Cross of Christ Lutheran Church

Safety

Keeping our children safe is one of our most precious responsibilities and we at Cross of Christ take it very seriously. Ensuring safety comes in several main ways: general information given to parents/guardians, physical security (both of the child and the facilities), and sanitation practices (including the handling of any sick children).

We are very serious about the security of children in our care as well as the staff. What measures have we implemented? Our facility includes a secure card entry system for entrances that will allow only staff and parents/guardians with a keycard to use our main entrance.  All other entries are locked and only opened by authorized staff members. Security cameras are installed in each classroom as well facing entryways. These cameras are continually monitored throughout the day. Security personnel also make walking rounds throughout the day.

Only authorized personnel are allowed to pick up a child. Each parent/guardian must provide a written list including picture identification of who may pick up their child, or anyone not allowed to pick up the child.  If a parent states the other parent may not pick up the child, we must have a Court Order stating that.  Anyone else authorized to pick up a child must present picture ID.  Those picking up children who require a car seat must have a car seat or they will not be able to pick up the child(ren). Children are NEVER allowed to leave the center with any person who smells of alcohol or who appears to be under the influence of drugs or not in their right mind. If this person refuses to leave or causes a problem, 9-1-1 will be called.

For any incidents or emergencies, we utilize a mobile app called Project Broadcast. This system allows us to advise parents and staff that an incident is in progress and will include instructions so everyone will know what steps to follow. 

Part of being secure is also ensuring that the facilities are clean and do not spread any potential contagions. Our teachers and staff are trained in the best methods to ensure the health and safety of each child from infant to kindergarten. All classrooms, equipment, and tools are disinfected throughout the day. Rooms are also equipped with checklists for teachers to ensure each room is clean and tidy. Teachers wear gloves and use general cleanliness and precautions to prevent the spread of germs.

To teach the children clean habits, our center includes child-sized sinks in every room. We teach proper hand washing with soap and warm water, making clean hands an everyday habit.

In addition to ensuring cleanliness and good hygiene, we take precautions with illnesses as well. As part of our Illness Policy, we ask that parents/guardians have a back-up caregiver (someone you can call if the center has to close or if your child is sick). 

Currently, we incorporate social distancing. We are also currently only allowing the following people access to the center: teachers/staff, persons with legal authority to enter, HHSC Child Care Licensing staff, Department of Family and Protective Services staff; professionals providing services to children; children enrolled at the center, and parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to drop their children off at the front entryway and an employee will come to see to the child(ren). When time for pickup, parents/guardians must wait at the front entryway while an employee brings the child(ren) to them. We screen all employees and children according to Texas Health & Human Services guidelines. We will deny entry to any individual who has:

For more information on the guidelines we follow and ask for parents/guardians to follow as well, please visit https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/news/2020/03/hhs-monitors-covid-19-provides-new-guidance-child-care-facilities.

Please call or email the office when your child is absent for illness or any other reason. Also, please be available to pick-up your child within one hour if we call because of illness.

There are additional ways in which parents/guardians can help us keep our children safe. 

• Wash your hands and children's hands often.
• Immunize children.
• Keep ill children at home.
• Learn CPR and First Aid.
• Make sure that children drink plenty of water.
• Discuss special-care needs with caregivers.
• Learn more about childhood diabetes, which impairs a body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, and other medical conditions from your child's health-care provider.

Unsafe Children's Products - Recalls of unsafe consumer products, including children's products, are available.  It is easy and free to find out.  Just go to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov or you may access the recall information at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website at www.dfps.state.tx.us.

Texas law requires caregivers to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or law enforcement.  Call 1-800-252-5400 to make confidential reports.  Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect is a crime.  Employers are prohibited from retaliating against caregivers who make reports in good faith.