KIDS CHURCH VOLUNTEER GUIDE

Mission

Our mission is to provide a fun and safe environment where kids can experience the love and presence of Jesus.  Our goal is for them to learn the word of God and see His love in action each week through Bible stories, crafts, music, and activities.

Preparation During the Week

• Log into Ministry Grid and read through the lesson plan, including the scripture, activities, and crafts that will be done during your class. There will not be time to prepare Sunday morning when the children start arriving, so please prepare prior to class. 
• Pray for your class

Before Class

• Check in at the kiosk and print your name tag
• Ensure all materials / equipment are set up
• Use the restroom so you don’t have to leave the classroom after kids have arrived
• Check in with the teacher for additional duties
• Greet students and families as they arrive
  • Smile, introduce yourself, call the child by name, show enthusiasm to see them

During Class

• Take initiative and manage assigned tasks such as snack distribution and cleanup
• Remain actively engaged - circulate the room and check in with the teacher
• Support a positive, welcoming environment throughout the class
• Stick to the leader guide – follow the order of the leader guide…every single time
• End of Class
• Ensure kids take their papers / crafts home.
• Clean up tables / stack chairs / sweep or vacuum
• Check in with the teacher / team before you leave

General Guidelines

• Please stay off your phone when you are volunteering. This helps us to be present and give our attention to the kids.
• Please dress appropriately - we may be running, playing games, using paint, etc.
• Please model good behavior and language in front of the kids
• Please ensure that older kids are treating the equipment with care. Please redirect when necessary or model how to use the games.
• Be consistent with the schedule of the class. Play is great, but be sure to follow a predictable schedule - this is how kids flourish!

Redirection

• Gently and positively redirect children who are off-task. For example, "find your bubble" "gentle hands" "sit down" "use walking feet".
• Offer choices to encourage cooperation rather than forcing compliance
• Maintain patience and understanding while guiding behavior

Confidentiality

• Maintain the privacy of all children and volunteers
• Discussions about children should remain within the classroom
• Share information only with those who have a legitimate need to know

Safety Protocols

• Report any injuries immediately to the teacher
• Ensure children receive appropriate attention for any incidents
• A first aid kit is located in the supply room, in the cubby near the printers
• Please be vigilant when outside - stand up and circulate as there are many blind spots

Attendance and Punctuality

• Please be at the pre-service prayer time at 9:15.
• If you are unable to be at the prayer time, please arrive by 9:30.
• If you are running late or cannot make it on Sunday, please text Katie Malcom

Scheduling

• All scheduling will be done thru Planning Center. Please download the Planning Center Services app on your phone.
• Please accept or decline the scheduling request so we know if we need to find a different volunteer for that class.
• If you have specific requests regarding when or where you are scheduled, please contact Katie Malcom.

Contact Information

• For all questions and concerns regarding kids church, please contact our Children’s Director, Jenna Schafer at 602-617-3377.  If she is not available, please contact Suzee Lind at 623-523-9000. 
• For all scheduling questions, or if you are running late, or cannot make it on Sunday morning, please contact Katie Malcom at 402-470-1052.