Safety & security on Spring Street
In today’s world, your kids’ safety isn’t something that you take for granted. WellSpring does everything possible to ensure that your kids are taught and cared for in a safe environment. We find that the three topics below are the ones that are of most concern to parents. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us–we know that you care about your kids, and so do we!
Child “check-in and check-out” policies
When your family visits WellSpring for the first time, ask a greeter (or anyone who looks like they’ve been here before) to point you to the “Guest Registration Kiosk” near the gym. At this kiosk, a volunteer will help you register your children; this simple, one-time-only process allows us to gather basic information about your child, such as his/her age, gender, name, and known medical concerns. This kiosk is also where you’ll go to “check in” your kids on subsequent visits to WellSpring.
During the initial registration process, you’ll also be asked to swipe a barcode past a handheld laser scanner (similar to what you might see at a cash register). You can swipe any barcode that you happen to have in your wallet or on your keychain (most people use their Kroger card or driver’s license). Just be sure to choose something that you’ll have with you every week, since—once your registration is complete—you can simply scan this barcode and press a button to instantly “check in” your child(ren) at the kiosk on Sunday mornings.
When the registration process is complete—and every time you “check in” your child(ren)—two stickers will print per child. One sticker (containing your kid’s name, age, and other info) adheres to your child’s clothing; place the other sticker on yourself (and don’t lose it!). Both stickers contain a unique matching number, effectively linking you (and only you) to your child. This numbered sticker system ensures that only an adult with a numerically-matching sticker can pick up a child from his/her class. Additionally, your child’s number will be displayed in the main worship service if your assistance is needed for any reason.
Food allergies and other health concerns
During the initial registration process, you can enter child-specific allergy or medical information. This information will be printed on your child’s sticker; Spring Street teachers and volunteers are trained to check for these medical notes and respond accordingly. Additionally, you can enter non-recurring health or wellness notes (e.g.–’Suzie has a toothache’) each week when you “check in” your child(ren).
Teacher & volunteer background checks and training
Every teacher and volunteer on Spring Street undergoes a thorough background check through LexisNexis (which is also used by local police forces), and there is a zero tolerance policy regarding applicants with “yellow flags” in their background check. This ensures that no “bad guys” find their way into our ministry. We also offer semi-annual “Stewards of Children” workshops for all teachers and volunteers. These workshops are presented by the Child Advocacy Center, and they help our volunteers recognize and prevent child abuse.
