School Safety
When most of us think of school safety, we think of traditional schools that are attended through the week. However, Sunday school is another time when parents and teachers need to be concerned with safety. Sunday school safety is as important as any other type of school safety, because the lives and health of children are what is being protected.
First, protect your students by making sure that there is enough staff in each classroom. Sunday school safety protocols should require two adults in each Sunday school classroom. Also, superintendents can monitor the classes throughout the Sunday school time.
While the event of a fire or other emergency is highly unlikely during Sunday school, teachers should be taught how to properly evacuate in this event. The most important aspect to proper emergency evacuation procedures is taking count of all of the students in the class. Sunday school teachers need to have a way to account for each child they have in their room.
It never fails that some time during the Sunday school lesson a child will need to use the restroom. While it may be tempting for Sunday school teachers to let the child to go the restroom unattended, this can be dangerous. One of the staff members who is not actively teaching should take the child to the restroom. If this is not possible, two children should go together so that no child is left alone.
Finally, an important aspect of Sunday school safety, as with any type of school safety, is the way the children are dismissed after the class is finished. While parents may not want to come and get their children after Sunday school, it is important that children are not dismissed without a parent or guardian. If there is a children's church class after Sunday school, the teacher should accompany the children to their next class. By taking these steps in your Sunday school, you will ensure that the children are safe and well cared for while in your care.