Discipline Policies
Discipline= Guidance toward right behavior; spiritual mentoring
Unity teaches that every child is created in the image and likeness of God.
Discipline helps them to understand their own divinity and make choices that align them with their Christ consciousness.
The Five Primary Needs of Children
Love*Order*Wisdom*Involvement*Fun
Classroom Discipline
*We are here each week to hold your child in love and respect. Our work is about allowing each child to unfold in their own divine way. Our overriding concern is the well-being of all the children.
*Teachers take into consideration the childs comfort level in participating with the group. Each child is encouraged to participate, but is not forced.
If they choose not to participate they may sit quietly and observe the class. The teacher will periodically invite the child to join the class.
*When a child expresses disruptive behavior, the teacher will provide opportunities for the child to choose to share, and co-operate in class, respectfully. In the rare event the child is still unhappy, or disruptive after several attempts to bring the child back into the group, we will quietly enter the church service to ask the parent to come assist in the classroom. A parent may be asked to attend the Sunday Classroom until the child feels comfortable and ready to participate.
*If your child has special needs, or is experiencing difficulty in some area, please share that information with the teacher or Youth Ministry Director. We can then take appropriate steps to enhance your child’s experience.
Required Participation
In order to provide a fulfilling experience for all of our children the parents will be required to participate in the Youth Ministry program. When one parent volunteers in some capacity at least once a month the burden will remain very small for all of us. Our Youth Ministry will greatly benefit from all the talents and ideas of our congregation, which will then create wonderful experiences for our youth. Together we can all create a safe, and loving, environment that will encourage all of our children to realize and fulfill their own divine potential.
All classrooms require two adults to be present. This is in compliance with insurance requirements, and most importantly Unity’s Sacred Safety policy. Any classrooms that do not have as least two adults will not be able to be provided for that Sunday. These children will have to attend the adult service with their parents, and clipboard activity packets will be provided.
In order to fulfill our obligations to your children, and to allow you to be involved in this process, we will require one parent volunteering at least once each month. More participation is greatly appreciated.
Opportunities for Required Participation
Team Teacher:
*A teacher will lovingly facilitate the Sunday school lesson.
*Training, materials and lesson plans are provided.
*Two weeks a month are required to keep a sense of consistency for the children
Classroom Assistant:
*Assist the teacher in facilitating the Sunday school lesson.
*Participate lovingly with the lesson and the children.
*Once a month participation is required in one of the Youth ministry classrooms, not necessarily the room your child is in. Your comfort, and interest level, is taken into consideration in assigning you to a classroom.
Additional Opportunities for Involvement
These additional opportunities are not required. They would help to enhance the entire Youth Ministry program, and provide the Youth Ministry Director with much needed help.
Substitute Teacher
*Fill in when the regular teacher is unavailable. This would be an on-call position in case of illnesses, etc.
*Training, materials, and Sunday lesson plans will be provided.
*Help would be available from the Youth Ministry Director.
Assist Youth Ministry Director with:
Teen Events/Fundraisers/Community Projects
*Plan/organize.
*Make poster/flyers.
*Supervise ticket/product sales.
*Bake/cook/or serve.
*Recycling of pop bottles which are collected as a fundraiser.
*Chaperone any of the above.
Material Preparations
*Clipboards (i.e. file old supplies, make copies, pack new supplies, sharpen pencils for packets, etc.).
*Decorate/change bulletin boards.
*Periodically clean/disinfect classroom and toys.
*Other opportunities as needed.
Forms
You will be required to fill out the following forms in order for your child to participate in the Youth program at Unity Church of Peace. The forms are provided by the Youth Ministry Director, the following is an overview of the required forms.
Registration Card (one for each child)
Includes name, age, birth date, nickname if desired, special needs, interests, etc., and other information that helps us serve your child.
Parent Survey (one per family)
Identifies all children from your family in our program since some children have different names. There are also questions about how we can support your family in your spiritual growth, and what additional involvement you would like to have with the program.
Photography Release (one per family)
Sometimes at events, special services, etc. photographs are taken. The church uses these photos in a safe, and respectful way, at the discretion of the Youth Ministry Director and/or the Minister. Your children are always protected by our Sacred Safety policy.
Parent Commitment Agreement (one per family)
The parent(s) form that they have read, and agree to, the policies of the Youth Education program.
Background Check Release Form (one per adult volunteer)
This form is completed by all persons who volunteer directly with minors in our church. All forms are kept private and confidential, seen only by the Youth Ministry director and/or the Minister.
