study, and prayer. Classroom and Ratio’s The Children’s Ministry offers classes for Birth through 5th Grade. Childcare opens 20 minutes before each Sunday morning service. In an effort to provide the best possible care and learning experience for your child, we closely monitor the adult-child ratio in each classroom and make every effort to achieve an optimum environment. Class Ratio Promotional Marker Crawlers (Birth – 2) 2:8 Developmental Hikers (3-4 Years) 2:16 Developmental Scramblers (K – 2nd) 2:20 Grade Level Climbers (3rd – 5th) 2:20 Grade Level 24 25 26 27 28 29 Thank you for serving the children and families of The Worship Place! We are grateful for your heart for this ministry and your willingness to serve. What you do matters! You are sharing with and teaching truth to the children of The Worship Place, and helping families lay a Biblical foundation onto their child’s heart. Thank you for investing in this ministry! Please do not hesitate to let The Worship Place Children’s Coordinator know if you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the material in this handbook. @ Rocky hollow Children’s Ministry The Worship Place Children’s Ministry Handbook & Policies and Procedures Manual The Worship Place, Georgetown, TX Updated July 2016 30 Volunteer Acknowledgement Form Volunteer Acknowledgement The Children’s Ministry Handbook / Policies & Procedures Manual contains important information about The Worship Place. I understand that I should consult the Children’s Ministry Coordinator if I have any questions that are not answered in this handbook. I also acknowledge that revisions to this handbook may occur at any time. My signature below acknowledges that I have a received and read this entire handbook / manual. My signature also indicates that I agree to serve faithfully and to comply with and adhere to the policies and procedures outlines in this handbook / manual. __________________________________________ Signature __________________ Date Printed Name __________________________________________ Children’s Ministry Coordinator 31 __________________ Date 32