Christian Fellowship Church

Policies and Procedures for

Children’s Ministry

Prepared for Ministry Staff and Volunteers

 Christian Fellowship Church | Children’s Ministry
Policies and Procedures

At our church, we take our responsibility to care for children very

seriously. These guidelines are intended to facilitate a safe and nurturing
environment in which children can grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. The
pages of this document provide a general overview of procedures and guidelines for
our volunteers and staff members. Our policies are intended to create a safe
environment for children, protecting children, you, and the mission of this church.
The following procedures have been adopted and will be strictly enforced.

After you have carefully read this document, please sign and return the
agreement form located on the last page.
1. Children Safety
Physical contact policy - promotes a positive, nurturing environment for our Children’s Ministry
while protecting children. The following guidelines are to be carefully followed by anyone
working in Children’s Ministry programs:
- Side hugs, pats on the back and other forms of appropriate physical affection
between staff members or volunteers and children are important for children’s
development, and are generally suitable in the church setting.
- Inappropriate touching and inappropriate displays of affection are forbidden.
- Physical contact should be for the benefit of the child, and never be based
upon the emotional needs of a staff member or volunteer.
- Do not force physical contact, touch or affection on a reluctant child. A child’s
preference not to be touched must be respected.

2. Discipline
We will not discipline children in class for it is not the responsibility of the church. After receiving
three strikes in the three strike system, children will be sent to their parents/guardians. The Three
Strike System is the check system in place for misbehavior and disruption in the classroom. There
are five basic classroom rules:
-Listen and pay attention to others
-Respect each other and be kind
-Keep your hands and feet to yourself
-No talking out of line/distractions
-Raise your hand
If these are not followed and the misbehavior becomes too distracting, the teacher/volunteer will
give a first verbal warning and reminder about the three strike system. Afterwards, a first and second
strike is given if necessary. Finally, a third strike is given and the child is removed from the classroom
and sent to their parents/guardians. This check system helps to harbor a good learning environment
where children learn that they need to hear and learn God’s word equally as everyone else, and the
classroom is not just recess/play time.

3. Health and Wellness

Parents/guardians are asked not to bring their child to children’s ministry programming if one of the
following conditions exists or has existed in the last twenty-four hours:
 - Persistent cold
- Temperature of 100 degrees or higher
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe Coughing
- Colored nasal drainage
- Pink eye
- Head lice
- Undiagnosed rash
- Open skin lesions
- Any infectious disease
If a child shows signs of sickness (including, but not limited to, all listed above) we will ask that the
child be removed from the children’s ministry area.

4. First Aid
The first aid kit will be present at all times in the classroom/nearby and returned to the designated
place in the storage room.

We can only administer and give bandaids, general antibiotics, and ice packs.

If any child should require medications, parents/guardians need to inform and provide it for their
children. Children’s Ministry staff and volunteers need to be aware of prescription medications.
However, parents/guardians need to be responsible and available for administering prescription
medications to their own children.

5. Allergies And Sanitation

If any children have any allergies, parents need to inform Children’s Ministry staff and volunteers so
we are aware and can plan accordingly.

It is our commitment to try and maintain the safest, cleanest atmosphere possible to ensure the
health and welfare of all children. Sanitation and hygiene in the classroom are to be done prior to
starting Sunday School and afterwards for table tops, seats, and materials. Encourage hand washing
and hand sanitizer use when necessary.
6. Attendance and Dismissal
Staff and volunteers are responsible for the attendance of each child present each week and the
dismissal of each child for the day. Do not leave children unattended after dismissal and be sure they
go directly to their parents/guardians. The children are to remain with the teacher/volunteer until
their parents/guardians are present. We want to promote the safety and well-being of each child.
Appropriate supervision and release of children must be followed.

7. Bathroom policy
All children in the classroom need to be able to go by themselves/in a group. They are able to leave
quietly and return safely. If additional assistance is required, the teacher/volunteer can assist.

8. In the Case of an Emergency

The current staff and/or volunteer are responsible for each child and must be ready to direct and
guide children according to the circumstance. Ask for help and assistance if needed.

For Teachers and Volunteers

Safety
We have zero tolerance for child abuse.

Any suspicious or inappropriate behavior must be reported to the head of Children’s Ministry

Any violations of policy and procedures must be reported to the head of Children’s Ministry

Please direct any comments and questions to the head of the Children's Ministry. It is always better
to be safe and not assume in regards to safety for children.

Scheduling
We are small, so we emphasize communication. Please attempt to limit the number of missed days.
 Inform at least one other staff or volunteer well ahead of time if one cannot be present/lead.

If it becomes an issue, the staff or volunteer may be asked to take a break and step down.

Adhere to timeliness, arriving beforehand and being well prepared. Great preparation leads to
effective ministry in the smallest capacities.

General
Keep personal belongings in an area away from children.

Please dress appropriately/accordingly.

Phones are to be on vibrate and may not be used in the classroom except in the case of an
emergency.

Enjoy being with the kids! Remember that this is not babysitting, but ministering to these children
and guiding them closer to God.

With information provided by the following:

Cross Creek Children's Ministry Policies and Procedures. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5508bc2fe4b0a308ed6b67c6/t/588210d917bffcdf83b27baa/1484919001866/CC%2BKids%2BPolicies%2Band
%2BProcedures%2BManual.pdf
 GCF Policies and Procedures Checklist. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/544f13f7e4b0ab8e341f28e1/t/5e4ca7a71bd2e109d6043d22/1582081964489/GCF_Policies+and+Procedures+Ch
ecklist_Rev.pdf
Ministry Safe Policies and Procedures Manual. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.ctcumc.org/files/galleries/centerformissionsupport/sheryl/ctcchildrensministrypolicy.pdf

stian Fellowship Church | Children’s Ministry

Policies and Procedures Statement of Acknowledgement
and Agreement

I have received and read a copy the Children’s Ministry Policies and Procedures and
understand the importance of the material in the manual. I agree to abide by these
guidelines while serving or working at this church.

I understand the manual may be modified, and that any guideline may be amended,
revised, or eliminated by this church. Any changes will be made public.

I agree to fulfill these duties. I understand I may choose to end my voluntary service
at any time.

I acknowledge and understand that the materials and guidelines contained in this
handbook in no way express or imply a contractual employment relationship
between me and this church. If applying as a volunteer, I acknowledge and agree that
I will receive no monetary compensation for hours worked.

I understand it is my responsibility to review new guidelines which may be created and

distributed as well as manual guidelines that are changed or deleted.
 I acknowledge receipt of the policies and procedures manual.

______________________________________ ______________________________________
Staff Member or Volunteer’s name (please print) Staff Member or Volunteer’s signature

Date Signed: ______________