The Nursery at Berean Baptist Church:
A Parents' Guide
WELCOME,PARENTS, TO OUR NURSERY!
Our goal is to create a safe, healthy and loving environment for your infant, baby and toddler so that they (and you) may enjoy your time with us. We are also committed to supporting you in your role as the primary spiritual leader of your children. Please feel free to contact Pastor Nate if you have any needs or questions.
We need your help in keeping our nursery safe and fun for all who use it. Our prayer is that your worship experience is enhanced by the security that arises from everyone's participation in these guidelines.
Where do I put my child?
During the second service, children that are 0-10 months go to the BUNNIES room, 11-20 months in the CATERPILLARS room and 21-30 months in the TADPOLES room.
For the first and third services, the BUNNIES are combined in the CATERPILLARS room.
How do I check in my child?
Please sign in your child on the dri-erase board on the wall. You will be given a number card to take with you. Your child and diaper bag will also have this same number.
KEEP THIS NUMBER CARD WITH YOU! Share with the attendants any necessary information about your child (allergies, whether your child takes a bottle, and where you will be each hour).
What is the number tag system?
The number card you are given at check-in is our way of contacting you if necessary (and maintaining security in a busy place)! If your child needs you during the service, your number will be placed on the PARENT NOTIFICATION BOARD on the wall behind the organ. If you are in Sunday school class, someone will be sent to you.
PLEASE NOTE: CHILDREN WILL ONLY BE RELEASED TO A PARENT WITH THE PROPER
NUMBER! If you want someone else to pick up your child from the nursery, that person must have the number card for your child. Please understand that volunteers are trained to be very strict concerning this policy.
When does my child move to the next room?
BUNNIES and CATERPILLARS can be moved to the next room up as soon as their birthdays match the age range.
However, TADPOLES, meeting the requirements below will be moved to the TURTLES Sunday school class downstairs in March.
[1] AGE: must be over 30 months old
[2] READINESS: must show ability to focus on teacher throughout the short story time, and follow activities with the rest of the class. The Nursery Parents in consultation with you will determine readiness.
What will my child be doing here?
Your child will have a chance to play, to sleep, and have a snack (depending on age). You will normally receive a paper letting you know of any snacks eaten and time of diaper changes. Please ask the volunteers how the morning went. They will be glad to fill you in on how happy your child is!
For TADPOLES, the Nursery Parent will read a different story each week during snack time!
What if my child is ill?
CHILDREN SHOWING SIGNS OF ILLNESS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN THE NURSERY OR TODDLER ROOMS. This is for the health of your child who has a weakened immune system while ill and for the health of the other children.
THIS RULE IS STRICTLY ENFORCED.
The signs of illness are:
- Unusual fatigue or irritability.
- Coughing, sneezing, runny nose and eyes.
- Fever of 101 or higher.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Inflamed mouth or throat.
You will be contacted if these signs appear while your child is with us.
Sometimes a runny nose may be due to allergies. Therefore our policy states that children are not allowed in the nursery if the fluid is discolored or if a clear fluid is joined with any other sign of illness listed above.
If your child is ill, please feel free to borrow some toys for your child to play with in the lobby while you listen to the sermon. Just return the toys to a nursery volunteer afterward and they'll make sure they get cleaned!
How long do illnesses last?
Here is a brief guide showing common childhood diseases, their incubation periods (the amount of time between exposure and symptoms), and their contagious periods (when the child can still spread the disease to others).
CHICKEN POX
Incubation: 10-21 days
Contagious: two weeks before scabs and until scabs crust over
MEASLES
Incubation: 7-14 days
Contagious: until five days after rash develops
GERMAN MEASLES
Incubation: 12-21 days
Contagious: until three days after rash disappears
MUMPS
Incubation: 12-26 days
Contagious: until swelling has completely disappeared
We hope your experience with our nursery is a positive one. Please contact Pastor Nate for information about child dedication or the children's ministry here at Berean.
Anything else I should know?
Here are a couple more guidelines to make your and your child's visit with us more enjoyable:
- Please pick up your child promptly
- Label your child's bags and personal items.
- Bring extra diapers and change of clothes.
- Let us know of any allergies your child may have.
- Nursing moms can use the ladies' room down the hall from the nursery (the service can be heard in this room.)
