Everyone who comes to Downtown to drop off their child will need to stop at one of the electronic kiosk check-in stations. Regularly Attending children and their parents receive a printed tag. For visiting families we have a separate VISITORS START HERE desk. For security, there is a three-part tag, one of which has a code for pick up, without any identifying information.
 

Parents are asked to remain on campus when their child is in our care.

• Children from 7-12 mos. receive Cheerios.
• Toddlers receive Cheerios or Ritz crackers.
• Children 2-5 years old receive Ritz crackers and water.
• We are a nut free zone and do not serve snacks with nuts or nut traces.
• Please be sure to tell the nursery workers if your child has allergies.

• All people serving with children have completed Ministry Safe Training.
• First aid kits are in all classrooms and a more complete kit is in the Downtown Workroom.
• Additional designated staff and volunteers are assigned to rooms to help with all evacuations. In case of a fire drill, meet your child at the outdoor chapel (Founders Chapel). 
• Security cameras are in the hallways.
• Surface areas and baby toys are disinfected after each session.
• Leaders wear disposable gloves when diapering.  Children are placed on wax paper and disinfectant is used on the changing area.
• Only adult women will change diapers or assist children in the bathrooms.

We believe young children, even infants, are fully aware of their surroundings and one of our main goals is for them to enjoy coming to church. Then their parents can worship in peace knowing their child is in loving hands. We have twenty-two classrooms, divided by age. 

Here is a brief summary of the schedule at either service:

Babies: We have two rooms for infants: One is for the very young ones and the next is when they reach the milestone of sitting up and crawling. The toys are age appropriate and we keep ratios low at 2 babies to 1 adult.

Toddlers: Once a child starts walking, s/he will move to our toddler rooms where they’ll hear a short Bible story and have in room music time with egg shakers.

2-year-olds: These little ones will hear a Bible story, complete a coloring sheet relevant to the lesson and have in room music time. They also begin to leave the classroom and learn to walk with their classmates holding the rope when they go to the indoor play room. Only one class is in the play room at a time. They have a lot of play time in the classroom, too!

3- to 5-year-olds: Our preschoolers are busy with a new activity every 15 minutes. Their time now includes large group worship and teaching, the enclosed outside playground, a Bible lesson and relevant craft. They also learn a new catechism every month! 

Large Group Time: We have a separate music room and the preschoolers are on a rotation so that all the 3-year-old classes go to music at the same time while the 4-5-year-olds are doing a different activity. We have an engaging and talented team which includes puppeteers, people who create fun skits, and a pre-teen worship team called Kids Alive. The children hear the Bible story told in a different way along with singing worship songs using motions. 

• Volunteers are parents and other loving adults and teens that have a heart for our littlest ones.
• Volunteers must complete a ministry application, criminal background check, and training. 
• We strongly encourage parents to join a nursery rotation.

• Diaper bag with diaper and wipes
• Pull Ups if you are potty training
• Labeled drinking cup or bottle
• Complete change of clothes
• Pacifier attached with a clip

We are unable to accept children who exhibit the following symptoms: (even if on medication)
- Any colored discharge from the nose
- Clear runny nose (not associated with allergies or teething)
- Coughing/Sneezing
- Any discharge from the eyes
- A body rash (excluding diaper rash)
- Any childhood diseases

Or children who, within the past 24 hours, have had:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Medication that could mask symptoms
- Antibiotics within the past 48 hours

Please cover all scrapes and cuts with a bandage prior to dropping off your child.  We have first aid kits in all classrooms if you need supplies.  Thank you!

Consistent church participation helps children develop a sense of trust and security within their overall church experience.

Talk to your child about coming to church and create the excitement for them. 

Please take a "parent pager" when checking your child in at the counter.

Communicate with leaders any allergies or special needs.

If your child becomes upset, remind them in a kind, firm voice that you are going to church and will be back soon. If your child continues to be excessively unhappy, we will notify you.

Help your child develop "church security" by picking them up promptly after each session. A child may become anxious when other children have departed.