Course: Church Nursery Safety: Policies and Procedures

Course Summary:

The nursery is among the most important areas in any church. Families want and need to know the church is providing a place that is safe for their children—and safety and security need to be the first priority for the church nursery ministry. This 45-minute course covers church nursery safety policies and procedures for children from birth through 36 months old. Childcare safety issues and concerns for this age group differ from concerns for other age groups, such as those for children in the preschool setting. Take this course in conjunction with “Church Nursery Safety: Furnishings, Products, and Environment.”

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the importance of creating safety and security policies and procedures for the health and well-being of infants and toddlers
  • Know key areas in which nursery ministry staff and volunteers should be trained and knowledgeable about safety policies
  • Learn about options for nursery security systems, and how to establish safe check-in and check-out procedures
  • Define key building blocks for church nursery safety, including the removal of potential risks and hazards
  • Learn safe procedures for basic childcare activities such as proper handwashing, diapering, feeding, sleep, playtime, and more
  • Know how to establish procedures and processes for illness, accidents, and emergencies in the nursery

Key Topics Include:

  • The Importance of Safety Procedures and Processes in the Church Nursery
  • Training for Church Nursery Caregivers
  • Child/Caregiver Ratios
  • Childcare Check-In and Check-Out Procedures
  • Children’s Personal Items
  • Supervision
  • Proper Handwashing
  • Keeping an Eye on Possible Hazards
  • Toys and Safe Playtime
  • High Chairs, Strollers, and Playpens
  • Safe Food-Handling Procedures
  • Serving Food to Children
  • Potential Food Risks
  • Pacifiers and Teethers
  • Safe Sleeping and Napping Policies
  • Diaper Changing
  • Restroom Procedures for Toddlers
  • Cleaning Up Body Fluids
  • Preventing the Spread of Illness in the Nursery
  • Separation Anxiety and Crying
  • Medication and Minor Injuries
  • Medical Emergencies and Accidents
  • The First Aid Kit for Infants and Toddlers
  • Fire, Weather, and Other Emergency Policies and Procedures
  • Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting the Nursery
  • Communicating with Families

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