St. Jude's Nursery Services - for the safety of your little angels...
Nursery is available all year from 8:00am until 11:45 am. During the school year it is also available from 6pm - 7pm on Wednesday evenings during programs and at certain special events during the year.
All Children and Youth Leaders are trained in the Safeguarding God's Children program to prevent and identify abuse and neglect per the policy of the Episcopal Church Diocese.
All Children and Youth Leaders are trained in the Safeguarding God's Children program to prevent and identify abuse and neglect per the policy of the Episcopal Church Diocese.
Nursery Policy
Welcome to St. Jude’s Nursery
St. Jude’s Nursery is available to parents of children from 6 weeks of age up through preschool. It is a program we provide to allow parents to worship while knowing their children are safe and well cared for. Parents can help us to provide the best possible environment for their children by reading this policy handbook. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have; to watch through the window at any time (to reduce separation anxiety rather than coming into the room); and to know the expectations and to inform those caring for your children to know your expectations.
Separation Anxiety:
Many children feel some separation anxiety when they are not with their primary care givers, especially when it is a new environment. Please use the following guideline to assist your child in becoming comfortable in the nursery:
Say good-bye to your child and reassure them that you will be back soon to pick them up (or for Eucharist). Please let the nursery worker know if you want to pick up your child for Eucharist. Let us know if you would prefer someone to come get you if your child is persistently unhappy from your absence or if you want us to be patient and work with your child in developing a routine and trust.
Snacks:
You are encouraged to feed your child before bringing them to the nursery. If you must bring them a snack, please make sure it is clearly marked with your child’s name and drinks are in age appropriate containers.
Behavior Issues:
Children who behave in a manner that interferes with their safety, the safety of others, or that is deemed a threat to someone’s safety will be handled in by taking the following steps:
1. Redirection: the child will be redirected from the activity or behavior to another.
2. Time-out: the child will be placed in age appropriate time out (minutes not to exceed the child’s age).
3. Parents will be contacted if the above behavioral modification steps do not work.
We strive to be patient with your children and understand that all children, while they are angels of the Lord, they are also learning independence, how to find their boundaries, and how to explore. Our job is to keep them safe as they learn and grow by exploring the world around them. When we are unable to keep the environment safe, we must remove the child for the safety of themselves and others.
Illness and Emergencies: For the safety and well-being of all of God’s children, please do not bring your child to nursery or Sunday School if they have any of the following:
1. Runny Nose, swollen glands, persistent cough;
2. Any swelling or rashes;
3. Sore or red throat; or
4. Fever within the last 24 hours.
Please make sure that you do not leave the church grounds while your children are in nursery or Sunday School. In the event of an emergency we will need to be able to get to you immediately.Safety:
Please make sure you sign your child in and out and that the nursery worker is aware of any issues concerning who may and who may not pick up your child. Also be aware that because your child’s safety is the most importance aspect to us; you and anyone else will have to sign in and out. Those we are unfamiliar with will be required to show ID to verify who they are.
All nursery workers are required to take abuse prevention training annually. The course is called “Safeguarding God’s Children” and is approved by the Episcopal Diocese of the Center Gulf Coast. More information can be provided by request. Parents are encouraged and welcome to join in when the training is being provided.
Cleanliness:
Disposable gloves are used when changing any diapers or cleaning any biological spills. Nursery workers are required to wash their hands with anti-bacterial soaps and utilize the anti-bacterial gels provided when handling children, toys, food, etc. All toys are cleaned once per month with a bleach/water solution and any toys out into a child’s mouth are set aside as needed for cleaning.
Parents of children in diapers are asked to bring diaper bags for disposal and they will be given back to you when you pick up your child. Any linens used will be specific to your child and washed after every use.
We want to thank you for trusting your angel to our care and hope that you know that your child is in trusting hands and will receive the best care possible.
St. Jude’s Nursery is available to parents of children from 6 weeks of age up through preschool. It is a program we provide to allow parents to worship while knowing their children are safe and well cared for. Parents can help us to provide the best possible environment for their children by reading this policy handbook. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have; to watch through the window at any time (to reduce separation anxiety rather than coming into the room); and to know the expectations and to inform those caring for your children to know your expectations.
Separation Anxiety:
Many children feel some separation anxiety when they are not with their primary care givers, especially when it is a new environment. Please use the following guideline to assist your child in becoming comfortable in the nursery:
Say good-bye to your child and reassure them that you will be back soon to pick them up (or for Eucharist). Please let the nursery worker know if you want to pick up your child for Eucharist. Let us know if you would prefer someone to come get you if your child is persistently unhappy from your absence or if you want us to be patient and work with your child in developing a routine and trust.
Snacks:
You are encouraged to feed your child before bringing them to the nursery. If you must bring them a snack, please make sure it is clearly marked with your child’s name and drinks are in age appropriate containers.
Behavior Issues:
Children who behave in a manner that interferes with their safety, the safety of others, or that is deemed a threat to someone’s safety will be handled in by taking the following steps:
1. Redirection: the child will be redirected from the activity or behavior to another.
2. Time-out: the child will be placed in age appropriate time out (minutes not to exceed the child’s age).
3. Parents will be contacted if the above behavioral modification steps do not work.
We strive to be patient with your children and understand that all children, while they are angels of the Lord, they are also learning independence, how to find their boundaries, and how to explore. Our job is to keep them safe as they learn and grow by exploring the world around them. When we are unable to keep the environment safe, we must remove the child for the safety of themselves and others.
Illness and Emergencies: For the safety and well-being of all of God’s children, please do not bring your child to nursery or Sunday School if they have any of the following:
1. Runny Nose, swollen glands, persistent cough;
2. Any swelling or rashes;
3. Sore or red throat; or
4. Fever within the last 24 hours.
Please make sure that you do not leave the church grounds while your children are in nursery or Sunday School. In the event of an emergency we will need to be able to get to you immediately.Safety:
Please make sure you sign your child in and out and that the nursery worker is aware of any issues concerning who may and who may not pick up your child. Also be aware that because your child’s safety is the most importance aspect to us; you and anyone else will have to sign in and out. Those we are unfamiliar with will be required to show ID to verify who they are.
All nursery workers are required to take abuse prevention training annually. The course is called “Safeguarding God’s Children” and is approved by the Episcopal Diocese of the Center Gulf Coast. More information can be provided by request. Parents are encouraged and welcome to join in when the training is being provided.
Cleanliness:
Disposable gloves are used when changing any diapers or cleaning any biological spills. Nursery workers are required to wash their hands with anti-bacterial soaps and utilize the anti-bacterial gels provided when handling children, toys, food, etc. All toys are cleaned once per month with a bleach/water solution and any toys out into a child’s mouth are set aside as needed for cleaning.
Parents of children in diapers are asked to bring diaper bags for disposal and they will be given back to you when you pick up your child. Any linens used will be specific to your child and washed after every use.
We want to thank you for trusting your angel to our care and hope that you know that your child is in trusting hands and will receive the best care possible.