Nursery
 

1.  Parenting Nursery - This is a nursery for the convenience of parents with infants.  It is an unsupervised Nursery.

2.  Toddler Nursery - This is for children 12 months to 2 years of age (up to their third birthday). This nursery is a drop-off, supervised nursery.

3.  Pre-School Nursery - This is a drop-off supervised nursery for children ages 3 and 4.

All three nurseries are located in the upstairs Christian Education wing of our church.  Ask our ushers for further directions.

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Authorized Person

For the safety of all children who come to our nursery, it is a requirement that all parents assign an “authorized person” to pick up their child whenever they are unable to return to the nursery. Older siblings or other children in the church are not permitted to come into the nursery to pick up a child without prior arrangements by the child’s parents by filling out the authorization form. 

This form must be signed by the parents, authorized person she has assigned (as many as two) and the Nursery Director or Assistant to the Director.

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Taking My Turn

It may be required that those who use the nursery must take their turn in the nursery.  Moms with new babies may be exempt from working in the nursery for at least the first 5 or 6 months if they choose too or feel its necessary.  Working in the nursery during these first few months would be very difficult for a new mom who needs to devote much of her time & attention attending to her baby.  This would prevent them from giving needed attention to the other children in the nursery. 

Those who are new to our church must attend at least 6 to 8 months before working in the nursery for several reasons.  They need time to receive from God and to learn to know our Pastors heart, and the Nursery Director needs time to get to know them and observe them to see how they are with children.

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Healthy Environment

Children who are ill do not belong in the nursery.  Children, who are running a fever, have diarrhea, or feel listless can get grumpy and cause the need for a lot of attention or be a distraction to the workers. But most of all sick children can cause the spread of illness not only to other children but to the workers as well. 

Our Health & Safety Brochure is given to each parent upon his or her first visit to our nursery.  This brochure gives the parent detailed information on what we look out for in our nursery.  If a child is brought to our nursery with any of the symptoms listed in this brochure, the parent will be called to the nursery to remove their child.  Sick children should not be in the nursery.

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Child Safety

1.  Sign In & Sign Out Procedure:

All “First Time Visitors” must fill out our log-in card on their child. First time visiting parents will receive the Parent Guidelines, Health & Safety Brochure, Nursery Bookmark. Children are to be released to those who sign them in or to those who were assigned as their authorized person to pick them up.  Children will never be released to anyone who is not authorized.

2.  Child Abuse:

Even without the world’s penalties, we as Christians are morally and scripturally obligated to protect God’s little ones.  If we suspect a parent is under stress and appears to be having a difficult time with their child, it is our duty to offer any help we can.  The parents may just need a friend and we should attempt to help them.  If you suspect child abuse you must report this information to the Nursery Director.

3.  Worker / Child Ratio:

In our Toddler Nursery we require there be at least one worker to every three children.  With six or more children we require at least three workers.  In the Pre-School Nursery every five children requires a worker.

4.  First-aid:

Our nursery does not administer any form of medications.  Minor scrapes will be washed with clear water only and a bandage applied.  All injuries must be reported to the parents.

5.  Medication:

Medication will not be administered to children in the nursery nor will it be allowed in the nursery.  Parents are instructed to keep your child’s medication with you and return to the nursery to administer medication to your child.  Medication should never be placed in a bottle.  Another child could accidentally pick up a misplaced bottle.  This is for the safety of all children in the nursery.  Diaper bags can be easily left unattended and devastating accidents can happen.

6.  Snacks:

Children will only be given a snack of plain “Cheerios” or “Goldfish”. Parents wanting their children to have an alternative snack will need to provide the snack away from the nursery.

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How Do I Become A Nursery Worker?

1.  Age Requirements for nursery workers:

Team Leader: must be at least 18 years of age and must have some child care experience, and must have a desire to work with children between the ages of 6 months – 4 years.

Team Helper: must be at least 12 years old and will be assigned to work with a qualified Team Leader.  Team Helpers must show an interest and willingness to work with children ages 0 - 4.

2.  Taking the Necessary Steps:

Team Leaders & Workers over 18:

a.   Contact Pastor Barry Antle for all the necessary forms and the nursery guidelines.

c.      Read through the Nursery Guideline Handbook. Make a note of any questions you may have, and bring them with you to your first meeting with the Director.

d.      Meet with the Nursery Director to go over the guidelines and answer any questions you may have, and to decide when would be best for you to work in the nursery.

e.      If at this point you feel God has called you to minister in our nursery, you will need to sign the “Nursery Guidelines Agreement.”  The Nursery Director and The Pastor of CE will make a decision and you will be notified.

 Nursery Helper: (same as above)

f.    Helpers that are under 18 will need to turn in the Parental Consent Form” before your first meeting with the Nursery Director.

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info2005@lhpa.org