Safety Policy

 

General Principles

GEFC believes that the children’s safety is of utmost importance and this document will address appropriate measures to insure this.

Safety

1.      The nursery will maintain a clean environment.

·         Periodic disinfecting of toys and playing surfaces is recommended.

·         Floors should be clean and vacuumed.

·         Surfaces should be free of dust.

·         Any structural issues should be reported to the Board of Trustees.

·         The nursery should remain well lit.

2.      It is recommended that children who may be sick remain out of the nursery area to protect the health of other children.

3.      First aid kits will be made available in the kitchen area of the church.

4.      Medical emergencies should follow the First Aid protocol (being developed).

5.      Emergency contact numbers will be posted near phones and should be utilized if necessary.

6.      Food allergies or other health conditions should be obtained when the parent or guardian signs the child in to the nursery area.

Staff

1.      Males are not permitted on the nursery staff.

2.      Nursery staff must attend the church for six months prior to working in the nursery.

3.      Young female adults (Junior high school and senior high school students) are permitted to assist in the nursery, however only with the supervision of an adult.

4.      Two nursery staff members are required at all times regardless of the number of children in the nursery.

5.      As a rule of thumb, the following child/staff ratios are recommended:

·         Infants (0-6 months): Two babies to one adult

·         Crawlers (6-12 months): Three crawlers to one adult

·         Toddlers (12-18 months): Four toddlers to one adult

·         Walkers (18-24 months): Five walkers to one adults

·         Runners (3-4 years): Six runners to one adults

6.      Background checks are strongly recommended for any individual working with children.

Any hint of child abuse must be reported immediately to the church staff.

Child Check-In

1.      All children will be signed in by a parent or guardian.

2.      The parent or guardian will receive a tag with the child’s name.  Additional tags will be placed on any nursery bag accompanying the child and on the child.

3.      Only the parent or guardian with the tag will be permitted in the nursery for picking the child up. 

Nursery Area

1.      The bottom door will remained closed at all times, except for entry and exit by a parent or guardian with the tag and also by nursery staff.

No other persons will be permitted in the nursery areas during the church services.  This will include the nursery or the hallway around the nursery.

Additional Information

A member of the security team shall be positioned in the hallways in the event he/she is needed.