[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
Main Street is a happening place at Crossroads Bible Church! We
know that down the road kids will encounter many “crossroads” in their
lives and they will have to decide which path to take. But while they
are here on Main Street, we want to take advantage of every
opportunity to build a strong foundation of God’s truth into their lives.
Not only do we want kids to know and experience that God is here,
that He loves them and desires a relationship with them, but we want
children to know that God’s people are here to love them, too!
It’s because of your willingness to serve and love on kids that here on
Main Street, children will find many avenues to grow in their walk with
Jesus: service, relationships, music, prayer, giving and encouragement
from God’s word. You can serve as a leader, helper, teacher, craft
person, greeter, musician, behind the scenes and in front of the scene,
just to name a few.
This booklet will tell you what you need to know to serve in our
ministry’s programs. If you have any additional questions, please ask!
Come join us on Main Street where we are joyfully leading children on
the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God!
Travis Janousek
Children’s Ministry Director
Welcome to Main Street!
Joyfully leading children on the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God
You Every time children are here at Crossroads we want to provide them
with consistent, quality care. That’s why we are so thankful for you!
Because safety is our highest priority, all volunteers must fill out an
application and adults 18 and older must also undergo a background
check. If the applicant isn’t known by our staff, references will be
required. We schedule group or individual training for our staff and ask
that our volunteers become familiar with the material in this handbook.
If you have any questions about how to handle a situation, or what
activities to do with a group of kids, or how to communicate with
parents, or anything else, please let us know.
...in the Nursery
...in Preschool
...in Elementary School
It’s our desire to partner with parents in encouraging healthy growth and
development by creating a place for children to explore and learn. We
maintain child-to-teacher ratios well above state standards to ensure
quality care. The volunteers in our classroom are caring adults and
promising youths who are passionate about serving children.
Through multi-sensory learning, music, play and exploring God’s word,
our preschool teachers are committed to coming along side parents as
they lead their children to Jesus.
Grade school is an important time for kids to learn who God is, how
knowing him impacts their lives, and that church is a great place to
be. We are passionate about creating a team of friendly, caring
leaders who will encourage students to grow in their faith.
[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
Main Street Check In
At Main Street, we use a computerized check-in and out system called
Main Street Check-In for all of our children and volunteers. Main
Street Check In helps us keep accurate attendance records, ensures
safety for the children in our care, and aids hundreds of parents to
efficiently check in their children.
To be entered into the system someone at the Welcome Desk will
input basic information. A picture will be taken of the volunteer, or
child and their parent, and any approved adult or student who will be
authorized to check-in/out a child. They will also scan the finger of
those approved for check out.
This system prints both a name tag for each nursery volunteer and
nametag and check-in slip for each child. On the check-in slip is the
child’s name, picture, and important information such as allergies or
other needs.
It is imperative that parents escort their children to class and
personally hand the volunteer the check-in slip. If a child checks into
class unaccompanied by someone on their slip, please let a staff
person know so that they can follow up with the parent. At check-out,
the volunteer will receive the check-out slip and confirm that the
person picking up the child is pictured on the slip before dismissing
the child from class.
Joyfully leading children on the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God
When a parent comes to drop off a child always ask for the check-in
slip. Take a moment to look at it, making sure it’s for the right child, and
check if there are any allergies or recurring special needs listed. Put
the slip in the designated spot. On the clipboard, write the child’s name
on the attendance sheet. In the nursery, put their bag, jacket, diaper,
bottle, or anything else they’ve brought in a cubby, and write their name
on the whiteboard strip below.
Devote the first 15 minutes to greeting children and their families and
helping the children settle into an activity. ALWAYS welcome children
personally by name. (Aren’t you glad they wear a name tag!) This puts
the parents at ease and helps the child feel like they belong.
Drop Off
You only get one chance to make a first impression, so do whatever
you can to make a visitor feel welcome! Introduce your guest to another
child and personally help them engage in an activity. Visitors will be
wearing a visitor name tag . When the parent picks up the child they will
give you a visitor check out slip. This slip will have the child’s name
and class listed on it. At any time we are more than happy to enter a
visitor into our Main Street Check-In.
Visitors
[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
When You Arrive Please be in your class, ready to welcome children 15 minutes
before the service begins. Some families and a lot of visitors
come early, and it’s important for our ministry to be friendly and
professional by having teachers available and ready to welcome
children. For third service, arriving 15 minutes early is important
because we depend on you to relieve our volunteers so they can have
some time before the next service starts.
If You Need Assistance
Absences
If you need help for any reason please ask one of the staff members in
the hallway for help or send them a text. Their phone numbers are
posted by the door. If you need help with a particular child give them
the child’s check-in slip so they have the information they
need to contact the parent. If you can’t reach a staff
member, come to the Welcome Desk.
We need you here! Our ministry relies heavily on our volunteers. If
you know you will be absent, please contact your supervisor
as soon as possible so that they can find a substitute for you.
Last minute cancellations make it difficult to find someone to
fill your place.
Joyfully leading children on the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God
We want parents to know that we love their children and
that we will pay close attention to their child's needs.
Communicate with the parents that if their child cries, we
will attempt to comfort them for ten minutes. If your room is
full, or the crying is affecting other children, feel free to communicate
with the staff prior to ten minutes. If a parent does not feel comfortable
with ten minutes, please respect their wishes. If the child is
inconsolable after ten minutes, we will text or page the parent. Remind
them to keep their phone or pager with them. If the parent has given
consent and you feel you can console the child but it may take more
than ten minutes, take into consideration the impact their crying will
have on the entire program.
Crying Children
Helpers: TO DO or TO BE Sometimes it will be obvious what you are TO DO
as a helper because your teacher has given you
specific instructions or you see something that
needs to be done. But what do you do when there’s
nothing TO DO? We strongly believe that TO BE
present both physically and emotionally with a child
is so important for them to feel valued and loved. So make every effort
TO BE truly present with a child by sitting with them, using their name
and giving eye contact. When a volunteer stands and observes
because they have nothing TO DO, they miss out on an important
opportunity for connection. Be aware of, or create, opportunities to
engage and interact with the children in your care. Ask questions,
discover their personalities, read a book, roll a ball, sing a song -
anything that helps them know you want TO BE truly present.
[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
We will change diapers for infants-2 years. If a 3 year old or preschooler needs a diaper changed we will contact the parent.
Refer to nametags for specific parental requests.
Check diapers and change as needed.
Change diaper if a child attends both services.
You may want to note on the child’s nametag what time diapers were changed.
All adults may change diapers, students may change diapers with supervision.
Never leave a child unattended on table.
Use new wax paper and gloves with each child.
Place soiled diapers in Diaper Genie only.
If a 3 year old or preschooler needs a diaper changed we will contact the parent.
The children’s restroom door is to remain propped open at
all times during all Children’s programs. Adults should not use this
restroom at any time.
Toddlers—2nd Grade should use the children’s restroom and must be accompanied by a volunteer-2nd grade may go with a buddy and if their class is in the Green hall, they may use the adult restrooms.
Children needing assistance should use the restroom that is the same gender as the volunteer.
If a child needs assistance with clothing, provide assistance where visible in the main restroom area.
If a volunteer must remain in the stall for a prolonged time with a child, keep the stall door propped open, and call for assistance.
3-5th grade should use the adult restroom (by the Welcome Desk) If there is any concern over restroom needs, call for assistance.
Directors will discuss circumstances with parents when necessary.
Diapers
Restrooms
Joyfully leading children on the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God
Discipline
First, communicate the following expectations:
Respect your teacher by following their instructions
Respect others by being kind in how you talk, listen and act
Respect other's personal space
When a child misbehaves, have a gentle conversation with that child
Remind them of your expectations for their behavior at church
Ask them to tell you what they did
Ask them to tell you how they should have behaved
Remind them of your expectations and ask if they understand
Ask them if they are ready to join the class
If behavior doesn't improve contact a staff member who will then deal with
each child on an individual basis.
When children show any kind of physical violence such as kicking,
biting, hitting or scratching our teachers will:
4 year olds-5th grade: separate the aggressive child from other children
and contact a staff member who will call the parent, the child will not be
allowed in the class that day
3 year olds and younger: separate the aggressive child, tell them no, tell
them what behavior is acceptable, communicate what happened with
parents of both children and communicate the incident to a staff member
If behavior doesn't improve contact a staff member who will then deal with
[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
Snack Time For nursery we provide animal crackers or Cheerios and water. Prior
to offering snacks, please check each child’s nametag to confirm allergy
needs or parent requests. Offer snacks at least once during the
service. It is helpful to offer snacks toward the end of class so you can
start cleaning toys while the children are eating. At least one adult
should sit with the children during snack-time to maintain close
supervision. Use this opportunity to demonstrate prayer and
gratefulness.
Each classroom has Clorox wipes to clean as necessary. At
the end of third service wipe all small toys in the Nursery
individually with Clorox wipes. If any children show an
interest in “helping” definitely encourage this
behavior, but let them use only baby wipes! All large items like slides,
tables, rocking chairs, saucers, swings, etc. can be sprayed with the
sanitizer after 3rd service. Although the sanitizer is food-safe, it must
air dry so use only after all children have left.
Cleaning
Nursing Mothers We have a private room designed for nursing mothers located next to
Blue One. To ensure privacy, please enter through Blue One.
Joyfully leading children on the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God
Healthy Children
Bottle warmers are located on the counter in the nursery
room for infants as well as crawlers. Instructions are
listed on the warmer.
Bottle Warmers
Allergies and Special Needs
We ask parents to communicate with us any allergies or any kind of
special need whether it be learning, behavioral, emotional or social, in
order that we may care more effectively for their child. Food allergies will
be indicated on the child’s name tag. If a child needs an epi pen, the
parent will communicate this with a staff member as well as the teacher
and give any instructions that are necessary.
In consideration of all our children and adults, we ask that parents keep
their child at home when they have any of the following symptoms or
illnesses:
Runny nose * Chronic or productive cough * Questionable rash *
Diarrhea * Vomiting * Fever * Lethargy * Chicken Pox * Measles *
Mumps * Pink eye * Lice
If you see any of these symptoms contact a staff member
[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
Safety and Security We take safety and security seriously. Please read the following
instructions and ask your supervisor if you have any questions. For
further information on evacuating the building and using an epi pen, go to
our website www.kids.cbcbellevue and click on media for instructional
videos. These videos are password protected, see your advisor for the
password. There is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
machine located behind the Info Desk in the main lobby.
Child Protection All of our classrooms will have two volunteers. If you are assigned to be
one on one with a child, do so in a public area. Show affection to
children without compromising yourself or the child by using appropriate
touch. Use gentle touch on shoulders, hands, arms, head and back only.
Sit older children beside you, rather than on your lap. Do not throw, toss,
or swing a child from their arms or legs. If you have any questions
please talk with your supervisor.
Report Signs of Child Abuse If you suspect child abuse, please report it immediately to your
supervisor. Child abuse can be recognized in four ways:
Abuse is stated verbally to you by a child
Abuse is in written form by a child (prayer request, drawing etc)
You personally witness abuse to a child
Signs of abuse are evident (burns, bruises etc)
Joyfully leading children on the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God
Incidents
1. When alarm sounds, line up the class.
2. Babies can use the cribs to exit the building.
3. Take attendance clipboard with you.
4. Turn off lights and shut door.
5. Exit out the primary exit on map.
6. Line up the class in south parking lot as close to tree line as possible.
7. Keep the group together outside the building.
8. Confirm all children present—check against attendance sheets.
9. Hold up sign either “OK” or “Help” located on the clipboard. Wait for additional instructions.
10. When parents come to pick up their children, they must sign the attendance sheet
11. Do not re-enter the building until the “All Clear” is given.
Fire
Communicate to your director any incident whether behavioral or
accidental. Depending on the incident, they may need to fill out an
official CBC incident report and will ask for your assistance. In the
nursery, please fill out the Incident Report on the clipboard and then
communicate verbally with a staff member the nature of what happened.
Photo/Video Policy For security purposes, parents must grant permission to Crossroads
Bible Church to use photos and videos taken of children during ministry
related activities that will be used exclusively on the Main Street Kids
Facebook page, Main Street Kids Website, CBC Facebook page, and
CBC website. Photos and videos taken for classroom purposes must be
used in house only.
[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
Threat of Dangerous Behavior
Earthquake At the first sign of shaking instruct children to:
DROP to the ground
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of
furniture
HOLD ON until the shaking stops
If someone is a dangerous threat to the children you need to be
prepared to take action. If there is a potential threat in the
vicinity and you are instructed to Lockdown, follow the procedure for
lockdown. If the threat is in the building or is attempting to enter the
building, Run, Hide, Fight is the method taught by law enforcement
and government agencies in case of a dangerous threat such as an
In the event of a lockdown quickly check halls and get all
children and volunteers into the classroom. If possible, Red 7 will
exit through the back door and go to room Green 2.
Close and lock all doors
Close all window coverings Turn off lights Keep everyone inside the room and away from windows and
doors
Direct everyone to lay flat on the floor or behind barriers Stay calm and keep everyone else calm
Do not allow anyone into the room until further notice
Lockdown
Joyfully leading children on the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God
Run If it is safe to do so, the first course of action is to run out of the building and far away to a safe location.
Leave personal belongings behind
Call 911 when safe to do so
Let a responsible adult know where you are
Hide If running is not a safe option, hide in as safe a place as possible
Lock the doors
Barricade the doors with heavy furniture
Close blinds or cover windows
Turn off lights
Silence all electronic devices
Remain silent
Hide along the wall closest to the exit but out of view from the hallway (allowing for an ambush of the shooter and for possible escape if the shooter enters the room)
Remain in place until given an all clear by identifiable law enforcement.
Fight When confronted by the shooter, if neither running or hiding is a safe
option, as a last resort, adults in immediate danger should consider trying
to fight by disrupting or incapacitating the shooter by using aggressive
force with items in their environment, such as fire extinguishers or chairs.
Source: US Department of Homeland Security Guide for Developing High-Quality
Run, Hide, Fight
[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
After completing an application, we’ll place you in our ministry
where you can gain experience, and then as you grow, we’d love
to give you more responsibility! We welcome elementary students,
but they must serve with a parent. When serving, the most im-
portant thing is TO BE PRESENT! Use your hour to the fullest by
giving all your attention to the adults and children. We never want
you to passively observe, but rather be completely engaged wher-
ever you serve. Please remember-no phones! Our adults have
been asked to do the same and may need to remind you!
Infant & Crawler Room Youth Policies
Junior High and Elementary Students:
With nursery coordinator approval, may only serve in Blue 1 and Blue 5 with their parent serving with them
May interact with children on the floor or next to them in a child seat/exersaucer
May not pick up, carry, hold on lap, or feed any infant
May push a stroller in children’s hallways, only with their parent present
Check-in / Check-out should only happen with adult volunteers
May not have a friend serve in the Infant room with them
High School Students:
Have the opportunity to be trained in infant care if the class-room lead is comfortable with training them in feeding, chang-ing, appropriate handling, etc.
May pick up, feed, play, change diapers (supervised until lead approves them)
May push strollers unaccompanied in hallways
Student Helpers
Joyfully leading children on the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God
Main Street Kids intentionally offers quality care for our children so
that they are safe, loved, and cared for in an environment where they
can receive God’s love. To maintain a safe and nurturing
environment, we will meet the following ratios of adults to children
and staff a minimum of 2 adults per room in infants-kindergarten.
The purpose of the ratios is three-fold:
provide quality care to the child with the underlying message of
God’s existence and love
give volunteers a manageable task so that they are not
overwhelmed but can physically, emotionally and spiritually
nurture children
reassure parents that their child will receive care, attention and a
foundation of God’s truth in a safe environment
Ratios
Age Ratio Adult/Child
Infants 1:2
Toddlers 1:3
2 years 1:5
3-5 years 1:8
K-5th grade
1:based on size of
room/event
[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
Melissa Dideriksen Child Care Coordinator
Meet our Staff
Liz Leitz Director of Sunday School
Travis Janousek Director Children’s Ministry [email protected]
Jen Phillips Prime Time! Coordinator [email protected]
Shauna Lane Program Assistant
Kristin Mowat Children’s Ministry Assistant
Margaret Wollny Nursery Coordinator
Joyfully leading children on the lifelong adventure of knowing and loving God
Main Street Programs
Sunday Morning
2nd Service 9:30am - 3rd service: 11am
Each service the children will learn about the wonder of God through different teaching styles and lessons from our committed volunteers.
(Please note: 1st service, we do not offer childcare) Nursery Coordinator: Margaret Wollny - [email protected]
Sunday School Director: Liz Leitz - [email protected]
Tuesday Crosswalk Kids
9:30-11:30 am
Crosswalk is designed specifically for kids of moms in bible study. Our teachers and leaders invest weekly in loving kids and sharing Jesus.
Crosswalk Coordinator- [email protected]
Wednesday Prime Time!
6:30-8:00 pm
This is our high energy midweek program for kids 3yrs-5th grade to learn how to love God and others in everyday life. Prime Time Coordinator - [email protected]
Thursday Moppets
9:30-11:30 am
While moms are at MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) caring teachers and leaders create a loving place for children to explore who God is in a multi-sensory environment.
Moppets Coordinator - [email protected]
[email protected] - www.kids.cbcbellevue.com
What do you remember??
When does a volunteer use Main Street Check-in?
Why are there pictures on the check in/out slips?
How does a visitor check out on Sunday Morning?
When should volunteers arrive for serving?
What do you do if you need assistance in a
classroom?
What is the restroom policy?
Who can change a diaper?
How do you know if a child has an allergy?
In case of fire what do you do?
Where is the Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?
What do you do if there is an active shooter?
Run, Hide, Fight