KIDSjr pre-k/kinder Teacher Handbook 2017-2018 Preschool & Kindergarten
table of contents Table of Contents Mosaic Early Childhood Team... 3 Leader guidelines and expectations... 4 Classroom discipline... 4 Class prep and drop-off... 5 Curriculum and classroom guidelines... 6 Health and Safety... 7 Pick-up and mobile checkout... 8 Classroom clean-up... 9 Emergency plan: building map... 10 Emergency plan: explanations... 11 Statement of Faith....12-14 Leadership Covenant.....15 2
early childhood team Early Childhood Team Susan Thomas Team Leader 479-936-6145 suthomas@fellowshipnwa.org Jen Kanak Infants 479-422-6029 jekanak@fellowshipnwa.org Lili Tibon Toddlers 479-366-9803 litibon@fellowshipnwa.org Jenny Shelby Preschool & Kindergarten 479-879-5559 jeshelby@fellowshipnwa.org Cherie Johnson Pre-K & K Worship 479-225-6353 chjohnson@fellowshipnwa.org 3
guidelines What does it mean to be a leader? In an effort to know volunteers better and to protect children in our ministry, all leaders will follow Fellowship s STOP model: Screen - volunteers must fill out a screening form, provide references and agree to a background check. Training - volunteers will be trained prior to leading independently and will review leader guidelines annually either through group trainings or online presentations. Operations - volunteers will follow Fellowship s operational safety guidelines listed in this handbook. Plan - volunteers will know and follow the incident response plan in place to protect our children. Keep your commitment. If you are unable to lead, find a substitute, delegate your responsibilities, and communicate the change to your director. If you have tried but cannot find a replacement, contact your director. Because you are leading young children, you may need to discipline. They are in the process of learning and understanding how the world works and sometimes don t have any idea of the consequences of their actions. Discipline teaches children appropriate ways to meet their needs and to stop inappropriate behavior. Follow these guidelines (as appropriate to child s age): Set clear limits (say what child can do, instead of always saying no ). Redirect behavior. Talk through problems. Remove child from situation (time out is acceptable, if behavior is dangerous to child & others -1 min/year of age). Contact director if none of the above options work in changing child s behavior. Director will contact parent if child continues to have problems. Effective discipline does not include ridicule, sarcasm, threats or withholding any sort of care from a child. Effective discipline should NEVER include any sort of negative physical touching (spanking, slapping, swatting, pulling). 4
class prep + drop-off Before Saturday: What do I do before class? Review your lesson on our Lead Small app, so you are ready to teach when you arrive. If you cannot come, find a substitute if possible and contact your Director to let them know who is taking your place. On Saturday: Be on time! Please be in your assigned classroom 20 minutes before service starts. Talk to directors if you have children you need to drop off in other areas. When you enter your service area, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, put your nametag on, and make sure you have everything you need for class (notify your Director or Coordinator if you need anything). If your co-leader will be late, notify the Director. There should be two teachers in the room at all times. What do I do when parents drop off kids? Greet parents and children cheerfully. Check all nametags as children enter the room. Make sure nametags are on the front to help our leaders during worship. Check for any notes on the tag and ask parents for clarification. Bumblebees/Grasshoppers: ask about potty training if unsure. If a child doesn t have a nametag, direct the parent to the check-in station. Encourage parents to NOT enter the room unless the child needs help adjusting to class. Place all bags/items on a hook (Preschool - outside classroom, Kindergarten - in back of room). Important Roster Information: Shortly after service starts, you will be given a roster. CHECK ALL NAMES on the list - do not just count heads. Children are frequently dropped off in the wrong room. If your roster is incorrect, notify your director so children can be found and/or moved in the system. Keep your roster with you in case of an emergency. 5
classroom policies What do I do during class? Follow the schedule located on the counter in your classroom. ORANGE Curriculum We are using a Curriculum called Orange. It is designed so that each preschooler will learn that: (1) God made me (2) God loves me and (3) Jesus wants to be my friend forever. It gives our preschoolers an introduction to the story of God by providing weekly Bible story presentations that are highly creative, interactive and age-specific. Please try to use all the curriculum provided. It all works together to help the preschoolers learn about God in a fun and loving environment. Complete the activity copied on pink paper before Worship. These activities introduce new concepts that preschoolers will hear in Worship. Review the lesson taught in Worship/Prayer Journal, copied on Green Paper. Complete the Craft and other activities copied on blue paper, they help preschoolers apply the story to their lives and practice faith skills to help them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Snacks Check for any allergies on the nametag before giving snack. Worship: Take children to the restroom before worship (see guidelines below in Restroom/Potty Training). Line up and help your class walk calmly to the worship area. Sit with your children and participate in worship. When sitting with children, avoid having them sit in your lap - have them sit next to you. This is to protect you and our children. Restroom/Potty Training: When taking children to the restroom, go in groups of 2 or more if possible. Male teachers are only to assist boys. Children should have as much privacy as possible. Wait outside for them and enter only when necessary to assist child, keeping the door open. It is possible that some children are potty training when we first promote. Communicate with parents about what their child will need. 6
health + safety What if I need help? There is always a Director or Coordinator to assist you if any of the children in your room are extremely unhappy, having discipline problems, sick, hurt, or if you need anything at all. Don t be afraid to ask. Your building staff is ready to help! (If it is an urgent issue, it s better to have a teen helper or one of the teachers find a director or coordinator). What if somebody is sick? We ask parents to not bring children to class if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms. As leaders, we ask that you follow the same guidelines: Fever: 100 or greater within the past 24 hours. Diarrhea: 3 or more watery stools in a 24 hour period. Vomiting: 2 or more occasions within the past 24 hours. Sore throat: if associated with fever/swollen glands in neck. Severe coughing: seal bark, wheezing or excessive coughing (especially if gagging, vomiting or with difficulty breathing), when not related to asthma. Pink eye: pink or red eye(s) which may be swollen with white or yellow discharge, until on antibiotics for 24 hours. Nasal discharge: green or yellow. If on antibiotics, please wait 24 hours after starting treatment before coming to church. If you see any of the above symptoms, notify your director. The child will be separated from the other children and the parents will be notified. What if a child gets hurt? It is our desire to provide a safe environment for all children but accidents do happen. In the event of an accident or injury, notify your director, who will contact parents immediately if there is a serious injury. You may be asked to fill out an accident report form stating the details of what happened and what medical attention was given. Copies will be given to the parents and to the Team Leader. If you see anything that is of concern, notify your director who will follow through with incident response plan. 7
pick-up What do I do when parents pick up kids? Check roster for any notes concerning pick-up instructions. Notify your director if you would like help in these situations. Greet parents cheerfully. Be as positive as possible about the child s experience. Ask for the receipt. This may be either printed or on the phone: Printed receipt: small piece of paper with child s name, classroom and date. Mobile receipt: parents may now check their children out with their phone using the myfellowship app (see below for more information). Match the name and the date (and code, if applicable) before releasing a child. Remove child s nametag, stick it to the paper receipt and throw both away. Remind parents to get crafts/coloring sheets, as well as any bags/items on hooks. What is mobile checkout? Parents can use the myfellowship app to check out their children from their phones. They will show you the check-out screen. Just as with the paper receipts, please make sure the date, child s name and room are all correct. In addition, each confirmation will have a unique ID. This number is also on the child s nametag, in the lower right corner. Please make sure those numbers match. 8
cleaning What should I do after class? All classrooms must be thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next class. Please help your building staff by completing the following tasks: Stack all curriculum materials neatly on counter. The director will return all items to tub and storage. Throw away any papers and/or crafts left behind by children. Clean up clutter and lesson/craft materials on counters and in cubbies. Stack chairs against the wall. Disinfect all toys and surfaces, including tables and counters. Return all toys to tubs and place on shelves. Return books to bookshelf. Make sure all puzzles and games are intact and return to shelves. Discard any broken toys. Remove all trash and put outside of classroom door. Replace trash bags. Give any items left by children to your director. Return snack tray to kitchen area. Leave your nametag in the building. Turn off lights. 9
Emergency: map What do I do in an emergency? In an emergency, children are kept together in a pre-designated area. Maps are located in each classroom showing where you should go in an emergency. Please make sure you know your classroom s emergency plan. Yellow Pink Green Blue Purple Red Orange 10
Emergency: scenarios Fire/Bomb Threat In the event of a fire, staff and children should get at least 500 feet away from the building. Steps of Action: Turn off lights and close all windows and doors. Grab evacuation bag located by the classroom door and leave the building and go to assigned spot. (Map posted in classroom.) In case of blocked exit, find next closest exit. Keep your class roster with you and take roll. Restrooms, hallways, and unoccupied rooms will be checked by KIDSjr staff. Emergency personnel will check building to ensure total evacuation. Tornado/Severe Weather Watch : conditions are favorable for tornado or severe weather. Warning : a tornado may be imminent. Take shelter and monitor weather. Steps of Action: A director will be present at all times and communicate with you. Persons in unsafe locations should seek cover in designated area. (See map posted in each classroom.) Seat young children on the floor in safe spot with their backs to the wall, knees up, and hands over their heads. Close blinds, classroom doors, and take flashlight. Keep your class roster with you and take roll. Wait for all clear signal. Avoid large open areas where kids can be hurt by flying debris. Assist in maintaining order in check out procedures Violent Threat In the event of a violent threat, staff will initiate a lockdown. Stay in your classroom, keep children away from doors and windows, and do not approach external doors to avoid triggering automatic lock/ unlock system. Await further instructions from staff. 11
Statement of Fairth Fellowship Statement of Faith & Volunteer Leader Covenant In our mission to share Jesus with people in Northwest Arkansas, Fellowship Bible Church is purposed with producing and releasing spiritual leaders. Our hope is that our leaders are of highest character, know the Scriptures, and place the safety and hold the well-being of all of our ministry participants in the highest regard. Volunteer leaders of Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas (FBCNWA) represent the church in both their work and private lives. As a result, volunteer leadership must endeavor to live lives that exemplify Godly character and embody Fellowship s Mission, Vision, Statement of Faith and Leadership Covenant (see below). FBCNWA believes that the Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters, therefore the volunteers and leaders are expected to conduct themselves in alignment with the Scriptures and standards as defined by the Elders. FBCNWA reserves the constitutional right as a church to base leadership decisions on Biblical authority and ethical and doctrinal standards as established by the Elders of Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas. Discuss issues of which you are uncertain with your staff leadership team. We put no stumbling block in anyone s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 2 Cor 6:3 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Phil 1:27 FBCNWA Who We Are Ultimate Objective- To glorify God Mission- To produce and release spiritual leaders who know and express the authentic Christ to Northwest Arkansas and the world Vision- To change the heart and soul of Northwest Arkansas and the world FBCNWA Statement of Faith THE SCRIPTURES We believe that the Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired of God, in whole and in part, error-free in the original writings and the supreme authority of faith and practice for the believer in Jesus Christ. We further believe that there is but one true interpretation of any Biblical passage and this is only found when one accurately applies the literal-grammatical-historical method of interpretation. (Psalm 119:160; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 1:1-2, 4:12) 12
Statement of Faith GOD We believe there is but one living and true God who is infinite, eternal and unchangeable. We further believe that God is one in essence while existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Though each person of the Godhead possesses precisely the same nature and attributes, each function differently in respect to God s purposes and dealings with man. (Deuteronomy 4:39; 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14) THE FATHER The first person of the Trinity orders and directs all things according to His own purpose pleasure and grace. The Father is sovereign in creation, providence and redemption. He has decreed all things that come to pass for His own glory. He graciously involves Himself in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (2 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 103:19; Matthew 6:9; John 5:19-24; Ephesians 1:2-6) THE SON The second person of the trinity is both the eternal Son of God and virgin-born Son of man. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, surrendered nothing of His deity during His earthly life. Having led a sinless life, He satisfied the Father s justice concerning sin by His substitutionary death. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His physical ascension and His visible return to earth to establish His earthly kingdom. (John 1:14-18; Acts 1:11; Romans 3:24-26; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:17-18; Revelation 20:11-15) THE HOLY SPIRIT The third person of the trinity executes the will of God in the world of men. It is the Holy Spirit who applies the salvation Jesus Christ secured through His death on the cross. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers the church to live a lifestyle pleasing to God, endowing it with special gifts, which equip believers to accomplish distinct ministries, planned beforehand by God the Father. (John 3:1-8; 15-16; 16:4-15; 1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 1:13-14; 5:18-21) MAN We believe that man was directly created in the image of God to enjoy His fellowship and to fulfill God s Will on earth. Man sinned by voluntary act of personal disobedience to the Will of God; as a result all men are spiritually dead and subject to the certainty of physical death. The fall of man was a non-repeatable historical fact, the effects of which are transmitted to all men, each of whom is born with a sinful nature and sins habitually in thought, word and deed. (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7; 3:3-4; Romans 1:18-32; 3:10-23; Ephesians 2:1-3) 13
Statement of Faith SALVATION We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins as the only sufficient, substitutionary sacrifice. All who believe in Him are declared justified by the Father on the grounds of Jesus death and resurrection. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by grace through faith have been regenerated by and baptized in the Holy Spirit. They become, thereby, the children of God forever and members of the one true church, the universal Body of Christ. This salvation will result in righteous living and good works as the believer submits his life to the control of the Holy Spirit who directs the life of the believer in harmony with the Word of God. (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 10:10-12; 1 John 5:11-13) THE CHURCH We believe that all who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit belong to the one true universal church and are directed by the Scriptures to associate themselves in local, visible churches. The local church is the only scriptural representation of Christ s invisible church and consists only of regenerated believers. The local church is autonomous in its government and recognizes its own members for the biblical offices of elder and deacon. Two ordinances have been committed to the local church-baptism and the Lord s Supper. The purpose of the church is to lead men to Christ, mature them in the faith, and equip them for personal ministry. (Matthew 16:13-28; 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; 4:1-16; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:11-13; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 5:1-3) MARRIAGE We believe that God has established marriage as a lifelong, exclusive relationship between one man and one woman and that all intimate sexual activity outside the marriage relationship, whether heterosexual, homosexual, or otherwise, is immoral and therefore sin (Genesis 2:24-25; Exodus 20:14, 17; Matthew 19:4-6, 9; Romans 1:18-31; I Corinthians 6:9-10, 15-20; Jude 7). Marriage ceremonies conducted on Fellowship Bible Church premises or by Fellowship Bible Church staff should represent the establishment of this covenant relationship. We believe that God created the human race male and female and that all conduct with the intent to adopt a gender other than one s birth gender is immoral and therefore sin. (Genesis 1:27; Deuteronomy 22:5) FUTURE We believe that prophetic scriptures teach the imminent, personal return of Jesus Christ. We believe that return will occur in a bodily, visible manner. (Matthew 24-25; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Revelation 20:1-4) 14
Leadership Covenant Leadership Responsibilities Covenant As a leader at Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas, I prayerfully commit myself to: Maturity to endeavor to be a maturing disciple of Christ, continually pursuing spiritual growth. (Colossians 2:6-7) Ministry to discover and utilize personal spiritual gifts in order to influence and serve others within the church, the community and the world. (Ephesians 4:11-12) Care to take responsibility for personally meeting the needs of others within the church, the community and the world. (2 Corinthians 1:4-5) Integrity to pursue a holy and pure life, representing Christ in a worthy manner. (I Peter 1:15) Family to faithfully pursue God s design for singlehood, marriage and parenting as revealed in the Scriptures and explained in FBCNWA s Statement of Faith. (Matthew 19:4-6; Exodus 20:12,14, I Corinthians 7:25-38) Participation to trust and support the mission, vision, strategies and philosophy of FBCNWA through active and consistent involvement. (Philippians 1:3-5) Follow to submit to the authority of the elder s leadership of FBCNWA. (Hebrews 13:17) Support to support, through worshipful giving, the financial obligations and commitments of the church by practicing generosity and biblical stewardship. (2 Corinthians 8:7) Leaders and volunteers of FBCNWA are expected to abide by these policies. If a violation of this agreement is observed, appropriate staff will then respond accordingly with preventative and/or corrective action. 15
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