Nursery and Pre-school Ministry
We are so excited about your child being in the Nursery Preschool! It is our desire to ensure that your child is well taken care of during our Celebration services. We provide childcare during all of our services for children between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years. Our rooms are staffed with wonderful people just waiting to ensure that your child feels loved, encounters God, and has fun.
Where do I take my kids?
Once you arrive at a campus, please ask a member of our Guest Services team. They will be able to direct you towards the appropriate registration area.
Information for Parents
What To Bring
Birth — 2 years: When packing a diaper bag for your child, please include the following items:
- Two or three disposable diapers. No cloth diapers, please.
- Pacifier or other item, should your child need it for security.
- A complete change of clothes in case your child would require that.
- A bottle of milk, formula, juice or water. (This is a good practice even for mothers who nurse.)
2 — 3 years: Please have a spare change of clothes available. Children this age can and do still have accidents.
Please label all personal items with your child’s first and last name before arriving at your child’s class. This helps us keep track of your child’s items. We will provide a “bag tag” which is a sticker with your child’s name on it that will be placed on the diaper bag or back pack.
Your Child’s Health
It is important to us that your child has a good experience. For the protection of all the children in our ministry, we cannot accept a child with a runny nose, fresh cold (four days or less), fever, rash, persistent cough, diarrhea or any other signs of illness. We request that you not place your child in the program while they are at risk of exposing other children. Thank you in advance for helping us keep our program a healthy place for all.
When You Arrive At Church
At the time of check-in, a leader will greet you and enter your child’s information into our check-in system. A leader will then apply an adhesive name tag to your child’s back with his or her name on it. You will be given a matching tag. This tag will need to be presented at the time of pick up. A child will not be released without presentation of the parents corresponding tag. A 3 digit/letter combination will be on this tag. If we need you for any reason during the service, this number will show up on the screens in the main sanctuary. Please come to your child’s room if you see your number.
When You Arrive at Your Child’s Room
The classroom leader will meet you to receive your child and their belongings. Please share any information that will help in caring for your child such as feeding times, sleeping times, allergies and special needs.
Saying Good-bye
After you have completed the check-in process, simply wave a quick good-bye and leave for the worship service. As you know, it is normal for little ones to cry when leaving a parent. This does not last long, and separation becomes easier over time. Our leaders will immediately try to create interest in a toy or activity and give assurance that you will return after the worship service is completed. If your child cries for an extended period of time, we will post your number on the screen to notify you.
Snacks
Snacks are provided for the children in the 1 year -5 year old classroom. The only snack that we provide is Cheerios with water. If your child has an allergy, please inform the leader when you check in your child.
Curriculum
We believe even our littlest ones can learn! Our 2’s get to learn about God with a fun curriculum called “Play and Worship”! 3-5 year olds learn the Word through an exciting curriculum called “Elevate Jr” which is an interactive DVD lesson with fun activities, games and crafts. This curriculum includes a take home family devotional.
Checking On Your Child
We welcome you to feel free to check on your little one at any time during the worship service. However, we ask that you do so discreetly, trying not to let your child see you.
Pick-up Procedures
Please have your tag ready when entering the children’s hallway. An usher will ask to see it for you to enter the hallway. The teacher will then ask for it to match up with your child’s tag. Please wait until after you have left the nursery/preschool hallway to dispose of your matching tags. This helps our ushers see that you are approved to be in the children’s hallway.
Please make sure that all your child’s personal items have been returned to you before you leave the premises. Lost and found items will be retained for a short time. Items not claimed after one month are donated to a charitable organization.
Join the Team!
We are always looking for people who love God and love kids to join our team! No experience required. Simply apply online! Or, you can contact our Nursery Preschool Pastor, Lisa Johnson to find out more.
