PreschoolMinistry - First Baptist Church

GENERAL INFORMATION & POLICIES

General Information

Care during worship service is provided for birth through four years.
Only children of preschool age are permitted in preschool rooms.
Children are never left alone in the preschool room. Parents should stay with their children until a teacher arrives.
Preschool rooms will be open 10 minutes before and after scheduled activities.
For the safety of our children, parents (grandparents, or a designated responsible adult) MUST be in the church building while their children are attending activities.

Feeding of Children

Children should be fed prior to arriving.
Infants will be fed formula, milk, juice or water provided by the parents. Time and circumstance do not allow for spoon feeding.
A snack may be served to older preschoolers.
Any food allergies should be reported to the teacher and recorded on the information sheet.
Nursing mothers are welcome to nurse in the Nursing Mother's Room (see photo below).

Policies on Illness and Medication

Children who appear ill or have been ill in the preceding 24 hours cannot be accepted in a preschool class. This helps protect all of our children and workers.
A child should be taken home when any of the following exists: fever, vomiting/diarrhea, sore throat, croup, cold, unexpected rash, skin infection, pink eye or other eye infections, or any symptoms of usual childhood diseases (mumps, measles, chicken pox, etc.).
Any child that appears ill cannot participate in activities, and the child's parents will be notified.
Should your child contract a communicable childhood disease (chicken pox, head lice, etc.) following a preschool session, please contact the Director to Preschoolers and Children.
Teachers are NOT permitted to give medication to any child.

Unacceptable Behavior

It is our goal to meet children where they are and encourage them to grow socially, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We want all of our children to be safe and feel safe.
Any child’s behavior that is harmful to himself/herself, another child, or a teacher such as fighting, scratching, biting, and hitting will not be allowed during preschool sessions.
If unacceptable behavior does occur, the teacher will talk with the child about appropriate behavior and the child will be redirected to another activity. If the behavior continues, time-out will be used as appropriate to their age. Parents will be contacted if an unacceptable behavior persists.
If biting occurs, the parents of the involved children will be contacted, and the child who has done the biting will not be allowed to attend any preschool church activities for the remainder of the day.

Safety & Security

Providing a safe, nurturing environment is important. To insure that children from birth to age 5 are picked up by the appropriate adult, we use a security number and badge system. Parents will check their children in on a computer at the preschool desk, and security badges for the child and parents will be printed. The number on the child’s badge will be matched to the number on the parent’s badge at pick up time. To keep the preschool hall secure, only persons with a badge will be allowed on the hall. A member of our security team will be at the door to help keep the hall safe.

To avoid congestion, please have only one parent bring and pick up a child. A parent should knock softly on the door and wait for a teacher. Please do not enter the room.
Be sure to share any information or special needs your child may have and record them on the Information/Emergency Form. Please include any custodial concerns.

Parent Alert System

While in the sanctuary, you will be alerted by the electronic posting of your security number above the side entrance doors (2) if your child needs you. Therefore, it is very important for you to note the security number given for your child.

Worker Policy

At least two workers will be in attendance in each preschool age classroom.
Typically, preschool workers are required to be members of First Baptist Church for three months before serving.
Paid nursery workers are present on Sunday and Wednesday nights to anchor childcare needs.
Safety and Security training sessions will be offered periodically thoroughout the year for those interested in serving with the Preschool or Children's Ministry.
All workers are required to fill out a Volunteer Screening Form.

Extended Session

The Extended Session Ministry provides child care for preschoolers birth through four years of age during the Sunday morning worship service.
All church member parents of preschoolers birth through four attending the Sunday morning worship services are expected to assist during the Extended Session ministry once a month. Long-term visitors are also highly encouraged to volunteer. You may call the church office at 930-0911 to volunteer, or expect to receive a call requesting your help.

Activities for Children Up to Age 5

Sunday Activities

Wednesday Activities