CHILDCARE AT GFC

The goal of childcare at GFC is to walk beside you in finding childcare so you can engage in community. Each group will have different childcare needs and is free to explore different approaches to find what works best with your group. The goal is always to provide safe care for each child. Parents will be responsible for the oversight of the children and childcare workers.

Here are a few examples of what might work for your group.

Community Groups Meeting Offsite of GFC.

  1. Families can rotate childcare among themselves.
  2. Families can work together to hire someone for childcare.
  3. This can take place in a separate space of the home where you are meeting or at another home nearby.
  4. If needed, GFC will help provide a list of childcare workers, if possible.
  5. If needed, GFC can help with the cost of childcare by reimbursement according to the policy of GFC.

Community Groups Meeting Onsite at GFC.

  1. Any of the options above can be used.
  2. For groups utilizing a cooperative strategy with 2 or more families, GFC can provide a designated space for childcare.
  3. Each group would need two childcare providers who are at least 15 years old and have been trained by GFC staff on safety, security, and use of the building.
  4. Any adults over 18 would also need to have an up-to-date background check on file, which GFC will facilitate.

Connecting and/or Care Groups Meeting Onsite at GFC

  1. Any of the options above can be used.
  2. Volunteers can be recruited to provide childcare.
  3. Each group would need to have two or more workers who are at least 15 years old per room to provide appropriate care.
  4. Volunteers must be trained by GFC staff on safety, security, and use of the building.
  5. Any adults over 18 would also need to have an up-to-date background check on file, which GFC will facilitate.

REIMBURSEMENT POLICY

For groups utilizing a cooperative strategy with 2 or more families, GFC will reimburse for up to 2 sitters at the rate of $10 per hour for up to 2 hours per meeting ($40), if requested.

For families arranging childcare independently, GFC will reimburse the family for 1 sitter at the rate of $10 per hour for up to 2 hours per meeting ($20), if requested.

Additional Information…

  1. Childcare reimbursements are for group meetings only. This does not include group parties, social events, or service projects.
  2. One person within the group should be the designated “Group Childcare Coordinator” who will make all arrangements with the sitter, pay the sitter(s), collect funds from group members, file the reimbursement request, and distribute reimbursements to the group members.
  3. Reimbursements may cease during a ministry year if the church budget line item covering childcare reimbursement is depleted. We will not cover childcare expenses for the summer months (June – August).
  4. Please complete one form per month. Form must be submitted by the 15th of the following month. For example, complete one form for the month of September by October 15.
  5. Checks are issued and mailed within 2 weeks of receipt of request.
  6. Electronic Reimbursement Form is available at www.gfcnow.com/reimbursement (see below).
  7. The safety of the children should guide any decisions made about childcare. Here are some recommendations:
    • Be sure the area is safe.
    • Be aware of any allergies (milk, peanuts, etc.)
    • Be clear in communication & expectations with workers (pay rate, time involved, safety, etc.)
    • Have a list of cell numbers so the worker can text a parent if needed.
    • If the number of children is above five or if the ages are diverse, it may be best to separate the children into older and younger groups whenever possible.