Good Shepherd Child Development Center

Orientation Presentation

Welcome to Good Shepherd!

• We are committed to working together with you in service to our lord

• You represent our ministry in your work life and private life

• It is important that you understand and become familiar with the information in this orientation and comply with the standards that are established

About Us

• The mission of G.S. is to connect people with God and one another through worshiping God, communicating with God, living beyond ourselves, giving time, participating in small groups, and sharing experiences

• In order to fulfill the Great Commission, we provide a nurturing environment, ministries to families, and witness of Christ and His church to the children’s families

• G.S. provides and atmosphere of love, acceptance, discovery and exploration. We are committed to providing excellent care in a Christian environment and believe that play is the most effective way for children to learn

Philosophy & Religious Affiliation

• In order to achieve our ministry we provide…– Early education program built on developmentally appropriate

practices

– Curriculum that is biblically based and includes Bible stories and thoughts appropriate to child’s level of understanding

– Staff who profess Christ as Savior and exhibit Christian traits

– Guidance for children that encourages problem solving and managing negative emotions

– Respect and understanding of others’ race, gender, nationality, religion, and background

– Small and large group activities that permit each child to progress and enjoy success

Philosophy & Religious Affiliation

(cont.)

• G.S. will demonstrate intentional ministry by…

– Sending welcome letters from the pastor to newly enrolled families

– Having ministerial representation at family events

– Inviting enrolled families to participate in church programs/events

– Include the Center Director in church staff meetings and overall program calendar planning

– Responding to ministerial and counseling needs of weekday program families and staff

– Including children who are enrolled in the Center in Vacation Bible School and similar events

Job Responsibilities• Job responsibilities are specific to

individual positions which include:

– Infant/Toddler Teacher

– Preschool Lead Teacher

– Preschool Assistant Teacher

– Child Care Lead Teacher

• You will be given a hard copy of in each positions’ job responsibilities

Who to Report to• Infant/Toddler Teacher Director

• Preschool Lead Teacher Director

• Preschool Assistant Teacher Lead Teacher

• Child Care Lead Teacher Director

Child Abuse Prevention

• Policies

– All staff and substitutes will have submitted a Sworn Disclosure Statement, completed a Criminal Background Check and Child Protective Services Clearance upon hiring

– Starr will take part in annual child abuse prevention, recognition and reporting

– Classrooms will have necessary adult child ratio

– Volunteers (who have not had appropriate background checks) will not be left along to supervise children except their own child

Child Abuse Prevention(cntd.)

• Adult Child Ratio

– Infants- 1:4

– Toddlers- 1:4

– Twos- 1:5

– Threes- 1:8

– Fours/Fives- 1:10

– B/A School- 1:12

Child Abuse Prevention(cntd.)

• Procedures

– Bathroom doors are to be left open whenever a staff member is assisting a child

– Diapering and toileting accidents will be handled within view of the classroom

– Classroom windows are to be unobstructed

Child Abuse Prevention(cntd.)

• Reporting1. If staff know or suspect a child is being

abused, it must be reported.

2. The director will be notified

3. Careful records will be kept of any incident, bruise, comment or symptom

4. The teacher and/or director will call the child abuse hotline of Chesterfield Social Services Department

*Please see manual for indicators of child abuse

Arrival/Departure Procedures

• Arrival• Departure– Children should only be released to a

parent or guardian– Children may only be released to an

unauthorized person if that individual is on the authorized pick-up list

– Children should not be released to any adult who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other threatning conditions

Playground Safety & Procedures

1. Follow playground schedules as closely as possible.

2. Before leaving the classroom make sure children’s clothing is adjusted to the weather and that shoe laces are tied

3. Remind children of playground rules before going outside

4. Take a fanny pack with you

5. Do a head count before leaving the classroom and upon arrival at the playground

6. Do not congregate into groups with other adults

7. Stand in a position to forestall possible accidents

8. Show children how to use equipment properly and safely

Playground Safety & Procedures

(contd.)9. Do not let children go into the school building alone

10. If a child is hurt or injured, notify the director immediately

11. Do not take any drinks or food outside for yourself

12. No cell phone use on the playground

13. Check the playground before going inside

14. Count children before you leave the playground and again when you get inside the classroom

15. Have children wash hands

Food Policies

Transportation Safety

• At least one adult who accompanies or drives children for field trips or out-of-facility activities shall receive training by a professional. This person should hold valid certifications in pediatric first aid and CPR

• All drivers shall receive instructions for safety precautions

Child Discipline Policies

• Teachers should communicate rules verbally and concisely to children, sometimes guiding with gentle hands

• Praise and recognition should be lavished when guidelines are followed

• Parents will be contacted for a conference when a child appears to be unusually stressed, anxious, etc.

• G.S expressly prohibits the use of corporal punishment in compliance with all federal, state and other relevant laws

• Staff are also prohibited from using shaming methods of punishment

Medication Procedures

• If a child is required to take any medication (OTC or prescription) during the time he/she is at the center:– An “Authorization of Medication” form must be

filled out and signed by a parent or legal guardian

– Any prescription must be accompanied by a doctor’s note

– All medication must be in the original container with complete instructions

– Only those with Medication Administration Training may dispense medication

Confidentiality

• Information about children, families, or employees should not be divulged to anyone other than persons who are authorized to receive this information

• Confidentiality should also be respected on social media. At no time whatsoever should a child’s name or photo be referenced, posted tagged, or noted on Facebook.

Emergencies & Communication

• In the case of a child with a serious injury or medical emergency:– One teacher will stay with the child and the

other will call 911– The teacher will stay with the child until

emergency personnel arrive, the other will remove the remainder of the children to another area

– The Director will notify the children’s parents– Either the Director or the Lead Teacher will

accompany the child to the hospital

Emergencies & Communication(contd.)

• In the case of a teacher with a serious injury or medical emergency:– The remaining teacher will grab the

teacher in the next classroom to supervise the class

– The remaining teacher will call 911– She/he will stay with the teacher until

medical personnel arrive– The employee’s supervisor will call the

emergency contact person

Termination Policies

• Employees are hired for an indefinite period of time he or she believes it is in his/her best interest

• The employee is free to leave at will, and Good Shepherd may terminate the employment whenever it deems appropriate

• If an employee violates G.S. policies or procedures, they will first be given a written warning. If the situation isn’t corrected, appropriate action will be taken

Natural/Manmade Disaster Procedures

• In the event of a fire teachers are expected to:– Line up the children in their class and get a head count– Bring emergency bag, class roster, and emergency

contact info and cell phone if possible– Close the interior classroom door and check all

bathrooms– All classes should exit through the exterior doors

immediately– Once outside teachers should get a head count– Infant and toddler classrooms will exit using cribs

through the front door of the Center– Any classes that are outdoors should remain outdoors

and report to the emergency evacuation spot

Natural/Manmade Disaster Procedures(contd.)

• In the event of a tornado teachers are expected to:– Line up the children in their class and get a head count– Bring emergency bag, class roster and emergency

contact information and cell phone if possible– Close the interior classroom and check all bathrooms– Take class to the hallway and follow procedure for

specific age group (preschool-inside cubbies, infants/toddlers- with caregivers)

– Get a headcount once in hallway– All children should kneel in a crouched position with

hands over heads– Remain in this location until it is deemed safe for

children to return to classrooms

Natural/Manmade Disaster Procedures(contd.)

• Lock Downs– If the code words “lock down” is repeated several

times, all classes are to remain inside their classrooms and all exterior doors to the building will be locked

– If there are classes outside, they will come inside– This mode could be used for many reasons and it

is for the protection of the children and the staff– The Director will check on the status of each

class until it is safe to end the “lock down”