Volunteer Guidelines

• Arrive on time: 30 minutes prior to service time.

• Classrooms must be ready and open 20 minutes prior to service time.

• Two adults must be present to accept children.

• Volunteers must wear name tags while serving.

• Elementary children are not allowed to leave the classroom without a team member’s permission.

• Positive reinforcement will be used when behavior issues occur.

• Reccurring difficulties will be discussed with parent/guardian by ministry coordinator.

Check In and Pick Up

When a child arrives in Ridge Kids:

• An Adult must check them in (an elementary child will not be allowed to check another child in).

• Parent receives a check in / check out  sheet for each child.

• Check In / Check Out Sheets must be presented when dropping off and picking up children.

• Parents obtain their check out sheet when checking children out at the end of the ministry hour. 

 When picking up your child:

• A PARENT or ADULT is required to have a check out sheet for each child with the adult photo that matches.

• Parent presents check out sheet.

• Team member dismisses child to parent.

• Children must be picked up promptly after service.

• If you have trouble printing a check out sheet see the volunteer at Ridge Kids Check-In for assistance.  A team member will summon the area coordinator.

Security Guidelines

• All children, Nursery through 4th Grade are required to be signed in by their parent or guardian.

• Only children, parents and Ridge Kids volunteers are permitted into Ridge Kids 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 ministry coordinator.  

• Other than Ridge Kids 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 one 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.

• Fill out a Nursery Activity Slip for every diaper change.

Bottle Guidelines

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

Please place any toys or Church linens that have been mouthed or spit up on during the ministry hour into the proper bin.  Toys can be disenfected using the cleaning solution Quat-64 by mixing 2 ounces Quat-64 with 1 gallon hot water in the sink.  Toys should be placed in the solution to be disinfected, and then placed on paper towels to air dry.  The ministry coordinator will wash the soiled linens when the bin is full.

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

Large equipment
Changing Stations
Toys
Swing Trays 
Play Pen Mattresses
Play Mats