RULES AND DISCIPLINE POLICY
We have 5 rules. Each is intentionally written in a simple, clear way so that kids can understand and remember them. We will talk with them during the children's programs about what each rule means and how to follow them.
1. Ask the leader for permission to leave the room (like going to the bathroom).
2. No water during large or small group times; however water is provided during food time.
3. Listen when someone else is talking (this means no side conversations, no shouting out, and listening to the adult leaders during worship, large group time, small group time, and games/activities).
4. Participate during the program (this means no sitting out during worship or activities, either sharing during discussion or listening when others are sharing, and no distracting others or bringing distracting objects).
5. Stay in the designated children's program space (this means not wandering around the parking lot or other buildings for their safety, or into other groups' Bible studies out of respect).
We have 4 stages of consequences. The first time a child breaks a rule he/she will have a “Stage 1” consequence. If the child continues to break the rules, then he/she will have a “Stage 2” consequence, and so on:
• Stage 1: A warning will be given to the child by an adult leader, who fills out a discipline form.
• Stage 2: A timeout will be given, where a “coach” will have a conversation with the child about why he/she is having trouble following the rules, and what he/she can do to successfully follow the rules.
• Stage 3: A grounding will be given. The parent/guardian of the child will be called, and the child will be sent home for the night. In addition, the child will have to miss the next program.
• Stage 4: The child will be grounded from the program for an extended period. There isn't a set amount of time that he/she will be grounded, but it will be decided based on the circumstances of the situation.
There are certain situations where a child will automatically be put on a “Stage 3” consequence. These include:
• Racial slurs
• Hurting others
• Stealing
• Destruction of property
• Willful disobedience
• Stopping any part of the program from being able to continue
Basically, if a child does anything unsafe, illegal or destructive, the parent/guardian will be informed and the kid will be sent home. These rules and consequences are important to ensure the safety of all children and creates an environment where they can enjoy learning about God.