First learn what God says in His Word about education and develop a conviction in your heart and mind for Christian education

(Contact the Office of Christian Schools at 888-644-4510 for start up brochures)

Beginning a Christian School, preschool, or childcare program is a very important act in the life of a local church. Before the actual steps of starting the new program are taken, some vital and soul-searching issues must be faced.

Discuss the following questions with your church board (See "Criteria for Organizing a Nazaarene Child Care or School"):

A.   Does the school belong to God?*

B.   Are we starting a school to glorify God?*

C.   Is it a ministry?*

D.   Will it reach out to the community with evangelism and growth in mind?*

E.   Are you willing to follow the governmental laws about schools?

o   According to IRS laws, the school funds cannot be used to support the local church.*

§   For example, appropriate uses of school monies are partial (5/7ths) of each of the following: utilities, building/maintenance, improvements, etc. (5/7ths is suggested due to the fact that the school would use the facility 5 out of 7 days.)

o   Is your church board in agreement with the above?

F.   Does the church understand the importance of the philosophy of Christian education?*

G.   Is the pastor a strong supporter of Christian education and especially of providing day school in the local church?*

H.   After the establishment, administrators of Christian schools, preschools, or childcare programs must periodically re-evaluate their operation. Standards of excellence must be maintained as well as a “ministry” perspective.*

o   Is the church board and pastor willing and able to do this?

o   How will you deal with problems you find?

*Prayer must be part of any step. Prayer cannot be over-emphasized. Every ministry must be based on prayer.

The Church Board needs a Covenant with God. Jesus Christ, and He alone, will be the ultimate administrator of your school.

If the church board answers NO to any of the above questions, Do NOT pursue any further.

Contact Your Nazarene District Superintendent and advisory board for approval.

Now that you have decide to start a school, contact the Office of Christian Schools for a start up package which will assist you with phases 2 and 3.

1. Estimate total cost to get building up to standards.
2. Figure cost of equipment to start up a school/center.
3. Contact your insurance agent to get an estimate for additional insurance needs.
4. Set fees for tuition, registration, books and supplies, late fees and discounts.
5. Set base pay for employees, and plan an employee benefit package.
6. Establish policies and procedures for the staff and the students.
   • Job descriptions.
   • Daily routines.
   • Evaluations.
   • Employee handbook.
   • Etc. 
7. Establish policies and procedures for the parents.
   • Mission statement. 
   • Parent/student handbook.
   • Brochures.
   • Calendar. 
   • Etc.
8. Choose a curriculum (Bible and academic).
9. Contact the legal department of your insurance agency to do a legal audit on:
   • Your policies and procedures for the staff.
   • Your policies and procedures for the students.
   • Your policies and procedures for the parents.
      

Determine Cost

1. Determine cost to get building up to standard for a daycare facility.
   • With Fire Marshall.
   • With Health Department. 
   • With Social Services.
2. Find out from your state if you need to be licensed or registered?

Before Opening Day

1. Create Operational Forms
   • Enrollment forms.
   • Staff/employment forms.
   • Everyday needs.
2. Order equipment for classrooms and playground
3. Advertise
   • Through word of mouth.
   • Sign outside Church.
   • Newspaper.
      

Remember your Covenant with God. Jesus Christ, and He alone, will be the ultimate administrator of your school. 

1. Keep current with your the local licensing and registration agencies on policies.
2. Keep the Church/School Board in the loop of school events and policies.
3. Establish periodical reviews, and re-evaluate your school standards.

After the establishment, administrators of Christian schools, preschools, or childcare programs must periodically re-evaluate their operation. Standards of excellence must be maintained as well as a “ministry” perspective.