TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Nursery Staff Job Description & Expectations
"All are welcome here."
Purpose
The Trinity Presbyterian Church Nursery Ministry serves children from infancy through 5th grade by providing a safe, loving, and Christ-centered environment where children and families feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.
Our church's mission is simple yet powerful: "All are welcome here." As nursery staff, we are expected to reflect this mission by showing kindness, patience, compassion, and professionalism to every child and family who enters our doors. We strive to create an environment where children are safe, loved, and excited to learn about God.
Attendance & Punctuality
Staff are expected to arrive at their scheduled time and be prepared to begin work when their shift starts.
A 15-minute grace period is allowed for occasional delays. Employees arriving more than 15 minutes late will forfeit their guaranteed two-hour minimum pay for that shift.
If you are unable to work your scheduled shift, you must notify the Nursery Director at least 48 hours in advance whenever possible and provide a reasonable and verifiable explanation for the absence.
Scheduled time off requests, including vacations and personal events, must be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Additional notice is greatly appreciated.
Consistent attendance is an essential requirement of this position.
Ongoing attendance or communication issues may result in:
Verbal warning
Written warning
Possible termination
When attendance in the nursery is five children or fewer, staff will rotate who remains clocked in.
This policy is required, will be implemented fairly, and is expected to be followed by all staff.
Communication
Open, respectful, and timely communication is expected at all times.
1 . Staff are required to acknowledge schedules, important messages, and announcements from the Nursery Director. A thumbs up, text reply, or email acknowledgment is acceptable.
Any incident involving a child, parent, injury, behavioral concern, or safety issue must be reported to the Nursery Director immediately.
Significant incidents must be reported verbally and in writing.
If concerns arise, communicate them promptly rather than allowing problems to continue.
Professionalism & Teamwork
Maintain a positive attitude toward children, parents, coworkers, and church leadership.
Work together as a team and support one another.
Treat every child with patience, kindness, and respect.
Treat parents and coworkers professionally and respectfully at all times.
Be especially welcoming to new families and children who may be visiting for the first time.
Disrespectful behavior toward children, parents, coworkers, or leadership will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Gossip regarding children, parents, staff members, or church matters is strictly prohibited.
Timekeeping & Honesty
Employees are expected to accurately record their work hours.
Falsifying time records or altering clock-in or clock-out times is strictly prohibited.
Any dishonesty regarding hours worked may result in immediate disciplinary action, including termination.
Cell Phone Policy
Personal phone use is not permitted while children are present in the nursery.
The Nursery Director will have a phone available for emergencies and ministry needs.
Excessive phone use or failure to follow this policy may result in:
Verbal warning
Written warning
Possible termination
Child Supervision & Classroom Ratios
Children must be supervised at all times and may never be left unattended.
The nursery strives to maintain a ratio of 2 staff members for every 5 children whenever possible to ensure safe and attentive care.
Staff are expected to actively engage with children through play, lessons, and age-appropriate activities.
2. Yelling, harsh discipline, or inappropriate behavior toward children will not be tolerated.
Classroom Splits
When attendance allows, classrooms may be divided according to age groups:
Pre-K through 1st Grade: One teacher will be assigned to this classroom if ratios allow.
2nd Grade through 5th Grade: One teacher will be assigned to the older children's classroom.
Ratios may vary depending on attendance and staffing needs, and flexibility is expected.
Classroom assignments and splits will be discussed each week after attendance numbers are reviewed.
Bathroom Procedures
Children are not permitted to leave the classroom or go to the restroom alone.
Staff members must escort children to the restroom when needed.
Typically, female staff members will assist female children, and male staff members will assist male children whenever possible.
Exceptions may be made when staffing or circumstances require alternative arrangements while maintaining the child's safety and privacy.
At no time should a child use a restroom outside the classroom without staff supervision.
Attendance Tracking & Check-In Procedures
Attendance will be taken weekly for all children attending nursery.
Parents or guardians are required to sign children in and sign them out at pick-up.
Staff should ensure this process is completed consistently and accurately.
New families should be warmly welcomed and assisted with the check-in process.
Parents must complete all required registration and release forms.
Parents should scan the QR code in the classroom to complete electronic forms.
Parents should also be assisted with getting connected to ClassDojo for nursery communication and updates.
Parent Communication
Staff should warmly greet parents during drop-off and communicate positively during pick-up.
If concerns arise regarding a child or parent, the Nursery Director must be notified immediately.
Significant incidents must be reported both verbally and in writing to the Nursery Director.
The Nursery Director will communicate serious concerns or incidents directly with parents.
3. Opening Procedures
Staff are expected to arrive prepared and complete the following before children arrive:
Gather and organize classroom supplies.
Prepare activities and materials.
Review the Bible story and discussion questions for the day.
Prepare snacks before snack time.
Ensure water and juice are prepared and available for children.
Participate in the required morning huddle before class begins.
Be fully prepared before children enter the classroom.
Closing Procedures & Cleaning
At the end of each service or shift, staff are responsible for:
Vacuuming nursery floors daily.
Sanitizing all toys and commonly touched surfaces after children leave.
Organizing toys and supplies.
Taking trash to the large gray trash can located in the kitchen.
Leaving the nursery clean, sanitized, and ready for the next service.
Required Meetings
Monthly nursery meetings are required for all staff members.
Additional meetings or trainings may be scheduled as needed.
Attendance at required meetings is considered part of your responsibilities as a nursery staff member.
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 3.0 – 4.0 per week
Work Location: In person
