Speaking for myself and all the parents, we are all blessed that God has led you to serve our littlest saints - those whom the Kingdom of God is most like! As you serve, here are the guidelines under which our nursery needs to function and the ministry we would like to achieve with our little ones and their parents:

• Make sure the room is set up well and that the child gate is IN PLACE 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE SERVICE BEGINS (This will give the parents confidence in you and in the care their children will receive).This means that all nursery workers must be in the room and ready to go before parents and children begin to arrive. If you have difficulty arriving before that time, please contact the nursery supervisor immediately!
• Greet all Mom's and Dad's warmly - you are there to bless them and their children. If they have a new baby or are new to the church, be sure give them the handout that explains to the parents our nursery policies and answer any questions that they might have. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all the details of this handout in advance!
• To insure the health and well-being of all the children (and adults), we are unable to accept any sick children into the nursery. We agonize over having to explain this policy to a parent with a sick child, but they, on another day, wouldn't want their healthy child exposed to anything contagious either. If their child has a condition that is not contagious (an allergy, etc.), it must be certified by a note from a doctor.
• Parents, and parents only, MUST sign in their child, and the SAME PARENT who signed in their child MUST sign him/her out after the service (no siblings). We found that this rule, though rather strict, is necessary to guarantee each parent the peace of mind of knowing where their child is at all times.
• Graciously inform or remind the parent to pick up their child within ten minutes after the service ends.
• Immediately upon the child being signed in, write their name on a piece of masking tape or other label provided and stick it to the child's back (it's harder for them to reach it there!). Also label their diaper bag and bottle with their name.
• Be Jesus to these children for the time that they are in your care. Jesus said, "Allow the little children to come to me and don't forbid them - for of such is the Kingdom of God..." Children were attracted to Jesus, and He blessed them! Get down on the floor and play with them and be with them - like Jesus would!
• Under no circumstances are the children ever to be left to themselves without authorized ADULT supervision, even for one second! There should always be TWO adults assigned to work in the nursery each week. If you are the only one there, you need to contact the nursery supervisor ASAP and request additional adult help! Teenagers are allowed to assist the adults in the nursery, but they may not replace them.
• Changing Diapers: All nursery workers who change diapers must wash their hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap before and after changing each child. All diapers need to be placed in a plastic bag (provided), and then disposed of in the restroom trash can.
• Remember - the parent who checks in the child MUST be the one who picks him/her up!
• At the end of the day, please put the nursery toys back in their  storage container, but do not store away the container. This will be picked up and taken home for sterilization by a designated nursery helper and returned next week.

We ask that with all grace and mercy and gentleness of heart towards parents and children alike, that you uphold all these guidelines. If you have any ideas, suggestion or difficulties, please contact the nursery supervisor - you are vitally important to the ministry here at Calvary Chapel! Jesus told Peter, "Take care of My little lambs..." This is our calling...!

Serving with you,

Pastor Jay