SEFC - Children Ministries

Adult Ministries

Youth Ministries

Children Ministry

Early Childhood Ministry

Ministry to Elementary Students

Ministry to Individuals with Mental Impairments

Parent - Family Support

Protection Plan & Guidelines

Vacation Bible School

Protection Plan

We strongly believe in creating a secure, safe environment for our children, youth and special needs adults to enjoy their experience at our church. Effective September 1, 1997 all Christian Education workers, whether volunteer or compensated, who regularly engage in the supervision or custody of children, youth and special needs adults under our church sponsorship have completed a confidential application, been approved by a Screening Panel, and are following its policies and procedures.

Protection Guidelines for Children's Ministry

1. There must be at least two (2) approved adult workers* in the room and/or group of children for Babies & Toddlers through Kindergarten.

2. There must be at least one (1) approved adult worker* per room and/or group of children in grades 1-6

3. Approved personnel will be present at least ten (10) minutes before, during and after events, until the last child has left the premises.

4. One or more supervisors will circulate among rooms when children's activities are being held.

5. Only those 18 years of age or older may change diapers or assist children with using the restroom.

6. Children in preschool through grade 4 shall not be allowed to go to the restroom without adult supervision.

7. Children should not be left alone to wander the halls or go to other areas of the church unsupervised.

8. When a parent or guardian has to be called out of a service to attend to a child, an usher or supervisor (if possible) should contact the parent. If there are more than two (2) adult workers in the room, then a children's worker may leave the room to locate the parent or guardian. This way one worker is not left alone while the other goes to get the parent or guardian.

9. Only parents, guardians and other adults with the proper identification tags may pick up children. Exceptions to this policy will be made by written consent from the parents/guardians of the preschool child.

10. Window blinds are to remain open or up at all times. Windows in classroom doors should remain uncovered.

11. An emergency evacuation diagram will be clearly posted in every preschool room and elementary department. Workers are to guide children as a group to the designated safe area(s).

12. In order for an activity conducted off church premises to be sanctioned by the church, you must have written approval from your ministry leader (Department Coordinator, AWANA Commander or the Director of Christian Education). Each parent or guardian should complete a Church Activity Form. All such activities must be supervised by approved adult workers*.

13. For overnight activities, all adult chaperons and supervisors must be cleared in advance by the proper church leaders to stay overnight with children.

14. Christian Education staff should not be alone with a child while carpooling. If this is not possible, written parental/guardian permission should be sought before transporting the child.

15. Any ministry worker who has concerns about the safety, welfare or health of the children being cared for at the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church should immediately notify the Department Coordinator, AWANA Commander or Director of Christian Education and complete an Incident Report. All such reports will be followed up. Persons who report in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability.

* An approved adult worker is a person, 18 years or older, who has gone through the process prescribed by the Screening Panel and has been approved to work in the Children/Youth/Special Needs Adult Ministries of the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church.

Protection Plan

We strongly believe in creating a secure, safe environment for our children, youth and special needs adults to enjoy their experience at our church. Effective September 1, 1997 all Christian Education workers, whether volunteer or compensated, who regularly engage in the supervision or custody of children, youth and special needs adults under our church sponsorship have completed a confidential application, been approved by a Screening Panel, and are following its policies and procedures.

Protection Guidelines for Children's Ministry

1. There must be at least two (2) approved adult workers* in the room and/or group of children for Babies & Toddlers through Kindergarten.

2. There must be at least one (1) approved adult worker* per room and/or group of children in grades 1-6

3. Approved personnel will be present at least ten (10) minutes before, during and after events, until the last child has left the premises.

4. One or more supervisors will circulate among rooms when children's activities are being held.

5. Only those 18 years of age or older may change diapers or assist children with using the restroom.

6. Children in preschool through grade 4 shall not be allowed to go to the restroom without adult supervision.

7. Children should not be left alone to wander the halls or go to other areas of the church unsupervised.

8. When a parent or guardian has to be called out of a service to attend to a child, an usher or supervisor (if possible) should contact the parent. If there are more than two (2) adult workers in the room, then a children's worker may leave the room to locate the parent or guardian. This way one worker is not left alone while the other goes to get the parent or guardian.

9. Only parents, guardians and other adults with the proper identification tags may pick up children. Exceptions to this policy will be made by written consent from the parents/guardians of the preschool child.

10. Window blinds are to remain open or up at all times. Windows in classroom doors should remain uncovered.

11. An emergency evacuation diagram will be clearly posted in every preschool room and elementary department. Workers are to guide children as a group to the designated safe area(s).

12. In order for an activity conducted off church premises to be sanctioned by the church, you must have written approval from your ministry leader (Department Coordinator, AWANA Commander or the Director of Christian Education). Each parent or guardian should complete a Church Activity Form. All such activities must be supervised by approved adult workers*.

13. For overnight activities, all adult chaperons and supervisors must be cleared in advance by the proper church leaders to stay overnight with children.

14. Christian Education staff should not be alone with a child while carpooling. If this is not possible, written parental/guardian permission should be sought before transporting the child.

15. Any ministry worker who has concerns about the safety, welfare or health of the children being cared for at the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church should immediately notify the Department Coordinator, AWANA Commander or Director of Christian Education and complete an Incident Report. All such reports will be followed up. Persons who report in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability.

* An approved adult worker is a person, 18 years or older, who has gone through the process prescribed by the Screening Panel and has been approved to work in the Children/Youth/Special Needs Adult Ministries of the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church.