Nursery and Pre-School Practices - FAQs

• Are the nurseries open during the worship hour?
  Both the baby nursery and the toddler nursery are open and available during the worship hour. We do ask that parents pick up their children promptly following the service to relieve the workers and allow them to fellowship.
  
  Both nurseries are available for use during special events held at the church (e.g. weddings, funerals, Bible study, etc.). The nursery coordinator must be contacted first to explain guidelines and procedures and to answer any questions.
  
  
• Can my child come into the nursery with a clear, runny nose?
  We have a strict sick policy in order to ensure a healthy environment for your children. We do not allow children that are sick into the nursery.
  
  Being sick includes, but is not limited to, a fever, cough, diarrhea, or runny nose (clear or green). We will alert the parents if a child is OK during check-in, but develops symptoms during their stay.
  
  If your child has a runny nose or cough due to allergies and you know your child is not sick, they may remain in the nursery.
  
  
• Child abuse happens in other churches, how do I know my kids will be safe here?
  At Southside we have a Child Abuse Prevention Policy in place. This is primarily for legal purposes, since we are careful to screen our volunteers during the application process. As a result, the policy requires that there are always two adults in the room, and an adult is never alone with a child, even during bathroom visits.
  
  Only women are allowed to change diapers and accompany children to the bathroom. Men are allowed to work only in the toddler nursery, and only if they are serving with their wives.
  
• I’m afraid that the kids will get sick just from being in the nursery. Is this true?
  We put a lot of effort into ensuring a clean, safe environment for your children. We have a strict sick policy (see previous question) to keep sickness away from the children. We routinely clean and disinfect the toys. Bedding sheets are changed between babies. The diaper changing station is kept clean and gloves are used when changing diapers or cleaning up accidents. Workers routinely use antibacterial hand gel and washing hands. Also, the rooms are cleaned weekly (including door handles!)
  
  Toddlers are required to wash hands or use hand gel before snack time. Sippy cups are labeled with your child’s name to discourage “sharing”. We do serve snacks, so please inform us of any dietary restrictions your child has.
  
  However, even with all of our efforts, kids still get sick. Whenever kids interact with each other, whether inside or outside the nursery, the risk of contracting a virus is higher than adults.
  
  
• Is the nursery open after church?
  The nursery is closed to children after all of the parents have picked up their children and the workers have left.
  
  The nursery remains open to moms nursing and changing diapers, etc.
  
  
• Is there a curriculum or is it just play time?
  The children in the baby nursery enjoy playtime with the other children and playing or reading books with the adults. In the toddler room, there is a short, Christ-centered teaching time where the children learn about biblical events; learning lessons about God and about themselves.
  
  Workers in both nurseries continually encourage the children with biblical principles when instructing the children and their interactions with each other.
  
  
• What are the age requirements for children in the nursery?
  The baby nursery accepts children from birth to 2 years old.
  The toddler nursery is for children 2-4 years old.
  
  
• What do I do if my child has allergies or other special needs?
  Please notify the nursery workers on duty about your child’s specific needs. Also make a note on the sign-in sheet for them to reference. We do serve snacks in both nurseries, so check with the workers if you have concerns about allergies, etc.
  
  If there are health needs that the workers feel they cannot handle safely, they will notify the parents.
  
  
• What do you do to keep my child safe in the nursery?
  Regarding sickness, we have a strict sick policy in order to ensure a healthy environment (refer to previous two questions).
  
  We use a three-part child I.D. system. When you check in your child, you will receive an animal tag for your child with his/her name, as well as matching tags for their belongings and a wristband for the parent/ guardian. You must have your animal wristband when picking up your child, or else you will have to show picture I.D. to identify yourself. Only parents/ guardians can pick up the children. They will not be released to siblings or friends.
  
  We attempt to maintain order and structure with a quiet and controlled atmosphere. However, occasionally a child displays behavioral problems that affect the other children, such as hitting or biting. We address these issues by gently correcting the child using biblical instruction and removing them from the situation. Nursery workers will keep special attention to those children. If the problem persists, parents may be notified in order to ensure the safety of the other children.
  
  At Southside we have a Child Abuse Prevention Policy in place. This is primarily for legal purposes, since we are careful to screen our volunteers during the application process. As a result, the policy requires that there are always two adults in the room, and an adult is never alone with a child, even during bathroom visits. Only women are allowed to change diapers and accompany children to the bathroom. Men are allowed to work only in the toddler nursery, and only if they are serving with their wives.
  
  
• Where can I nurse my baby in private?
  Adjoining the baby nursery is a separate room for sleeping babies and nursing moms. Any nursing mom, regardless of whether their child uses the nursery services, may use this room.
  
  This room can only be accessed through the baby nursery in order to ensure the safety of sleeping babies. The room does have a door to the hallway for fire safety purposes, but this door remains locked from the inside during church hours.
  
• Who do I talk to if I have questions or problems?
  Please do not hesitate to talk to the nursery coordinator or an elder about any questions or problems that arise. We are here to serve you and allow you to worship God and study His Word unhindered.