July Newsletter - Answering Your Questions

Answering Your Questions
Bob D’Ambrosio

Q: During the summer our paid nursery workers are off, as most of our classes recess until September. One of our teaching leaders wants to continue her class, which includes several mothers. She offered her 12-year-old as a sitter for their kids (ages ranging from 4 to 10) during the class. We certainly don’t want to discourage our leaders from having Bible study, but don’t feel this childcare situation is wise. Do you have any suggestions on how to handle this?

A: Sounds like you’re thinking this through from all aspects of the situation. That’s great—because your question does bring up some issues.

First, does your church have a policy on room use? What are the guidelines for nursery room usage? Certainly there’s nothing wrong with a group of adults from your church wanting to use space for a Bible study, but using the nursery for the children brings up other concerns. For example, a room-use policy would clearly outline the expectations for proper room usage. This could include reservations, set-up, take down, and in the case of the nursery room—staffing!

Second, does your church have a child care policy? You shouldn’t consider offering childcare on Sunday morning with just a 12-year-old working, and it shouldn’t be any different for other events. Especially if your normal practice is to hire trained workers, then other alternatives must meet high standards.

I would offer your group two options: (1) They can all chip in to pay for an adult nursery attendant and use the 12-year-old as a helper. This would probably be cheaper than if they had to each pay their own sitters. (2) You could suggest they consider meeting in each other’s homes during the summer, bringing their children and providing their own childcare within the home.

Your church is liable for the kids in the care of the church nursery, and you would be negligent if you allowed this situation to occur. If you don’t have written policies for these areas, please write them this summer! Check the Member Forum and Handbook sections of Church Volunteer Central for some suggestions.

Bob D’Ambrosio has 25 years’ experience with volunteer administration at churches in Michigan, Illinois, and Texas. He now serves as a consultant and trainer with Church Volunteer Central. For help with your volunteer questions, contact Bob by clicking here.