Nursery Staff Handbook
"...Growing in the knowledge of God."
Colossians 1:10
Our mission is to come alongside parents by providing a safe, loving environment for their children as they attend worship. (Children up to three years old)
PAID STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
- It is highly recommended that all staff file a CENTRAL REGISTRY CLEARANCE from the county Department of Human Services. Forms are available in the nursery.
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to service - 10:15am
- Wear smock and name tag - provided.
- Ensure that each child's parent/guardian is greeted and welcomed to our nursery. Introduce yourself to each parent. Ensure the child is signed in or new information is completed.
- Review/know the personal information sheet for each child. (Blue Binder)
- Assure parent if child is inconsolable (10 minutes of non-stop crying), they will be contacted.
- No child should be left in the nursery if they are sick. See guidelines in parent handbook.
- Provide and oversee the direct care given to the children: playing and comforting. Make suggestions to children for things to do. Interact with children.
- Direct volunteer to help as needed.
- Follow the Discipline Policy.
- Complete an incident "ouch" report if a child is hurt.
- Ensure toys are maintained in proper order.
- Encourage "clean-up" time for picking up toys in preparation for parent pickup.
- Say "goodbye" to each child. Talk to parents about how their child did. Invite them back next week.
- Complete final cleanup before leaving.
- Communicate with Coordinator about supply needs for the nursery.
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
- It is recommended that all staff file a CENTRAL REGISTRY CLEARANCE from the County Department of Human Services. Forms are available in the nursery.
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to service - 10:15am
- Wear smock and name tag - provided.
- Greet each child and his her guardian. Help to see they are signed in properly.
- Provide a safe and loving environment for each child. Make suggestions to children for things to do. Interact with children.
- Follow the Discipline Policy
- Help with the "clean-up" time before parent pickup.
- Say "goodbye" to each child. Invite them back next week.
- Complete final cleanup before leaving.
ABSENCE POLICY FOR PAID AND VOLUNTEER STAFF
Should the paid staff and/or volunteer who is scheduled have an emergency that prohibits their ability to serve on the scheduled date, the following needs to occur:
- Paid Staff: Must call the Coordinator as soon as possible (Sue Belden).
- Volunteer: Must first attempt to find a replacement before calling the Coordinator (Sue Belden). A list is posted next to the sign-up calendar of parents and volunteers from the congregation.
Please remember the nursery MUST be staffed with two staff members otherwise it will be closed for the day.
HEALTH/SICKNESS POLICY
In the best interest of the child and out of consideration for all the children using the nursery, and the staff, if a child has ANY of the following symptoms, the child should not be in the nursery until they child is symptom-free or has been on antibiotics over 48 hours.
- Continuously runny nose, sneezing, or frequent nasal drainage, regardless of the color of the drainage.
- Had a fever of 100 or above.
- Had any vomiting or diarrhea.
- Sore throat and/or ear ache (even without a fever).
- Cough.
- Pink eye or any eye infection (even on medication).
- Any skin infection or rash - impetigo, boils, ringworm, etc. (even on medication).
POTTY TRAINING
We will cooperate with parents when they are potty training their child. We ask, however, that they take their child to the bathroom (next to nursery) before leaving them in the nursery. They must also:
- Provide a complete change of clothes for the child.
- Communicate to the staff that their child is potty training. Be willing to return to the room to help the child use the bathroom (if necessary).
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Effective discipline is a tool designed for positive behavior modification. We view discipline as a positive approach to a behavior problem. It is instructive by nature, with the purpose of teaching a child to do what is right. It is important to remember that our policies and procedures on discipline are focused on the inappropriate behavior, not the individual.
We will:
- Use praise
- Give positive reinforcement
- Encourage Sharing
- Redirect and distract to prevent and discourage inappropriate behavior
We will not:
- EVER spank a child, even on the hand. The bible is clear that it's a parents responsibility to discipline their children.
- EVER use verbal abuse, threats, or derogatory remarks when disciplining our children.
The following is considered inappropriate behavior:
- climbing on any of the furniture
- throwing toys
- hitting, pushing, biting, kicking
- inappropriate language
Always report to a parent when they return what happened, if inappropriate, and how it was resolved.
Be consistent with all children.
If a child becomes too disruptive or frequently injures other children, the parents will be asked to pick up the child immediately.
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
Every effort is made to locate a parent when a child has a special need, or an injury requiring the parent's attention.
A First Aid kit is located in the nursery.
Most injuries are minor and typically need to be treated with a cool cloth, a Band-Aid and loving attention. An "Ouch" report will be completed for any injury.
"Ouch" reports are located in the nursery. All accidents are to be reported on this form. A copy is to be given to the parents and a copy is to be filed in nursery.
Workers are to wear disposable gloves when treating an injury where a child is bleeding.
Should an accident or injury occur:
- Keep everyone calm as possible. Speak calmly to the injured child and reassure him or her.
- Assess the severity of injury.
- Treat the injury if minor. If the injury is not minor, have someone locate the parents immediately. DO NOT MOVE THE CHILD OR LEAVE THE CHILD.
- Complete an "Ouch" report and make copies.
SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY - TWO STAFF MEMBER RULE:
At least two staff members will be present in the nursery during the church service. This rule is a way to safeguard both the children and childcare workers.
If the nursery is unable to be staffed with two staff members, it will be closed for that service.
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
MARK 10:13-16