Grace Point Kids Philosophy, Parental Guides, & Behavior

Ministry Philosophy

The Children’s Ministries of Grace Point Church exist to come alongside families in the biblical training of children. We recognize that the primary responsibility of bringing up children in the “training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) is the job of the Father and Mother. We also recognize that in our society, there is a blend of families such as single parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, etc. No matter the family background of each child, we want our children’s ministries to be a quality teaching ministry for children, birth through the 5th grade, when they come to Grace Point Church. To accomplish this goal the Children’s Ministry Leadership Team strives to coordinate planning among children’s workers, parents, and other church leaders so everyone works from the same principles to better meet the children’s spiritual needs. Of course, we also want to be mindful of each child’s physical social, mental, and emotional needs. We want to make our Children’s Department a safe and loving environment in which our children can learn about Jesus and what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

Guidelines for Parents

1. For the safety of children birth through 5th grade, the Children’s Ministry Workers are the only persons permitted in their department during ministry times. A few exceptions to this rule will be applied as necessary under the discretion of the Children’s Ministry Director. For instance, first time guests will have the opportunity to walk with their children and one of the workers to their specific ministry area, so they are able to meet their child’s teacher and see the classroom their child will be in during ministry times. The nursery will also be available to nursing mothers and at other appropriate times when a parent’s presence is needed. We want there to be a balance of safety and transparency. We want parents to feel welcome in the Children’s areas, but also want parents to be mindful that their presence may become a distraction to teaching time. We also understand that parents of children with special needs may, by necessity, need to accompany their child during ministry times.

2. Children who show signs of illness, such as a high temperature, cannot be accepted into the children’s department. A child will not be accepted into the children’s area when on e of the following exists: a fever (>100.5 F) during the past 24 hours; Vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours; Any symptom of infectious or contagious disease; Croup; Unexplained rash; Head Lice; Any skin infection-boils, ringworm, and impetigo; Pinkeye and other eye infections. As a general rule, teachers will not give medication to any child, unless it has been approved by the Children’s Ministry Director. Grace Point Church Children’s Ministries Parent Guidelines

3. Children should be checked in by a parent or responsible adult, and children should not pick up other children. Parents must be in the building when preschoolers ages 4 and younger are participating in church activities.

4. During the transition time on Sunday mornings, a light nutritious snack will be served to children. In the nursery, a baby’s nutritional needs will be met according to his/her parent’s instructions. We ask that anything to be given to a child be clearly labeled and that a parent has talked with the child’s teacher. Food allergies should be noted on the Children’s Ministry Information Sheet. An allergy alert sticker will be placed on the child for every session he or she attends for the child’s safety.

5. Toys from home should not be brought to Sunday school. Items such as diaper bags, jackets, cups, and bottles should be labeled.

6. Parents are asked to fill out a Children’s Information Sheet for their child each year.

7. Sunday morning sessions are “no food zones” because of food allergies and the limited amount of time. A small snack provided by the church and will be served during transition time to the preschoolers each week and older children only during Children’s Church Sundays. If food is served on a special occasion, parents will be notified ahead of time.

8. Please be kind to your child’s teachers and to your child by picking them up as soon as possible after the session.

Behavioral Guidelines

1. Please respect your teachers

▪ Help your child to appreciate the time the teacher has spent to prepare the lesson.

▪ Children should not talk while the teacher is talking. Raise your hand when you would like to speak.

▪ When speaking, please use your inside voice.

2. Please respect other students.

▪ Stay in your own space.

▪ Keep your hands to yourself.

▪ Don’t do things that will distract other learners.

3. Please respect the property of the church.

▪ Let’s keep our church, neat, clean, and beautiful.

▪ Our feet stay on the floor and hands by our sides, not on the walls.

▪ Please clean your learning area before you leave.

4. Come to church, ready to learn.