Children and Youth Protection Policy

Child/Youth Protection Policy

  • Two teachers or leaders are required for all classes, infants through high school.
  • All teachers, volunteers and staff involved with children and youth must submit to a criminal background check as mandated by the insurance carrier for First Presbyterian Church.
  • Children will be in the care of two or more adult at all times during events sponsored by the church depending on the ages and numbers attending.
  • Children and youth will not be left unattended in any area of the church property including gym, play yard, classrooms or Fallout Shelter
  • Children and youth may not leave the church premises without appropriate parental notification, permission and a signed release form.
  • All travel and transportation will include proper seatbelt or safety seat usage.

Ratio of Adults to children is as follows:

  • 3 babies per adult
  • 5 one-year olds per adult
  • 6 toddlers per adult
  • 8 preschoolers per adult
  • 10 kindergartners per adult
  • 12 six-eight year olds per adult
  • 14 nine –ten year olds per adult
  • 20 eleven to eighteen year olds per adult

Legal Requirements for Reporting Abuse or Neglect of a Child, Prohibited Acts, and Consequences are available from the Director of Children’s Programming.

Church School Policies and Procedures

  • The Enlistment Sub-committee enlists teachers/volunteers for specific terms not to exceed three years in the same age group.
  • Teachers/volunteers are members of First Presbyterian Church unless approved by the session.
  • Teachers/volunteers are encouraged to attend a Leadership Training class once every three years.
  • Teachers/volunteers attend worship regularly

Curriculum Policy

  • The Christian Education Committee will approve curriculum with recommendations from staff, Youth Committee, Children’s Subcommittee, and the Adult Sub-committee for all church school classes, Bible studies and special events.
  • Curriculum will be structured to a specific scope and sequence.

Curriculum will meet the following criteria:


  • Biblically based
  • Follows the tenets of the Reformed Faith and confessions
  • Age appropriate

Parent Responsibilities

  • PRACTICE SAFETY PROCEDURES by being aware of your child’s location at all times (all children need adult supervision in all public areas of the church facilities).
  • NOTIFY the responsible adult teacher or childcare employee of any unusual circumstances regarding your child.
  • CHILDREN will only be released from childcare or class to a parent following worship or church school.
  • Church school ends at 10:45 am and childcare is available for infants – age 4 only after that time.
  • UNATTENDED Children are at a risk for accident or injury.
  • ILLNESS – please notify Lesley Jordan or Tammy Moyes if your child becomes ill or was ill during the stay in our facilities.

Medical Emergency Policies and Procedures

  • Minor medical supplies will be stored in the Children’s Ministry office, Youth Ministry office, Grace Hall Kitchen the Fallout Shelter, and the office of the Director of the Presbyterian Children’s Center
  • Medical release forms will be completed prior to travel on First Presbyterian Church sponsored trips and events.

Injuries to children during church school or church sponsored events will be reported as follows:

  • Assess the need for treatment.
  • Notify the church school superintendent, director of Children’s Ministries, Youth director or Preschool director who will notify the parents by phone or pager.
  • If medical attention is required, the child will be taken to the nearest  Hospital or Emergency Room.
  • A report form for injuries will be completed.
  • The Office Manager will notify the insurance carrier.
  • Medical attention for minor cuts and abrasions will be available in the Children’s Ministry office.