MDKids Safety Policy

Memorial Drive Church of Christ 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 Drive Church of Christ from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our staff and volunteers (workers) from false accusations.

For purposes of this 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 Children’s Ministry activity or event (bible class, babysitting, VBS, Special events like Fall Festival, BFF, in overnight activities involving minors, in counseling of minors, or in one-on-one mentoring of minors.)

All persons who desire to work in a Children’s Ministry program and/or activities will be screened. This screening includes the following:

A person needs to have attended Memorial Drive for six months before volunteering to work with children unless they are known from another congregation.

a) Background Checks

Before an applicant is permitted to work with children, they will need to complete a background check,

1. An email will be sent to them requesting their permission and information needed to run the following checks conducted by checkr.

2. Basic Identity Verification, Sex offender Registry, Global Watch List, National Crime.

b) Volunteers under 18 will be manually cleared to volunteer. Once the volunteer turns 18 they will follow the procedure laid out in step a above.

c) A disqualifying offense that will keep an individual from working with children will be determined by the staff on a case-by-case basis in light of all the surrounding circumstances. Convictions for an offense involving children and/or for offenses involving violence will prevent someone from working with children/youth. Dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency and any conduct contrary to our mission may prevent someone from being permitted to work with children.

d) The background check authorization form and results will be maintained in confidence on file at the Memorial drive Church of Christ.

e) We will rerun background checks on each volunteer once every three years.

f) All volunteers are required to check in at our electronic check-in system and wear a name tag. Volunteers who have not passed a background check will not be able to check in or volunteer until their background has been cleared.

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:

· Physical abuse – any physical injury to a child that is not accidental, such as beating, shaking, burns, and biting.

· Emotional abuse – emotional injury when the child is not nurtured or provided with love and security, such as an environment of constant criticism, belittling and persistent teasing.

· Sexual abuse – any sexual activity between a child and an adult or between a child and another child at least four years older than the victim, including activities such as fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse, incest, and pornography.

· Neglect – depriving a child of his or her essential needs, such as adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.

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 Drive Church of Christ becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect of a child under his/her care, this should be reported immediately to the Children’s Minister, Youth Minister, or one of the Elders for further action, including reporting to authorities as may be mandated by state law.

If an incident of abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred at Memorial Drive Church of Christ or during our sponsored programs or activities, the following procedure shall be followed:

1. The parent or guardian of the child will be notified.

2. The worker or church member alleged to be the perpetrator of the abuse or misconduct will immediately be placed on leave pending an investigation and instructed to remain away from the premises during the investigation. He or she should be instructed to have no contact with the victim or with witnesses.

3. All allegations of abuse should be reported to the civil authorities, and the organization will comply with the state’s requirements regarding mandatory reporting of abuse as the law then exists. The organization will fully cooperate with the investigation of the incident by civil authorities.

4. The insurance company will be notified, and the organization will complete an incident report. Any documents received relating to the incident and/or allegations will immediately be forwarded to the insurance company.

5. The organization will designate a spokesperson to the media concerning incidents of abuse or neglect. The advice of legal counsel will be sought before responding to media inquiries or releasing information about the situation to the congregation. All other representatives of the organization should refrain from speaking to the media.

6. A pastoral visit will be arranged for those who desire it. This should be for the purpose of providing pastoral support during the time of crisis and not for the purpose of investigating the incident or influencing the investigation.

7. Any person who is not found innocent of the alleged abuse or misconduct will be removed from their position working with children or youth.

We recognize that there may be times when it is necessary or desirable for babysitters (paid or volunteer) who are themselves under age 18 to assist in caring for children during programs or activities. The following guidelines apply to teenage workers:

· Must be at age 11.

· Must be under the supervision of an adult and must never be left alone with children.

· Volunteers under 18 will be manually cleared to volunteer. Once the volunteer turns 18 they will follow the procedure as adults for background checks.

If an event is off campus and requires transportation drivers should be age 25 or older.

A legal waiver will be required for youth and children interns under the age of 25 who are driving youth or children to church – sponsored events. Any transporting of children needs to abide by the 2 person rule.

It is the policy of Memorial Drive Church of Christ 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 discipline of children. Workers should consult with the Children’s Minister/Youth Minister if assistance is needed with disciplinary issues

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, doors to the classroom should remain open and there should be no fewer than three students with the adult teacher. We do not allow minors to be alone with one adult on our premises or in any sponsored activity unless in a counseling situation.

When teachers see people roaming the halls that they don’t know they will be asked to return to the auditorium or their classroom. If the person doesn’t comply with these instructions, then the teacher will contact the children’s minister or event coordinator.

It is our desire to provide a healthy and safe environment for all the children at Memorial Drive Church of Christ. 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:

· Fever, diarrhea, or vomiting within the last 48 hours;

· Green or yellow runny nose;

· Eye or skin infections; and/or

· Other symptoms of communicable or infectious disease.

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.

It is the policy of Memorial Drive Church of Christ not to administer either prescription or non-prescription medications to the children under our care. Medications should be administered by a 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 of such children should address their situation with the Children’s Minister/Youth Minister/Event Coordinator to develop a plan of action.

During overnight trips a designated adult will be available to administer any and all medications that are needed. Forms will be provided for parents to complete before the trip begins.

In the event a child or youth is injured while under our care, the following steps should be followed:

1. For minor injuries, scrapes, and bruises, workers will provide First Aid (Band-Aids, etc.) as appropriate and will notify the child’s parent or guardian of the injury at the time the child is picked up from our care.

2. For injuries requiring medical treatment beyond simple First Aid, the parent and/or guardian will immediately be summoned in addition to the worker’s supervisor. If warranted by circumstances, an ambulance will be called.

3. Once the child has received appropriate medical attention, an incident report will be completed in the case of injuries requiring treatment by a medical professional. The incident report will be given to the office to be filed. Incident reports can be found in the church office.

Memorial Drive Church of Christ 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 strongly encouraged to attend these training events.

A security check-in/check-out procedure will be followed for all children. The child will be electronically 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” to sign out the child from our care. A sibling may pick up the child with the “child check” if the sibling is age 11+. If a parent, guardian or sibling is unable to present the “child check,” the Children’s Minister or Event Coordinator will be contacted. The Children’s Minister/ Event Coordinator will be responsible for releasing the child to the care of a parent or guardian after discussing the surrounding circumstances with the parent or guardian.

1. Diaper changing in the nursery room must be done by the adult, older than 18 years old.

2. Two “safe” adults need to be in the classroom when changing a child’s diaper.

3. Diapers need to be checked every 30 minutes and at 11:45 am before dismissed.

4. Never leave a child unsupervised on the changing station.

5. If a rash is present, please make sure the parents are aware.

1. At least two “safe” adults must remain within line of sight of each other and the children when ANY children use the restroom.

2. If there is any child which uses a diaper, please check once during class.

3. Volunteers should help a child using the restroom only if the child is three years old or younger, or if the child has special needs requiring extra assistance. Another “safe” adult must remain within line of sight of adult and child during assistance.

1. Two “safe” adults need to be in the elementary classroom.

2. One volunteer will check the restroom to be sure no other adults from the service are in the restroom.

3. The child must go alone into the restroom and volunteer must remain outside in the hall to make sure they return to the class.

4. Volunteer, ask the child if he/she washed their hands.

Parents are encouraged to take their children to the restroom prior to dropping their children off in their classroom.

First Aid Kit: Located in the Children’s Ministry Supply Room, Top Left Shelf
AED

Emergency Exits: downstairs kitchen, downstairs Basement room, emergency escape from second floor by elevator, front of building by office.

See Emergency Evacuation Routes Map and Emergency Preparedness Plan and familiarize yourself with your particular classroom instructions.

Take a closer look for safety:

1. Small and dangerous objects removed?
For infants, anything small enough to go into their mouths must be removed from their reach and play area!

2. Electrical outlets covered?

3. Cleaning supplies put away/out of child’s reach?
Lysol wipes/spray, hand sanitizer, etc.

4. Broken toys removed?

5. Confirm allergies of children in your classroom.

6. To preserve a child’s privacy, significant allergies are indicated on the back of his/her name tags.

For all emergency plans, never release the children to anyone other than the parent or guardian. The Children’s Minister must complete a final head count first, and then the parent/guardian MUST sign out the child before releasing them.

Fire Evacuation Procedures

If the fire alarm goes off in the building, please follow these instructions:

1. Our first concern in the event of an emergency is to evacuate the children safely. Do not leave the children to announce the emergency to other classes or to check on your own children. All teachers and staff will evacuate all children safely.

2. Stay calm.

3. Use a calm voice and line children up to evacuate the building.

· Infants and babies will be held or placed in the crib and rolled out of the building until the parents come.

· Toddlers and preschoolers will hold hands and proceed out following the teacher.

· Older children will line up and walk to the courtyard outside of the building.

4. Teachers and workers should conduct a head count as you leave the room and again once outside.

5. One adult should be at the front of the line and if possible, another at the back while exiting. The last adult should visually check the room for vacancy.

6. Lead the classes directly outside the front doors, walk to the Southeast corner of the parking lot.

7. At this time, the director will check the roll for the sign-in sheet for the final head count.

Severe Storms or Power Outage

If another type of weather emergency happens (tornado, severe storm, loss of power), follow the instructions below:

1. Stay calm.

2. Bring the children together to sit still in a group.

3. If there is a threat of tornado, please line children up and bring them to the basement located next to the kitchen.

4. Tell the children a story or sing songs to keep them calm until the lights come back on or you are given further instructions.

Lock-down or Bomb Threats

If a stranger with a weapon is seen in the church, or some other type of similar emergency, we will be in communication with outside sources and will make you aware when the building is safe.

In case of this kind of emergency, please follow these instructions:

1. Stay in your classrooms.

2. Staff and Elder or a volunteer will notify you when it is okay to leave the classroom and will give you updates as we know.

3. If you are asked to evacuate the building, follow the evacuation procedures as listed under fire emergency.

Please read a copy of the Memorial Drive Church of Christ Child Protection Policy provided to you. Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understood the Policy and agree to comply with the policies and procedures outlined therein when working with children.

I, (print name below) HAVE READ and UNDERSTAND and AGREE TO ABIDE BY the Child Protection Policy of Memorial Drive Church of Christ.

Your submission of this form counts as a signature saying you agree to this policy.