Are all Hill City Kids Team Members background checked?

Yes! Absolutely. All of our volunteers must obtain a child abuse history clearance, criminal clearance, and FBI clearance in the state of Pennsylvania. All cleared volunteers will be wearing a name tag.

Who are allowed in the children’s areas?

Children attending under 5th grade, teenage volunteers, and background checked adult volunteers. All of our creative team members taking photo or video are also required to be background checked.

Are parents occasionally asked to pick up their child prior to the end of service?

While we try everything to keep children for the entire service duration, occasionally there are situations where it is in everyone’s best interest for a child to return to their parents care. These instances include but are not limited to; inconsolable crying for more than 15 minutes, extreme or violent behavior, injury, or illness. If a child will need to be picked up, the number on their name tag and matching parent tag, as well as their room, will appear on the screen in the main service.

What are some ways you maintain a fun, safe, and secure environment?

The spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of every child has been, and will always be, our top priority! We take this commitment to the families of our church very seriously and we consistently go to great lengths to ensure the best and safest experience each time your child attends church. All children must have a name tag and parents must present the corresponding tag upon pick-up.

Additionally, our staff and volunteers must adequately qualify to serve in Hill City Kids. Each individual has completed a thorough vetting, background check, and training to provide your family with security as parents attend worship. Our wonderful volunteers diligently adhere to proven and safe procedures relating to diaper changing, hand washing, and caring for children. Know that we are praying for every family and that we consider it a privilege to come alongside parents and help lay a Biblical foundation for their precious children. Our commitment to children is unwavering in every way.

What is your bathroom policy?

We require that our leaders never enter a bathroom alone with a child, but always have a third-party present. If a child requires assistance wiping, or an accident occurs, a parent must be called. Parents are asked to always take their child to the restroom prior to service to avoid bathroom trips.

What is your diaper changing policy?

Our leaders will always encourage parents to come with their child in a new diaper prior to being dropped off. Background checked adults, aged 16 and older, will be permitted to change diapers with another adult volunteer present. If needed, parents must change diapers in the bathroom next to check-in, not in the nursery itself. All leaders must follow a thorough diaper changing procedure that maintains the health and safety of the child.

What is your germ and sickness policy?

Our Hill City Kids team takes all possible steps to prevent sickness throughout the year. Each room is cleaned and sanitized by Carlynton School District daily. Additionally, toys and surfaces are sanitized every Sunday with a child-safe sanitizer. Tissue, soap, and hand sanitizer are located in each room; volunteers and children are encouraged to use them frequently to prevent the spread of germs. Parents are asked not to bring an ill child to Hill City Kids. Once in the classroom, if symptoms of any illness are noticed, our staff will contact the parent and ask them to remove their child.

What is your discipline procedure?

We believe discipline should always be done in a positive, patient, and grace-filled way that focuses on helping the kids instead of enforcing punishments. When discipline is necessary to keep a safe and effective environment for everyone, here are three steps we take:

• REDIRECT

  • Leaders should get on the child’s level and look them in the eye. Give a verbal warning, explaining why the behavior is not acceptable. Give a suggestion for the right way to act or behave and help them do it.

• REMOVE

  • If the child does not follow directions when given a redirection, it may be necessary to remove them from the situation or activity so they can calm down and prepare to rejoin the service. Place them in an area away from the other kids for no more than one minute per year of age.

• REFER

  • If the child is still not obeying, we refer the child to a Hill City Kids Staff leader for assistance.

We never attempt to physically discipline a child, belittle a child, or administer corporal punishment.

Do you train on inappropriate vs. appropriate touch?

Absolutely. All leaders must read through our appropriate touch policies and sign off on their agreement to follow it. Here is our touch policy.