General Purpose Statement
Memorial Baptist Church seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for the children who participate in our programs and activities. By implementing the below practices, our goal is to protect the children of Memorial Baptist Church from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our staff and volunteers (workers) from false accusations.
Definitions
For purposes of the policy, the terms “child” or “children” include all persons under the age of eighteen (18) years. The term “worker” includes both paid and unpaid persons who work with children. The term “volunteer” means anyone involved in a daycare or school, in overnight activities involving minors, counseling minors, or in one-on-one mentoring of minors.
Selection of Workers
All persons who desire to work with the children participating in our programs and activities will be screened. This screening includes the following:
A disqualifying offense that will keep an individual from working with children will be determined by the Elders of Memorial Baptist Church on a case-by-case basis in light of all the surrounding circumstances. Generally, convictions for an offense involving children and/or for offenses involving violence, dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency, and any conduct contrary to our mission will preclude someone from being permitted to work with children. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction on the application form will also be a disqualifying event.
The background check authorization form and results will be maintained in confidence on file at Memorial Baptist Church.
A new background check must be resubmitted every three (3) years.
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Two Adult Rule
It is our goal that a minimum of two adult workers will be in attendance at all times when children are being supervised during our programs and activities. Some youth classes may have only one adult teacher in attendance during the class session; in these instances, the ushers must be informed for them to periodically check in on the classroom. We do not allow minors to be alone with one adult on our premises or in any sponsored activity unless in a counseling situation.
Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse
For purposes of this policy, “child abuse” is any action (or lack of action) that endangers or harms a child’s physical, psychological or emotional health and development. Child abuse occurs in different ways and includes the following:
Childcare workers may have the opportunity to become aware of abuse or neglect of the children under our care. In the event that an individual involved in the care of children at Memorial Baptist Church becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect of a child under his/her care, this should be reported immediately to the Elders, Senior Pastor, or Associate Pastor for further action, including reporting to authorities as may be mandated by state law.
In the event that an incident of abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred at Memorial Baptist Church or during our sponsored programs or activities, the following procedure shall be followed:
Check-in/Check-out Procedure on Sunday Mornings
For children below Kindergarten, a security check-in/check-out procedure will be followed. The child will be signed in by a parent or guardian, who will receive a “child check” for the child similar to a claim check. The parent or guardian must present the “child check” in order to sign out the child from our care. In the event that a parent or guardian is unable to present the “child check” and the volunteer is unfamiliar with the child’s parents(s), the Associate Pastor will be contacted. The Associate Pastor will be responsible for releasing the child to the care of a parent or guardian after discussing the surround circumstances with the parent or guardian.
Sick Child Policy
It is our desire to provide a healthy and safe environment for all the children at Memorial Baptist Church. Parents are encouraged to be considerate of other children when deciding whether to place a child under our care, in general, children with the following symptoms should NOT be dropped off:
Children who are observed by our workers to be ill will be separated from other children and the parent or guardian will be contacted to request that the child be picked up for the day.
Medications Policy
It is the policy of Memorial Baptist Church not to administer either prescription or non-prescription medications to the children under our care. Medications should be administered by the parent at home. Parents are reminded of our sick child policy.
Exceptions to the medications policy may be granted to parents of children with potentially life-threatening conditions (such as asthma or severe allergic reactions). Parents or such children should address their situation with the Associate Pastor to develop a plan of action.
Discipline Policy
It is the policy of Memorial Baptist Church not to administer corporal punishment, even if parents have suggested or given permission for it. There should be no spanking, grabbing, hitting, or other physical disciplines of children. Workers should consult with the Associate Pastor if assistance is needed with disciplinary issues.
Restroom Guidelines
Children in our Toddler and Pre-School classes should use the Toddler Restroom located in the nursery. If the Toddler Restroom is not available, workers should escort a group of children to the hallway bathroom. They should always go in a group, and never take a child to the restroom alone. The workers should check the restroom first to make sure that it is empty, and then allow the children inside. The workers should then remain outside the restroom door and escort the children back to the classroom. If a child is taking longer than seems necessary, the worker should open the restroom door and call the child’s name. If a child requires assistance, the workers should prop open the bathroom door and call the child’s name. If a child requires assistance, the workers should prop open the restroom door, and leave the stall door open as they assist the child.
For children in Elementary School and above, a worker may escort a child to the restroom, and make sure that the restroom is empty. The worker should then remain outside the restroom door and escort the children back to the classroom.
For the protection of all, workers should never be alone with a child in a restroom with the door closed and never be in a closed restroom stall with a child. Parents are strongly encouraged to have their children visit the restroom prior to each class.
Accidental Injuries to Children
In the event that a child or youth is injured while under our care, the following steps should be followed:
Training
Memorial Baptist Church will provide training on this child protection policy to all new childcare workers and will strive to provide opportunities for additional training classes or events on an annual basis. All workers are required to attend these training events. If a worker is unable to attend a training event then a makeup one-on-one training will be scheduled.
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