Volunteer Policies

Nursery      

Infants    1:2
Crawlers 1:3
Toddlers 1:4
 

Preschool

2 year olds 1:5
3 year olds 1:7
4 year olds 1:7
Pre K          1:7
 

Elementary

Kindergarten 1:8
1st Grade      1:8
2nd – 5th      1:10
 

Check-In and Pick-Up Guidelines

Check-In
When a child arrives in Discovery Island:

• An Adult must check them in (an elementary child will not be allowed to check another child in)
• Each child receives a numbered security tag matching their child’s numbered label
• Parent receives a numbered security tag matching their child’s numbered label
• Parent keeps security tag to claim child at the end of ministry time
• If parent is needed during worship their child’s number will light in the auditorium to summon them
• First time children must fill out a registration from for each child

Pick-Up
A PARENT or ADULT is required to have a security tag matching the child’s numbered label:

• Parent presents security tag
• Team member dismisses child to parent
• Children must be picked up promptly after service

If your security tag is missing:

• Team member will summon the area coordinator
• Parent will be asked to show Driver’s License at the registration counter to obtain a replacement security tag.
• Child will be dismissed

Security Guidelines

• All children, Nursery through 5th Grade are required to be signed in by their parent or guardian
• Only children, parents and Discovery Island volunteers are permitted into Discovery Island areas during ministry hours
• A volunteer should not be alone with a child in the bathroom
• Women only are permitted to assist children in bathrooms if needed
• Leave stall door partially open when giving assistance
• If there are any questions regarding these guidelines, please contact the area coordinator
• Other than Discovery Island volunteers, any adult entering classrooms during ministry time must first check in with area coordinator

Diapering Guidelines

Diapering is an important part of meeting the physical needs of babies and toddlers while they are in our care. Every child should have at least on diaper check during each ministry hour they are with us. Men are exempt from changing diapers or assisting children in the bathroom.

Never leave a child unattended on the changing table!

When changing diapers, the following procedures should be followed in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases:

• Paper liners and gloves are available at all diapering stations. A clean paper liner should be placed on the changing pad to provide a barrier between the infant and the pad.
• A clean pair of gloves must be worn for each diaper change.
• Use the diaper wipes provided by the church. Do not use wipes from a child's diaper bag unless specifically requested by the parent.
• When a diaper change is complete, dispose of the paper liner, gloves, and diaper in the appropriate receptacle. Place soiled diapers in plastic bags provided before disposing.
• Wash your hands.

Mark the time the child was changed on his/her information card.
 

Biting Policy

When a child bites we will follow this policy: If the bite does not draw blood and is not on the face:

Babies

• The biter is immediately placed in a crib.
• Wash off the bite and comfort the bitten child.
• If the child has just been soft-mouthed, there is no need to call the parent unless the child cannot be calmed down.

Toddlers:

• The biter is immediately directed to a chair, away from the other children.
• If the bite draws blood, cover with cold cloth and immediately contact area coordinator.
• He/she is then lovingly reminded that biting is not appropriate behavior.
   

Bottle & Food Guidelines

Due to an increase in the number of children with severe food allergies, Discovery Island’s Nursery and Preschool areas do not provide snacks or juice in the rooms during ministry time. If you feel your child will require a snack while he/she is here, please feel free to bring one from home and we will provide a place for you to come and feed your child.

Additionally, for children ages 18 mos. and older, we would request that parents provide water only in your child’s sipper cup/bottle. Children ages 6 weeks – 17 months of age may have formula or milk (no breast milk) in their bottles or cups. All bottles and cups must be clearly labeled with your child’s first and last name. Nursery volunteers will not be able to offer a bottle or cup that is not properly labeled.

Please Note: For breastfed babies a comfortable nursing mother’s room with a live service monitor is available.

Nursery Room Cleaning Policy

• Cleaning solution and cloths are available in each Nursery cabinet above the sink areas
• Any toys that have been mouthed or spit up on during ministry should be placed in the sink until they can be disinfected

After each ministry hour, the following equipment must be disinfected:

• Large equipment
• Changing Stations
• Toys
• Swing Trays
• Crib Mattresses

A dishwasher is located in the Nursery Resource room. Any toys that will not hold water should be placed on the counter to be run through a wash load.

Please Note: The dishwasher will be run during the week by area coordinator.

Germicidal wipes are to be used only when all children have been checked out of each room!