Behavior Policy

In order to keep our church a fun, safe, and sacred space for people of all ages, we have certain practices that we expect all participants in our programming for children, youth, and their families to follow.

Practices

At Saltwater Church, we do...

• Listen, speak, and act with respect.
• Take turns and cooperate.
• Participate in group activities.
• Include people, especially newcomers, in our play.
• Run, skip, and jump outside.
• Share toys, play equipment, and snacks.
• Take time-outs and/or talk with somebody when we're angry.
• Ask adults for help.

At Saltwater Church, we do not...

• Hit, kick, push, shove, or punch one another.
• Throw sand or other objects that can do harm.
• Yell or use disrespectful language.
• Threaten others with our words or actions.
• Take things that belong to others.
• Stand or jump on furniture, roofs, walls, or fences.
• Disrupt our group by being noisy or uncooperative.
• Damage church property, grounds, or others' belongings.
• Leave the classroom without permission from the teacher or assistant.

Consequences

 When the church practices are not followed, a child can expect one or more of the following consequences to help us keep our church a fun, safe, and sacred space.  The child may be...

• Given a gentle reminder of the practice to be followed.

• Told to take a time-out for 5-10 minutes.
• Given a verbal warning to stop the undesired behavior if the child is fighting or hurting others.  If the child does not stop immediately, the staff may physically intervene to ensure a safe learning environment.  Such an incident will be reported to the parent(s) by the Director of Family Ministries.
• Escorted from the group if he or she continues to be disruptive.  The child will be taken to the Director of Family Ministries or Sunday supervisor and expected to sit quietly in a designated place until class is over.  Or the child may be asked to do some physical activity or help with a certain task.  These activities will not be punishments for the child, but alternatives offered with the goal of helping the child refocus his or her energy in a positive manner.  The child’s parent(s) will be notified that this is how their child spent his or her morning at church.
• Taken back to the sanctuary to sit with his or her parent(s).

If a child’s disruptive behavior is ongoing, the Director of Family Ministries will meet with the child and parent(s) to discuss what can be done by the child, parent(s), and teachers to help that child participate in an appropriate way.