Your church nursery is more than a room for babies. It’s a sanctuary. One where every infant and toddler who enters should feel safe and secure. Likewise, parents should feel secure leaving their children in the hands of your capable church nursery caregivers.

But developing a sense of security with the people who care for their children doesn’t just happen. As a leader, it’s up to you to find the right church nursery caregivers. The ones who put little ones and their parents at ease, who show dedication and commitment to their work in your church nursery, and who hold themselves and others accountable to fulfil the duties of their role.

How can you ensure you choose the right people for the job? Here are five key steps to take:

Establish an application process

Whether your caregivers are volunteers or staff, having them complete an application or questionnaire ensures you a good fit for all involved. It gives you the chance to ascertain why they want to serve, whether they agree with the tenants of your church, and their experienced working with babies.

Conduct interviews

Meet face to face with each potential caregiver before placing him or her in a ministry role. This lays the groundwork for positive communication moving forward and also ensures you and the applicant are on the same page. Should you have any concerns about the person, it allows an additional opportunity for you to discern if your ministry is a good match.

Get a second opinion

Ask for three personal references—and don’t forget to call them! These calls can be surprisingly insightful and affirming. Also ask permission to do a background check. Background checks are a worthwhile cost. They offer peace of mind and show both the applicant and others in your ministry that you take the safety and security of the children in your care seriously.

Hold an orientation with all church nursery caregivers

Starting work in a church nursery can be overwhelming if the person doesn’t feel properly prepared! Equip your church nursery caregivers for success by carefully going over the policies and procedures of your nursery before their first day of work. This is your chance to review safety rules, make your expectations clear, and introduce them to their new team!

Provide ongoing mentorship

Perhaps the most important of these steps is to continue to mentor and support your church nursery caregivers after they begin work with your ministry. Let a newer person serve as a “trainee” with experienced caregivers who can answer questions that arise. This also gives the mentor the chance to evaluate the person and continue to assess whether he or she is well suited to the ministry. And don’t forget about your experienced caregivers! Regularly check-in to see how they are doing and uncover ways you can support them in their work.

Being entrusted with tiny lives is a big deal! It’s important to have a thorough and clear pathway to becoming a caregiver in early childhood ministry. While each individual process may vary, what matters most is that you have a procedure that keeps the children in your congregation safe. In doing so, you will put parents, children, and the caregivers themselves at ease, and make it possible for this important ministry to thrive.

Ready to learn more? Download our FREE eBook: Building an Intentional Church Nursery.