Deuteronomy 6:6-12 says these words: “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.”
These words, we believe, make it clear that the job of bringing up your child spiritually is yours! We do not want to take your place but see ourselves as coming alongside you in the spiritual education / maturation of your child. The bold, highlighted parts of this verse are talking about activities normally associated within the context of the home and we wish to see you as parents take that rightful place as spiritual leaders at home.
On Your Visit to Calvary Church on Sundays
Check-In:
Stop at any one of our conveniently located computer kiosks to sign in your child. A friendly volunteer will assist you in registering your child and printing tags. One tag will stay with your child while the other is your parent pick-up tag. You must have the corresponding tag number in order to pick up each child in your family. If you misplace your tag, please have your driver’s license with you as you will need proper identification in order for us to release your child. This is one of the many ways we work to ensure your child remains safe while in our care.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up:
Although there are bathrooms located in every classroom, we encourage you to take your child to the restroom before dropping him off at his room. When you bring your child to their assigned classroom, a volunteer will be there to greet you. In Tiny Town (ages 0-4), we do have a pager system. You will receive a pager with a number on it that will vibrate if you are needed in Tiny Town. For all ages, we ask that you notify the volunteer of your location, should it not be in the worship service. Please also notify the volunteer if your child has allergies or if there are any other concerns. Special stickers can be placed on your child’s clothing to notify us of allergies, potty training needs, or other “medical alerts.” We ask that all belongings (coats, sippy cups, diaper bags, etc.) be labeled with your child’s name.
When picking up your child, please show the corresponding tag number to the volunteer and return your pager if you have one. For smoother pick-up, please remain on the outside of the classroom doors. Your child and his / her belongings will be brought to you.
Security
Your child’s security is important to us. We value an environment where children are physically and emotionally safe and secure from any kind of harm. For that reason, we have the security name tags in place. We also enforce our Child Protection Policies. All staff and volunteers who work with children have full reference and background checks. They are interviewed and trained in providing the best care and Christian teachings to your child. Every classroom or special event has at least two approved volunteers to ensure the safety of everyone. Please inform us of any vital information regarding your child. We want to provide a friendly and safe environment where parents feel confident leaving their kids AND where kids feel confident leaving their parents.
Illnesses
Please keep your child home if he or she has had a fever, diarrhea, or has vomited within twenty-four hours. If your child has an excessive runny nose, cough, or drainage coming from his or her eyes, please keep your child with you. Please let us know if your child has recently had a communicable disease.
Allergies
Due to many food allergies, we ask that food items containing peanuts or peanut oil not be brought from home. Snacks are occasionally served to the children, such as animal crackers, cheese crackers, pretzels and water. Please inform the volunteer if your child has any allergies. We can offer organic, gluten-free animal crackers as a substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register my child?
Yes. For the safety of your child, we must have a completed registration form including any health or allergy concerns. This will ensure that all of the children in our care will be healthy, safe, and well-taken care of. The registration forms can be found by any one of our kiosks.
Can I visit my child's room? What if there is separation anxiety?
Parents are welcome to come any time to visit their child and check out for themselves the program we offer. Please check-in with your child's room volunteers for a parent entrance tag. Playtime is very important to toddlers and preschoolers. If your child is anxious about you leaving him, you are welcome to arrive early and stay a few minutes to play with your child so he can settle in.
Will you assist my child if we are potty-training?
Yes! Please let the volunteer caring for your child know of any special instructions for potty training. There are child-size toilets in the 2’s and 3/4‘s classrooms. Sometimes accidents happen. Please bring your child in clothes that are easy to remove and bring an extra set of clothes in his labeled bag. A special “potty-training” sticker will be placed on his clothing to inform other volunteers.
Will my child be given a snack?
Occasionally a snack or treat will be served in both Tiny Town and The Loft. This does not occur on a weekly basis. Please use the allergy alert tags in your child’s room if he / she has a food allergy.
Additional Resources
Calvary's Parent Handbook 2012 (PDF)
This brochure has everything that has been listed on this web page in an easy-to-read downloadable format. You can download this and keep a copy for your records at home.
Kid Friendly Words for Home (PDF)
A parent-friendly resource to make talking about Jesus easier at home. Adapted from the book Leading Your Child To Jesus by David Staal.
31 Prayers for Parents (PDF)
Prayer is essential, but also tough. This tool is meant to be an easy springboard into praying for our children daily.
YOUR Contact Information
Has your contact or family information changed in the past five years? (Think: name, address, email, phone, children and / or family status)
Contact Tiffany Johnston at children@calvaryop.org to be sure you don't miss important communications!