Child Care Handbook
Children are ALWAYS welcome in worship.
(And feel free to bring children to the Fellowship Hall if they need to stretch their legs or their lungs.)
(And feel free to bring children to the Fellowship Hall if they need to stretch their legs or their lungs.)
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Dear Parents,
Welcome to Plymouth. In Mark 10:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” We believe children’s ministry begins at birth and continues until a child “graduates” into youth ministries in sixth grade. We love children at Plymouth and we covenant to make every effort to ensure your child’s time at church is safe, loving, and Christ-centered. We have designed this handbook to make you aware of our policies, the quality of care you can expect for your child, and to highlight ways we can partner with you on your child’s and family’s faith journey. If you have any questions, please contact me. I would love to talk with you! Much love, Brooklyn McBride Dir. of Christian Formation for Children & Youth |
Christian Formation Mission Statement
Rooted in the progressive Christian tradition of the U.C.C., the Christian Formation Board and its ministries teach, challenge, and equip Plymouth's worshiping community of children, youth, and adults to develop a lifelong transforming relationship with God that inspires action towards peace and justice for all of creation. Overview of Sunday Morning Children’s Ministries
Children in Worship
At Plymouth we welcome children of all ages to participate in worship. Children learn by participating and through modeling. This is why we believe it is so important for children to be included in worship. We are working toward creating a cross-generational worship space. This means children participate in the service in the same ways adults do. Children are welcome to serve as an usher, liturgist (reading during the service), helping to serve Communion, in the bell choir, and more. We also offer children’s bulletins and worship materials for children to use during worship. We encourage families to sit near the front of the sanctuary so children can see better and may be able to stay more focused. Children ages 5 and older are then welcome to stay in worship for the sermon. |
Communication
Communication is important! We offer several ways for families to stay connected with what is happening at Plymouth:
Communication is important! We offer several ways for families to stay connected with what is happening at Plymouth:
- Weekly Email – Usually Fridays, with information about the upcoming Sunday, special events, celebrations, and more!
- Church Website – plymouthucc.org (you may go directly to pages for kids, nursery, or youth).
Policies
General Policies
Food Policies
Health Policies
For the protection of your child and the other children in the children’s ministry programs, we can only accept well children. If your child doesn’t feel well, the best place for them is at home.A child should not attend if they have had any of the symptoms below in the last 24 hours:
We will not administer any medication. If your child develops any of these symptoms while in our care, a parent will be contacted immediately. If your child develops an infectious disease (Chicken Pox, Pink Eye, Flu, etc.) within 2 weeks after they have been in any children’s ministry program, please contact Brooklyn.
Appropriate Discipline Policy
All children’s ministry volunteers are responsible for providing a loving, respectful, and caring atmosphere in which children can learn, play, worship, and interact with each other. This atmosphere should be maintained by preparing beforehand, proactively directing children toward acceptable activities, verbally encouraging positive behavior, and when necessary, correcting or redirecting inappropriate behavior. Volunteers will contact Brooklyn and parents if discipline concerns arise.
Sanitary Policies
Restroom Policy
Teachers allow toddlers/preschoolers to be as independent as possible but will assist if needed. Children and adults will wash their hands using soap and water after using the restroom.
Safety and Security
Caring for and teaching your child is something we look forward to, but we also take very seriously the safety and security of your child. We ask that every parent complete a Child Information /Registration form once a year or if there are changes (i.e. allergies, who may pick up the child, etc.). Please return the form to your child’s caregiver.
Staff Requirements
At Plymouth, we consider our children’s ministries to be a place where children can meet God. We realize this may be one of the first places that God’s love can be shown to children outside the immediate family. We take this responsibility seriously, and in such our staff and volunteers know what is expected of them:
- Two Care Providers: It is our policy to have a minimum of two care providers in each room. This keeps children safe as well as protects our paid staff and volunteers. In the event that there is only one care provider, the room would either need to be combined with another room or a parent may be asked to stay. When the two care provider rule is not feasible, the adult supervisor is required to spot check, and the door must remain open or the window in the door must be unobstructed.
- Children are to be dropped off in their classroom by a parent or guardian. Please sign in with your child on the sign-in sheet. Please leave your cell phone number. This helps us notify you in the event of an emergency or if your child requires your attention. We make every effort to console an unhappy child, but if the child is inconsolable (10 minutes of non-stop crying), we will call, or text you.
- Our policy is to first find a parent if a diaper needs to be changed. Our nursery staff will only change a diaper if absolutely necessary. In case the need arises, please reduce your diaper bag to only a diaper, change of clothes and wipes. Items will be placed in a labeled ziplock bag. Items will be returned to you.
- Adult/child ratio in the Nursery room is a minimum of 1 caregiver for every 4 children. The ratio in the Preschool room is a minimum of 1 caregiver for every 6 children.
Food Policies
- Please inform a staff person/volunteer of any food allergies or special instructions, and write it on the sign-in sheet.
- We will feed your child formula, breast milk, water, or juice provided in your labeled bottle or cup. Please provide any instructions for preparing your child’s bottle, if applicable.
- Medications will NOT be given by our staff or volunteers. Please do not put any medication in your baby’s bottle.
Health Policies
For the protection of your child and the other children in the children’s ministry programs, we can only accept well children. If your child doesn’t feel well, the best place for them is at home.A child should not attend if they have had any of the symptoms below in the last 24 hours:
- Fever over 100F (or 38C)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Significant, persistent nasal drainage that is yellow or green in color
- Persistent cough
- Childhood diseases such as: German measles, Mumps, Chicken Pox, etc.
- Any unexplained rash or skin infection
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) or an eye infection
- Parasites, any form of lice, mites, or ringworm
We will not administer any medication. If your child develops any of these symptoms while in our care, a parent will be contacted immediately. If your child develops an infectious disease (Chicken Pox, Pink Eye, Flu, etc.) within 2 weeks after they have been in any children’s ministry program, please contact Brooklyn.
Appropriate Discipline Policy
All children’s ministry volunteers are responsible for providing a loving, respectful, and caring atmosphere in which children can learn, play, worship, and interact with each other. This atmosphere should be maintained by preparing beforehand, proactively directing children toward acceptable activities, verbally encouraging positive behavior, and when necessary, correcting or redirecting inappropriate behavior. Volunteers will contact Brooklyn and parents if discipline concerns arise.
Sanitary Policies
- We value the health and well-being of your child. Every week we do our best to keep the classrooms as clean as possible. If you see something that needs attention, please contact Brooklyn.
- All toys put in/near mouths are disinfected after Sunday morning programs.
- All spills are immediately cleaned up.
- Workers wash their hands after each diaper change or wiping noses.
- Gloves are provided for nursery staff to use.
- The changing pad is disinfected after each diaper change, and disposable paper liners are used.
- The classrooms are cleaned each week.
Restroom Policy
Teachers allow toddlers/preschoolers to be as independent as possible but will assist if needed. Children and adults will wash their hands using soap and water after using the restroom.
Safety and Security
Caring for and teaching your child is something we look forward to, but we also take very seriously the safety and security of your child. We ask that every parent complete a Child Information /Registration form once a year or if there are changes (i.e. allergies, who may pick up the child, etc.). Please return the form to your child’s caregiver.
- Sign-in Sheet – All children should be signed in and out and helpful information provided on the sign-in sheet, especially allergies.
- Contacting parents – parents are encouraged to leave their cell phone number so they can be reached in case of an emergency.
- After you have signed in your child, left a phone number, and given any special instructions to the teacher, we hope you will take time to enjoy worship or a study group while entrusting us with the care of your child. If you want to check on your child during the morning, please check inconspicuously through the hallway door.
- Children should be picked up by the same parent/guardian who dropped them off within 10 minutes of the end of service/study.
- In the event of a fire, the nursery attendant and/or volunteers will immediately take the children outside and walk down to the designated meeting place at the playground. They will have the sign-in sheet and/or attendance folder with them. You may sign out your child outside.
- In the event of a tornado, the nursery attendant and/or volunteers will take children to the closest safe space – if possible. We will also follow all guidelines from our Safe Sanctuaries Policy in regards to safety/security.
Staff Requirements
At Plymouth, we consider our children’s ministries to be a place where children can meet God. We realize this may be one of the first places that God’s love can be shown to children outside the immediate family. We take this responsibility seriously, and in such our staff and volunteers know what is expected of them:
- All children’s ministry staff and volunteers must complete an application, agree to a background check, and complete Safe Sanctuaries training.
- All staff and volunteers will sign and date a written job description and expectations.
- Enjoy caring for and teaching children.
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Volunteers must be a member or regular attendee at Plymouth for at least 3 months before working with children.
A Parent's Role
At Plymouth, we consider parents to be the primary partners in ministry with us. It is not the sole responsibility of one person to lead a child in the way of Jesus Christ, it is more of a community effort by those placed in the child’s life by God.
We look forward to working with you in the following ways:
Please know that our policy is to first find a parent if a diaper needs changed. Our nursery staff will only change a diaper if absolutely necessary. In case the need arises, we request that you bring in the diaper bag:
What not to bring:
If your child cries when you leave, we find it easier on the child if you leave quickly and return only when it is time to pick them up or after being called. You may check on your child through the window at any time. If you want to be called within a certain amount of time if your child does not settle down, please tell the caregiver. We will not go longer than 10 minutes. Remember that regular attendance really helps your child feel comfortable.
We look forward to working with you in the following ways:
- Support you as you bring your child into the worship service and/or the Nursery or Preschool room. We welcome children in worship – giggles, wiggles, tears, and all.
- Strive to bring your child to the church on a regular basis to help them feel familiar with the church environment.
- Sign in your child properly. Please complete an information sheet/registration form if you have not already done so, and be sure to fill out “Special Instructions” on the sign-in sheet upon arriving at each visit.
- Be sure to clearly label ALL of your child’s belongings that will come into the nursery. Place in a ziplock bag.
Please know that our policy is to first find a parent if a diaper needs changed. Our nursery staff will only change a diaper if absolutely necessary. In case the need arises, we request that you bring in the diaper bag:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Bottle or sippy cup (because of milk allergies, we encourage parents to provide toddlers and preschoolers with a sippy cup of water if needed)
- Pacifier, if needed
- Security blanket or comfort item, if needed
What not to bring:
- Toys from home (as much as possible – these may become lost, broken or misplaced)
- Any food with peanuts or tree nuts
If your child cries when you leave, we find it easier on the child if you leave quickly and return only when it is time to pick them up or after being called. You may check on your child through the window at any time. If you want to be called within a certain amount of time if your child does not settle down, please tell the caregiver. We will not go longer than 10 minutes. Remember that regular attendance really helps your child feel comfortable.
Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of your child's faith journey.
Handbook Adapted from Central United Methodist Church, Waterford, MI Thank you!