Next Gen Volunteers

Preschool Ministry

Ages 6 weeks – 5 years • A fun, safe, and meaningful first experience with church.

Volunteer Handbook

Meet Your Team Lead

Ashley Smith

Preschool Director

Ashley loves creating a safe, joyful space where kids are known, cared for, and introduced to Jesus in age-appropriate ways. She’ll help you feel confident in the room and supported every step of the way.

Contact

A Typical Sunday Serving in Preschool

Services begin at 9:30 & 11:15 and last 75 minutes on average.

T-25 min

Arrive + Team Huddle

Quick check-in, prayer, and assignments. We’ll cover any special notes for the day.
T-15 min

Prepare the Room

Set out activities, toys, and supplies. Everything is labeled and easy to follow.
Service

Welcome Kids + Care + Connection

Greet families, help kids feel safe, and guide them through play + learning moments.
During

Worship + Bible Moment

A short, age-appropriate lesson with simple language, movement, and repetition.
Post

Clean Up + Quick Reset

We reset together so the next service starts strong. Fast, clear, and team-based.

Room Lead

Guides the flow + supports the team.

Small Group Helper

Builds connection + helps kids engage.

Check-In Support

Helps families feel welcomed + confident.

Preschool Volunteer Handbook

Nursery – 5 Year Olds • Ministry Director: Ashley Smith

1. Volunteer Expectations

Volunteer Commitment

Volunteers serve twice per month.
New volunteers complete a 3-month trial period.
After the trial period, volunteers commit to a 12-month term of service.

Consistency helps build strong relationships with children and allows our ministry to operate smoothly.

Arrival & Departure

Arrive 30 minutes before service.
Classrooms open 20 minutes before service.
Attend the Team Rally before the 9:30 service when possible.

Volunteers should remain in their classroom until:

All children have been picked up
Classroom cleanup is complete

Student Volunteers

We love seeing students grow through serving.

Student Volunteers: Elementary – High School

Guidelines:

Students serve alongside adult leaders
Follow the same arrival expectations
Must be 12 or older to hold or pick up a child
Lead Teachers are responsible for training and supervising student volunteers

Attendance & Absences

Planned Absences

Black out dates in Planning Center as soon as you know them.

Unexpected Absences

Reach out to your serve area and see if you can switch with someone or have someone cover your assigned day to serve.
If you cannot find someone to cover you, let your ministry director know.

Dress Code

When serving, volunteers must wear:

Appropriate attire for working with children
No midriff showing
Nothing super low cut
Shorts that are an appropriate length
Printed name tag from the Kids kiosks or from Dream Team HQ

Infants & Ones classrooms require:

Shoe covers
Aprons

Wellness Policy

To protect children and volunteers, please stay home if you are sick.

Symptoms requiring absence include:

Fever
Vomiting or diarrhea
Persistent cough
Colored mucus
Unexplained rash
Eye infections
Lice
Communicable diseases

If a child becomes sick during class, notify the Team Leader.

Staying Connected

Volunteers should remain connected to the life of the church.

When scheduled to serve:

Serve one service
Attend one service

If you miss a weekend service, we encourage you to watch the service online.

2. Classroom Procedures

Check-In

Preschool (Nursery–5 year olds)

Parents receive:

Child name tag and Parent Pick-Up Receipt (PPR) at a kiosk

Procedures:

Place name tag on the child’s back
Parent completes check-in sheet
Label belongings
Assign a cubby for storage

Children Kindergarten and younger must be dropped off by someone age 10+.

Check-Out

Preschool

Children are released one at a time.
Parents must present the matching PPR.

If the PPR is lost:

Verify photo ID
Complete a Lost PPR Form

Cleanup

Preschool

Sanitize toys (last service)
Disinfect tables and surfaces
Clean restroom & diaper stations
Vacuum and empty trash

Calling Parents

Parents should only be called when necessary.

Examples:

Crying longer than 10 minutes
Serious behavior issues
Illness symptoms
Potty accidents without extra clothes
Injuries beyond minor bumps

Parents are not permitted in classrooms except when assisting with accidents.

If a parent does need to be called, notify the Ministry Director first.

Lessons

Each classroom includes a weekly Bible lesson.

Preschool lessons are taught by the Lead Teacher.

Sharing Jesus with children is the most important part of our ministry.

Diaper Changing

Only female volunteers age 18+ may change diapers with parents permission.

Procedures:

Never leave a child unattended
Wear disposable gloves
Use a clean changing pad
Sanitize hands after changing
Disinfect the area after service

Discipline

Always focus on positive reinforcement and redirection.

Never:

Yell
Shame
Use physical force

Preschool

Redirect behavior
Lead Teacher speaks with child
Supervised time-out
Parent contacted if necessary

3. Safety & Security

Classroom Supervision

To protect both children and volunteers:

Volunteers must check in at a kiosk
Wear your name tag
Two volunteers must always be present
Never be alone with a child

Food & Personal Items

To protect children with allergies:

No food or hot drinks in classrooms
Only serve approved classroom snacks
Store purses and personal items out of children’s reach

Bathroom Policy

No volunteer is to be in the bathroom alone with a child.
If a child needs assistance using the restroom, another volunteer must accompany them.

Classroom Security

Only kids volunteers, church staff, and children may be in classrooms during service.

Parents must receive approval from Ministry Director to enter.

If an unknown adult enters the area:

Request identification
Escort them out
Notify leadership or security

Cell Phone & Photo Policy

To protect children and avoid distractions:

Personal devices should remain put away while serving
No photos or videos of children may be taken or posted online

Appropriate Physical Interaction

Acceptable

Brief hugs
High-fives
Handshakes
Pats on the shoulder
Verbal encouragement

Not Permitted

Prolonged hugs
Kissing children
Tickling or wrestling
Piggyback rides
Comments about a child’s body
Spending time alone with children outside church

Injuries & Incident Reports

Minor Injuries

Notify the Lead Teacher
Use the classroom First Aid kit
Wear gloves when handling bodily fluids
Clean and bandage the wound

The Lead Teacher completes an Incident Report.

Serious Injuries

Provide basic care
Contact the parent and Ministry Director

Volunteers should never advise parents on medical treatment.

Child Protection Policy

Living Word Church maintains zero tolerance for child abuse or neglect.

Any suspected abuse must be reported immediately.

Reporting Procedure

If abuse is suspected:

Stay calm and listen to the child
Do not promise confidentiality
Report immediately to the Ministry Director
Leadership will determine next steps and notify authorities if required.

4. Emergency Procedures

Fire Alarm Sounds [Evacuate]

Lead Teacher takes head count
Line children up and exit through designated doors (Youth lobby doors)
Grab emergency book before exiting
Meet in the green space on the east side of the building

Children remain with volunteers until parents arrive with PPR tags.

Tornado

Move children to the designated shelter area
Nursery – 3’s stay in room / 4’s and 5’s go to 2 year old room
Remain with the kids from your classroom
Wait for staff instructions before moving

Parents will be directed when it is safe to reunite with their children.

Lockdown

Lock classroom doors
Move children away from windows
Stay quiet and out of sight
Wait for security or staff to clear the room

Next Gen Volunteers

Elementary Ministry

Ages Kindergarten – 3rd Grade • Jesus-centered & built for connection.

Volunteer Handbook

Meet Your Team Lead

Tara Bannorra

Elementary Director

Tara’s passion is helping kids build real faith foundations while having the best hour of their week. She’ll make sure you’re trained, supported, and set up to lead with confidence.

Contact

A Typical Sunday Serving in Elementary

Services begin at 9:30 & 11:15 and last 75 minutes on average.

T-25 min

Arrive + Team Huddle

Check-in, prayer, quick updates, and you’ll know exactly what your role is for the day.
T-15 min

Room Prep + Supplies

Set out activity bins, lesson materials, and any game supplies. Everything is labeled and ready.
Service

Welcome + Connection

Greet kids by name, help them join their group, and build trust fast.
During

Worship + Lesson + Small Group

Kids worship, hear the Bible story, then talk + apply it in small groups with simple prompts.
Post

Clean Up + Reset

Quick reset so the next service is ready. You’ll never do it alone.

Room Lead

Guides the flow and supports the team.

Small Group Leader

Leads discussion + prayer with a consistent group.

Check-In Support

Helps families and keeps lines moving smoothly.

Elementary Volunteer Handbook

K – 3rd Grade • Ministry Director: Tara Bannorra

1. Volunteer Expectations

Volunteer Commitment

Volunteers serve twice per month.
New volunteers complete a 3-month trial period.
After the trial period, volunteers commit to a 12-month term of service.

Consistency helps build strong relationships with children and allows our ministry to operate smoothly.

Arrival & Departure

Arrive 30 minutes before service.
Classrooms open 20 minutes before service.
Attend the Team Rally before the 9:30 service when possible.

Volunteers should remain in their classroom until:

All children have been picked up
Classroom cleanup is complete

Student Volunteers

We love seeing students grow through serving.

Student Volunteers: Jr. High – High School

Guidelines:

Students serve alongside adult leaders
Follow the same arrival expectations
Must be 12 or older to hold or pick up a child
Lead Teachers are responsible for training and supervising student volunteers

Attendance & Absences

Planned Absences

Black out dates in Planning Center as soon as you know them.

Unexpected Absences

Reach out to your serve area and see if you can switch with someone or have someone cover your assigned day to serve.
If you cannot find someone to cover you, let your ministry director know.

Dress Code

When serving, volunteers must wear:

Appropriate attire for working with children
No midriff showing
Nothing super low cut
Shorts that are an appropriate length
Printed name tag from the Kids kiosks or from Dream Team HQ

Wellness Policy

To protect children and volunteers, please stay home if you are sick.

Symptoms requiring absence include:

Fever
Vomiting or diarrhea
Persistent cough
Colored mucus
Unexplained rash
Eye infections
Lice
Communicable diseases

If a child becomes sick during class, notify the Ministry Director.

Staying Connected

Volunteers should remain connected to the life of the church.

When scheduled to serve:

Serve one service
Attend one service

If you miss a weekend service, we encourage you to watch the service online.

2. Classroom Procedures

Check-In

Parents receive:

Child name tag and Parent Pick-Up Receipt (PPR) at a kiosk

Children must have a printed name tag to enter.

Check-in closes 20 minutes after service begins.

Procedures:

Place name tag on the child’s back
Walk them to the “Drop Off” door of their classroom

Check-Out

Children are released one at a time.
Parents must present the matching PPR at the “Pick-Up Door”.

If the PPR is lost:

Verify photo ID
Complete a Lost PPR Form

Cleanup

Return toys to their place
Throw away trash
Wipe down tables
Vacuum if needed

Volunteer Roles

Lead Teacher

Teach the day’s lesson
Keep class on schedule
Be at door for Pick-Up and Drop-Off

Small Group Leaders

Lead table discussion, activities, etc.
Connect with kids and small group

Calling Parents

Parents should only be called when necessary.

Examples:

Serious behavior issues
Illness symptoms
Potty accidents without extra clothes
Injuries beyond minor bumps

Parents are not permitted in classrooms except when assisting with accidents.

To call a parent, use the IPad located in your classroom. Select the child’s name and send the parent a message.

Discipline

Always focus on positive reinforcement and redirection.

Never:

Yell
Shame
Use physical force

Three-Strike Policy

Verbal warning
Final warning
Move child to back of the room (loss of privileges)

3. Safety & Security

Classroom Supervision

To protect both children and volunteers:

Volunteers must check in at a kiosk
Wear your name tag
Two volunteers must always be present
Never be alone with a child

Food & Personal Items

To protect children with allergies:

No food or hot drinks in classrooms
Only serve approved classroom snacks
Store purses and personal items out of children’s reach

Bathroom Policy

Each elementary room has a single bathroom. Kids may use it one at a time.
No adult is allowed inside the bathroom.
Volunteers need to use the adult only restroom located in the hallway.

Classroom Security

Only kids volunteers, church staff, and children may be in classrooms during service.

Parents must receive approval from the ministry director to enter.

If an unknown adult enters the area:

Request identification
Escort them out
Notify leadership or security

Cell Phone & Photo Policy

To protect children and avoid distractions:

Personal devices should remain put away while serving
No photos or videos of children may be taken or posted online

Appropriate Physical Interaction

Acceptable

Brief hugs
High-fives
Handshakes
Pats on the shoulder
Verbal encouragement

Not Permitted

Prolonged hugs
Kissing children
Tickling or wrestling
Piggyback rides
Comments about a child’s body
Spending time alone with children outside church

Injuries & Incident Reports

Minor Injuries

Notify the Lead Teacher
Use the classroom First Aid kit
Wear gloves when handling bodily fluids
Clean and bandage the wound

The Lead Teacher completes an Incident Report.

Serious Injuries

Provide basic care
Contact the parents and ministry director

Volunteers should never advise parents on medical treatment.

Child Protection Policy

Living Word Church maintains zero tolerance for child abuse or neglect.

Any suspected abuse must be reported immediately.

Reporting Procedure

If abuse is suspected:

Stay calm and listen to the child
Do not promise confidentiality
Report immediately to the Ministry Director
Leadership will determine next steps and notify authorities if required.

4. Emergency Procedures

Fire Alarm Sounds [Evacuate]

Lead Teacher takes head count
Line children up and exit through designated doors (Youth lobby doors)
Grab emergency book before exiting
Meet in the green space on the east side of the building

Children remain with volunteers until parents arrive with PPR tags.

Tornado

Move children to the designated shelter area
K/1st to One’s & 2nd/3rd to Nursery
Remain with the kids from your classroom
Wait for staff instructions before moving

Parents will be directed when it is safe to reunite with their children.

Lockdown

Lock classroom doors
Move children away from windows
Stay quiet and out of sight
Wait for security or staff to clear the room

Next Gen Volunteers

The Middle

Grades 4th – 6th • Built for fun, belonging, and real faith.

Volunteer Handbook

Meet Your Team Lead

Pastor Caroline Saxon

Ministry Leader

Pastor Caroline’s heart is to help preteens build a faith that becomes their own. She’ll make sure you’re equipped, supported, and confident as you lead, listen, and love students well.

Contact

A Typical Sunday Serving in The Middle

Services begin at 9:30 & 11:15 and last 75 minutes on average.

T-25 min

Arrive + Team Huddle

Quick prayer, the plan for the day, and your role — clear and simple.
T-15 min

Room Prep + Set-Up

Set out supplies, game materials, and small group prompts. Everything is ready to go.
Service

Welcome + Hangout

Build connection fast — names, high fives, and making every student feel known.
During

Worship + Teaching + Small Groups

Students worship, hear the message, then process it in small groups with simple questions.
Post

Clean Up + Reset

Fast reset together so the next service starts strong.

Room Lead

Guides the flow and supports the team.

Small Group Leader

Leads discussion + prayer with a consistent group.

Check-In Support

Helps students + families feel confident at drop-off.

The Middle Volunteer Handbook

4th–6th Grade • Ministry Director: Caroline Saxon

1. Volunteer Expectations

Volunteer Commitment

We ask that you do your best to remain consistent. Consistency helps build strong relationships with children and allows our ministry to operate smoothly.

Arrival & Departure

Arrive 30 minutes before service.
Classrooms open 20 minutes before service.
Attend the Team Rally before the 9:30am service when possible.

Volunteers should remain in their classroom until:

All children have been picked up
Classroom cleanup is complete

Student Volunteers

We love seeing students grow through serving.

Student Volunteers: Junior High–High School

Guidelines:

Students serve alongside adult leaders
Follow the same arrival expectations
Lead Teachers are responsible for training and supervising student volunteers

Attendance & Absences

Planned Absences

Black out dates in Planning Center as soon as you know them.

Unexpected Absences

Reach out to your serve area and see if you can switch with someone or have someone cover your assigned day to serve.
If you cannot find someone to cover you, let your ministry director know.

Dress Code

When serving, volunteers must wear:

Appropriate attire for working with children. No midriff showing. Nothing super low cut. Shorts that are an appropriate length.
Printed name tag from the Kids kiosks or from Dream Team HQ

Wellness Policy

To protect children and volunteers, please stay home if you are sick.

Symptoms requiring absence include:

Fever
Vomiting or diarrhea
Persistent cough
Colored mucus
Unexplained rash
Eye infections
Lice
Communicable diseases

If a child becomes sick during class, notify the parent.

Staying Connected

Volunteers should remain connected to the life of the church.

When scheduled to serve:

Serve one service
Attend one service

If you miss a weekend service, we encourage you to watch the service online.

2. Classroom Procedures

Check-In

Parents receive:

Child name tag and Parent Pick-Up Receipt (PPR) at a kiosk

Children must have a printed name tag to enter.

Check-in closes 20 minutes after service begins.

Procedures:

Place name tag where it can be seen by volunteers

Check-Out

Children are released one at a time.
Parents must present the matching PPR at the “Pick-Up Door”.

If the PPR is lost:

Verify photo ID
Complete a Lost PPR Form

Cleanup

Return activities to their place
Throw away trash
Wipe down tables
Vacuum if needed

Volunteer Roles

When you are scheduled to serve, your assigned role will be listed in Planning Center. Each role plays an important part in creating a safe, engaging, and Christ-centered environment for students.

Game Leader

Before worship begins, you are responsible for leading and facilitating the game. This is a great opportunity to help students feel welcomed, energized, and ready to participate.

Lead Teacher

Following worship, you will communicate the day’s message using the teaching notes provided in Planning Center. Your role is to present the content clearly and faithfully, in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Small Group Leader

After the message, you will gather a group of students to guide discussion using the provided questions. This is a key time for connection and discipleship.

Always conclude your group time by asking students if they have any prayer requests and taking a moment to pray with them.

Worship Leader

You will help guide Kindergarten–4th grade students into the room, create a welcoming transition into worship, pray before worship begins, and lead Kindergarten–6th grade students in worship.

Student Leader (Jr High–High School)

Student Leaders serve alongside adult leaders to help create a welcoming and engaging environment. They assist with games, worship, and small groups, build relationships with younger students, and model Christ-like behavior through their actions and attitudes.

Calling Parents

Parents should only be called when necessary.

Examples:

Serious behavior issues
Illness symptoms
Injuries beyond minor bumps

Parents are not permitted in classrooms except when assisting with accidents.

To call a parent, use the IPad located in your classroom. Select the child’s name and send the parent a message.

Discipline

Always focus on positive reinforcement and redirection.

Never:

Yell
Shame
Use physical force

Three-Strike Policy

Verbal warning
Final warning
Move child to back of the room (loss of privileges)

3. Safety & Security

Classroom Supervision

To protect both children and volunteers:

Volunteers must check in at a kiosk
Wear your name tag
Two volunteers must always be present
Never be alone with a child

Food & Personal Items

To protect children with allergies:

No food or hot drinks in classrooms
Only serve approved classroom snacks

Bathroom Policy

Students in The Middle can use the hallway bathrooms outside of the classroom.
A volunteer needs to have eyes on the hallway until the child returns to the classroom.
Adults are not permitted in these bathrooms.
Adults are to use the adult bathroom ONLY.

Classroom Security

Only approved Kids volunteers, church staff, and children may be in classrooms during service.

Parents must receive approval from a Leader to enter.

If an unknown adult enters the area:

Request identification
Escort them out
Notify leadership or security

Cell Phone & Photo Policy

To protect children and avoid distractions:

Personal devices should remain put away while serving
No photos or videos of children may be taken or posted online
Once service begins, all student’s cell phones and/or other devices need to be put away.
If phones remain a problem collect them and put them in the back until service is over.

Appropriate Physical Interaction

Acceptable

Brief hugs
High-fives
Handshakes
Pats on the shoulder
Verbal encouragement

Not Permitted

Prolonged hugs
Kissing children
Tickling or wrestling
Piggyback rides
Comments about a child’s body
Spending time alone with children outside church

Injuries & Incident Reports

Minor Injuries

Notify the Lead Teacher
Use the classroom First Aid kit
Wear gloves when handling bodily fluids
Clean and bandage the wound

The Lead Teacher completes an Incident Report.

Serious Injuries

Provide basic care
Contact the parent and ministry director
Volunteers should never advise parents on medical treatment.

Child Protection Policy

Living Word Church maintains zero tolerance for child abuse or neglect.

Any suspected abuse must be reported immediately.

Reporting Procedure

If abuse is suspected:

Stay calm and listen to the child
Do not promise confidentiality
Report immediately to the Ministry Director
Leadership will determine next steps and notify authorities if required.

4. Emergency Procedures

Fire Alarm Sounds [Evacuate]

Lead Teacher takes head count
Line children up and exit through designated doors (Youth lobby doors)
Grab emergency bag
Meet in the green space on the east side of the building

Children remain with volunteers until parents arrive with PPR tags.

Tornado

Move children to the designated shelter area [The Haven Classroom]
Remain with the kids from your classroom
Wait for staff instructions before moving

Parents will be directed when it is safe to reunite with their children.

Lockdown

Lock classroom doors
Move children away from windows
Stay quiet and out of sight
Wait for security or staff to clear the room

Next Gen Volunteers

Haven

Serving children with Special Needs • Offered at 11:15 only.

Volunteer Handbook

Meet Your Team Lead

Ashlyn Eldridge

Ministry Leader

Ashlyn’s heart is to create a calm, safe, and welcoming environment where every child can belong and engage. You’ll be supported with clear expectations, simple steps, and a team that serves with compassion and confidence.

Contact

A Typical Sunday Serving in Haven

Haven is offered during the 11:15 service only.

T-25 min

Arrive + Team Huddle

Quick prayer, notes for the day, and assignments. You’ll know exactly what to do.
T-15 min

Prepare the Space

Set out sensory tools, visual supports, and activity options. Simple and organized.
Service

Welcome + Support + Connection

Help each child feel safe and seen. Follow the plan, respond calmly, and celebrate progress.
During

Flexible Learning + Regulation

A simple Bible moment, plus movement/sensory breaks as needed. We adapt with love.
Post

Clean Up + Quick Reset

Reset together so everything is ready for next week. Fast and team-based.

Room Lead

Guides the flow + supports the team.

Buddy

Supports one child with care, focus, and encouragement.

Check-In Support

Helps families feel confident and welcomed at drop-off.

Haven Volunteer Handbook

Quick answers for a confident Sunday.

Do I need special training to serve in Haven?

No. We’ll train you and give you clear steps. The most important thing is patience, consistency, and kindness.

What if a child has a meltdown or gets overwhelmed?

You’ll never be alone. We use calm responses, simple tools, and a clear plan — and a room lead is always nearby.

What does serving look like during the 11:15 service?

You’ll arrive early for a quick huddle, serve during 11:15, then reset the room together at the end.

Can I still attend a service?

Yes — most volunteers attend the 9:30 service and serve at 11:15 for Haven.