Kidtown Volunteer Handbook

Let's Get Started

We'll work through the Kidtown Handbook section by section. Each section will have questions that you must answer before moving to the next section.

Volunteer Requirements

• Complete a background check
• Engage with this online handbook and take the attached quiz questions
• Complete the supplemental information form
• Complete the volunteer training if serving in K-5

• Creating a safe and inviting space for our children to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ
• Teaching children that they are known and loved fully by God

• Once you have completed all the steps to be a Kidtown volunteer, you will be auto scheduled quarterly.
• If you are not available for the date you are scheduled, look at the Church Center schedule and find another volunteer to trade dates with you.
• Alert the Kidtown Director with all date changes or if you need help finding a substitute.
• Update the schedule with the change. Arrive promptly at 9:30am for the 10am service.

Guidelines/Expectations for Kidtown Volunteers:

• BE ON TIME! Parents cannot leave children in a classroom until there is an adult volunteer present. Your being on time means that everyone can get to the service on time.
• Be flexible and a team player. Everyone is expected to help clean up rooms.
• Build relationships with the kids and be a role model for the children.
• Make the safety and care of the children your top priority… physically, spiritually and emotionally.
• Do not accept a child without a check-in sticker on.
• Keep open communication with parents about their child – what they are learning, what they did well, behavior issues, etc.
• Keep open communication with Kidtown staff about concerns, suggestions, praises, etc.

Restroom Policy:

• Volunteers should provide assistance to a child using the restroom only if the child is three years or younger or has special needs requiring extra assistance. Only female volunteers should provide this assistance and only female volunteers should change diapers. There should always be two adults present with children. This will protect both the volunteer and the child.
• Elementary children don't need an escort to the bathroom. Pre-K will go to the bathroom as a class with all of the adults. Children might need help washing their hands, especially the small children.
• For children who are potty training, use a pull-up, or if there is an accident, notify the Assistant or Director to get their parent(s) to change.
• *Anyone under 18 may not change diapers or take children to the restroom.*

Proper Touch:

• No hug should be given to the child unless the child initiated.
• Be sensitive, don’t force yourself upon a child.
• If a child is in Pre-K or above, the child should not sit in your lap.

Room Safety:

• Classroom doors must be open most of the time, except in the case of an active threat. We also keep several of our doors closed, particularly the Nursery, to avoid runaways.
• At least 2 adults should be present with children at all times.

When an injury happens:

• Come to the check-in desk with child to be treated or contact the Kidtown Director or the Kidtown Assistant to administer first aid.

Serious injuries involving broken bones, fainting, unconsciousness or similar injuries should be treated as follows:

• Keep calm and comfort injured child.
• Do not move the injured child and do not leave him/her.
• Remove other children from area.
• Send a fellow teacher to locate the Kidtown Assistant for assistance. The Kidtown Assistant will call 911 if needed.
• Parent will be contacted immediately and the child will continue to be treated as needed until further assistance arrives.

Wellness

Children must be symptom free from the following (without medication) for at least 24 hours before entering Kidtown:

• Fever of 100° or higher
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Conjunctivitis (Pink eye or other infection)
• Rash
• Nasal drainage which is green or yellow
• Open sores
• Cold
• Excessive coughing
• Lice

Injury & First Aid:

• We only administer Band-Aids and ice packs to the children in our care, unless trained to use an Epi-pen by the parents. If you are uncomfortable administering this care, please get the Assistant or Director at your location to do it for you.

A. Stay consistent

Children do well when they know what is expected of them. The classroom structure will be similar from week to week. Having a predictable routine helps kids cope with an environment and understand appropriate behavior.

B. Praise the positive and reward good behavior

Children often learn by modeling behavior. For example, “I love the way Sarah is sitting quietly with her hands in her lap. Great job!” The other children will typically follow in hopes of being praised in the same way. Praising kids rewards good behavior and reinforces it for the entire class. You may also use positive reinforcement, such as: obedient children are the first to receive snacks or art supplies.

C. Make things fun

Instead of going into things like clean up time with a negative approach, such as “I’m so sorry, but we have to put toys away now…” try addressing it with a positive spin like “OK, kids, I have a mission for you: do you think we can have all of these toys put away in two minutes?” Singing the clean up song is also a fun way to begin and encourage a clean up routine.

D. Crying children

Engage an upset child with something of interest. Talk to them in a way that distracts them from thinking about their parents and avoid saying that Mommy or Daddy are coming. If absolutely necessary, you can remind them that Mommy and Daddy will come back soon, but do not make that the point of your conversation. For children who are likely to cry, ask their parents about how to best soothe them. If the child is inconsolable, get the Assistant or Director. They will then assess whether to call the parent or not.

E. Gospel integration in discipline

Focus on God’s love for the child and your love for the child. Be specific as you explain that you want him or her to follow directions, be kind to friends, participate, etc. Remember that discipline should always be given in love, not in anger. Give the child one warning. If the child does not respond, you can have them sit on a chair for a time out to calm down. If the child still does not respond, get the Assistant or Director to decide on next steps.