Making Your Nursery More Effective:  STEP 8

First, take a look at the prior steps we discussed to make your nursery ministry more effective.  I encourage you to review each step to ensure that it has been completed thoroughly. In addition, take the time to look over all the documents you have created to make sure they all coincide with one another.   Okay, let’s review!

1. Evaluate your nursery.
2. Develop a vision and mission statement for your nursery.
3. Create a Baby Directory Form.
4. Create a Parent Handbook.
5. Create a Nursery Handbook.
6. Write Job Descriptions.
7. Create a Volunteer Application Form.

I have kept you very busy over the past few months, but I assure you that you will not be disappointed when all the work is complete! Keep going! You have a few more steps to go.  This month we will discuss the importance of Background Checks and conducting interviews.

Do you want your nursery to be safe for children? Do you want parents to feel safe leaving their children with your staff? It is your job as ministry director to ensure that your nursery is safe! Make sure you find the right person for the job! You can take easy steps to make this happen.  One very important step is to conduct background checks on all staff! You do not want to “hire” a staff with a criminal record that includes violations against children! Think of the children. Think of the parents. Think about the liabilities of the church. When a potential volunteer completes the application form, you should also have them complete a form giving you permission to do a complete background screening.  It is a very serious piece of paper! You can conduct state background checks or federal background checks.  There are online companies that can assist with minimal cost or they can be completed through your state.  Once the application is filled out and reviewed, and the applicant passes the background check, then you can initiate an in person interview.  Make sure you have a completed application, complete background check, the nursery handbook, and have completed a reference check prior to your meeting.  BE PREPARED!!  When you meet, discuss all the information that’s on those sheets of paper.  Make sure what’s written on the application accurately reflects what the person is saying and what is in your heart as you interview.  Go over the basic expectations of volunteers to make sure they are in agreement.  Document any red flags that may have occurred.  At the end of the interview, you may know that the person is a fit for nursery ministry. Find out when the person can begin, congratulate and welcome the person into the ministry.  Ensure all paper work is completed, reviewed, and signed.  If you feel you want to “hire” the person, tell them you will get back to them in a few days. Do not keep them hanging.  Do not feel “guilty” and put someone in a position you know they won’t fit in to! Be honest and assist them with finding a ministry position that “fits” them. 

In Him,

Kristie Emerson

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