For the safety and well-being of everyone in our program, Family Faith Development (F.F.D.) has the following policies in place…

Commitment to Inclusion

No child participating in our programs will ever be intentionally hurt, left out, or discriminated against based on their race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, or family structure. When unintentional harm is inflicted, we will follow the steps outlined in our Right Relations Guidelines.  F.F.D. volunteers and staff strive to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment to all.

Communicable Disease Policy

After every gathering, our staff and volunteers clean and sterilize their workspace. However, when children congregate, there is always the chance that viruses will spread. In a collaborative effort to stem the spread of communicable disease in our church, we ask that parents do not bring their child to church if their child has had a fever in the past 24 hours, anyone in the household is experiencing Covid-19 like symptoms, or the child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease. Additionally, while we do not currently require staff, volunteers, or children to be vaxxed, First Church is following CDC guidelines when it comes to masking (some exceptions may apply). Please check the Hamilton County CDC website for current guidelines.  Thank you for your continued support!

Classroom Discipline Policy

We are a covenantal faith. We are brought together not by creed or dogma, but by our shared commitment to each other and our respective spiritual journeys. At the beginning of every year, Family Faith Development classes explore this concept by creating covenants of their own. It is explained to them that their covenant is a list of promises of how they will treat one another in the coming year. Once children understand this, they are invited to affirm their commitment to each other by pledging to follow the covenant. Throughout the rest of the year, your child’s teacher will refer to the class covenant in times of conflict in a process known as Restorative Justice.

Food Policy

Family Faith Development’s space is a nut-free zone. Additionally, snack is not served regularly in any of our classes, except our Infant / Toddler class. However, occasionally, food will be served as part of a lesson. At these times, the Director of Lifespan Faith Development, Meredith Plummer, will notify families with known food allergies. Our teachers are trained to identify the signs of anaphylaxis and to notify parents as soon as any of these signs appear. For their part, parents of children with food allergies are asked to carry an epi-pen with them at all times and to administer medication if anaphylaxis were to occur (other arrangements are made on field trips). If you have a child with a food allergy, please email the Director of Lifespan Faith Development immediately.

Photo Release Policy

While we do our best to obtain prior permission to use you and your child’s photos in our publications, you should know that First Church’s current photo release policy is an opt-out policy. In short, you or your child’s photo may be used without your consent unless you contact the Director of Lifespan Development and state that you do not want us to use your photos.

Safe Congregation

Our classrooms are staffed by a mixture of paid classroom leaders and volunteers. As detailed by our Safe Congregation guidelines, the following volunteer requirements are in place…

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older (youth and preteens may volunteer as a 2nd assistant).
• Volunteer assistants must have been attending First Church for 6 months.
• Volunteer teachers must have been attending First Church for 1 year.
• All volunteers must be willing to submit to a background check.
• All volunteers must obtain training regularly.
• There must be 2 adults in every classroom, except Jr. and Sr. High (see below).
  • In the event the Jr. or Sr. High class does not have two adults in the classroom, the following guidelines must be met…
    • One adult must be present.
    • At least 2 youth must be present.
    • The class must meet in an open area of the church (not behind doors).

For their part, our paid classroom leaders must undergo several interviews, provide references, and pass a fingerprint background check before they are hired. Additionally, once they are hired, they must submit to a background check every few years.

Registration

Registration is required of all children who participate in F.F.D. programming. Children and youth are considered registered in the program once a parent or guardian completes the registration form. Registration is important because it provides emergency contact information, helps the Director of Lifespan Faith Development track class size, and informs us of any special needs your child may have. In addition, it ensures you continue to receive updates on F.F.D. programming through this year (including if and when program offerings change).

There is no registration fee. However, parents are asked to support the program once they feel that First Church is their home by volunteering their time and pledging regularly.

If you are not already receiving F.F.D. programming communications, please Register Now.