Nursery

Leader Meeting: Arrive by 9:15 AM wearing your volunteer shirt for the leader meeting to discuss the day's schedule and any special instructions. Our meeting is going to end at 9:25, so if you need coffee or snacks, head to the coffee bar, but be in your rooms at 9:30.

Room Readiness: Be in the nursery by 9:30 AM to prepare the room for the children's arrival.

Hands-Off Approach: Our disciplinary action is limited; we are not parents, and this is not school. We will separate the babies and de-escalate, but we do not use our hands. If any baby is not responsive to us, or if the child is still unresponsive to our directions, then we will message our morning group message for help.

Group Message: Reach out to the morning group message when you have a problem with a child. If a child is unresponsive to our correction or direction, or if a situation requires immediate attention, such as when an ice pack is needed. For any and all situations, simply say “We need help in the Nursery”. Be prepared to explain the details upon the Team Leaders’ arrival.

Security: For matters of safety and security, if you see a person looking into rooms, wandering the children’ hall, or in the parking lot. Message the morning group message.

BE THE LIGHT: Strive to eliminate negativity and instead bring positivity, energy, hope, and vision. When serving, aim to bring a cheerful attitude and set aside negativity. We know and understand that everyone is dealing with challenges outside of this environment, but we serve to put our focus on making an impact for the kingdom!

Compassion: Lead & serve with compassion. We handle all situations with compassion & grace. We do not hand out parenting advice or correct families, but rather love and encourage. If there are any issues, bring them to the attention of the Team Leader or Pastor Chris before or after service.

No phones: No devices of any kind, we need to pay attention to the needs of the babies.

Arrival: One volunteer should be positioned at the door during this time, and the others will be with the children. The volunteer at the door will greet the families with smiles and excitement!

Stickers: We need babies to wear their stickers on their back.

Little One’s Card: The “Little One’s” card should be filled out when the baby first comes to the room and placed on the whiteboard the day the baby is in the room. Over time the card should be updated to reflect the needs of the baby.

Assist with Bags: Help families with their bags as they drop off their children.

Reassurance: Comfort families by reassuring them that their children will be safe, loved, and well cared for.

Visitors or Guests: For first-time visitors or guests, direct them to the check-in desk in the foyer.

Allergy and Special Requests: Check for any allergies, special dietary requirements, physical or mental limitations that need attention. Confirm with families if their baby can have puffs .

Diaper and Clothes Check: Confirm that diapers and a change of clothes are available in the child’s bag, if brought. (We do have diapers and wipes if the parent does not provide them).

Report Attendance: Before starting the lesson at 10:10, provide a head count to the Team Leader through our morning group message.

Regular Diaper Checks: Check diapers every 15-20 minutes to ensure children are comfortable and clean. We also want to try to send babies home with a clean diaper, unless the parents request otherwise.

Engagement with Children: Engage with the babies by playing, rocking, talking, and spending quality time with them.

Baby Unconsolable: If the child begins crying and is having a hard time being consoled after much effort, contact the Team Leader. If we do not know the families wishes regarding how long to let their child cry, we (the Team Leader) will then contact the family swiftly, and let them know the situation and ascertain their wishes. The last thing we want is for families to come to pick up their baby and see the baby hysterically crying or they visibly look like they have been crying hard for an extended period of time.

DVD Player Instructions: If additional entertainment is needed:

Use the "TV remote" to switch the input by pressing the input button

Then the arrow down to select "HDMI 2”.

Turn on the DVD player using the 'on' button on the DVD Player

Then use the DVD player remote to play the selected video.

Service Ending: The Team Leader will send a message when Pastor is praying to let all volunteers know when the service is ending.

Item Handover: Cheerfully hand over the baby and their belongings to their parents.

Ensure the baby is leaving with their family: This is essential for the safety and well-being of our babies. It also conveys this to families, especially those who are new to the room or the church.

Sticker Removal: As you cheerfully hand over the toddler and their belongings/crafts to their families, remove their sticker from their back.

Last Baby Standing: Once service is over, stay in the room until all babies are picked up. Leave no baby behind and bring no baby to their family. Families must come to pick up their babies.

Little One’s Card: When service is over the “Little One’s” board should be cleared of any cards

Room Cleanup: Ensure the nursery is tidy. Turn off lamps and equipment and secure any trash. Keep trash in the trash can.

Supply Check: Note any low supplies like diapers or wipes on the dry-erase board for restocking.

Responsibilities: As youth volunteers, your contributions are vital in creating a welcoming and safe environment for the kids under our care. We believe youth volunteers are excellent role models for kids.

Expectations: We want our youth volunteers to know the volunteer guide for the rooms they serve in, just like the adult volunteers. Read over this complete guide to better be able to assist the leading adult volunteer in all areas.

Energy: Bring energy and excitement to everything, the lessons, crafts, activities, games, and worship!

Drop-off: While the leading adult volunteer is at the door greeting parents and kids as they arrive, you will be engaging with the kids by playing games, Legos, etc.

No Phones: No devices of any kind, pay attention to the kids to optimize the time we have to connect and lead.

Correction: Let adult volunteers know of any issues that arise, and they will instruct, direct, and correct. Issues include: behavioral issues, supply issues, a kid is scared or uncomfortable, a kid doesn’t feel good, etc.

Tidying Up: Help clean up the room by putting things away, wiping down surfaces, and preparing the room for the next service.

Above All: Assist the other volunteers in the room with a cheerful attitude and a helping hand.