Policy Statement

This policy establishes guidance for the safety of children in attendance at worship services, classroom studies, and other events of the church.

Inclusions and Exclusions

All pastors, ministers, employees, and volunteer leaders of the church are governed or influenced by this policy.  There are no specifically excluded individuals, groups, or departments to this policy.  

Stewardship

The Senior Pastor of the church is responsible for the management of this policy.  The Executive Pastor of the church provides practical administration of this policy.  The Board of the church is authorized to make changes to the scope and detail of this policy in accordance with the bylaws of the church.
 

Body

Children are a precious gift to the church from God.  The church is committed to the safety and well-being of every child who attends and participates in activities and events of the church.  As such, the following guidelines are presented and should be observed by all pastors, ministers, employees, and volunteer leaders who have responsibility for ministry to children:

Admission

• All children who attend adult worship services should be in the company of their parent or a designated adult guardian.  Children may worship as a group without their parent when under the direct supervision of the MCI Kids Ministry Team.
• All children must be admitted to children’s events through the designated check-in station by a parent or designated guardian.
• Children will be dismissed from a children’s event only through the designated checkout station and custody will only be transferred to an adult who presents a valid ticket or check-in tag for that child. 
• The MCI Kids Ministry Team should be notified by the parent or guardian of any special needs or conditions that a child possesses that will require monitoring or special care.  These special needs or conditions must be documented in the prescribed manner and made available to all children’s workers.

Health

• Children will not be admitted to a children’s event or worship service if they exhibit the following physical characteristics:
• Runny nose from a cold
• Excessive coughing
• Fever
• Nausea
• Other evidence of contagious disease
• If a child becomes ill during a children’s event or worship service, the children’s worker should contact the Kids Director.  If the Kids Director directs, the parent or guardian of the child should be contacted and a determination made as to whether the child should continue participation in the event.
• All toys, tools, and tables used in the children’s ministry area should be cleaned and sanitized after completion of the event or activity.  The Kids Director will supply materials to be used for this purpose.

Behavior

• Children are expected to exhibit good social behavior and respect for other children and adults.  If a child becomes unruly and their behavior cannot be made acceptable through verbal counsel, the parent or guardian of the child should be notified and asked to intervene.  If the parent or guardian cannot regain good behavior of the child, the child should be dismissed into the custody of the parent or guardian.
• Under no circumstances should a children’s worker physically reprimand a child who is exhibiting unruly behavior.  No physical discipline of a child by a children’s worker is ever acceptable.
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Supervision

• When a child has a need to use the restroom, at least one adult worker must accompany the child, along with another adult, youth worker, or child.
• No less than two adult workers should be present at all times in the classroom or other room used for the event.
• All children’s ministry workers must submit to a background check in accordance with other established church policy and procedures.