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General Policy 1. When first-time visitors come to church, parents are requested to complete and information sheet. It will be updated as needed. This should be given to the Nursery Director who will place the information in nursery records. 2. Parents should send a change of clothes for infants and for toddlers who are being potty-trained. 3. Parents should label diaper bags, bottles, sippy cups, clothing, pacifiers, and any other personal items with the child’s name. It is requested that pacifiers be put on a clip that can be attached to the child’s clothing. 4. Personal items, such as toys or books, should not be brought into the nursery area due to the risk of loss or damage. Bibles and comfort items for babies and toddlers are acceptable. Items will be kept in the diaper bag or baby bed. 5. Each parent of a nursery-aged child will be encouraged to volunteer to work at least one childcare session quarterly. 6. Reducing the amount of traffic in and out of the nursery area enables the workers to better care for children. Therefore, it is in the best interests of the children that only individuals who are paid nursery workers or scheduled volunteer workers are in the nursery area. Older siblings of nursery aged children, parents, and visitors are requested to take care of business after normal nursery hours. 7. Other groups within the church may also use these rooms. Therefore, workers and volunteers should return things to their proper places. 8. Specified employees will be responsible for disinfecting toys used during their session before clocking out or as instructed by the Nursery Director. Infant toys will be cleaned with mild soap water. Toddler toys will be disinfected. 9. Toddlers will move out of the nursery and into the preschool program once they have turned three years old and
Nursery Workers 1. During childcare sessions, at least two workers must be present in the rooms occupied by children at all times. 2. Minimum age requirement for anyone caring for nursery children is 18. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 20 should be paired with an adult. 3. Smocks are worn by all nursery workers at all times while children are in their care. Nametags will be worn as well. 4. Nursery workers should not wear perfumes, colognes, strong scented lotions, etc. while working with children due to possible allergies. 5. Nursery workers should have no food or drink (coffee, cokes, donuts, etc.) in the nursery while children are present. Diaper Changing 1. Liners and gloves for diaper changing will be provided and must be used for all changing. Diaper changing and hand washing procedures are posted in the diaper changing room and must be followed at all times. 2. Diapers on all children will be checked hourly and changed if soiled or wet. 3. One door to the diaper changing area will remain open at all times. 4. Any soiled clothing will not be rinsed out, but returned to the parent in a plastic bag. 5. Only female workers will change diapers. Food 1. Age appropriate snacks will be provided for toddlers during the Sunday School hour (approximately 10:00 am). 2. Parents of babies and toddlers need to furnish bottles and sippy cups for their own children. 3. Babies will be given bottles as scheduled and provided for by the parents. Parents should provide instructions for mixing and warming of formula.
Health Policy Illness 1. We know you are as concerned about the health and welfare of each child as we are. Therefore, a child who appears to be ill should not be placed in the nursery. Please do not bring your child to the nursery if any of the following exist: a. Fever – currently or within previous 24 hours b. Vomiting or diarrhea – currently or within previous 24 hours c. Any symptoms of a contagious childhood disease d. Common cold from onset through one week e. Thick or discolored drainage from the nose f. Sore throat g. Croup h. Any rash other than common diaper rash i. Any skin infection (such as boils, ringworm, impetigo) j. Pink eye or other eye infection k. Head lice l. Obvious lethargy when accompanies by cold-like symptoms or other symptoms of illnesses 2. If a child develops a fever or other symptoms of illness, the parent will be contacted to check on the child. 3. Neither paid nor volunteer workers are permitted to administer any type of medication to children in their care (including Tylenol or topical ointments). 4. A list will be posted in each room stating children’s allergies. 5. There will be a first-aid kit available in the nursery area. Caregivers For the protection of all our little ones, caregivers and volunteers are asked to follow the same guidelines, with regard to working in the nursery area when ill.
Safety and Security 1. In the best interest of all children, parents should bring their child to the nursery and leave him/her with a worker at the door. However, one parent may enter to drop off or pick up the sleeping infant. Nursing mothers are always welcome. 2. Parents will be asked to enter their child’s information on a sign-in sheet upon arrival. The worker present will give the parent a numbered pager and the number will be written next to the child’s name on the sign-in sheet. 3. When picking up a child, the numbered pager must be presented to a worker before the child will be released from the nursery. If the pager is not presented, the child will not be released. (This is to verify the person returning the pager is responsible for the child.) 4. With babies being easily over stimulated and to reduce confusion, we ask that only one parent or family member enter the nursery to “look in” on their child. 5. Children may be brought to the nursery only when the person responsible for the child is attending a church function. 6. Siblings under the age of 14 should not be sent to pick up children.
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