Training Guidelines

Training Guidelines

 

In addition to the guidelines below, all training will be through verbal discussions at our monthly volunteer meetings, observation, and access to written training materials.

Arrival and Dismissal

· All children must be checked in at the kiosk.

· Once the children check in and arrive in their class, they are not to leave without an Activate Staff 

  member or parent present.

· All children must be checked in and out by a parent or legal guardian using the check system.

· Children will ONLY be released with the proper security badge matching the child.

· Children must be picked up with the proper security badge after each session.

· Parents who serve in Sunday morning services, can have their child escorted to their next class by 

  an Activate Volunteer.

 

Classroom Guidelines

· Classrooms and teaching areas should not be locked while in use.

· Please do not allow any unauthorized individuals into your classroom or trust children to their care.

· Please leave the classroom as clean and organized as you found it and taking out necessary trash.

· Children should be encouraged to respect the property around them.
 

Supply Request

· All necessary supplies for the classroom lesson will be available in the class prior to service. In the event that you need additional supplies, please email abutler@cstoneag.org for approval.
 

Events and Special Activities

· All activities and special events must be submitted to Pastor Anedra prior to being planned and announced.
 

Illness

· We maintain a well-child policy. We do not provide care for sick children.

· If a child is known to be sick, they should not be accepted into the classroom. Please politely inform the parent of our well-child policy. If you need assistance, please inform Pastor Anedra or Wendell.

 

1. Fever – over 99 degrees

 

2. Runny nose –mucus is green or yellow

 

3. Inflamed or matter on eye

 

4. Diarrhea or vomiting

 

5. Yeast diaper rash, or any other infectious skin rash

 

If a child is being treated with antibiotics, he/she should be on the medication for at least 24 hours before entering the classroom.

We realize that some symptoms hang on long after the child is no longer contagious. Please be aware that some children may have continual clear-running nose or rash due to non-contagious allergies.

As a children’s ministry volunteer, please remember washing hands regularly is one of the best ways to keep you and the children healthy and germ-free.

Visible Ministry

· Extreme wisdom should be used at all times and in all areas when ministering to children.

· At least two workers should be present with children in classrooms if at all possible.

· Restroom policies differ at varying age levels, use discretion and sensitivity.

· All children must be escorted by Activate staff to the hallway outside the restroom areas. When   escorting grade school children to the restroom, try to take them in pairs. The adult volunteer should stand outside with the door at least partially open. Escorts should be the same sex as the children they are accompanying.

· Physical Affection- Physical affection is important to a child, but should be in the presence of other volunteers. Physical affection should be limited and brief in nature. Preteens and older girls should be hugged from the side. When approached by a child physically, do not reject the child, but guide their affection to an appropriate contact.
 

Guiding Behavior

· Absolutely no physical discipline will be permitted, nor is a voice raised toward a child.

· Strive to redirect negative behavior with positive affirmation. In other words, Instead of telling a child what NOT to do; tell him what TO do.

· As a last resort, after much positive effort, and with approval of Pastor Anedra or Wendell, a child that continually disrupts, can be removed from the classroom by calling upon a parent or escorting the child to his or her parent(s).

· If a parent is called upon, and must discipline their child, they should not do so in the presence of the other children.
 

Incident/Accidents

· An incident refers to a child being involved in a situation in which an injury might or might not have occurred but should be reported on a form for the purpose of informing parents. ( i.e. a child is involved in a physical altercation with another child.)

· An accident refers to actual physical injury.

· AN INCIDENT /ACCIDENT REPORT (see back of handbook) must be completed by the witnessing volunteer(s), signed, and forwarded to Pastor Anedra or Wendell.

· Treat minor injuries accordingly using loving care and concern.

· Familiarize yourself with the location of first aid kits.

· Minor injuries may be reported when the parent picks the child up. Serious injuries will be handled using the procedures listed below.
 

1. MINOR INJURYexamples include scratches, bumps with no swelling, carpet burns, pinched the skin, fingers or toes, etc. Bleeding is considered “minor” if it only comes from the top layer of the skin and stops in 2 minutes with little pressure

2. SERIOUS INJURY examples include injuries to the eyes, bumps with swelling, cuts beyond the top layer of the skin, burns, bruising, broken bones, and relentless bleeding.

Please follow these procedures for serious injuries:

1. Do not move the injured child.

2. Report immediately to Pastor Anedra or Wendell.

3. Cornerstone Staff will take over the situation and inform parents so that you may return to your classroom duties.
 

Sensitive Situation Reports (Reporting Abuse or Suspect Abuse)

· All volunteers are to be aware of any illness, abnormal and unusual behavior, and/or signs of physical abuse or claims of sexual abuse. Any and all listed are to be IMMEDIATELY brought to Pastor Anedra or Wendell.

· Virginia State Statue code section 63.2-1501, et seq.; 63.2-100 states that all claims of abuse, or suspicion of abuse, must be reported within 72 hours.
 

Fire or other Emergency Evacuation

· In the event of an emergency, please line up students by the door and take a head count.

· Know your exit route and calmly lead students out the nearest exit.

· Proceed to an area at a safe distance from the building.

· Once clear from the building, take another head count.

Please do not dismiss any students from outside, except with parent or guardian