• Our Children’s ministries are undergirded with Safe Sanctuaries policies that must be followed. Safe sanctuaries are an outward expression in making congregations safe places where children and youth may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith.

Our Safe Sanctuary Policy:

• In alignment with the United Methodist Church’s Safe Sanctuary requirements, The Gathering at Scott Memorial UMC has adopted this policy for the protection of the children and youth involved in its ministries and for the protection of the workers against frivolous accusations.
• Those working in children and youth ministry must be Safe-Sanctuary certified. This is a two-step process:
  • Applicants must complete and pass a criminal background check.
  • Applicants must attend Safe-Sanctuary training. 
• Cleaning – All childcare rooms will be cleaned and sanitized according to Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Our Cleaning Plan is as follows: 
• Our childcare workers will clean and sanitize all toys and rooms used.
• We will use recommended products specific to COVID-19 to be used on appropriate shared surfaces. 
• Children’s toys, books and supplies will be cleaned with mild soap and water as recommended by the CDC. 
• Toys such as dolls and stuffed animals will be removed from the children’s spaces. 
• A toy in rotation approach will be used. As toys need to be taken out of rotation for any reason, new, clean toys will be introduced to the children. 
• Designated children’s bathrooms:
  • We are fortunate to have designated childcare bathrooms. The bathroom facilities will be cleaned with our normal building cleaning process by our custodian. Bathrooms are cleaned, disinfected, floors are mopped, door handles are disinfected, and social distancing and handwashing hygiene reminders are posted. 

• Volunteers/staffing:  
• All adults in Stage 2 are required to submit a Health Acknowledgement Form and wear a face covering.
• All requirements from our Stage 2 In-person Worship Plan must be followed.
• Weekly, we will ask for more volunteers then we expect to be needed. Should a childcare worker become sick or not able to help, we will use one of our reserve volunteers. 
• Workers must wash or sanitize hands before and after handling children. All supplies will be readily available and out of the reach of children. 

• Room Assignment: 
• The childcare rooms selected have been chosen because they are large enough to allow for 6ft of social distancing. We will use creative ways to help keep the children apart and offer friendly reminders to them.
• Based on sign-ups, the Childcare Director will assign children within families to be together in the same room.
• Children ages 6 and up will remain with their parents in the service .
• Sign-up/ Registration: Families using limited childcare must sign-up prior to attending. Registering children prior to attendance is important.   
• Sign-up and Health Acknowledgement Forms for children participating in limited childcare during worship can be indicated on a family sign-up forms submitted weekly, which is due into the church 3 days prior to worship. We also ask that you complete the Childcare sign-up that we are well prepared to meet the needs of each child. Sign-up will be electronic. Upon arrival, each child/parent will have to agree to the Health Poster provided.
• Childcare Check-in:
• All children will be checked-in and out at the Childcare check-in desk at the front of the Children’s Ministry hallway. Childcare staff will take children to the childcare rooms. No parents will be allowed in the childcare areas.
• In the childcare areas, children will NOT be expected to wear face masks (unless of course you want your child to)
• All childcare staff and volunteers will be required to wear a mask while in the building and must submit a health Acknowledgement Form prior to service
• Hand sanitizer will be provided in each classroom for staff and children to use.
• Children have access to designate children’s bathrooms
  • Infants and Toddlers (up to 2 years) can be dropped off at the nursery;
    • Parents are not permitted to enter the room.
    • You will be able to leave diaper bags outside the room in the hallway.
    • You may, however, drop off wipes and diapers in a ziplock bag marked with child’s name.
    • Only infant’s milk or formula bottles will be permitted in the infant room.
    • NO other food is allowed in the infant room.

• For more information, please see Limited Childcare Plan

• For children 3 to 5 years old, parents can drop off at the Childcare Check-In.
  • Please keep 6 feet distance from other parents dropping off.
  • A childcare worker and/or volunteer will be there to escort children to the appropriate room.
  • Parents are NOT permitted to enter childcare rooms.
  • Please keep all jackets, toys, bags and personal belongings with you.
  • NO FOOD AND DRINK WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE ROOM.
  • Pick-up: When service is over, parents will check-in at Check-In desk and a childcare worker/volunteer will bring the child to the parent.