We offer a variety of classes for kids of different ages, depending on the service type. Children are always welcome to sit in the service with their family.
Keeping Our Kids Safe
Check In
All children participating in programs 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.
Screening and Abuse Prevention
All of our children's programs are run by volunteers who are thoroughly screened and trained and are eager to lovingly care for our kids. Each volunteer has completed an application process that includes a written application, interview with a pastor (if male), Vulnerable Sector Police Check, reference check, and training on the Abuse Prevention Policy. Each ministry leader plans and oversees the programming and staffing of their classes and ensures that volunteers receive ongoing training and supervision. A staff member is assigned as a liaison to each ministry leader, and the Abuse Prevention Committee operates as an advisory board, ensuring that each ministry's Policies and Procedures are in line with the Abuse Prevention Policy.
Supervision
Every child under 12 is checked in and out by two senior supervisors, who remain in the hallway providing support and oversight during the programs. Each classroom is staffed with a minimum of 2 adult volunteers. There is a limited number of children that can be accepted into each class to maintain safe child-to-volunteer ratios. The HOST Team Leader and Security volunteers provide additional supervision, and the hallway is limited to Children's Ministry workers only.
Children's Programs
Early Years Ministry
On Sunday mornings, we offer three classes:
Nursery
Ages 0-24 months (full service)
Preschool
Ages 2-3 years (full service)
Kindergarten
Ages 4-5 years (dismissed partway through the service)
On typical Sunday evenings, Nursery, Preschool and Kindergarten run for the entire service. There is no childcare for special events or Fellowship Nights.
Special Needs Ministry
We are happy to provide one-to-one support for children or adults who could use extra assistance during the service or in a children's program. We welcome everyone into our services and would love to work with your family to make your visit as easy as possible!
To connect with this team, please contact the church office before your visit (info@gfcto.com) and fill out the form below for a child. The ministry leaders can then get in touch with you.
Special Needs Form: Caring for Your Child
GraceKids & GraceYouth
On GraceNights (most Sunday evenings from September through June), GraceKids and GraceYouth are dismissed partway through the service to meet in their classes. This time generally includes Bible study, prayer and games.
GraceKids One
Grades 1-2
GraceKids Two
Grades 3-4
GraceKids Three
Grades 5-6
Junior Youth
Grades 7-8
GraceYouth
Grades 9-12
GraceKids Summer Re/Mix
During the summer months of July and August, GraceKids programming is moved to Wednesday nights from 7:00 - 8:15 PM. Children in Kindergarten (age 4) through Grade 7 can participate. This is one-room schoolhouse type program is typically outdoors and led by a staff member and senior volunteers.