ChurchSafety

Watching over someone else's child is rarely described as simple.  However, with a well-managed check-in and check-out process you can gain control of a critical piece of the childcare experience.  You'll leave parents with a good impression, knowing that their kids are safe.

Make a Good Impression

• Set the stage.  Parents will make key decisions—including where to attend church—based on the needs of their children. Set the stage for their experience at church with a friendly, but professional greeting process.
  
  
• Explain the "why" behind procedures. Don't assume parents will understand all of the risks involved in caring for their children.   A thorough discussion of the risks and corresponding procedures will set your parents' minds at ease and prevent misunderstandings.
  
  
• State your expectations. Let the parents know—in writing—what you need from them. Be sure to list important rules where you need their cooperation. 
  
  

Keeping Kids Safe

• Create thorough policies. Consider registration, admittance, release and emergency notification processes when you build your policies.
  
  
• Clearly identify workers.  Parents shouldn't have to guess who the childcare workers are.  Clearly identify workers and make sure that you have properly screened them.
  
  
• Consider a computer-based process. Depending on the size of your church and the make-up of the congregation, you may need to invest in technology to simplify the process.  Keep in mind that automated systems still require close monitoring.
  
  
• Train workers on the process. Elaborate systems are ineffective if workers can't use them confidently.  The primary goal is to keep kids safe, but you want parents to know they are safe as well.  A fumbled check-in could send the wrong message.
  
  

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