Child Protection Policy

General Purpose Statement

Beloved Community Co-op seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for the children who participate in our programs and activities. By implementing the below practices, our goal is to protect the children of Beloved Community Co-op from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting staff, volunteers, and workers from false accusations.

Screening Process for Staff, Volunteers, Workers

All persons who desire to work with the children participating in our programs and activities will be screened. This screening includes the following:

Written Application: All persons seeking to work with children must complete and sign a written application in a form to be supplied by us. The application will request basic information from the applicant. The application form will be maintained in confidence on file.
Personal Interview: Upon completion of the application, an interview will be scheduled with the applicant.
Reference Checks: Before an applicant is permitted to work with children, at least two of the applicant’s references will be checked. Documentation of the reference checks will be maintained in confidence on file.
Criminal Background Check: A criminal background check is required for all adults who work with children, regardless of position. If an individual declines to authorize a background check, s/he will be unable to work with children.

A disqualifying offense that will keep an individual from working with children will be determined by Beloved Community Co-op directors and board on a case-by-case basis in light of all the surrounding circumstances. Generally, convictions for an offense involving children and/or for offenses involving violence, sexual misconduct, dishonesty, illegal substances, indecency and any conduct contrary to our mission will preclude someone from being permitted to work with children. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction on the application form will also be a disqualifying event. The background check authorization form and results will be maintained in confidence on file.

Two Adult Rule

It is our goal that a minimum of two unrelated adults or chaperones will be in attendance whenever possible when children are being supervised during our programs and activities. Some youth classes or activities may have only one adult or chaperone in attendance during a session; in these instances, doors to the classroom should remain open or the group should be in an easily viewed area such as a playground and there should be no fewer than three students with the adult teacher or chaperone.

Supervision of Minors

Children are not permitted to be left without supervision in any circumstance during programs or activities. They must always be supervised by either a parent or legal guardian or chaperone or teacher in accordance with the “Two Adult” rule above.

Open Door Policy

Classroom doors should remain open whenever possible. Doors should never be locked while persons are inside the room.

Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse

For purposes of this policy, “child abuse” is any action (or lack of action) that endangers or harms a child’s physical, psychological or emotional health and development. Child abuse occurs in different ways and includes the following:

Physical abuse – any physical injury to a child that is not accidental, such as beating, shaking, burns, and biting.
Emotional abuse – emotional injury when the child is not nurtured or provided with love and security, such as an environment of constant criticism, belittling and persistent teasing.
Sexual abuse – any sexual activity between a child and an adult or between a child and another child at least four years older than the victim, including activities such as fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse, incest, and pornography.
Neglect – depriving a child of his or her essential needs, such as adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.

Childcare workers may have the opportunity to become aware of abuse or neglect of the children under our care. In the event that an individual involved in the care of children in Beloved Community Co-op becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect of a child under his/her care, this should be reported immediately to a Beloved Community Co-op director for further action, including reporting to authorities as may be mandated by state law.

Reporting Process

In the event that an incident of abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred at Beloved Community Co-op or during our sponsored programs or activities, the following procedure shall be followed:

The parent or guardian of the child will be notified.
The worker or volunteer or person alleged to be the perpetrator of the abuse or misconduct will immediately be placed on leave pending an investigation and instructed to remain away from the premises during the investigation. He or she will be instructed to have no contact with the victim or with witnesses.
All allegations of abuse will be reported to the civil authorities, and the organization will comply with the state’s requirements regarding mandatory reporting of abuse as the law then exists. The organization will fully cooperate with the investigation of the incident by civil authorities.
The insurance company will be notified, and the organization will complete an incident report. Any documents received relating to the incident and/or allegations will immediately be forwarded to the insurance company.
The organization will designate a spokesperson to the media concerning incidents of abuse or neglect. The advice of legal counsel will be sought before responding to media inquiries or releasing information about the situation to the co-op. All other representatives of the organization should refrain from speaking to the media.
A pastoral visit will be arranged for those who desire it. This should be for the purpose of providing pastoral support during the time of crisis and not for the purpose of investigating the incident or influencing the investigation.
Any person who is not found innocent of the alleged abuse or misconduct will be removed from their position working with children or youth.

Teenage Volunteers & Workers

We recognize that there may be times when it is necessary or desirable for babysitters (paid or volunteer) who are themselves under age 18 to assist in caring for children during programs or activities. The following guidelines apply to teenage workers & volunteers:

Must be at least age 14.
Must be screened as specified above.
Must be under the supervision of an adult and must never be left alone with children.

Sign-in and Transfer of Care Policy

All parents or guardians will be required to sign in their child(ren) at the beginning of the school day. Families who participate in the drop-off program must have an onsite guardian in place and appropriate transfer of care documentation on file. At least one parent or legal guardian of children in the 6th grade and under must always remain on the premises. The only exception is an occasional departure for an appointment or other short errand, in which case there must be a guardian in place and the appropriate transfer of care documentation on file. If an extenuating circumstance arises requiring a student in 7th grade or above to attend community without a parent, then there must be a guardian in place and the appropriate transfer of care documentation on file.

Medications Policy

Beloved Community Co-op does not to administer either prescription or non-prescription medications to the children during the co-op day. Exceptions to the medications policy may be granted to parents of children with potentially life-threatening conditions (such as asthma or severe allergic reactions). Parents of such children should address their situation with a director of Beloved Community Co-op to develop a plan of action.

Discipline Policy

It is the policy of Beloved Community Co-op not to administer corporal punishment, even if parents have suggested or given permission for it. There should be no spanking, grabbing, hitting, or other physical discipline of children. Staff, volunteers, or workers should consult with a director of Beloved Community Co-op if assistance is needed with disciplinary issues. All are encouraged to use discipline consistent with the Beloved Community Co-op Behavioral Expectations Policy, and in a manner that treats children with respect and guides them gently towards their best behavior.

Restroom Guidelines

Bathrooms with stalls will have the main door propped open for the duration of the co-op day. Workers should escort children 4th grade and under in a group, never taking a child to the bathroom alone. The workers should check the bathroom first to make sure that it is empty, and then allow the children inside one at a time. The workers should remain outside the bathroom door and escort the children back to the classroom once everyone is finished. If a young child needs assistance, the worker should have the stall door propped open and provide only necessary help.

For the protection of all, workers should never be alone with a child in a bathroom with the door closed and never be in a closed bathroom stall with a child. Whenever possible, parents are encouraged to escort their own children to the bathroom.

Accidental Injuries to Children

In the event that a child or youth is injured while under our care, the following steps should be followed:

For minor injuries, scrapes, and bruises, workers will provide First Aid (Band-Aids, etc.) as appropriate and will notify the child’s parent or guardian of the injury.
For injuries requiring medical treatment beyond simple First Aid, the parent and/or guardian will immediately be summoned in addition to a co-op leader. If warranted by circumstances, an ambulance will be called.
Once the child has received appropriate medical attention, an incident report will be completed in the case of injuries requiring treatment by a medical professional.

Youth Protection Training

Beloved Community Co-op requires Youth Protection Training to prevent child abuse for all adults and will maintain a copy of the training certificate on file. The training must be renewed every 3 years. All teens over the age of 14 are recommended, but not required, to complete Youth Protection Training. However, teens who assist in the classroom or are otherwise responsible for oversight of children are required to complete Youth Protection Training.