Child Safety Policy
Our congregation takes seriously the responsibility of assuring the safety of our children and youth. Teachers, nursery caregivers, hall monitors, assistants, youth advisors, and any paid or volunteer staff must complete Child Safety Policy forms, sign and return them to the DRE before volunteering in the program. Our desire is to provide a consistently safe environment in which children can grow and learn in an atmosphere of trust under the leadership of caring and responsible adults. You may view our Child Safety Policy on the Neshoba website.
Behavior Policy
The Religious Education Program at Neshoba Church strives to create thoughtful communication and connections in a climate which promotes and affirms the values of our seven UU Principles. In this way, each adult and child/youth will experience a positive and rewarding learning experience. Children and youth are expected to behave in a manner that encourages cooperation, responsibility, and respect for themselves and others. Our program includes a plan for discipline that is non-punitive, focused on the behavior and not the child, and allows the freedom to make choices. In those rare instances, if a children/youth finds it a challenge to behave in a manner conducive to our program, the following steps will be taken:
• If a child/youth is disruptive during RE, a teacher will attempt to first redirect the child/youth’s attention.
• If this does not have the desired behavioral impact, the teacher will issue a direct warning to stop the behavior.
• If this does not have the desired behavioral impact, the child/youth will be removed from the classroom/activity and he/she will be brought to the DRE or class assistant for a time out.
• The DRE or Class Assistant will talk with the child/youth about his/her behavior and try to work out a reasonable way in which the child/youth can return to the class/program and continue learning alongside others in a positive manner.
• In the event the disruptive behavior continues the child/youth will again be brought to the DRE or Hall Monitor who will bring the child/youth to their parent/guardian.
• The parent/guardian will have the option of keeping their child/youth with them for the remainder of the service/event or the parent and child/youth may return to the classroom/activity together for the remainder of the program time as appropriate.
It is the goal of the RE Program that every child/youth feels welcome and respected. If a child/youth has difficulty meeting the behavioral policy of the congregation we welcome any input from parents regarding ways we can assist the child/youth in reaching these goals.
Accommodating Children with Special Needs
We welcome all children into our program as all children are spiritual beings. Some need more attention, personal space, or understanding because of special circumstances. Specific support may be needed to make their RE experience successful. The RE program will make every effort to accommodate children in their classes. Please let us know your child’s special needs so that we can help them have a successful experience in our program. It is our intention to support each child/youth as a part of our family.
