We are happy to offer a variety of childcare programs for children of different ages. The style of these programs changes depending on the service (see below for details). Children are always welcome to stay in the service with the adults.
Early Years Ministry
Our Early Years Ministry is run by screened, trained, and eager volunteers who love caring for our kids aged 0-5 years old. The Nursery and Preschool programs run during the full Sunday morning service, while Kindergarten kids (4-5 years old) are dismissed partway through the service. On Sunday evenings (Sep-May), all programs run for the entire service.
All children in Early Years need to be registered at the Early Years Check-In Desk before the service starts. As their parent, you will be given a security tag. The supervisor will take your phone number so they can text you during the service if necessary. You must check out your child at the end of the service.
Special Needs Ministry
If you have a child or adult with you who needs extra assistance during the service, we are happy to provide individual support in or outside of the church service or children's programs. We welcome everyone into our services and would love to work with you and your family to make your visit as easy as possible! To connect with this team, it would be helpful if you would contact the church office before your visit, and fill out the form below. When you arrive, the Early Years Supervisor at the registration desk will be happy to meet with you to determine how we can best support you.
Special Needs Form: Caring for Your Child
GraceKids
Children from Grades 1-7 are split into GraceKids classes and meet on Sunday nights (Sep-Jun) from 5:00-6:15PM. While the format changes throughout the year, the progam generally includes an age-appropriate lesson, catechism, games, singing, and prayer.
GraceYouth
Teens from Grades 8-12 meet on Sunday nights (Sep-Jun) from 5:00-6:30PM to study the Word, play games, and spend time in small groups.
GraceKids Summer Re/Mix
During the summer (Jul-Aug), the kid's programs are moved to Wednesday nights. Children in Kindergarten (age 4) and GraceKids make up the Summer GraceKids Re/Mix, and GraceYouth can join as junior volunteers. This one-room schoolhouse program is typically outdoors and led by a staff member with senior volunteers.
Keeping our Kids Safe
All volunteers in our children's ministry have completed an application process that includes a written application, interview, Vulnerable Sector police check, reference check, and Abuse Prevention Policy training. Each ministry has a team leader who provides oversight and ensures that volunteers receive ongoing training and supervision. A staff elder is assigned as liaison to each team leader, and the Abuse Prevention Committee operates as an advisory board.
Every child under 12 is checked in and out by two senior volunteers, who remain in the hallway providing support and oversight during the programs. Each classroom is staffed with a minimum of 2 adult volunteers, and maintains the prescribed child:volunteer ratios. The HOST Team Leader and Security volunteer provide additional supervision, and the hallway is limited to Children's Ministry volunteers only.