Our Policies
OUR POLICIES
SAFE SANCTUARY
Providing a “Safe Sanctuary” for all of our children means that as staff and volunteers, we do all that we can to provide an atmosphere of security and safety where children are free to grow and learn without fear of harm.
ALL of our staff and volunteers have been background-screened and then trained in Safe Sanctuary procedures so that they are equipped to assist whenever needed. See a summary of these Policies below, and be assured that your Children’s Ministry staff and volunteer leaders take these seriously.
SAFE SANCTUARY POLICES AND PRACTICES
TWO screened/trained adults are present whenever children are present.
A youth of 14 yrs or older may assist with children as long as there are 2 screened adults present.
Classroom doors remain partially open (1/2 doors: top portion open).
If the fire alarm goes off, the building will be evacuated, and approved adults will guide the children outside.
First aid kits are located in the large kids room above the sink and in the mailroom. Ask a Children’s Ministry staff person for assistance if needed.
How Children are Treated
In our children's community, we encourage healthy community practices and maintain an environment that invites children and adults alike to interact with God together. Emphasis is placed on encouraging children to develop sensitivity towards and respect for the rest of the community, rather than performance-driven "right" behavior. As such,
Leaders are expected to make children aware of any guidelines in place to solicit respectful & considerate interactions.
Leaders use gentle reminders with children and may position themselves near a child when he or she shows they are experiencing difficulty functioning respectfully within the larger community.
Praise and positive reinforcement are used to encourage constructive choices.
Parents will be kept aware of any ongoing issue, enabling leaders and parents to work together to solve any difficulties that may arise.
Poster Project
Staff artist Scott Erickson has taken a few of his paintings from the last two years and made them into posters depicting values of Ecclesia. All proceeds from the poster sales go to the Elder Building Fund.