Having written procedures helps your children’s ministry provide consistent care, even with a rotating staff of volunteers. Parents know how their children will be treated while in your care, and you have a written record of the safety measures in place. This checklist covers the following questions:
Are crib slats no more than 2-3/8 inches apart to prevent head entrapment? Make sure there are no loose or missing slats.
Are crib mattresses firm and tight-fitting with space for no more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib side?
Are all nuts, screws, and bolts tightened on your crib(s), and are all mattress supports secure?
Is the mesh on your playpen(s) made of a fine weave and free of tears, holes, and loose threads?
Is all nursery furniture (cribs, playpens, changing tables, etc.) free of cracked or peeling paint and splinters?
Are all cribs newer than 10 years old, with sturdy hardware and fixed sides that cannot be lowered?
Do all high chairs have high, stable bases that won’t collapse easily, as well as functional restraining straps?
Is the nursery free of any toys with small parts, fuzzy stuffed animals or dolls, balloons, and foam toys?
Have you surveyed the room from your hands and knees? Is the floor free of objects a small child could swallow, such as coins, paper clips, or buttons?
Do doorways provide visibility for adults but also adequate coverage to prevent children from wandering off? Do they have childproof locks or latches on them?
Are all bulletin boards and walls free of tacks and pins that children could reach?
Are all electrical outlets covered, and are all window treatment cords properly secured?
Do gliding rockers have side panels to prevent injury?
Are your congregation’s youngest members safe in your nursery? Child safety is likely a top concern for your ministry. That’s why it’s imperative to check your nursery on a regular basis to make sure it remains a safe place for the infants and toddlers entrusted to your care.
Are all walls free of peeling wallpaper and/or chipped paint? Are all ceiling tiles firmly in place?
Are all stairwells gated or otherwise blocked from children’s access?
Are all shelves and heavy furniture anchored so children cannot pull them down? Are all sharp corners or edges padded?
Are all cleaning and diaper-changing products stored out of children’s reach or in latched cabinets?
Does the room contain a well-stocked first-aid kit that is stored out of the reach of children?
Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed?
Are emergency phone numbers posted in a prominent place? If there is no phone in the room, is there a sign posted that provides the location of the nearest phone?
Are disaster response instructions posted as well as a map to the nearest exit?
Does your ministry have an established check-in/check-out system to keep children safe?
Does your ministry maintain records of food allergies and take the necessary precautions involved with these allergies?
