Nursery Policy

Consider including the following in your written policy:

• Each nursery session should be staffed by at least two people—either two adults or one adult with one helper.
• One adult (staff person or volunteer) should be present for every four infants.
• One adult or helper should be present for every four toddlers.
• Helpers may serve in nursery only when a volunteer or staff member is present to supervise.
• A third, unrelated volunteer or helper should be present when married couples serve in the nursery.
• A volunteer or helper may not spend time in the nursery room(s) when he or she is not scheduled to serve.
• A staff member or volunteer may take children out of the nursery only for a compelling reason, such as to use the bathroom or in case of illness.
• When toddlers require bathroom assistance in a location outside the nursery, a staff member or volunteer may assist the child and should leave the bathroom door ajar. When the bathroom is located in the nursery itself, a staff member, volunteer, or helper may assist the child, again leaving the bathroom door ajar. Staff, volunteers, or helpers should diaper infants or toddlers in the nursery room.