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Birth – 2 years

TABLE OF CONTENTS2. Table of Contents3. Ministry Team4. Jesus Junction Introduction 5. Purpose and Vision6. The Strategy7. Partnering with Parents8. Parents Cue9. Little Lambs/Noah’s Nook & Bible Buddies Section10.Little Lambs Quick Rules11. Noah’s Nook & Bible Buddies Quick Rules12. Noah’s Nook Sunday Schedule13. Noah’s Nook Wednesday Schedule14. Noah’s Nook Clean Up List15. Bible Buddies Sunday Schedule16. Bible Buddies Wednesday Schedule17. Bible Buddies Clean Up List18. God’s Tots Section19. The Contents20. God’s Tots Sunday Schedule21. God’s Tots Wednesday Schedule22. God’s Tots Clean Up List23. Nursery Volunteer

Guidelines24. Training New JJ Volunteers25. Ministry Communication

26. General Qualifications27. Five Basic Teaching Steps28. Guidelines for Helpers29. Guidelines for Volunteers30. Know the Lingo31. Team Member Information32. Team Member Agreement33. Security/Class Set Up34. Registration/Security35. Class Set Up36. Snack Time Praise Time37. Policies38. Crying Policy/Biting Policy39. Promotion Policy40. Class and Parent Policy41. Illness Policy42. Child Abuse Policy43. Comfort and Discipline Policy44. Bathroom Policy45. Emergency Policy46.The Transition

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MINISTRY TEAM

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Renae Luketic

Student Ministry Pastor

Rluketic@clctn.org

615.848.5222 ex:104

Holly Handley

JJ Administrator

Hhandley@clctn.org

615.848.5222 ex:107

Jessica Martinez

Wednesday Coordinator

Jmartinez522@yahoo.com

504.319.1248

Evie Deaton

Little Lambs Room Captain

Jeremyevie@gmail.com

810-577-0677

Becky Partin

Bible Buddies Room Captain

rebeccapartin53@yahoo.com

615-653-8354

Rhiannon Hunter

Noah’s Nook Room Captain

rmhunter78@gmail.com

615-631-2664

Amy Kay Nickerson

God’s Tots Room Captain

Ak.nickerson@gmail.com

615-631-9759

 

 

INTRODUCING… JESUS JUNCTION

We truly believe that no greater ministry exists than ministry to the children God has placed in our care. We are privileged to be a part of ministry that will pour into the lives of these young children. They are not so much the church of tomorrow, but the church of today and now! The goal of children’s ministry is to minister to every child on their own level and in a way that meets their needs physically, emotionally and most of all: spiritually. We additionally seek to encourage and support parents and guardians in their role of “training children in the way they should go” that they may “grow in the image and likeness of God.” “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10: 14, 16 

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PURPOSE AND VISION We want to go somewhere on purpose! We have a vision for

our student ministries to ensure that we will teach all the basics from the time they are in our nurseries to age 25.

Student ministries is simply the big picture vision that will make the individual departments of the ministry connect in such as a way that nothing is missed. Think of each department in this ministry as a puzzle piece. Each piece is important and necessary to complete the “picture”. We believe that every age level must work towards the end goal: To develop sold out young people for Jesus. We want them to be changed from the inside out!!! We don’t want them to “like” church; we want them to realize they ARE the church.

Babies are never too young to have the Word of God spoken over them. God's Word accomplishes all it is sent to do and will not return void! At Christian Life Church, we're not just babysitting; we want parents to feel confident that their child will be ministered to while in the nursery. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment, allowing us to teach babies to love the Lord their God with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength as they sit, walk, lie down and get up (Deuteronomy 6) . Through that love, we pray that babies will come to know and rely upon God throughout their lives.

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THE STRATEGYTHREE BASIC TRUTHS

Lead with the End in Mind

Every Sunday, kids show up in our environments and we have an opportunity to create the kind of experience that will guide them to a relationship with their Heavenly Father.

By the time a child is five years old, we want them to know:

• God Made Me

• God Loves Me

• Jesus wants to be my friend forever

Psalm 139:13-14

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Romans 8:38-39

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

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PARTNERING WITH PARENTS

You’ve only got 40 hours to influence the lives of the children in your ministry. The average child is at church for 40 hours in one year. So, where did the rest of the hours go? They spend them at home, with their parents. Well, about 3,000 of them are spent with their parents while they’re awake. So the biggest question becomes, since parents have more hours with their children, how do we help them use their 3,000 hours as a spiritual influence in the lives of their children?

The answer is we help them. We show parents that teaching their child about God doesn’t have to be a big, scary issue. Teaching their child about God can happen any time, anywhere. When they are walking to the mailbox and discover a worm on the ground and stop to investigate, they can say, “God made that worm. God made everything.” While they are cleaning the dirt between their child’s toes, they can say, “I’m so glad God made you and your cute little toes.”

God is all around us, and parents need to be reminded that they can talk about Him at any time.

Many parents need to be trained on how to integrate God into their daily lives, and they need to be shown that it’s not difficult. The small talk helps do this at, Bath Time, Car Time, Cuddle Time, and Play Time.

Once they’ve been trained, parents need continual support as they go through their lives integrating God into part of their daily routines. That’s why we will continue to give parents supplemental ideas through the new Small Talk card. This new monthly Small Talk gives parents ideas for incorporating that month’s bottom line and Bible stories into everyday conversation.

So, what are you going to do with your 40 hours? Teach the children that God made them, God loves them, and Jesus wants to be their friend forever. Then, show Mom and Dad how to keep up the learning at home.

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PARENT CUE

Parent Talk

Offered monthly, each “Parent Talk” includes a real life parenting story that

reflects the ups and downs of parenting small children. This piece is also rich

in vision and practical suggestions to help parents as they raise their kids

and grow in their own faith.

Small Talk

“Small Talk” will be offered both as a monthly and weekly piece. This piece

provides summaries of each Sunday’s lesson and equips parents with

ideas to integrate Sunday’s learning into everyday activities with their child

throughout the week through:

• Drive Time

• Play Time

• Bath Time

• Cuddle Time

Parent Cue Poster

The Parent Cue Poster highlights each month’s bottom line and memory

verse is posted on all 3 TV’s in our Jesus Junction area.

Extra Fun at Home

We have identified three times a year where we think it would be fun to offer

parents some additional ideas that they can do at home with their kids.

Sometimes it might be a fun party idea or maybe a family parade! All of

these ideas will connect to what they are learning at church and give parents

the tools to create some special teaching moments at home. These

extra fun activities are provided in October, December, and May.8

LITTLE LAMBSBirth – 12 Months

NOAH’S NOOK12-17 Months

BIBLE BUDDIES18-24 Months

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LITTLE LAMBS QUICK RULES

·  Arrive at the scheduled time (either 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.), wash hands & put on a Team Member nametag provided by the Captain.

  ·  If you need assistance, a captain will be just

outside the door in the nursery registration area. ·  Familiarize yourself with “Room Rules” located on

the bulletin board in the classroom. ·  Pay attention to colored labels on the back of

children. Color code definitions are on the bulletin board.

·  Drawers are labeled for needed supplies. ·  Please use cloth diapers (burp cloths) as liners

when using swings, exersaucers, etc. ·  Any diapering must be done by ladies only….

Sorry ladies!(Be sure to follow posted hand washing, sanitizing and diapering procedures.)

• Please complete the room checklist beside the door.

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NOAH’S NOOK/BIBLE BUDDIESQUICK RULES

• Arrive at the scheduled time (either 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.), wash hands and put on a your tag.

  ·  If you need assistance, a captain will be just

outside the door in the nursery registration area. ·  Familiarize yourself with “Room Rules” located on

the bulletin board in the classroom. ·  Pay attention to colored labels on the back of

children. Color code definitions are on the bulletin board.

·  Follow the schedule on the bulletin board

throughout the session as closely as possible. ·  Snack will be brought in by the captain. If a child

didn’t bring their own drink, you will prepare sipper cups of water using extra cups provided by captains.

·  All supplies you will need including TV remote are located in the drawer in the cabinet. All cleaning supplies are under the sink.

 ·  Any diapering must be done by ladies only….

Sorry ladies! Be sure to follow posted hand washing & diapering procedures. Supplies are located in the drawer of the changing table.

 ·  Please complete the room checklist beside the

door.

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GOD’S TOTS2 Year Olds

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THE CONTENTS

MAKE IT FUN

Each teaching lesson begins with activities that are fun and welcoming. These activities are designed to make the children feel drawn into the classroom. Not only do they help the children become more comfortable in their classroom, they also introduce the Bottom Line for the month. In addition, these activities build community with leaders and friends.

MAKE IT TRUE

After a fun time with classroom friends, children are led to a large group time for the Bible story and worship. Whether we use our interactive Bible story DVD or live story teller, this is when children get to hear the truth of God’s Word and rejoice through worship.

First Look provides the Bible story in words that children will understand and relate to their own lives. By telling the story in an exciting and interactive manner, we enable children to want to learn about God and all that He has done.

During worship, children are encouraged to openly express their love for who God is and praise Him for all He has created. The curriculum recommends songs as well as provides hand motions. Get up and dance with the children! In addition, leaders are equipped to teach the month’s memory verse in this section.

MAKE IT STICK

Children return to their classroom to participate in a variety of activities that will help them apply what they have learned. These activities may be crafts, games, or even yummy snacks. Each activity reinforces that month’s Bottom Line in a fun and interactive way. Throughout this time of the lesson the Bottom Line is repeated to be sure each child knows the truth of God’s love.

PARENT CUE

Different Parent Cues are provided depending on the age group. Each has a way for the parent and child to interact over what was learned at church. What happens at home is more important than what happens at church.

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NURSERY VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

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TRAINING NEW JESUS JUNCTION TEAM MEMBERS

Each Trimester we recruit a new batch of volunteers and prepare them to start serving. We feel it is SO important for both them and our ministry to give these new recruits a great start.

We want to begin our training by communicating a compelling vision for our Nursery Department. Our Nursery is not childcare! Our environment has a very specific purpose and how it fits into the big picture of our church. We want to clearly communicate the different roles and responsibilities of our team, letting them know that they have a specific part to play on Sunday morning as part of that team.

Here are a few specifics that we want to communicate:

• Be Prepared. We need volunteers to show up on time and ready to go! The curriculum is available for your access on the church website www.clctn.org>Nursery-5th Grade>JJ volunteers Only> password:252. And we need our volunteers to walk in with a good understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish that day.

• Pray. Start your morning off by praying for each of the kids who will be walking through your classroom door

that Sunday. God wants to use you in their lives.

• Build Relationships. Get to know the kids and their parents. Learn their names. Take the time to make relational connections.

• Have fun. Be ready to sit on the floor, sing, dance, paint, and throw a ball. Whatever it takes to make this a fun place.

We create a folder of information so that new volunteers can go back and read through the specific information we share during training. This helps them gain a better understanding of things like check-in, security and safety policies.

Once you have received general training, you will receive hands-on training. All new volunteers get an opportunity to apprentice in a classroom with some of our best leaders. These leaders answer questions and teach new volunteers the ropes allowing them to see a working model of all they have just learned. After several weeks of hands-on training, our new volunteers are ready to be placed in their fall roles.

We need great volunteer teams. Investing in them from the beginning is the best strategy for building healthy teams.

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MINISTRY COMMUNICATION

·  Refer questions and suggestions to your Room Captain or Jesus Junction Coordinator.  Each Children’s Ministry leader has a paging number to be contacted in the sanctuary during service. These numbers are located at each registration area.

·  Our schedules are created monthly and are consistent from month to month. Ex: Always the first Sunday of each month. They are online approximately two weeks prior to beginning of month.

Things you can find online· Monthly Schedules

· Lesson Outlines

· Lessons

· Teacher Checklists

· Snack Form

· Reminders

· Class Manuals

· Supply Request Form

· Church Directory Link

· Sunday & Wednesday Class Schedules

· Incident Report Form25

JESUS JUNCTION TEAM MEMBERS GENERAL

QUALIFICATIONS1. Believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

2. 1 Timothy 3

A. Be blameless (of good report inside and outside the church).

B. Be vigilant, self-controlled, hard working, patient and truthful.

C. Be sober.

D. Be of good behavior.

E. Be given to hospitality (kindness to others).

F. Be likely to teach.

G. Not be violent but gentle.

H. Not be greedy for money.

I. Not be envious of others.

J. Be one who rules his/her home well, having his/her children obey with proper

respect.

K. Not be a recent convert.

3. Have a teachable spirit. (Proverbs 1:5)

4. Be humble, not prideful. (1 Peter 5:5)

5. Be willing to submit to oversight. (Hebrews 13:17)

6. Have a heart for the children. (Matthew 19:14)

7. Be cooperative with the Pastor and CLC church leaders.

8. Be faithful to assigned position.

9. Be neat and modest in appearance.

10. Attended Discover CLC and signed the CLC Covenant.

11. Complete Volunteer application and background check.

12. Be in good standing at CLC. 26

FIVE BASIC TEACHING STEPS:

• The first prop shown is a picture of a church. The goal is to convey that church is a happy place to be, where we learn the Bible.

 • Next, while affectionately rubbing a small Bible on the

baby’s/toddlers cheek, the teacher explains that the Bible is a special book because it is God’s written Word.

 • The teacher will then hold a mirror to the

baby’s/toddler’s face showing them how special God made each one of us.

• The next prop shown to the baby/toddler is a picture of Jesus as a man. The teacher tells the child that God loves each of us so very much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to be our friend. Then they are told that when Jesus’ work was done here on earth, He went back to Heaven to live with the Father.

 • As the child looks at a picture of praying hands, they are

told that Jesus answers our prayers when we pray in Jesus’ name.

• At this time, the toddlers in the group are instructed to fold their hands, bow their heads and pray. The teacher then prays a short simple prayer including each child’s name in the prayer.

 • This very simple teaching is based on repetition, which

causes familiarity and a sense of security for toddlers. Props may be added as the teaching progresses and the toddlers learn more about God.

 

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GUIDELINES FOR HELPERS

 • It is the helper’s responsibility to seat the children. Place

five children directly in front of the teaching area.  • As a helper, never give instruction to any child or teacher

during the class session. You may be tempted to say, “Johnny, look at the Bible,” or you may want to encourage a child to participate. We have found that this distracts both child and teacher.

• Although you are aware of the child’s movements at all times, never make eye contact with the children after the teaching begins. Look toward the teacher and the teaching objects when a child turns around to stare.

• Many times, if a child begins to cry, the teacher can get him or her to stop. If the teacher cannot get the child to stop crying, she will indicate to you with a nod that the child should be placed in your lap. If the child stops crying, allow them some comfort time and then try to place them back in his or her chair. If the crying continues, the child may be removed from the Bible Time area.

 • Although we do not talk to the children during Bible

Time, it is often necessary to communicate with them by touching them. A reassuring pat on the shoulder, turning them around in their chair, or putting their hands on the table in front of them help the child know how to act. Hitting or kicking at the table must be stopped immediately. Usually your hand placed on their hand or knee discourages this behavior.

• Female Helpers are to help with potty breaks/diaper changing if there is not another female present.

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VOLUNTEER WORKER GUIDELINES

 · Once check-in begins, no adult, child, or teen is allowed to “hang

around” in the Jesus Junction area but instead should be in their respective classes or

the main sanctuary hearing the word. 

· A free cd of the service can be provided for you each time you serve or you can listen

online at www.clctn.org. 

· Our team members need to focus on our little ones and the task of speaking God’s

Word into each of them and refrain from making it a socializing time or speaking of

negative things. 

· Each worker is to minister to all children who enter their class. This is especially

important to remember if you have one of your children in the classroom.

 · The church will provide black aprons for each team member if they

choose to wear them to protect their clothing. These are available to you in the

nursery kitchen area. 

· Keep your class clean at all times. Do not leave tissues, papers, cracker crumbs, or

sipper cups on the floor. Maintain order! Do not allow fighting, biting, or climbing on

the furniture.  

· We will always staff at least two workers per classroom.  

· All workers are asked to follow the classroom checklists to keep our rooms sanitary

and clean for our little ones. 

· We have a paging system in order to communicate with someone in the sanctuary.

 · We use middle and high school students in our ministry as a way to

disciple up the next generation.

-The Nursery Captain will assist with potty breaks. If there is any diaper changing please refer to diaper changing procedures.

 

· Please pay attention to birthdays. Holly will let you know if there are any birthday’s to celebrate that day. (The children love it when you sing Happy Birthday to them during snack).

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KNOW THE LINGO

Basic Truth: One of the three things about God that children need to know. Each month’s curriculum will focus on one of these three basic truths:

• God made me.

• God loves me.

• Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

Bottom Line: This is the key concept you’ll be teaching over and over throughout the month. You’ll stay on the Bottom Line for a month so that the children really get it. You’ll be saying the bottom line often in order to help them know and understand this idea.

Key Question: You’ll use a question to help you make sure the children are getting what you’re teaching. The same question is used all month. Ask this question and listen for them to answer with Bottom Line.

Memory Verse: The children will hear, see, and say the memory verse and begin to both understand and memorize it. To make sure they really get it, you’ll teach the same memory verse all month.

Bible Story Focus: The Bible Story Focus is just for leaders, change weekly, and is a particular aspect of the bottom line. The Bible story and most of the activities point toward this focus. You won’t say the Bible Story Focus to the children, but it will help shape the week’s content. 30

TEAM MEMBER INFORMATION

Training Resources:

• Volunteer Manual

• Online Training Video

• Small Group Training

• Story Teller Training

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TEAM MEMBER AGREEMENT

• Understand that you represent Christian Life Church even when you are outside of the church walls. We expect you to be a good example in your neighborhood community and this includes media such as facebook and twitter.

• Please understand the importance of being dependable, consistent, and arriving 30 minutes prior to each service you are scheduled to work.

• Also understand that being part of a team means being respectful to the other team members and not call off last minute. Please try to find a replacement, and if you are not able to find someone, please inform the Jesus Junction Administrator (Holly Handley) that you have tried to find a replacement and were not able to.

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SECURITYCLASS SETUP

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REGISTRATION/ SECURITY

CHECK-IN

• Children are greeted at the beginning of Jesus Junction by someone from our registration staff. They are signed in and the child is given a name tag. The parents sign in their child and are given a security number card that they will need in order to pick up their child. (Each child/family is given a security number. This number correlates on all nametags, security cards, and sign in sheets).

• The children are then directed to class and the service class greeter, along with the lead teacher, is waiting there to greet them with kind words and a smile. It is important to greet each child by name. That is a great benefit of all the children having nametags. You have the ability to make everyone feel welcome by name, even visitors who you are meeting for the first time.

• The parent(s) drop the child off to you at the door.

CHECK-OUT

 

• The lead teacher or room captain will be ready with clipboard to sign out children.

•  Parents must hand in their number card and sign out their child

• PLEASE REMEMBER TO COLLECT THE CHILD’S NAMETAG before they leave.

• The teacher will call for the child and dismiss them.

• We do ask that the parents go immediately after service to pick up their child.

• No one may pick up a child with out handing the teacher the security number card. If for some reason someone does not have one, please notify the captain to compare to our records to the adult’s driver’s license with the names of adults authorized to pick up the child. A child can only be dismissed to someone that is at least 18 years of age even if they have a number card.

• It is important that if there was a problem that the Coordinator or Student Pastor needs to be the one to let the parents know. The teachers and helpers should not address the parents about any problems; we do not want the parents to feel that everyone has something to say about their child’s behavior.

 

Helpers are responsible to either:

• Be involved in an activity away from the door with the remaining children.

•   Help collect the leaving child’s belongings.

• Begin classroom cleanup.

 

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CLASS SETUP

• Bible Story (Supplies are prepared in class cabinets)• Activity (Supplies are prepared in class cabinets)• Craft (Supplies are prepared in class cabinets)

Arrival Checklist :• Turn on light• Put on nametag• Set out supplies for bible story, activity, and craft.• Set up DVD (For God’s Tots Only).• Sanitize hands• Be prepared to greet the children and parents.

Departure Checklist :• Return nametag• Return all supplies from activity and craft to appropriate

cabinet• Clean off counters • Sanitize any toys used• Sanitize tables• Take out the garbage• Vacuum the floor• Turn off light

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SNACK TIME  **WE ARE A PEANUT FREE MINISTRY. NO PEANUT ITEMS OF ANY

KIND.** Please make sure that the snack being served is written on the form posted beside the door.  Before the snacks are given to the children, the helper will instruct them to fold their hands and bow their heads as one child is selected to pray over the snacks (if applicable).  

· An age appropriate snack will be supplied for each child. 

· Never force a child to eat the snack and do not let them over eat spoiling dinners and lunches after services.

 · At no time should children ever share a cup or snack.

 · Do not allow children to walk around with their snack or

drink. 

· Clean up any crumbs or spills the children may have made.

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Praise Time 

• Helpers will be requested to pick up toys and help the children get to the praise time area.

• Encourage the children to participate during the praise time by your own actions.

 • Use a children’s praise CD during this time. Sing along with

it as you teach praising the Lord, by your own actions.  • All of the teachers and helpers should be involved in the

praise time by singing and praising the Lord with the children.

 • Do not force a child to participate in singing. Young

children are still learning by watching.  • You can encourage them to be involved by jumping and

turning (something they love to do anyway). Remember they have a very short attention span, so plan your time wisely.

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Policies

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Crying Policy No one enjoys listening to it, but that’s just how babies and

toddlers communicate! Especially when children are new to the nursery or haven't been in a while, we can anticipate an “adjustment period” until they feel comfortable in their classroom!

We will give the child 10 minutes of cry time while actively trying to distract them with toys, play and some extra love & snuggles. Typically children calm down and have a fun time playing. If they don’t calm down, we will then page the parents.

Assure the parent we have tried every possible calming technique, and if the parent is comfortable with their child staying in class crying, then we will keep him/her. We will not turn any child away.

 

Biting and Hitting Policy For the safety of our children, biting/hitting is not tolerated.

• First incident: Parents will be paged and the child is removed from class. Parents are encouraged to use our cry room.

• Second incident: the child will not be allowed back in the class for one week. Returning children will be given a special designation on their nametag to alert workers in order to prevent a similar occurrence.

• Third incident: the child will not be allowed back in class for one month.

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PROMOTION POLICY

• All children in our Jesus Junction department will be promoted to their new class the Sunday AFTER their birthday.

• Parents will be notified when their child will be promoted to another class. We ask parents not to move their child unless they have been requested to do so. This will help us maintain the proper ratios of teachers to children.

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CLASSROOM POLICY

1.  When children arrive they will have a nametag on with a number that corresponds with a tag that their parents were given. For security reasons before releasing children back to their parents, please be sure to recover both parent and child tag.

2.  We can not release children if parents do not have their assigned security number card. If they do not have it at pick up, they will need to show their driver’s license to be compared to our records.

3.  Parents should pick up their child immediately following services. We ask parents not to send older siblings under the age of 18 to pick up children.

4.  We ask that all toys be left with the parent, so they will not be lost or misplaced.

5. Please check all children’s cups and bags have been labeled properly so that items are not lost or given to other families. 

6. Male teachers are not permitted to help with diaper changing and potty time.

7. If any child exhibits biting/hitting behavior, the parent will be paged to pickup and asked to move their child and use the cry room.

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ILLNESS POLICY

ILLNESS POLICY For the protection of all children, please do not bring a child who appears to be ill to class. The following guidelines are taken from the report of the Committee On Control of Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics. A child should not be brought to class when the following exists:  

· Fever within the last 24 hours (99.6 oral; 100.6 rectal) · Vomiting or diarrhea

 · Any symptom of the common childhood diseases: scarlet fever, German measles, chicken pox or cough

 · Common cold from onset through one week

 · Sore throat

 · Croup

 · Any unexplained rash · Any skin infection, boils, ringworm, impetigo or scabies

 · Pink eye or other eye infections

 · Head lice

 NO TEACHER OR WORKER is allowed to administer any medication. In cases of chronic conditions, please discuss the specifics with the Student Ministries Pastor, Renae Luketic.  

We appreciate your cooperation to ensurethe health and safety of all the children and workers!

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CHILD ABUSE POLICY

Definitions of Child Abuse

Defined by The National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse

Physical Abuse: Non-accidental injury, which may include beatings, violent shaking, human bites, strangulation, suffocation, poisoning, or burns. The results may be bruises and welts, broken bones, scars, permanent disfigurement, long-lasing psychological damage, serious internal injuries, brain damage, or death.

 

Neglect: The failure to provide a child with basic needs, including food, clothing, education, shelter and medical care; also abandonment and inadequate supervision.

Sexual Abuse: The sexual exploitation of a child by an older person, as in rape, incest, fondling of the genitals, exhibitionism, or pornography. It may be done for the sexual gratification of the older person, out of a need for power, or for economic reasons.

How to Report Suspected Child Abuse

· All caregivers are to be familiar with the definitions of child abuse (see below). If a caregiver suspects that a child in the department has been abused, the following steps are to be followed:

· Report the suspected abuse to either the coordinator, director, student pastor, or the assistant and senior pastors. The church has the responsibility to be mindful of laws and procedures regarding reporting child abuse.

· Do not interview the child regarding the suspected abuse. The interview process will be handled by trained personnel.

· Do not discuss the suspected child abuse. It is important that all information about the suspected child abuse (victim and suspected abuser) be kept confidential.

· Caregivers reporting suspected child abuse may be asked to complete the Suspected Child Abuse Report. Confidentiality will be maintained where possible. This report must be completed within 24 hours.

· Once a suspected child abuse case has been reported by a caregiver to a supervisor, it may be reported to the designated reporting agency.

 

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COMFORT AND DISCIPLINE POLICYCOMFORTING A CHILD

 

· Check “Special Instructions” section of the child information sheet hanging on the

supply cabinet for any situations you need to be aware of.

· Encourage the child to relax by encouraging him or her to take deep breaths of air.

· Talk to the child, assuring that his or her parents will return in a little while.

· Encourage the child to become active with the class and/or coloring pages.

· If it is necessary to hold the child, it is important that the child be gradually

encouraged to participate with the class.

· Try to distract the child with a toy or other objects in the class.

 

DISCIPLINE POLICY

 

Never slap, spank, or yell at a child at anytime. This includes your own if they are in

class. Someone walking by may not know that is your own child. To maintain a

balance of discipline in the classroom, and be an example of the love of Christ, is

sometimes very difficult. The following are discipline procedures that may be used in

a classroom if age appropriate:

· Verbal warning – Tell the child this is the first warning.

· Second verbal warning – Inform the child this is the second verbal warning, and if the

behavior continues, the third step is a time out.

· Time out – This occurs in a chair located away from the rest of the group, for a short

amount of time. Approximately 1 – 3 minutes. An assistant should watch the child to see

that the discipline is carried out.

 

If the problem persists and is disrupting the class, the lead teacher should have the

Captain on duty page the parent to allow the parent to handle their child. It takes

wisdom and patience to know how to effectively discipline a child in a classroom situation.

We must use wisdom at all times, always keeping the best interest of the child at heart.

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BATHROOM POLICY

Diaper Changing Time

If there is a child that needs to be changed please do the following:

1. Only women are allowed to change diapers.

2. We provide gloves, wipes, powder, and A & D type ointment

(if needed) to be used unless otherwise specified.

3. Diapers will be changed once per service unless otherwise

needed. Please put a diaper changed sticker with time of diaper

change on child.

4. If a child is potty trained or training, parents are asked to please let the captain know upon arrival.

5. Children that are potty trained or training will need to be asked frequently if they need to go potty.

POTTY TIME The Nursery Captain will help assist children to the restroom located next to the nursery registration desk. General policy: A female worker may only take children to the restroom. If a child wears a pull-up that needs changed, a parent will be paged.

 

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EMERGENCY POLICY

EMERGENCY PROCEEDURES

 

1.  In case of an emergency during class, please contact: Holly Handley (003) - Jesus Junction Coordinator, or Renae Luketic (007) - Student Pastor.

2.  In the case of an accident, sickness, or injury, please complete an incident report form (available on the teacher’s checklist clipboard.)

3.  Emergency phone numbers: 911 Phones located at nursery check in.

4.  Fire extinguishers are located: kitchen, main hallway, and in nursery area.

5. First Aid Kit is located: In Resource Room in Room 204, Ushers Closet, at the Jesus Junction registration counter, and a small one on the back of every classroom door. If a child gets injured, an injury report needs to be filled out and given to the Jesus Junction Coordinator. These are at the Jesus Junction registration desk.

6. In case of fire: Cribs are to be used to put all babies in for easy and fast moving from area to area. There are extra cribs in the Nursery Kitchenette Area.

 

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The TransitionsLeverage Change

Change can be overwhelming for both kids and their parents. It is during times of transition that we have the most potential to lose our connection to a family. So when it’s time for kids to move up from one department to another, we must be intentional about the Critical handoffs from one stage of life to the next.As a family ministry, it is important that we are committed to the success of each department and the unique role it plays in the life of a child. It’s possible to LEVERAGE these times of change to capture the attention of kids and parents in a new way. We are constantly trying to do a GREAT job with the critical handoffs from one ministry to the next, making sure that both our kids and our parents are prepared for transition.

ACTION Steps• All leaders of our ministry departments will work

together so that we can design a plan about what each role our departments will play in each stage of a child’s life.

• We will look at every critical handoff and evaluate the current method for transitioning kids in and out of each department.

• We will constantly work to improve these handoffs for both parents and kids. What is required of parents is often different than what is required to prepare kids!

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Christian Life Church

Student Ministry Department

745 Cason Lane

Murfreesboro, TN 37128

615.848.5222 Ext:109