Implementing quality Safety measures for Children’s Ministry Events
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and is a sponsored collaboration. All opinions are my own.
If you know anything about me, you know that I take child safety seriously. From working in social work, leading a children’s ministry, to having my own children – it’s always in the forefront of my mind. Ensuring safety of kids no matter the space or what is happening is so key!
One of my favorite jobs was teaching and leading a children’s ministry. I pinnacle of my year was hosting Vacation Bible School! I’m telling you there I nothing like having hundreds of kids singing, dancing, and bursting at the seams with excitement. I loved every exhausting minute of it.
What many people don’t see is the in-depth planning and safety measures that are taken into account for such events. It’s not just having adults or chaperones – it is far more than that. I always encourage leaders in ministry to set the following safety protocols for the most vulnerable population we serve.
Best safety practices
When planning any event for children I always encourage the following as a standard:
- Background checks for every adult volunteer
- A clear plan of traffic for children throughout the building
- Emergency protocol procedures for natural disaster, fire, even allergies
- Proper signage throughout building
- Identified lead adults for any space with children
Over the years I’ve learned these are basic standards to start with planning your event. This took us a few months to do walkthroughs, have round table discussions, and even work a logistical schedule to ensure no child was left alone or misdirected.
Another key aspect to planning is that every space (excluding restrooms) should have a camera or video security equipment. With so many children walking around even with adult supervision, this added measure saved any concerns countless times.
Having quality safety equipment provides a reassurance and accountability to everyone who participates.
Quality safety equipment
It’s incredible that there are local sustainable companies that aid in security equipment.
Criterion Technology Inc is the industry leader of the highest quality clear component parts molded out of polycarbonate, acrylic, and an exclusive optical grade nylon. Specializing in optical injection molding and enclosures, Criterion displays supreme material expertise, vast technical knowledge, a robust commitment to R&D, and optimum onsite testing.
Criterion is consistently recognized for excellent customer service, process flexibility, on-time delivery, and product precision. Criterion recognizes the importance of utilizing technology and automation to improve product quality. Criterion’s goal is to provide customers with continuous improvements in optical performance and manufacturing processes. The best camera or optical sensor is only as good as the dome that covers it.
The Criterion team is a group of experienced and resourceful individuals who work together to create a welcoming environment where innovation flourishes. Criterion backs their products with 100% paid tooling maintenance. A North American partner, Criterion fortifies partnerships with design and development aptitudes, prototyping, low and high volume production, and turn-key assembly.
Criterion excels in any application that requires the optical enclosure to be as high-end as the product it is protecting. Criterion’s injection molded optics and enclosures provide excellent coverage and protection for high definition cameras up to the latest 4k camera technology. Criterion uses a variety of materials that offer a customizable product. From the appearance of the product to the light transmission, countless configurations are available in different colors such as, smoke tint, bronze tint, IR transmissive, and custom colors.
Criterion Technology Inc. has proven to be successful through commitment to continuous research, advanced technology, and automation. Criterion has pioneered the use of durable materials to offer clarity, safety, and strength since 1990. Criterion aligned with the best material suppliers to co-develop an optical grade of nylon that exhibits some of the best characteristics of both acrylic and polycarbonate. Criterion’s products are tested to withstand the rigor of high temperatures, rough ocean conditions, mining and oil drilling conditions, as well as prison and military environments, all while delivering superior optical performance and image clarity.
Why Quality Safety Matters
It matters, because every child matters. I wish more churches and organizations saw the importance of quality safety measures in their events and children’s spaces.
There is such a peace when you can walk into a location and know your child will be in great hands. That they will be cared for and have an amazing time!
How does safety rank on your planning list? If you’re planning an event with children ensure that it’s number one. This is coming not just from a mom, but a social worker who has seen what unsafe environments can do.