On behalf of the Childcare Department, we would like to welcome all of you with children age Birth to Kindergarten. We believe your child is a special gift from God-so we want to provide the best love and care possible. We want your child to feel welcome and a part of our program through the people and activities that God has placed in this ministry area.
To accomplish this, our caregivers will rock, feed, read, and play with the children to insure that they are content. We hope that after reading this brochure, you will have a greater understanding of what we have to offer you and your child.
Shelly Fryer
Kids’ Ministry Associate
Childcare/Preschool Ministry
What is the purpose of Childcare?
The purpose of Childcare is to provide a safe, loving fun and comfortable environment for both you and your child.
Our Department is made up of two areas:
Nursery- Birth through Kindergarten
Childcare- Birth through Age 12
General Information
Nursery facilities will be open 15 minutes prior to regular church services and approximately 15 minutes after church services.
- A parent should call for the child IMMEDIATELY following the service or function.
- Children may be brought to the Nursery only if the parent(s) or adult guardian(s) wish to attend a church service or function.
- Parents should indicate on the sign-in sheet where they will be during all classes and services. This will expedite finding you in case of emergency.
- It is strongly suggested that babies and toddlers not be left for a period longer than 3-4 hours. Children become very tired and frustrated when left for long periods of time. We want them to have a positive attitude about church and God.
- Pre-mix formula in bottles so they are ready to use.
- Please say good-byes quickly. Lingering with an anxious child prevents us from involving him/her in classroom activities. You will be paged if your child cannot be comforted.
**We also provide a comfort corner (cry room) in the sanctuary during worship hours to accommodate those parents wishing to keep their children during the worship hour.
What’s expected of you?
We simply ask that you follow this checklist every time you come to our Nursery.
1. Bring diaper bag with all your child’s needs (bottle, blanket, cup, pacifier, diapers, wipes, snack).
2. Label ALL belongings and diaper bag with your child’s name.
3. Pick up nametag and optional pager.
4. Hand child over the door to awaiting nursery worker.
Health Policies
In order to insure the safety and health of other babies and caregivers, please refrain from bringing your child if he/she has had any of the following symptoms within the past 24 hours:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Rash
Open Sores
Runny nose (anything but clear)
Children who are sick will not be allowed in the nursery. If your child develops a fever or other illness symptoms, you will be asked to take your child home. No medication will be given to any child in the Nursery Department. Parents should notify caregivers of any allergies.
Safety
The Nursery has implemented an ID nametag system that prevents anyone other than the parent/guardian from picking up a child. As you sign your child in, you will receive a nametag and optional pager. Please complete the needed information on the nametag and place it on your child’s back. You will keep the corresponding number and will need to show your tag with the number on it in order to retrieve your child. In the unforeseen event that you should lose your tag, you will be asked to show proper identification before we will release your child to you. Remember this is for the safety of your children. Your cooperation and patience are greatly appreciated.
We are striving to make the nursery as healthy and safe as possible. Some ways we are doing this are by using rubber gloves for diaper changes, parent/child matching tags, annual CPR training, and background checks on all childcare workers. Bedding is changed after each use and a sterilized solution is used on all toys and furniture after each session.
Ministry Opportunities
Sunday Mornings
Childcare opens 15 minutes prior to the first worship service and is continuous through the second worship service for children Birth –age 2. Trained childcare staff share the love of God through Bible stories, artwork, music, and songs with messages for a child’s heart.
Sunday School is provided for children age 3 (as of September 1st), Pre-K, and Kindergarten. The classes are taught by a dedicated staff of volunteers. The curriculum used is HeartShaper by Standard Publishing.
Children’s Worship Time is provided during the Second Worship Hour. Children aged 3 may be dropped off after Sunday School, but Pre-K and Kindergarten students are encouraged to go to the Sanctuary and participate in the beginning part of Adult Worship. Before the Sermon, parents may bring children down to the Childcare Department for age appropriate Bible and singing time.
Wednesday Nights
Childcare is available during the Gathering and Adult classes for ages Birth – 2 years.
JAM (Jesus and Me) is available for ages 3 (as of September 1st) through Kindergarten.
In JAM children are taught by trained volunteers who are dedicated to sharing the love of God through a variety of Hands-On bible activities, songs, stories and fun!
Childcare for Bible Studies/Committee Meetings/Church Events
Childcare is available for children age 12 and under for these special church events and meetings by reservation of the group/event leaders. If childcare is on the calendar for a particular event Parents can reserve a spot with the childcare department by calling the childcare hotline x333 or by emailing childcare@fpcedmond.org.
Our goal is to provide a secure and happy environment for you and your child. The purpose of the enclosed information is to promote unity and understanding between Parents and Childcare Staff. If everyone follows these guidelines, the Nursery will flow along very smoothly.
If you have any questions or if we can help you in any way, please call the church office at (405) 341-3602 and ask the operator for Kids’ Ministries. One of our staff would be happy to help you.
God Bless you and your family,
Kid’s Ministries Staff
First Presbyterian Church of Edmond