Cs08 - Your Guide To A Safe Church Daycare

step-by-step
| At the Next Church Potluck 1
step-by-step
Practical strategies to protect your ministry
Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare

Simple Tips for a Safe Daycare Environment 2 recognizing Child Abuse and neglect 18
HOw TO | Signs and symptoms. Introduction by Karen Arneson OvErviEw | How you can care for the kids in your community. By Karen Arneson
The Church Daycare Difference
22
First impressions Count

ASSESSmEnT | Assessing our daycare through visitors eyes. By Karen Arneson
FOr CArEgivErS | A three-fold method of spiritual development. By Karen Arneson
State Licensing
HOw TO | State requirements may vary. By Karen Arneson
Protect from Poisons
25
THE LEgAL SiDE | Safeguarding infants and toddlers. By James F. Cobble, Jr.
A Safe nursery
HOw TO | From toys to government regulations, heres how to safeguard children in your care. By Robin F. DeMattia
Daycares Are a Building ground for a Deeper relationship 27

iTS TruE | A ministry where people can discover church. By Pam S. Sheppard
Drop-side Cribs no Longer Safe
13
resource Center
LEADErS guiDE | Quick tips and recommended resources.
29
HOw TO | Childcare centers, churches should replace them to meet safety standards. From Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company
ChurchSafety.com is an online safety service for Americas churches and related ministries. It is co-sponsored by Christianity Today International and Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company. 2008 Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company and/or Christianity Today International.
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | Simple Tips for a Safe Daycare Environment
OvErvIEw
Simple Tips for a Safe Daycare Environment

How you can care for the kids in your community.
The church has a huge opportunity for outreach to families through daycare. Its in this setting we can show love and care for the physical well-being of children, but also for their emotional, spiritual and mental development. This download has been created to provide essential information to help assess our efforts. Caring for the least of these is one way we can be assured of doing Gods will. Lets do it with excellence! The following are a few simple tips to assist you in creating a safe daycare environment.
Legal requirements
Follow the state licensing requirements. There are several guidelines youll want to follow according to state law. These guidelines cover subjects from staff to nutrition, napping, and physical space. Learn city and public health agencies requirements. In addition to state requirements, your city may have some guidelines for your ministry to follow. You should also check for any requirements from other agencies such as health, social services, or child protection.
Safety Precautions
Contain cleaning supplies. Having cleaning supplies around a daycare facility is inevitable. Make sure all chemicals have child-resistant closures. Also, use safety latches on cabinets that contain chemicals, medicines, paint solvents, plastic trash bags, polishes, or waxes. Child-proof the rooms. Keep the cords of window blinds out of reach by hanging them at the top of the window covering. Dont set cribs near windows. Install antiscald devices on faucets to keep water temperatures below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Beware of children gaining access to poisons. Products that are petroleum distillates, such as gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, furniture polishes, pine oil, paraffin wax, and adhesives can cause serious injuries to children following aspiration of the substance into the lungs. These products are not required to be in child-resistant containers. All poisons need to be stored out of the reach of
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | Simple Tips for a Safe Daycare Environment
children. No poisons should be stored under sinks, on counter tops or disposed of in trash cans that children have access to. Know signs of abuse. A child might show some of the following signs if theyve been physically abused. Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes. Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school. Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home. Shrinks at the approach of adults. Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
Karen Arneson
Contributing Editor
SafetyAlert@ChristianityToday.com
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | First Impressions Count

ASSESSMENT
First Impressions Count

Assessing our daycare through visitors eyes.
by Karen Arenson
If you answer no to any of these questions, corrective action is recommended.

OBSErvATiOn Are visitors made to feel welcome? Is there a safe procedure for gaining access to the facility? Are there enough caregivers to handle the number of children? Do caregivers interact with children in a positive manner? Are all children constantly supervised by more than one adult? Do caregivers and children appear happy and healthy? Does the facility look and smell clean? Is outdoor play equipment sturdy, well-anchored, and in good repair? Is ground under play equipment well-cushioned? Are play materials clean, in good-repair, and ageappropriate? Are activities age-appropriate and reflective of the interests of the children? Are hazardous materials such as medicines and cleaning supplies locked away? Does your ministry meet state licensing requirements?
More information on licensing requirements follows within the contents of this resource.
YES
nO
COmPLETED BY:
DATE:
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | State Licensing

HOw TO
State Licensing
State requirements may vary.
by Karen Arneson Although some church daycare centers may qualify as license-exempt, it is a good idea to become familiar with the licensing requirements in your state. At the very least, these can serve as a guideline to the minimum acceptable standards of care. Being a licensed center also brings a measure of peace to the parents entrusting their children to your care. While standards may vary from state-to-state, it is assumed that child safety is the driving principle behind the regulations. Here is a list of general guidelines to consider:
Staffing
Age/education qualifications Continuing education needs Specific certification such as CPR, first aid, and the Heimlich maneuver Child-to-caregiver ratios/maximum group size
general Program requirements

Parent access during program hours Balance of active and quiet activities indoor/outdoor activities Number of emergency exits Emergency drills such as for fire or tornado Equipment and play materials required Daily cleaning/sanitization
Outdoor Play Area

Protected play area, including shade from sun Play space must be visible to staff at all times Equipment must be sturdy and in good repair Protective surfaces under play equipment in case of falls

6
nutrition and meals

Menus posted Meals and snacks meeting nutritional guidelines Hours of care regulate number of snacks/meals
napping and Sleeping

Hours and bedding dependent on childs age and hours of care
Physical Space
Toileting facilities must be readily accessible to children Hot and cold running water must be provided Hazardous materials must be locked away
guidance and Discipline

Parents must be given a copy of the guidance and discipline policy The following are prohibited: Corporal punishment Threatened or actual withdrawal of food, rest, or use of the bathroom Abusive or profane language Public or private humiliation Emotional abuse, including shaming, rejecting, terrorizing or isolating a child
This is not an exhaustive list. State-specific requirements may be found at Daycare.com.

Karen Arneson has a degree in Early Childhood Education and Care and has observed in numerous daycare facilities. She also volunteers as Head Teacher/Coordinator of Preschool ministries at her local church.

7
Thought Provokers
Is our daycare required to be licensed by our state? Does our daycare facility meet licensing standards? If not, what do we need to address? Have we written policies and procedures to guide our practices? what is our method of staff evaluation, and how do we support employee development?
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | A Safe Nursery

HOw TO
A Safe Nursery
From toys to government regulations, heres how to safeguard children in your care.
by Robin F. DeMattia Many churches are upgrading their daycare centers and nurseries. This can be a win-win situationthe parents have a safe place to leave their children during work or church services, and the church can help children develop spiritually at an early age. Many pediatricians approve of such arrangements. I think that the value of daycare is clear, and it is a major asset for congregations, churches, and synagogues to have, said Dr. Henry Harris, a retired physician and spokesman for the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is not only a place for people to drop their children but also a place to get the Word out. Its a nice way to tie in spiritual themes that kids often are not getting.
Follow the rules

To be truly safe places, however, church nurseries and daycare centers must operate according to state regulations. They have to get appropriate licensing and follow state guidelines regarding the number of required toilets, step stools, sinks, caregivers per child, food storage and preparation, napping facilities, square footage per child, assistance for disabled children, and other issues, Harris says. The state isnt the only regulating body for childcare facilities. According to Devon Conover, health services supervisor with Connecticuts Department of Public Health, different agencies, such as health, social services, or child protection, oversee daycare licensing in individual states. But town or city departments, such as zoning, health, building, and fire, may also have requirements for childcare facilities on procedures like admissions, personnel qualifications, record-keeping, first aid, and garbage removal. Conover suggests that before you start a nursery or daycare center, you should research state and local requirements, talk with daycare operators, visit other programs, and decide exactly what you want in your program.
State-of-the-Art Products
Once youre ready to start a childcare center or upgrade your existing program, youll want everything in it to be safe. Here are some products you might want to include: Scent-sible. Alan Fields of Denver, Colorado, who wrote Baby Bargains (Windsor Peak Press, (303) 442-8792), says the in product right now for childcare facilities

is the Diaper Genie II, by Playtex Products, Inc., uses a seven-layer film and the Push-N-Lock clamp to lock away odor. It has been proven best in odor control over all others. The Diaper Genie retails for $25 to $30; refill canisters cost around $5 each. Diaper deckswall-mounted diaper-changing stationsare also popular. The deck operates like a built-in ironing board; it can be pulled down to change a baby and pushed back when done. Diaper decks hold baby wipes, rubber gloves, and other diaper-change items. It saves space, and you dont need another piece of furniture to use when changing diapers, Fields says. Specially designed. Portable cribs and playpens, such as Gracos Pak-N-Play can be useful in a nursery, especially if they include a bassinet feature. Also helpful are glider rockers and matching ottomans. Gliders are easier to rock, and theyre super-padded, Fields says. Theyre a big trend in nurseries. Better than walkers. Kids in walkers can slam into furniture or other kids or even fall down stairs. Fields advises churches not to accept second-hand walkers to put in nurseries or daycare centers. Rather, churches ought to consider using stationary play centers, such as the Exersaucer from Evenflo ($55 to $99). Infant support. To strap babies safely into a chair, consider the vest-like garment called Wiggle Wrap by Leachco, says Phyllis Cordray, nursery attendant at the Evangelistic Temple in Ada, Oklahoma. Using these products is more comforting to us, because if youre watching sixteen children, you know everyone is safe and secure, Cordray says.
How to Buy for the nursery

One way to make sure the cribs and other furniture you buy for childrens centers are safe is to see if theyre certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Here are more tips for selecting safe furniture and accessories for childcare centers: Baby gates. Babies can get their heads caught in gates with large V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings. So look for gates with openings less than one and onehalf inches or that are made of rigid mesh screens. Highchairs. Most children fall from highchairs because theyre not strapped into them. Be sure highchairs have sturdy straps and belts, and wide bases for stability. Some manufacturers sell replacement straps for secondhand highchairs. Playpens. Look for tiny mesh netting and slat spaces that are no more than two and three-eighths inches wide. If a secondhand playpen has vinyl-covered top rails, dont use it, because children can bite off and choke on the vinyl. Cribs. Dont accept second-hand cribs if they dont meet safety standards. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more infants die each year in crib-related accidents than with any other nursery product.

Heres what to check for in any crib, new or used: No missing, loose, or broken screws and brackets. No more than two and three-eighths inches between crib slats. Firm, snug-fitting mattresses, with hangers secured by closed hooks. No corner posts more than one-sixteenth of an inch above the end panels. No decorative headboards or footboards with large openings. No cracked or peeling paint or splinters. Avoid bumper pads. These have caused injury to many infants. Replace drop-side cribs according to 2011 crib safety regulations.
10
Heres what to look for in toys: Toy chests should have spring-loaded lid supports that wont trap children inside. They should also have ventilation holes in case children do get trapped. If an existing toy chest doesnt have a safe lid, remove the top before using. Children under age six shouldnt play with uninflated balloons, and children who put objects in their mouths shouldnt play with marbles. Remove rattles, squeeze toys, and other small objects out of cribs while infants sleep. All toys in a nursery should be washable, because many children will be using them, advises Dr. George Sterne of New Orleans, Louisiana, a spokesman for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Smooth, plastic-covered toys are great because they can be wiped off and washed easily, he says. Buy age-appropriate toys. Infants up to age one like toys that stimulate their sight, hearing, and touch, such as rattles, large blocks of wood, and soft animals. Kids ages one to two like musical toys and push-and-pull toys. Children ages two to five enjoy books, crayons, housekeeping toys, and simple puzzles. Children ages five to nine like card games, hand puppets, paper dolls, and crafts. And older kids, ages ten to fourteen, appreciate sports equipment, board games, and computer games.
Cleaning agents. Its particularly important to clean areas where babies have been changed or spit up or left other messes. Sterne suggests adding one tablespoon of household bleach to a quart of water, spraying it on the affected area, and wiping it off. It works, its cheap, its deodorizing, and its safe to have around, Sterne says.

Make sure all chemicals have child-resistant closures. Also, use safety latches on cabinets that contain chemicals, medicines, paint solvents, plastic trash bags, polishes, or waxes.
11
more Safety Tips

Here are a few more suggestions to keep your facilities safe for children: Keep the cords of window blinds out of reach by hanging them at the top of the window covering. Dont set cribs near windows. Install anti-scald devices on faucets to keep water temperatures below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Use changing tables that have safety straps and have drawers or shelves that are easily accessible. If you use hook-on chairs that attach to table edges, dont place them where childrens feet can push against the table and dislodge the chairs. All nursery surfaces should be washed regularly and kept dust-free. If the nursery air is dry, consider using a cool-mist humidifier. This is especially helpful during winter months when children have colds. Clean a humidifier frequently to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Church pagers. By issuing a coded number or hand-held pager to parents, staff members, and medical people at church, necessary adults can be instantly notified about problems that occur in a nursery without disrupting a worship service. Pagers help ensure a childs safety by requiring parents to match ID numbers on pager and child when picking up a child. And pagers allow people to be notified should additional help be needed in a nursery. Pager systems, $418 and up, are available from Microframe Corporation (http:// www.microframecorp.com/).
robin F. Demattia is a freelance editor and writer based in Fairfield, Connecticut. This article first appeared in the november/December 1997 issue of Your Church magazine.

12
Thought Provokers
Have we done our research? Are we aware of state and local requirements? Have we developed relationships within those governing bodies in order to have go-to people when we have need? what makes our daycare center different? why would parents choose us over others? Do we have a procedure for on-going safety checks to insure that our facilities are completely safe and age-appropriate? what have we done to child-proof our center?
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | Drop-side Cribs No Longer Safe
HOw TO
13
Drop-side Cribs No Longer Safe

Childcare centers, churches should replace them to meet safety standards.
For decades, baby cribs have been made with a rail that lowers on one side to allow caregivers to place sleeping children onto a crib mattress without straining their backs. Sweeping new federal safety rules have made it illegal to sell or manufacture traditional drop-side cribs, and child care centers must stop using them by December 2012. At least 32 children have suffocated or been strangled since 2000 in cribs with detaching rails. Faulty or defective hardware on cribs have led to other deaths and injuries. This prompted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to pass stricter mandatory standards for cribs for the first time in nearly 30 years. After June 28, 2011, all baby cribs manufactured, sold, or resold in the U.S. are required to have fixed sides, sturdier slats, and stronger hardware and supports. The Commission estimates that about 2.4 million new cribs are sold annually in America.
Buy Cribs That meet the new Standards

Childcare facilities, including family childcare homes and infant Head Start centers, are required to use cribs compliant with the new standards by December 28, 2012. The law doesnt apply to consumers or churches that provide volunteer-staffed nurseries during church services. The new standards: Prohibit the use of drop-side cribs in which the entire side rail moves up and down. Change side rail height and toe hold standards. Require better labeling and instructions to minimize potential assembly mistakes. Require increased slat strength. Require increased mattress support strength. Eliminate wood screws from key structural elements.
The rules apply to all hard-sided cribs, whether small or full size. Bassinets, mesh-sided cribs, and play yards are excluded. You can find more information on the new standards at the CPSCs crib information center.
Drop-side Cribs Less Structurally Sound
Drop-side cribs generally have a tendency to be less structurally sound than cribs with four fixed sides. Hardware on drop-side rails is prone to break, deform or experience other problems during normal or foreseeable use. The older the crib, the more problems can be expected. When drop-side hardware breaks or deforms, the drop side can detach in one or more corners from the crib. If an infant or toddler rolls or moves into the space created by a partially detached drop side, the child can become entrapped or wedged between the crib mattress and the drop side and suffocate. Infants can also strangle in the V shape formed by a drop side that detaches in an upper corner. Of the 32 deaths related to drop-side cribs that the Commission analyzed, some occurred in cribs where the drop side detached without caregivers noticing the detachment. Some other deaths occurred after a consumer tried to repair the detached drop side, but the repair ultimately failed.
14
voluntary Compliance Encouraged

While the law doesnt require church nurseries buy new cribs, its a good idea to consider it. Cribs that do not meet the new standardseven those in good conditionmay pose a danger to children and leave a church open to liability. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled more than 11 million cribs since 2007, some of them that linked to deaths due to faulty or defective hardware. If a child were to get hurt in a church crib that had been recalled or didnt meet current safety standards, it would be difficult to argue that your church had acted reasonably to protect the children in its nursery. Visit the CPSCs website to see a list of recalled cribs and determine if any used by your church have been recalled.
retrofits wont Bring Cribs up to Code

Simply securing a cribs drop side or adding an immobilizer wont bring cribs up to the new standards, which require stronger hardware and rigorous testing to prove a cribs durability. Even sturdy cribs with secure sides wont likely pass muster. All child care facilities must prepare to replace their current cribs with new, compliant cribs before December 28, 2012. Because a crib would be destroyed in the process of testing, its impossible to test each crib, the commission states in the final rule published in the Federal Register. Therefore, we cannot provide methods to check existing cribs for compliance with the CPSCs new crib standards.
Churches with free nurseries that decide to continue using their current cribs are encouraged to install an immobilizer on each crib and check the crib frequently to make sure that all hardware is secured tightly and there are no loose, missing, or broken parts. An immobilizer stops the drop side from moving outwards as well as up and down. This prevents a baby from getting stuck between the drop side and the rest of the crib. Different cribs need different immobilizers. Contact the manufacturer of each crib to see if the company offers an immobilizer for your crib. Immobilizers are not meant to be used on cribs more than 10 years old. The CPSC warns that immobilizers should only be used on cribs that do not have broken or missing hardware. An immobilizer alone wont make broken cribs safe. It will simply prevent future breakage and protect hardware. Inspect Cribs to Determine Condition Until you have purchased cribs that comply with the new federal standards, the following tips can help you determine if your current cribs are safe to operate: Every time you change the sheets, make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress. Make sure all visible bolts and screws are tight. With the mattress out of the crib, wiggle the crib to see how tight all the joints are. If the crib feels loose, wobbly, or structurally unsound, tighten all hardware. If the crib remains wobbly after tightening, look for loose wood-to-wood joints that may be causing the problem. Stop using the crib if loose wood-to-wood joints are found or if the crib cannot be made tight and structurally sound.
15
Disassemble and Discard Old Cribs

If your church or childcare center purchases new cribs, keep in mind that its illegal to donate or resell a crib that doesnt meet the new crib standards. The CPSC says that all older, noncompliant cribs must be discarded in such a way that they cannot be reassembled and used again. They are not to be resold at garage sales, thrift stores, or online auction sites. If your church hosts a sale of rummage or childrens items, it would be a good idea not to accept cribs manufactured before June 28, 2011.
How to Determine if a Crib meets the new Standards
Some manufacturers began selling cribs that meet the new federal standards before the June 28, 2011, deadline. If your church or childcare center bought new cribs prior to the laws effective date, and youre not sure if they meet the new standards, you can take the following steps to determine compliance. Ask the manufacturer, retailer, importer or distributor to show a Certificate of Compliance. The document must: Describe the product Give the name, full mailing address and telephone number for the importer or domestic manufacturer Identify the rule with which it complies (16 CFR 1219 or 1220) Give the name, full mailing address, email address and telephone number for the records keeper and location of testing lab Give the date and location of manufacture and testing
16
The crib must also have a label attached with the date of manufacture
The Cost of Compliance

The average child care center has between 4 and 45 cribs, making the compliance potentially very expensive. Several people who commented on the new standards prior to their adoption expressed concern that the rule would place a large financial burden on childcare centers. According to the final rule published in the Federal Register, the Commissions staff estimated that that the one-time replacement cost for childcare centers will be about $387 million. Because of the expense, the commission gave child care centers two years to comply with the rule. Some who commented on the proposed rule were concerned that childcare centers might replace cribs with mesh play yards, which are less expensive but less safe than hard-sided cribs. The Commission said that it does not advocate the use of play yards instead of cribs in child care environments, but it didnt address issues related to play yards in the new crib regulations. The Commission says it intends to develop new play yard standards in the future.
Other issues related to Cribs

Some of the issues that cause infants to die in cribs have nothing to do with the cribs themselves. More babies die every year from suffocation in plush sleeping environments than from defective cribs, according to the CPSC. Here are some simple rules to follow to make sure infants enjoy a safe sleep.
To prevent suffocation, never place pillows or thick quilts in a babys sleep environment. Make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress. Set up play yards according to manufacturers directions. Only use the mattress pad provided with the play yard; do not add extra padding. Never place a crib near a window with blind, curtain cords or baby monitor cords; babies can strangle on cords.
17
information Center.
For more information on how to help babies sleep safely, visit the CPSCs Crib This article was prepared by Brotherhood mutual insurance Company, one of the nations leading insurers of churches and related ministries.
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect
HOw TO
18
Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect

Signs and symptoms.
Introduction by Karen Arneson But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea (Matthew 18:6). According to a report on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website, approximately 12 out of every 1,000 children were the victims of abuse or neglect in 2006. It is the Godgiven responsibility of every adult to protect the welfare of children; however, it is the legal responsibility of certain professionals to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Among those legally mandated reporters are childcare providers. To fulfill this mandate, caregivers must familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. While a single sign does not prove child abuse, a closer look may be necessary when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination. The following lists have been taken from the Child welfare information gateway.
recognizing Child Abuse

The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect. The Child: Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents attention Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen Lacks adult supervision Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home The Parent: Shows little concern for the child Denies the existence ofor blames the child forthe childs problems in school or at home Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs
19
The Parent and Child: Rarely touch or look at each other Consider their relationship entirely negative State that they do not like each other
Types of Abuse
The following are some signs often associated with particular types of child abuse and neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. It is important to note, however, that these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than alone. A physically abused child, for example, is often emotionally abused as well, and a sexually abused child also may be neglected. Signs of Physical Abuse Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child: Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home Shrinks at the approach of adults Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver: Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the childs injury Describes the child as evil, or in some other very negative way Uses harsh physical discipline with the child Has a history of abuse as a child Signs of Neglect Consider the possibility of neglect when the child: Is frequently absent from school Begs or steals food or money Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather Abuses alcohol or other drugs States that there is no one at home to provide care
Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver: Appears to be indifferent to the child Seems apathetic or depressed Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner Is abusing alcohol or other drugs Signs of Sexual Abuse Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child: Has difficulty walking or sitting Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities Reports nightmares or bedwetting Experiences a sudden change in appetite Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14 Runs away Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver: Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the childs contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex Is secretive and isolated Is jealous or controlling with family members Signs of Emotional Maltreatment Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child: Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example) Is delayed in physical or emotional development Has attempted suicide Reports a lack of attachment to the parent Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver: Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the childs problems Overtly rejects the child For more information about where and how to file a report, contact your local child protective services agency or police department. An additional resource for information and referral is the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (800.4.A.CHILD).
20
This fact sheet was adapted, with permission, from recognizing Child Abuse: what Parents Should Know. Prevent Child Abuse America 2003. This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child welfare information gateway.
21
Thought Provokers
Johnny fondles himself at naptime. Should we suspect sexual abuse? Jenny is new to our daycare. She seems extremely shy. when her mother comes to pick her up, she doesnt seem excited to see her; in fact, she cries. Should we suspect a problem? Andrew showed up for daycare with a large bruise along his jaw line. His dad said he ran into a door. Later, when Andrew was asked what happened, he avoided eye contact and mumbled his response. Should we report abuse? It isnt always easy to know for sure if a child has been abused. How will we handle suspected abuse or neglect? Does our staff know what to do?
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | The Church Daycare Difference
FOr CArEgIvErS
22

A three-fold method of spiritual development.
by Karen Arneson Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Jesus takes childcare seriously. The Bible is full of instruction for training our little ones as well as some very specific warnings concerning the mistreatment of children. Take a look at Jesus words in Matthew 18:6: But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. And, lest anyone think God is too busy to care: See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven (Matthew 18: 10, 11). God cares about the treatment of little ones. You care, too. Thats why youre reading through this download. You want to create a place of safety and attention for that population that Jesus especially loves. Its not an easy assignment, but with a little information and the abundance of resources available, you can make a difference. Child development research reveals that children grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Its the job of childcare providers to nurture growth across those domains. Its the job of the center director to be sure caregivers are using developmentally appropriate practices to achieve the best outcomes for children.

Just let your fingers do the walking through your local yellow pages, or Google daycare, and youll see there is no lack of daycare options. So, why should the church get involved? Beyond the obvious importance of children to the kingdom of God, the church provides support for one area overlooked by secular alternativesspiritual development. A child is never too young to begin to experience the reality of God. While parents have been given the primary task of training up their children, caregivers who love the Lord will find a great deal of satisfaction in modeling the love of Christ to their young charges.
How to make the Difference
In addition to supporting intellectual growth through activities that teach the 3-Rs: Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic, church daycares have the opportunity to develop three-fold lessons in spiritual growth1: 1. Knowing God 2. Loving God 3. Living for God
23
Knowing god
Caregivers who know God are able to share this knowledge through intentional teaching as well as by seizing teachable moments. Imparting the truths of our faith, revealing knowledge about God and what He has done provides the groundwork of spiritual support children need. Who is God? What has He done? These questions lead us to the truths that God exists, He loves us, He created everything (including us), and Jesus died for our sins so we can be with God.
Loving god
Christian caregivers have the awesome privilege of helping children toward relationship with God. Through modeling and encouragement, we teach prayer learning to talk to God. By sharing Bible stories and lessons, we reveal the God Who loves us and wants us to know Him.
Living for god

Caregivers partner with parents in helping children understand who they are in Christ. Who does God say I am? How should I behave? These are questions that may be answered from biblical teaching that leads us, and the children, into submission to the transforming power of Christ. Do you see the potential for impacting the world, one child at a time, for Jesus? Yes, Jesus takes childcare very seriously and so should we. Its not an easy assignment, but its one straight from the heart of God.
Karen Arneson carries out her god-given assignment to make a difference through the preschool ministry of her local church.
1
Trent, Ph.D., John, Rick Osborne, Kurt Bruner, Spiritual Growth of Children (Wheaton, Tyndale, 2000), 113.
Thought Provokers
How is our daycare center making a difference in the lives of the children we serve? Do we provide spiritual instruction? role-play opportunities to include spiritual support throughout the day, not just during story times. what spiritual qualifications must our staff meet in order to be employed in our center? How do we support parents in their role of primary responsibility for the spiritual development of their child(ren)?
24
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | Protect from Poisons

THE LEgAL SIDE
25
Protect from Poisons

Safeguarding your infants and toddlers.
by James F. Cobble, Jr. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you (Proverbs 2:11). Church workers can reduce hazards that affect infants and toddlers through a systematic program of inspection, and training both paid and volunteer staff members to recognize unsafe conditions and correct them, and to follow safe procedures in the care of children. One of the key safety concerns is children gaining access to poisons.
Poisons
Over half of all children under the age of 6 spend part of the day in childcare, many in church programs. In addition, churches operate many programs for toddlers and routinely provide childcare in the church nursery for those attending services. Church leaders can reduce hazards that affect infants and toddlers through a systematic program of inspection, and training both paid and volunteer staff members to recognize unsafe conditions and correct them, and to follow safe procedures in the care of children. One critical concern is children gaining access to poisons. Several thousand children under the age of 5 are treated on an annual basis in hospital emergency rooms with poison-related injuries from ordinary products such as cleaning solvents and lubricants. Products that are petroleum distillates, such as gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, furniture polishes, pine oil, paraffin wax, and adhesives can cause serious injuries to children following aspiration of the substance into the lungs. These products are not required to be in child-resistant containers. Poisoning from these products occurs equally to boys and girls. The children usually locate the product in its original container and in its normal storage place. In nearly 70 percent of cases, the child reaches the product without climbing. Most of the time, the children get the product from under a sink, on a counter, or in a trashcan. All poisons need to be stored out of the reach of children. No poisons should be stored under sinks, on counter tops or disposed of in trash cans that children have access to. Use the following safety checklist to reduce the risk of poisoning. 1. Check that all cabinets under sinks are free of poisons. 2. Check that all counter tops are free of poisons. 3. Check that all poisons including medicines, chemicals, cleaning supplies, gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, furniture polishes, pine oil, paraffin wax, and adhesives are stored in safe locations inaccessible to children.
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | Protect from Poisons

4. Call (800) 222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning. Keep on hand a bottle of ipecac syrup but use it only if the poison center instructs you to induce vomiting. 5. When products are in use, never let young children out of your sight. 6. Keep items in original containers. 7. Leave the original labels on all products, and read the label before using. 8. Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where children can reach them. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by young children.
This article appears on ChurchLawToday.com. ronna Snyder is a freelance writer who lives with her husband in idaho. This article first appeared in the november/December 2004 issue of Todays ChrisTian Woman magazine
26
Thought Provokers
where do we store hazardous chemicals? Do we train staff to recognize unsafe conditions and correct them? who is responsible for this training and how often is it offered? where are hazardous chemicals disposed of? Is it a place accessible to children? Do we have the poison control emergency number posted near telephones? Do our staff members know where to find the number? Do we have ipecac syrup on hand?
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | Daycares Are a Building ground for a
Deeper relationship
ITS TruE
27
Daycares Are a Building Ground for a Deeper Relationship

A ministry where people can discover church.
by Pam S. Sheppard This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:3-4). Churches have tried countless methods to initiate relationships with people who dont yet know their need for Christ. Some have been successful, many have not. A successful outreach builds meaningful relationships with people who previously had no reason to interact with you. Some outreach activities provide a one-time or annual opportunity to introduce your church to the community. Others provide a regular service for the community, and so build long-term relationships with people. Every church should be challenged to evaluate the effectiveness of their outreach activities. Here is a strategy that has worked for others.
Daily Service to Parents

Thirty years ago, Connection Pointe Christian Church in Brownsburg, Indiana, started their mission to reach the next generation by offering a kindergarten program for families in their community. It wasnt long before their outreach grew to a complete daycare program called Lots-A-Tots. The decision to expand into a full-scale daycare came after the local school system started a competing kindergarten program, explains Sherry Perkins, business administrator at Lots-A-Tots. The church had the space needed to accommodate more children, so they thought an expanded daycare program would be a great outreach to the community. Now, 255 kids from two-year-olds to sixth graders attend the daycare. The church also provides daily transportation for 120 kids. Many families have decided to attend the church because of the caring environment their children experience every day. And although Perkins says monetary gain was not the purpose for starting the daycare, the outreach has been blessed from a financial standpoint. But isnt running a daycare operation a risky venture these days? There are liability and risk factors associated with everything you do, says Perkins. However, we feel that bringing people to Jesus is so much more important than living in fear that something
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | Daycares Are a Building ground for a
Deeper relationship
might go wrong. Still, you must be intimately aware of all the liabilities and risks associated with a daycare program. You will also need to spend some money. Perkins notes that some of the ongoing expenses include facilities maintenance, utilities, insurance, food for two meals a day, kitchen equipment, and employee wages and benefits. She also stresses the importance of a good daycare director to make sure things continue to run smoothly. One thing is certainchurches need not worry about this type of outreach going out of style or not meeting real needs. There will always be a need for childcare, says Perkins. And what better way to serve the community then to provide a safe and secure atmosphere for children.
28
Thought Provokers
what is the purpose of our daycare center? Do we have a mission statement? Does it include community outreach? How can our daycare center showcase the other important ministries of our church? what steps can we take to keep our daycare families informed about other church-sponsored opportunities?
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | resource Center

LEADErS guIDE
29
Resource Center
Quick tips and recommended resources.
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me (Psalm 40:11).
Tips for using Articles

Consider these options for the use of articles and information in this download: Pass the First Impressions Count assessment around at your next board meeting and have a 15-minute discussion. After reading through an article, choose questions to pose at a scheduled meeting and discuss them together. Determine what areas your church will need to pay extra attention to in the area church daycare safety and discuss your plans to do this. Using the Bible verses found at the beginning of the articles, lead a devotional discussion at a staff meeting on the topic of church safety. Using the Thought Provoker questions, lead a discussion for church leaders.
web resources
Daycare.com provides a wealth of information including state-by-state licensing requirements, articles of interest to parents and caregivers, and information on toys and products among others. Child welfare information gateway provides information to help protect children. Healthy Kids, Healthy Carecheck out the checklists provided for parents seeking quality childcare. Brotherhood mutuals Safety Central for information about safe food handling/ serving. YourChurchresources.com for downloadable guides related to topic.
step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | resource Center

Books,Kits,and Other resources
words Kids need to Hear by David Staal will educate, equip, and motivate parents and caregivers to carefully choose words that building up kids hearts, to say them frequently, and to do so in creative ways. What children hear from trusted adults significantly influences their self-image, their current relationships, and future relationshipsincluding that all-important relationship with God. Church Law Special reports: Quick and easy updates on the critical issues that continually concern the church. inspection and Safety Checklists: 12 modules for assessing and improving facilities, and safeguarding activities. risk management Assessment Pack from Christianity Today International. risk management Handbook for Churches and Schools by James F. Cobble, Jr., and Richard R. Hammar. Pastor, Church & Law by Richard Hammar. The most comprehensive and practical legal reference book ever published for churches and clergy. Additional risk management and Safety resources from Christianity Today International.
30
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations. Copyright 2008 by Christianity Today International. All rights reserved.

Cs08 - Your Guide To A Safe Church Daycare

Cargado por

Información del documento

Descripción original:

Título original

Derechos de autor

Formatos disponibles

Compartir este documento

Compartir o incrustar documentos

Opciones para compartir

¿Le pareció útil este documento?

¿Este contenido es inapropiado?

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

Cs08 - Your Guide To A Safe Church Daycare

Cargado por

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

step-by-step

| At the Next Church Potluck 1

Practical strategies to protect your ministry

Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare

The Church Daycare Difference

First impressions Count

FOr CArEgivErS | A three-fold method of spiritual development. By Karen Arneson

Protect from Poisons

Daycares Are a Building ground for a Deeper relationship 27

Drop-side Cribs no Longer Safe

Simple Tips for a Safe Daycare Environment

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | First Impressions Count

First Impressions Count

If you answer no to any of these questions, corrective action is recommended.

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | State Licensing

general Program requirements

Outdoor Play Area

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | State Licensing

nutrition and meals

napping and Sleeping

guidance and Discipline

This is not an exhaustive list. State-specific requirements may be found at Daycare.com.

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | State Licensing

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | A Safe Nursery

Follow the rules

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | A Safe Nursery

How to Buy for the nursery

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | A Safe Nursery

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | A Safe Nursery

more Safety Tips

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | A Safe Nursery

Drop-side Cribs No Longer Safe

Buy Cribs That meet the new Standards

voluntary Compliance Encouraged

retrofits wont Bring Cribs up to Code

Disassemble and Discard Old Cribs

The Cost of Compliance

Other issues related to Cribs

Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect

recognizing Child Abuse

The Church Daycare Difference

The Church Daycare Difference

Living for god

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | Protect from Poisons

Protect from Poisons

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | Protect from Poisons

Daycares Are a Building Ground for a Deeper Relationship

Daily Service to Parents

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | resource Center

Tips for using Articles

step-by-step Your Guide to a Safe Church Daycare | resource Center

También podría gustarte