Protecting the Littlest in Our Care: Why Background Checks for Nursery and Sunday School Volunteers Matter

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

Church nurseries and Sunday school classrooms are more than just places where children learn about faith; they are spaces where kids should feel safe, seen, and protected. Parents entrust churches with their most precious gifts, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that trust is never misplaced.

One of the most important ways churches can uphold that trust is by conducting thorough background checks and screenings for all individuals serving in children’s ministry, especially nursery workers and Sunday school teachers.

Why It’s Important

Children, especially infants and young kids, are among the most vulnerable members of any community. In many cases, they may not yet have the language to express when something is wrong. That means prevention must be our first line of defense.

According to the CDC, at least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the U.S. experience child sexual abuse. Perpetrators often seek out roles in trusted environments (like churches) where they can gain easy access to children with little suspicion or oversight.

Screening those who work directly with children helps churches:

• Identify past criminal history or red flags
• Ensure that volunteers are who they say they are
• Discourage predators from targeting your ministry
• Create a culture where safety is taken seriously

Building a Culture of Safety

While background checks are a vital first step, they should be part of a larger commitment to child protection:

• Always have at least two adults present in classrooms and diapering/bathroom situations
• Never allow unsupervised one-on-one time between volunteers and children
• Provide mandatory training on abuse prevention, reporting procedures, and appropriate child interactions
• Keep detailed records of all screening and training

These practices don’t just protect children; they also protect volunteers and the integrity of the church.

Trust Is Sacred, Let’s Protect It

Families need to know their children are safe when they walk through your church doors. Background checks for nursery workers and Sunday school teachers are not about suspicion, they’re about responsibility. They’re about making sure that every child can laugh, learn, and grow in a place that puts their safety first.