Children’s Ministry Policies
What a joy and privilege it is to care for and teach the children that God has blessed us with at Christ the King. While we ultimately rely on God’s sovereign protection, child safety is very important to us and we take it seriously. Our policies and procedures have been developed to help ensure a safe, loving environment for both our kids and those individuals serving with them.
In order to provide a safe, healthy environment for all our children, staff and volunteers, we ask parents to refrain from bringing children to nursery or classes if they exhibit any of the symptoms below. The same applies to teachers, volunteers and staff scheduled to serve with the children. If a child develops any of these symptoms while in our care, a parent will be contacted to pick up the child.
suspected illness or child is feeling unwell
fever, vomiting, or diarrhea in the last 24 hours
runny nose not clear in color (or excessive discharge of any color)
cough, sore throat (including strep, croup)
contagious infection or rash (“pink-eye”, impetigo, etc.)
head lice (should be free of nits)
symptoms of communicable diseases (chicken pox, mumps, measles, etc.)
use of antibiotics for 24 hours or less
Please also refer to the symptoms of COVID from the CDC.
Effective September 1, 2022, we have updated our COVID guidelines, as pertains to all children’s programs and classes, to align with guidance from the Dept. of Public Health (DPH) and the Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) (see Update on COVID-19 Matters in K-12 Schools for Fall 2022).
Vaccination:
Per DPH, all staff, volunteers, and children (including ages 6 months to 5 years) are strongly recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine primary series and all boosters, as they become eligible for them.
We continue to encourage all staff and volunteers who serve with children to be up-to-date with vaccinations, and consequently, we are not verifying vaccination status.
Face coverings:
Face coverings are optional for all staff, volunteers, and children during ministry programs and classes. As always, any individual who wishes to continue to mask, including those who face higher risk from COVID-19, is supported in that choice.
Face coverings are required in some cases based on updated Isolation and Exposure Guidance issued by DPH (in alignment with recently issued guidance from the CDC).
Individuals (including staff, volunteers and children) who test positive for, are exposed to, or develop symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to follow the updated Isolation and Exposure Guidance issued by DPH.
Anyone who is feeling unwell should also refer to CTK’s Wellness Policy.
An air filtration system will be running inside each room.