Preschool Procedures

What to Bring
Please include the following in your child’s diaper bag: two to three diapers, wipes, a change of clothes in case of an accident, a bottle/sippy cup of formula, milk, water and/or juice. Please make sure the diaper bag and everything in it (bottles, change of clothes, pacifiers, etc.) are labeled. We do have permanent markers available at the Nursery Counter if you need them and, if necessary, our Ministry Partners may label your child’s belongings.

Arrival Procedures
The safety and happiness of your child is important to us. To make this a speedy, smooth process, please follow these instructions:

• Please use your badge or key tag to check-in at any of the check-in stations throughout the Children's area. If you do not have a badge or key tag, please go to the Information Center/Visitor Check-In in the foyer of the first floor of the Education Building. During check-in you will receive two badges (labels); one is for you to keep and the other is to be placed on your child. Before placing the badge on your child, please write your location on it so that we may find you if necessary. If your child is being dropped off in the Nursery, you may complete a Baby Schedule for your child to ensure proper measures are taken for feedings and schedules; include any special instructions to help make your child feel secure. Also, please make sure all of your child's belongings (bottles, sippy cups, blankets, etc.) are labeled appropriately. We have permanent markers you can use if you forget.
• Please notice that square black monitors in the Worship Center to the left and right of the platform. If you are needed during a service, the last four digits of your security badge will illuminate on the monitors. If you attend an adult fellowship class, an usher will come and get you.
• After the service, please present your security badge to the Ministry Partner/Teacher at the door. No child will be released without the corresponding badge. Siblings under 16 years of age are not permitted to pick up preschoolers.
• For your convenience, a private (mother's only), nursing area is provided in the Bride's Room in the Education Building. The Brides' Room is located across from the HUB in Room 182. The Cry/Nursing Room in the Main Building is located in Room A113.

Room/Age Locations
Check the classroom location, finding the right room for your child’s age.

Pick-up Procedures
Please have your security badge handy when picking up your child/children. The Ministry Partner will check to make sure your badge number matches your child’s; you are then free to go. Also, please double check to make sure you have all of your child’s belongings. We have a lost and found for blankets, socks, shoes, and other personal items. However, unclaimed bottles, sippy cups, and pacifiers are discarded for sanitary reasons.

Outside play time
We offer outside playground play time for Rooms 141, 142, 143, and 154 (20 to 24 months) if weather permits.

Feedings and Snacks
Infants will be bottle-fed according to each individual child’s schedule. On Sunday mornings we are not able to feed children meals or jar food. However, we offer peanut-free snacks, including Cheerios, Goldfish, and animal crackers to children who are developmentally ready to chew. We are aware that many children have food allergies and we ask that you alert the Ministry Partner if your child has a food allergy. Allergy Alert stickers are available at check-in for your child to wear.

Nursing Mother’s Room
We offer a nursing mother’s room located next to the Children’s Ministries Office in the Education Building and in A113 in the Main Building. For your convenience, there is a bathroom and changing area provided in this room, and the sermon is televised on a TV in the room. Cribs and rockers are available as well.  For privacy, we do ask that ONLY NURSING MOTHERS use this room.

Toy Cleaning and Sanitation
Toys are cleaned after church on Sundays and during the week after childcare and Preschool Pals use. 

Health Policy
Children will not be accepted in the Nursery or classroom if they have any of the following:

• nasal discharge (other than a minimal, clear discharge)
• any discharge or matter around the eyes,
• fever (must be fever-free for 24 hours),
• rash,
• inflamed throat and/or mouth,
• coughing or sneezing,
• head lice,
• open wounds without proper bandages,
• unusually listless or irritable behavior.

Children being treated with antibiotics should be on the drug for at least 24 hours before coming to the Nursery. If you have any questions, please check with the Nursery Supervisor on duty; the supervisor’s decision will be final. For the welfare of all, parents are heartily encouraged not to bring sick children to church. 

What to Bring
If your child is not potty-trained, please bring wipes, diapers/pull-ups, an extra change of clothes, and a “sippy” cup with your child’s favorite drink. We do offer "Potty Training in Progress" stickers, if desired. Water will be served during snack time if the child has not brought a drink. Please have all of your child’s personal belongings labeled. We do have permanent markers available if you need them; Ministry Partners may label your child’s belongings if necessary.

Arrival Procedures
The safety and happiness of your child is important to us. To make this a speedy, smooth process, please follow these instructions:

• Please use your badge or key tag to check-in at any of the check-in stations throughout the Children's area. If you do not have a badge or key tag, please go to the Information Center/Visitor Check-In in the foyer of the first floor of the Education Building. During check-in you will receive two badges (labels); one is for you to keep and the other is to be placed on your child. Before placing the badge on your child, please write your location on it so that we may find you if necessary.
• Please notice that square black monitors in the Worship Center to the left and right of the platform. If you are needed during a service, the last four digits of your security badge will illuminate on the monitors. If you attend an adult fellowship class, an usher will come and get you.
• After the service, please present your security badge to the Ministry Partner/Teacher at the door. No child will be released without the corresponding badge. Siblings under 16 years of age are not permitted to pick up preschoolers.

Curriculum
We use Willow Creek's In the Beginning curriculum, which includes fun activity centers, art/crafts, Bible story time, and music that all incorporate the same Bible truths. A “take home” page is included that reinforces the Bible lesson taught each Sunday. Three- and four-year-olds also attend our large group time called JAM Time (Jesus and Me Time).

Snacks
A snack and water will be provided during second and third hours. The snack is usually something like Goldfish, or animal crackers. The snack may change depending on the lesson or special holiday.  We are aware that many children have food allergies and we ask that you alert the Ministry Partner if your child has a food allergy. Allergy Alert stickers are available for your child to wear.

Outside Play Time
We offer outside playground time for the two-year-olds both hours if weather permits. 

Toy Cleaning and Sanitation
Toys are cleaned after church on Sundays and during the week after childcare and Preschool Pals use.

Health Policy
Children will not be accepted into a classroom if they have any of the following:

• nasal discharge (other than a minimal, clear discharge),
• any discharge or matter around the eyes,
• fever (must be fever free for 24 hours),
• rash,
• inflamed throat and/or mouth,
• coughing or sneezing,
• head lice,
• open wounds without proper bandages,
• unusually listless or especially irritable behavior.

Children being treated with antibiotics should be on the drug for at least 24 hours. If you have any questions, please check with the Early Childhood Supervisor on duty; the supervisor’s decision will be final. For the welfare of all, parents are heartily encouraged not to bring sick children to church. 

Pick-up Procedures
Please make sure to have your security badge/stick-on badge handy when picking up your child/children. The Ministry Partner will check to make sure your badge number matches your child’s. Also, please double check to make sure you have all your child’s personal belongings as well as the brown paper bag with their name on it. You will find a “take home” page, your child’s craft, and/or any other project or notes from that Sunday’s Bible lesson in your child’s brown paper bag.