Child abuse affects the lives of thousands of children every year in the United States. Churches too often have been negligent in the screening, education and training of their children and youth workers. The result has been tragic either because of false accusations, or the failure to protect a child in need. We recognize a high responsibility for our ministry programs for preschool, children and youth, and for the actions of all those who work with them. Court decisions are holding churches liable when they failed to properly screen their volunteers, educate their workers, or provide adequate supervision. Yet our accountability to law is almost nothing compared to our spiritual accountability to God and our community for the children entrusted to our love, nurture and care.

It is the church’s commitment to make our facilities and programming a safe and nurturing place for all of our preschoolers, children, and youth. Our commitment to our preschoolers, children, and youth, and their parents, is to assure that specific policies and procedures are implemented to screen, train and supervise preschool, children, and youth workers. Through this screening, training, and supervision, our goal is to prevent any incidents from occurring, and hence support effective, caring ministries that continue to lead individuals to a personal relationship with Christ.

A. Commitment to Reporting: The church requires that members, staff and volunteers report inappropriate conduct, whether it rises to the level of abuse or not.                                                                                                                                                                 B. Commitment to Accepting Complaints: The church shall clearly identify persons (and alternates) to whom child abuse reports, complaints, or concerns can be made.
C. Commitment to Action: The church is committed to take immediate and effective action through protection measures, investigations, and disciplinary action (where appropriate) when suspicions, allegations, or complaints are received or incidents of improper conduct occur. This is essential to protect both the alleged victim and the accused.

The church shall establish and elect a preschool/children/youth council for the oversight of all preschool, children, and youth ministries of the church. (Separate committees may be established for each age group, with church approval). The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council shall be responsible for assuring the quality and integrity of the preschool, children, and youth ministries, assuring these ministries are faithful to the church’s beliefs and vision, and assuring these ministries are administered and staffed by individuals of highest vision, integrity, and commitment to the safety and care of our preschoolers, children, and youth. The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council shall work closely with the ministerial staff and volunteer leadership, as well as parents.

The church shall establish a Risk Management Committee to regularly review the programs, policies, and procedures for the preschool, children, and youth ministries, assure the observance of these policies and procedures, and recommend additional policies and procedures, as necessary. The primary goal of the Risk Management Committee is to reduce the risk of child abuse and ensure a safe environment for the preschoolers, children, and youth.

Recognizing that highest priority must be given to assuring that those who work with preschoolers, children and youth are carefully chosen and effectively trained and supervised, the church shall assure a thorough process for the selection, screening, hiring, training, and supervising all who work in these ministries.

Every volunteer and staff person who works with preschoolers, children, and/or youth shall:
1. Confess Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior
2. Adhere to the affirmations of faith of the church
3. Be a member in good standing for 6 months. Exceptions may be made for periods under 6 months with written references from ministerial leaders and/or pastor from previous church attended.
4. Evidence the skills, attitude and Christian maturity appropriate to the ministry
5. Agree to adhere to the church’s ministry and preschool, children and youth protection policies
6. Have no history of being an abuser and have no criminal record inconsistent with the ministry

A careful and systematic screening of volunteers and paid staff who work with preschool, children and youth will be established by the Risk Management Committee and the Personnel Committee Chair.                                                                                            A. Child and Youth Worker Consent Form
All persons (both volunteer and paid staff) being considered for, or seeking, positions working with preschool, children and youth shall complete the “Child and Youth Worker Consent Form” as developed by the Risk Management Committee and the Personnel Committee Chair.  This form authorizes background checks for certain charges, arrests, or convictions and also requires the candidate to make a declaration of any criminal record and/or orders of civil courts.  For paid staff positions, the candidate must also provide employment history, references, and signed releases authorizing reference checks.
B. FirstPoint Form
All persons (both volunteer and paid staff) being considered for, or seeking, positions working with preschool, children and youth shall complete the “FirstPoint Form” that authorizes background checks of criminal records, employment history, driving records, education records, and credit history.
C. Child and Youth Worker Policy Acknowledgement Form
All persons (both volunteer and paid staff) being considered for, or seeking, positions working with preschool, children and youth shall complete the “Child and Youth Worker Policy Acknowledgement Form” that states the candidate has received the MGBC Risk Management Policy document and agrees to participate in the required Risk Management training sessions.
D. Background Checks
Thorough background checks shall be conducted on all persons (both volunteer and paid staff) being considered for, or seeking positions working with preschool, children, and youth. Outside agencies will be employed for national background checks. Written records shall be retained on the specific steps taken and the information received. These records shall be considered confidential personnel records. Candidates will be provided an opportunity to respond to any alleged misconduct which might surface in a background check.
E. Reference Checks
For paid staff positions, interviews with references will be conducted. A checklist of questions shall be developed by the Personnel Committee for use in interviews with references. References shall be contacted either by telephone (preferable) or in writing. Communications received and notes from telephone or personal conversations shall be documented and retained. These records shall be considered confidential personnel records.
F. Interviews
Thorough interviews will be conducted with candidates by a team of not less than two persons. The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council shall establish specific objectives, issues and questions to be covered in interviews for volunteer positions. The Personnel Committee shall establish specific objectives, issues and questions to be covered in interviews for paid staff positions. The interview process shall include a thorough discussion of the church’s preschool/children/youth protection and safety policies and procedures and provide the candidates with copies of such policies and procedures. Interviewing teams shall provide a written summary of the interview, including observations and recommendations and any areas for further inquiry. The interview report shall be retained and be considered a confidential personal record.

Leaders will be hired or approved in accordance with the policies and procedures of the church. The Personnel Committee shall provide the final and formal approval of all paid persons who work in the preschool, children, and/or youth ministries, and maintain the official list of approved persons. The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and Department Leaders shall provide the final and formal approval of all volunteers who work in the preschool, children, and/or youth ministries, and maintain the official list of approved persons.

The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and the Risk Management Committee shall assure the development of a comprehensive training program for all workers, paid and volunteer, who work in the preschool, children, and/or youth ministries.
A. Training for Paid Church Staff Members
Mandatory annual training for all paid church staff members shall review the policies and procedures for insuring safety and reducing the risk of abuse. New paid church staff members must participate in the training program upon beginning their ministry assignments.
B. Training for Volunteers
Mandatory annual training sessions shall be held for all volunteers who work with preschoolers, children and youth to educate them on the policies and procedures for insuring safety and reducing the risk of abuse. Training sessions shall be held not less than annually.  New volunteers must participate in the training program upon beginning their ministry assignments.  Specific training shall be provided by supervisors, staff or volunteer, in regard to specific policies in the volunteer’s area of ministry.
C. Training Content
Training content shall include the following:
1. Church policies and procedures
2. Staff and volunteer screening procedures
3. Definitions of abuse
4. Inappropriate conduct
5. Signs of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual
6. Receiving preschool/children/youth reports on abuse
7. Reporting requirements to state and church
8. Legal (civil and criminal) consequences of misconduct
9. Review of appropriate forms of discipline
10. First Aid, CPR (for Leaders and Department Heads), and Medical Emergencies
11. Fire, Weather, and Other Emergencies
D. Training Records
The Risk Management Committee shall retain records of training sessions including leadership, training content, and attendees.

The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and Youth Director shall assure that effective supervision is provided in all areas within their ministry, and that systems are in place to monitor and measure the competence and performance of all workers. Such supervision would typically include observation of leaders and formal performance reviews.

The Risk Management Committee may establish a more limited process for the approval of occasional workers with preschool, children and youth as long as these workers are not paid and do not work on a regular basis. However, any occasional workers must work directly alongside persons who were fully screened and approved. This more limited process still needs to be developed.

The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council shall assure that any outside organization or persons working in a church-sanctioned activity with the church’s preschoolers, children and youth have employed screening procedures and have safety policies and procedures in place.

On any finding that a staff member or volunteer has engaged in serious misconduct or abuse with a minor, the individual shall not be approved, authorized, or permitted to have any further involvement in the preschool, children, or youth ministries of the church. Additional restrictions may be imposed on the individual’s involvement in or even presence at other church activities to protect the preschoolers, children, and youth.

The church is committed to a nurturing, safe and respectful environment for children entrusted to its care.  However, the church also recognizes that appropriate discipline is not only essential in our ministry to children, but is also an aspect of the loving care of children as they mature and learn to respect themselves and others. The staff and all those who minister to our children are committed to such care, and to abiding by the following child-discipline policy.
A. No physical punishment or verbal abuse, such as ridicule or threats, is to be used at any time.
B. Adult expectations of children’s behavior and appropriate discipline must reflect their age and level of comprehension.
C. Children are to be reminded of the kind of behavior that is acceptable for the setting.
D. Appropriate forms of disciplining a child include distracting the child with another activity, helping the child focus on another more acceptable behavior, and separating the child from others if another volunteer/staff is available to assist.
E. Parents will be informed whenever a child misbehaves beyond minor correction or a pattern of misbehavior increases. If separating the child within the classroom or removal of the child from the room becomes necessary, the situation must be discussed with the child's parents or guardian as soon as possible.
F. Concerns about a child's behavior or the response to a child's behavior should be reported to the program leadership.

The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and Risk Management Committee shall review all aspects of the church’s ministry, giving special care to issues of safety and health, and providing periodic reports, assessments and recommendations to the church.

A parent or legal guardian is required to fill out a parental consent certification and medical authorization form for each child who will be participating in the ministries of the church.  This form shall be updated on an annual basis. Any special limitations, food allergies or sensitivities (e.g. to peanuts), or other allergies or sensitivities (e.g. bee stings) should be included on this form.

Policies shall assure that appropriate space standards for preschoolers, children, and youth are followed including space per preschooler/child/youth and maximum numbers of preschoolers/children/youth in a class. These policies are intended to assure effective teaching and supervision, as well as safety.

Preschoolers and children under the age of 12 shall not be allowed to leave a classroom or activity unsupervised. They shall not be allowed to wander the church facility or be alone, especially when going to the bathroom.

A telephone or cell phone must be readily accessible during any activity involving preschoolers, children, or youth. Important telephone numbers needed in a medical emergency shall be posted prominently in the classroom or facility.

The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council shall establish procedures that assure that adult workers are aware of any special limitations, food allergies or sensitivities (e.g. to peanuts), or other allergies or sensitivities (e.g. bee stings) a preschooler, child, or youth may have.

A. Responsibilities
The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and Risk Management Committee shall assure that there are assigned responsibilities for oversight and implementation of procedures and operations involving all recreational facilities, and set forth the duties of those responsible in regard to inspections, supervision, records, and incident reports of injuries and accidents.
B. Prohibited Activities
The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and Risk Management Committee shall expressly prohibit certain activities (e.g. skateboarding) in any areas where such activities would pose a risk to others. Such policies shall be enforced, and publicized to the church, and where necessary, to the public.  Some activities may be restricted to only certain areas. Behavioral rules for users of these areas or facilities shall also be established.
C. Safety Standards for Facilities and Equipment
The Risk Management Committee and the Building and Grounds Committee shall jointly develop policies to assure the general safety and good repair of equipment on playgrounds or within facilities, and to assure that the equipment and surfaces conform to accepted standards. In considering appropriate safety standards in such recreational areas, guidelines and standards published by state agencies, insurance companies and others should be consulted. Checklists and routine inspection procedures shall be developed. Maintenance schedules shall be established and reports of periodic inspections and repairs shall be maintained by the Building and Grounds Committee.
D. Supervision
The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and Risk Management Committee shall develop policies that assure that adequate adult supervision is provided in the use of recreational facilities and equipment. Adequate adult supervision is required whenever such facilities and equipment are being used for church activities. Rules and policies regarding the maximum number of preschoolers/children/youth that may utilize equipment or facilities as well as any age restrictions for such equipment or facilities shall be addressed.

A. Prohibited Activities
To minimize undue risks in children and youth activities under church sponsorship, the Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and Risk Management Committee shall establish policies which prohibit certain potentially dangerous activities, whether on church grounds or otherwise. Prohibited activities include bungee jumping, parasailing, high-diving boards, scuba diving, fireworks displays, and any vehicle racing or speed contests.
B. Restricted Activities
The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and Risk Management Committee may also establish guidelines for other activities which, while not prohibited, would by nature have age or other restrictions or require special care or expertise. Such restricted activities may require skilled supervision, special training, parental approval, and/or special policies for church approval.

Any off-site events with preschoolers, children, or youth must be approved by the Risk Management Committee, based on a detailed submission of the plans, supervision, travel arrangements, and parental involvement/approval process. The request for approval for off-site events should be submitted to the Risk Management Committee at least one month prior to the event.
A.   Parental Approval
Parents must sign a consent form when children or youth are taken on trips or activities off of the premises (not in the church or regular meeting place). Consent forms shall note the nature of the activity, type of transportation provided, contact numbers for the adult leaders, and sites of activities. Parents will be requested to authorize emergency medical treatment, provide information on special medical or dietary needs, and provide emergency contact telephone numbers.
B. Travel Arrangements
Arrangements shall be made for children and youth to return to their homes after the activity is over. Children and youth shall not be permitted to go home alone. Children and youth shall not be permitted to leave the premises without the permission of their parents.

The Emergency Checklist (Appendix D) will be reviewed annually and an action plan will be developed to address any shortfalls.
A. First Aid
First-aid supplies and equipment shall be available in each facility used by minors. First-aid kits should be checked monthly by the Department Leader to assure that they are fully supplied.
B. Medical Emergencies
The Risk Management Committee shall assure that emergency medical procedures are in place and workers are properly trained in the case of a serious medical emergency. Leaders who work with preschoolers, children, and youth shall be trained in first aid and other emergency skills such as CPR and how to deal with choking.
C. Incident Reports
An incident/accident report form should be completed each time an accident or health issue occurs. This form shall be completed by the person in charge who was present and turned in to the church office immediately. Extremely minor injuries requiring only emotional comfort or a simple Band-Aid does not need to be documented, but still should be communicated to the parents. A logbook record of all accidents shall be maintained in a locked file cabinet.  Incident reports will be reviewed by the Risk Management Committee.
D. Medicines
Staff, paid or volunteer, shall never administer any medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, without the written consent of the parent. Only in special circumstances where there is written authorization from the parents with specific instructions on the medications, timing and dosage will staff administer medications. Staff shall record in a log any medications given, including name of child, medication, dosage, time and date, and person administering.
E. Bodily Fluids
Caution must be exercised when dealing with bodily fluids. Due to the increased risk of the spread of disease, bodily fluids must be promptly and safely disposed of and the area properly cleaned. Leaders must wear protective gloves when handling bodily fluids and must adequately wash after contact with bodily fluids of any kind. Disposable materials soiled by blood must be placed in a plastic bag. Soiled clothing should be returned to the parents in a plastic bag. If a child has come in contact with the bodily fluids of another child, the parents of that child should be notified.
F. Wellness Policy
The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council shall communicate to parents and workers the policy that identifies the circumstances under which children (or staff) with symptoms of communicable diseases or illnesses are not allowed to participate in classes or activities. Any child requiring antibiotics should be on the drug for at least twenty-four (24) hours before participating in any class or activity.  The Wellness Policy can be found in Appendix B.

The Risk Management Committee shall assure that an emergency checklist is developed and that workers are adequately trained in the procedures to be followed in fire, weather emergencies (e.g. tornado, hurricane, earthquake), and other emergencies (e.g. terrorism threat, lockdown). This includes training on exit routes and alternatives. Fire extinguishers should be available and regularly checked. Smoke detectors should be installed and batteries regularly checked.

The Risk Management Committee shall develop specific policies and procedures designed to reduce the risk of child abuse, assure the parents of the church a safe environment for their preschoolers, children, and youth, and protect childcare workers from false allegations or suspicions.

Adults, both paid and volunteer, are required to report incidents of suspected misconduct or abuse to the appropriate church and civil authorities as set forth by church policy and the law (NC Statute 7B-301). The Pastor must report suspected abuse within 24-hours to the Department of Social Services and Law Enforcement. Upon receiving reports or allegations of misconduct, abuse, or repeated breaches of protection policies, the pastor, or in his absence the Deacon Chair shall appoint a team of three persons to investigate and report their findings and recommendations in writing to the Pastor and the Deacon Board.

When required, the Pastoral Staff, Deacon Board, and Risk Management Committee shall establish a Child Abuse Response Team. This team will be comprised all or in part by members from the Pastoral Staff, Deacon Board, and/or Risk Management Committee. This team shall work closely with key professional paid church staff, such as the pastor.
A. Skills
Serving on the Child Abuse Response Team requires the following skills:
1. The ability to provide spiritual, emotional, and practical support and counsel to victims and family members (as well as to the perpetrator's family members)
2. The ability to lead group and congregational discussions
3. The ability to liaison with treatment and legal personnel
B. Responsibilities
The Child Abuse Response Team shall assure that the church’s policies and procedures are followed in handling allegations and incidents of abuse. Upon receiving a report or allegation clearly raising a reasonable possibility of abuse, the Child Abuse Response Team shall immediately take action and overall control of the investigative process. The Child Abuse Response Team is responsible for the reporting, investigation, and documentation of incidents, as well as the development of findings and recommendations. The Child Abuse Response Team may often be required to provide spiritual, emotional, and practical support and counsel to victims and persons impacted including family or peers of the victim and family or peers of the perpetrator. In some circumstances, the Child Abuse Response Team should consider seeking professionals to provide such support and counseling.

If an individual with a known propensity to offend is attending the church, then church leadership, the Deacon Board, and the Risk Management Committee must be informed. The Pastor or Deacon Chair shall meet with the ex-offender to provide any restrictions on participation in church ministries or other church functions. Specific guidelines for ex-offenders will be developed on a case-by-case basis by the Pastor and the Deacon Chair.

A. Staffing Policy
Specific policies on the appropriate staffing levels for preschoolers and children are intended to assure effective teaching and supervision, as well as safety.
1. Preschoolers up to 36 months: One qualified adult leader for every 4 preschoolers
2. Preschoolers from 36 months to Pre-Kindergarten: One qualified adult leader for every 6 preschoolers
3. Children from Kindergarten to Age 12: One qualified adult leader for every 8 children. If a qualified helper is also present, then 10 children are allowed.
B. Two-Adult Rule
Two adults are required at all times in all programs and activities involving preschoolers from birth to 36 months. In the absence of two adults, classes or activities shall be combined so that there are at least two adults, otherwise they will need to be cancelled. At no time shall an adult be alone with a preschooler or child of any age.

C. Adults-Only Rule
Non-adults may not satisfy the two-adult rule to meet the adult leader/child ratios required, nor may minors take a leadership role in any preschool or children’s program or activity without a qualified adult leader present. While minors may assist adults in some activities, minors shall never be in charge of a ministry for minors. Any youth assistants should be under the direct and immediate supervision of an adult.
D. Restrictions on Minors
1. Minors shall not handle or provide immediate care for infants, even if adults are present.
2. Minors shall never be left alone with a preschooler or child or be allowed to leave the room with them.
3. Minors shall never discipline a preschooler or child.
4. Minors shall never take a preschooler or child alone to the bathroom.
5. Minors shall never bathe or undress a preschooler or child.

E. Open-Door Policy
Parents of minors served, the clergy, and administrative and professional staff of the church have the right to visit and observe the preschool, children’s and youth programs at any time unannounced.
F. “Public” – Visible Activities
All preschool, children and youth activities shall be “public” in the sense of being visible and transparent to others. These activities shall not normally be conducted in isolated, remote or unobserved locations. This policy has the following implications:
1. All activities for minors shall be held in visible locations where other groups or adults are present.
2. Activities shall not take place in private rooms, offices or isolated parts of a building. Remote areas, such as closets and unoccupied rooms shall remain locked.
3. Classrooms and teaching areas should never be locked while in use, with the exception of outside entrances to the preschool and or children’s areas.
4. Each classroom door shall have a large window and sight lines through the window should remain unobstructed at all times. If there is no window, the door must be left open.

G. Worker Identification
Program staff, leaders and workers with preschool or children should be clearly identified with name tags or other appropriate identification.
H.  Other Policy Development
The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Council and Risk Management Committee shall assure specific policies are developed for sensitive contexts including bathroom procedures, infant care, and release of children to parents and others.

While recognizing there are distinctions that may be made between policies regarding youth programs and preschool/children programs, the same fundamental concerns for protection and minimizing risks are present. The Preschool/Children and/or Youth Ministry Committee (Team) shall develop appropriate policies for the youth ministry, including the following:
A. Staffing Policy
Specific policies on the appropriate staffing levels for youth/students are intended to assure effective teaching and supervision, as well as safety.
1. Ages 12-14: One qualified adult leader for every 10 minors
2. Ages 15-18: One qualified adult leader for every 12 minors
B. Two-Adult Rule for Leadership
At least two qualified adults must be present in all programs or activities involving youth (including trips and outings) where there is no visual access to the group and the proper adult leader/student ratios must be met. On trips, if both male and female youth are present, both male and female adult leadership is required.

C. Transportation Policy
Special concern for transportation issues mandates a clear policy assuring adult drivers, appropriate vehicles and operating procedures.
1. Minors may not be transported in truck beds, even if equipped with a "topper," camper or other enclosure.
2. Parental permission must be provided in writing for a minor to drive to an event away from church property. Minors may not drive with passengers other than siblings in the vehicle unless authorized by the parents of both the driver and the passengers first.
3. A staff member or volunteer should not transport a minor alone in a vehicle. However, if a driver has only one youth/student to transport, the driver must contact the parents and provide an estimated time of departure and arrival at destination. A staff member or volunteer must never take a youth/student of the opposite sex anywhere alone.

D. Relationships Policy
Adults, whether staff or volunteers, must avoid even the appearance of romantic relationships with youth. At no time shall anyone working with youth/students pursue a dating relationship with a youth/student.
E. Counseling and Meetings Policy
1. Any personal conferences with youth/students shall be conducted in view of other adults and/or other youth/students.
2. Youth/student ministers are generally not qualified to counsel youth/students and therefore counseling for more than two meetings is discouraged. In the event that an ongoing counseling relationship is needed, the parents must provide specific written permission, and the pastor must approve.
3. One-on-one outside appointments (e.g. lunches) with students of the opposite sex are highly discouraged. If they become necessary, meetings with members of the opposite sex should only be conducted in a public setting and in the presence of at least one other youth/student if possible.
4. Late night meetings with youth/students are highly discouraged.
5. Staff members or volunteers should never invite a youth/student to his/her home alone.

F. Privacy Policy
Adults must respect the privacy of youth/students in situations such as changing clothes or bathing. Adults are to respect their own privacy in the same way.
G. Separate Accommodations Policy.
When staying in hotel-style rooms or camping, no youth/student is permitted to sleep in the same tent or room as another adult other than his or her own parent or guardian unless more than one other youth/student is present in the tent or room. Adults and youth/students sharing a large sleeping space (e.g. a barracks-style retreat room) are acceptable, but the adult leader/student ratios must still be followed.

H. No Hazing Policy
Physical hazing is strictly prohibited and may not be included as a part of any church activity. Abusive peer activities, e.g. initiation ceremonies, ridiculing, bullying, tickling are not permitted.
I. No Alcohol/Illegal Drugs Policy
The use of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited while participating in (or traveling to) any youth/student event. No adult shall participate in a youth/student event while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at youth/student events or activities.
J. Physical Contact Policy
Special care must be exercised regarding any physical contact between adults and minors. While appropriate displays of affection are often part of conveying support and encouragement to one another, such displays of affection between youth/student adult leaders and youth/students should be limited to actions such as a brief hug, an arm around the shoulder, an open- handed pat on the back, a handclasp or handshake, or a light touch to the forearm. These displays of affection should be restricted to public areas in full view of others. A youth/student adult leader's or youth/student’s right to refuse such a display should always be respected. Sexual harassment or unwanted physical contacts or approaches in any form shall be promptly addressed by the church and remedial action will be taken.

Any church function or activity that offers child care must follow the MGBC Risk Management Policy on adult leaders and staffing levels applicable to preschoolers and children whether the function or activity is on church property or at another location. The Risk Management Committee must be informed of the staffing plans for child care at least one week prior to the church function or activity. This includes a description of the function or activity, location of the child care, the estimated number of preschoolers and/or children requiring child care, and identification of the screened adults and youth helpers to provide the child care.

Any accident that occurs on church property or during any church function or activity held at another location must be reported to the Risk Management Committee. An Accident Report that includes the date of accident; specific location of accident; injured person’s name, address, and telephone; a description of the accident; a description of the injury; and witnesses (if any) name, address, and telephone should be provided to the Risk Management Committee as soon as possible after the accident. Risk Management will follow up with the injured and any witnesses (as necessary) to determine the next steps and if a report needs to be made to the insurance company.

1. Drop-Off of Preschoolers and Children: Preschoolers and children are never to be left in a classroom unless an adult and at least one other qualified helper (including youth helpers) are present. If two workers are not present, parents should either remain with their child or take their child to another room or (office) where two or more workers are present. At no time should a child ever be left alone with one adult. There must always be another adult or qualified helper (including youth helpers) present.
2. Pick-Up of Preschoolers and Children:
a. For Preschoolers, only a parent is allowed to pick up their preschooler from the classroom, unless special provisions are made in advance.
b. For children in first and second grades, an authorization for independent release must be signed by the parent before the child may be released to a person other than the parent.
c. For children in third and fourth grades, a child may be independently released after class.
d. All teachers and workers who release children MUST visually check to verify that the parent’s ID matches the child’s ID before releasing the child.

Symptoms or illnesses that would be reason to exclude a child from participation in any class or activity include:
• Fever (100 degrees or more in the armpit, 101 degrees orally, or 102 degrees rectally)
• Diarrhea
• Severe coughing
• Two or more episodes of vomiting within the past twelve (12) hours
• Pink eye with white or yellow eye discharge, until twenty-four (24) hours after antibiotic treatment
• Yellow or green nasal discharge
• Scabies or lice
• Chicken pox or a rash suggestive of chicken pox
• Other undiagnosed rashes
• Open skin lesions
• Tuberculosis, until a physician states the child is not infectious
• Strep throat, until twenty-four (24) hours after antibiotic treatment
• Pertussis, until five (5) days after antibiotic treatment
• Hepatitis A, until one week after onset of illness or jaundice
• Impetigo, until twenty-four (24) hours after antibiotic treatment

In case of an emergency involving broken bones, convulsions, fainting, loss of consciousness or other serious injury, the following guidelines shall be observed:
• Remain calm and keep the children and the injured as calm as possible.
• Do not move the injured child.
• Speak calmly, reassuring the child.
• Never leave the injured child – send a co-worker for help.
• Call 911 after assessing the situation and provide information and directions as needed.
• As soon as leadership is notified, the co-worker should return to help remove other children from the scene of the accident.
• A staff member should locate the parents and advise them of the condition of the child as well as the procedure suggested by medical personnel.
• Leaders will defer to the child's parents for preference of hospital and doctor.
• If the child needs to be transported to the hospital, a leader will accompany the child (unless the parents are available at the scene of the accident).
• The teacher should return to their group as soon as possible to make sure that the other children remain calm and reassured.
• An incident/accident report should be completed as soon as possible to include the specifics of the accident, medical personnel recommendations, and the name of the hospital to which the child was transported.

Building diagrams with emergency evacuation procedures and routes are posted by the doors in each room.

Diagrams show the location of fire extinguishers and alarms.

Leaders are trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers are routinely inspected.

All exits are clear of furniture or other obstructions.

Telephones are easily accessible to leaders, with numbers for the fire department, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and poison-control center posted.

Evacuation cribs for babies (equipped with evacuation wheels) that fit through all exit doorways are available.

There is a designated meeting place in the event of an evacuation and parents are aware of this location.

Leaders are trained in first aid, adult and infant/child CPR, security, and procedures for fires, tornadoes, or other emergencies.

Lists of trained leaders and other trained church members are readily available.

Periodic evacuation/emergency drills are conducted.

First-aid supplies are kept in an easily accessible location.

First-aid supplies are routinely checked to ensure sufficient quantities and adherence to expiration dates.


This Emergency Checklist will be reviewed annually and an action plan will be developed to address any shortfalls.

In the event of a fire or fire/smoke alarm, take the following immediate action (do not wait for confirmation of a fire):
• Line up students by the door and take a head count.
• Close windows and doors and if possible take your class attendance or sign-in sheet with you.
• Know your exit route (as posted in the classroom) and quietly and calmly lead students out of the building using the proper exit.
• Proceed to a grassy area away from the building and off of any roads.
• Once clear of the building, take a head count and/or attendance.
• Return to the building only after the “All Clear” has been sounded.
• Do not dismiss any students from outside.
• For the safety of the children, parents may NOT pick up their children before the class has left the building.
• Once outside, parents must show their ID and use the sign-out sheet to pick up their child.

In the event of a tornado warning, take the following immediate action (do not wait for confirmation of a tornado):
• Assemble all of the children and lead them to an inside wall on the lowest floor.
• Guide the children to crouch on the floor facing the wall, bent over with their hands on the back of their heads.
• Keep away from glass doors and windows.
• Do not return to the classroom until advised by church staff or leaders that the risk has passed.

In the event of a lockdown, take the following immediate action (do not wait for confirmation of the threat):
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Close the window shades and cover door windows with either red or green paper.  Green signals that everything is okay in the room; red signals distress.
• Assemble all of the children in a corner of the room away from the doors and windows.
• Keep the children quiet and make sure cell phone ringers are turned off.
• Do not leave the classroom until advised by church staff or leaders that the threat has passed.

The Child Abuse Response Team or other group responsible for conducting an investigation on allegations of misconduct or abuse shall assure the following:
a) Immediate steps are taken to protect and assist any preschooler, child, or youth.
b) The parent of any alleged victim of misconduct or abuse is notified of the allegations and the actions being taken.
c) The church insurer is promptly notified of allegations of serious misconduct or abuse towards preschoolers, children, or youth.
d) The church secures legal counsel.
e) Compliance with reporting statutes and cooperation with civil authorities in providing accurate and complete information.
f) The allegations are promptly investigated by interviews with all relevant persons.
g) Staff or volunteers have been temporarily suspended (for not more than 30 days unless approved by Personnel Committee) or reassigned (as necessary), pending the investigation and resolution of the matter.
h) The church ministers directly to any victim and his/her family (where possible and appropriate) without impeding any criminal or other state investigation.
i) The investigation is kept confidential to the greatest extent possible.
j) Those responsible for the investigation determine the facts (as best as possible) and propose church action or discipline, as appropriate.
k) The church leadership is advised of any findings of misconduct or abuse and resolution, and when proper or required, the church membership is also advised.
l) The details of the investigation, reports received, reports of witnesses or other parties, and findings and recommendations are documented and retained by the chair in a confidential file.
m) Any response to media or other inquiries from those not directly involved, simply states something like the following: “All matters involving reports or allegations of abuse or misconduct towards or involving preschoolers, children or youth are taken very seriously, and in accordance with specific written policies of this church, are investigated thoroughly and promptly by a special team, and in full compliance with all civil and criminal laws. Appropriate action is promptly taken to ensure the protection of minors and others, including any accused, during the inquiry. The inquiry within the church is properly confidential, protecting both alleged victims and any accused, but guided by biblical principles and commitments to justice and truth. Where wrongs or sins have been committed, the church focuses on the continued protection of minors, accountability, confession, repentance and ministries of healing and restoration to all involved.”