Policies and Procedures

We want to make sure all children and families are safe and secure while worshiping at FBCNN.

Preschool Ministry (ages birth-Kindergarten)

General Information

• Care during worship service is provided for birth through four years.  We call this “Extended Session.”
• Only children of preschool age are permitted in preschool rooms.
• Children are never left alone in the preschool room. Parents should stay with their children until a teacher arrives.
• Preschool rooms will be open 10 minutes before and after scheduled activities.
• For the safety of our children, parents (grandparents, or a designated responsible adult) MUST be in the church building while their children are attending activities.
• Please encourage your child to use the restroom prior to the start of class. We only have a short amount of time with your children, and we want to maximize our teaching opportunities
• The Preschool Wing can be easily accessed by using the Education Wing entrance, located in the back of the building. Ample parking is available in the rear of the building.

Feeding of Children

• Children should be fed prior to arriving.
• Infants will be fed formula, milk, juice, or water provided by the parents. Time and circumstance do not allow for spoon feeding.
• A snack may be served to older preschoolers.
• Any food allergies should be reported to the teacher and recorded on the information sheet.
• Nursing mothers are welcome to nurse in the Nursing Mother’s Room.

Policies on Illness and Medication

• Children who appear ill or have been ill in the preceding 24 hours cannot be accepted in a class. This helps protect all of our children and workers.
• A child should be taken home when any of the following exists: fever, vomiting/diarrhea, sore throat, croup, cold, unexpected rash, skin infection, pink eye or other eye infections, or any symptoms of usual childhood diseases (mumps, measles, chicken pox, etc.).
• Any child that appears ill cannot participate in activities, and the child’s parents will be notified.
• Should your child contract a communicable childhood disease (chicken pox, head lice, etc.) following a preschool session, please contact the Director of Preschool and Children’s Ministries.
• Teachers are NOT permitted to give medication to any child.

Unacceptable Behavior

• It is our goal to meet children where they are and encourage them to grow socially, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We want all of our children to be safe and feel safe.

• Any child’s behavior that is harmful to himself/herself, another child, or a teacher (such as fighting, scratching, biting, and hitting) will not be allowed during preschool sessions.

• If unacceptable behavior does occur, the teacher will talk with the child about appropriate behavior and the child will be redirected to another activity. If the behavior continues, time-out will be used as appropriate to their age. Parents will be contacted if an unacceptable behavior persists.

• If biting occurs, the parents of the involved children will be contacted, and the child who has done the biting will not be allowed to attend any preschool church activities for the remainder of the day.

Safety & Security

• Providing a safe, nurturing environment is important. To insure that children from birth to age 5 are picked up by the appropriate adult, we use a security number and badge system. Parents will check their children in on a computer at the preschool desk, and security badges for the child and parents will be printed. The number on the child’s badge will be matched to the number on the parent’s badge at pick up time. To keep the preschool hall secure, only persons with a badge will be allowed in the hall. A member of our security team will be at the door to help keep the hall safe.

• To avoid congestion, please have only one parent bring and pick up a child. A parent should knock softly on the door and wait for a teacher. Please do not enter the room.

• Be sure to share any information or special needs your child may have and record them on the Information/Emergency Form. Please include any custodial concerns.

Parent Alert System

• While in the sanctuary, you will be alerted by the electronic posting of your security number above the side entrance doors (2) if your child needs you. Therefore, it is very important for you to note the security number given for your child.

Worker Policy

• At least two workers will be in attendance in each preschool age classroom.

• Typically, preschool workers are required to be members of First Baptist Church, Newport News for three months before serving.

• Paid nursery workers are present on Sunday and Wednesday nights to anchor childcare needs.

• Safety and Security training sessions will be offered periodically throughout the year for those interested in serving with the Preschool or Children’s Ministry.

• All workers are required to fill out a Volunteer Screening and Background Check Form.

Extended Session

• The Extended Session Ministry provides child care for preschoolers birth through four years of age during the Sunday morning worship service.

• All church member parents of preschoolers birth through four attending the Sunday morning worship services are expected to assist during the Extended Session ministry once a month. Long-term visitors are also highly encouraged to volunteer. You may call the church office at 930-0911 to volunteer, or expect to receive a call requesting your help.

Children’s Ministry (1st-5th Grade)

 General Information

• Only children, parents and leaders are permitted in children’s rooms.

• Children are never left alone in the room. Parents should stay with their children until two teachers arrive.

• Please walk your child to his room to ensure that there are two adults in your child’s room. Please do not send your children up to their classes early.

• Please encourage your child to use the restroom prior to the start of class. We only have a short amount of time with your children, and we want to maximize our teaching opportunities.

• The Children’s Wing can be easily accessed by using the Education Wing entrance, located in the back of the building. Ample parking is available in the rear of the building.

Policies on Illness and Medication

• Children who appear ill or have been ill in the preceding 24 hours cannot be accepted in a class. This helps protect all of our children and workers.

• A child should be taken home when any of the following exists: fever, vomiting/diarrhea, sore throat, croup, cold, unexpected rash, skin infection, pink eye or other eye infections, or any symptoms of usual childhood diseases (mumps, measles, chicken pox, etc.).

• Any child that appears ill cannot participate in activities, and the child’s parents will be notified.

• Should your child contract a communicable childhood disease (chicken pox, head lice, etc.) following a preschool session, please contact the Director of Preschool and Children’s Ministries.

• Teachers are NOT permitted to give medication to any child.

Unacceptable Behavior

• Any child’s behavior that is harmful to himself/herself, another child, or a teacher (such as biting, fighting, or scratching) will not be allowed during preschool sessions.

• If unacceptable behavior does occur, the child will be encouraged to redirect the behavior and/or be placed in time-out as appropriate to their age.

• If the child continues to persist with an unacceptable behavior, the parent will be contacted.

How to Register for Programs at FBCNN

• A parent or guardian will complete a registration form. This form includes all pertinent information including any special needs for your child, who is authorized to pick up your child, emergency contacts, and your location in the building during children’s programs and activities.

Drop-off and pick-up policy

• Parents and guardians will drop off first through third graders at the appropriate location. At the end of the class or activity, these adults will pick up their children. Children in these grades will only be released to an adult.
• Teachers of children in fourth and fifth grade will establish a pick-up/drop-off policy with the parent. These children are welcome to meet parents in a “common” meeting place, although we respect that some parents would rather pick up their child from a classroom.
• Please be prompt in picking up the children, as teachers often have other church-related duties following children’s activities.
• Parent’s are expected to be in the building while the child is in a regularly scheduled program.

Children’s Ministry Outings Off Church Property

• Permission slips signed by a parent or guardian must be obtained for a child to attend an off-campus event. Church vehicles (vans and bus) are used to transport children. Seat belts MUST be worn, and parents must provide booster seats, if needed.

Worker Training

• FBCNN presents various training opportunities for teachers and other childcare workers throughout the year. Most often, safety and security training sessions are offered, as they are required for new volunteers. All leaders are required to fill out a Volunteer Information and Background Check form.