We’re currently revising some of our policies at Gateway Church. Being new I bring a different perspective to the team. At previous churches I have had the policy that once a child is in Elementary, we strictly enforce the policy of children not sitting in adult volunteer’s laps.
However, the policy in writing at Gateway is that even Preschool (which includes out 2.5 through 5 years olds) has a not lap siting policy. I was a little surprised by this policy. This policy is not currently being followed or enforced at this time, but as we revise our policies we will be having follow-up training and communication. I just wanted to find out what others have as policies for preschoolers. I understand drawing a line for the safety of our children and adults, but is this too young?
What is your policy?
September 18th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
We have an unenforced NO-lap sitting policy for preschoolers. What makes this hard to enforce is knowing that perception is not always reality. For instance, I have some teachers that know my 3 year old well, and seeing her on their lap wouldn’t bother me; but others I don’t know and that would bother me.
I have done the “appropriate touch” training with these teachers, but it’s nearly impossible to enforce things like no-lap sitting.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
We have no lap sitting for all students. Prechool or Elementary. We also ban hand-holding except with purpose (leading a child on stairs or who is ‘young’ and would wander away).
I can see no purpose at all for any child to sit in anyone’s lap… or another child’s for that matter.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
A comment on enforcing.
Let your parents and teachers know in the same room… I’ve found that parents provide the accountability that peer-pressure from other volunteers doesn’t!