Frequently Asked Questions
totZone (Infant – Four Years)
How old does my child have to be to attend totZone? totZone is for kids infant through four years. Children younger than two are considered to be in the nursery and are moved up developmentally throughout the year. Preschool is for children two through four. Similar to the school system, your child must be two by September 1 to be considered for the preschool class. Once a year (usually at the start of the school year), children are moved up to the next grade.
When can I check in my child? Check-in begins at 9am or 11am and ends at 9:35am or 11:35am (except in the nursery). Check-in is done alphabetically (A-M or N-Z). You will receive a set of matching tags, one for you and one for your child. You must show your tag to pick up your child.
How do I pick up my child? We ask that you pick up your child as soon as the service ends so that we can release our volunteers when all of the children have been picked up. Safety is one of our key values and to uphold that value, we will not release a child to anyone other than the person who shows the matching tag.
kidZone (Kindergarten – 5th Grade)
How old does my child have to be to attend kidZone? kidZone is for kids Kindergarten through 5th grade. Similar to the school system, your child must be five by September 1 to be considered for the Kindergarten class. Once a year (usually at the start of the school year), children are moved up to the next grade. Fifth graders are moved up to the middle school program in early June.
When can I check in my child? Check-in begins at 9am or 11am and ends at 9:35am or 11:35am. Matching numbered tags will be given to you and your child. You will need your tag to pick-up your child.
How do I pick up my child? We ask that you pick up your child as soon as the service ends so that we can release our volunteers when all of the children have been picked up. Safety is one of our key values and to uphold that value, we will not release a child to anyone other than the person who shows the matching tag.
Safety & Security
In case of emergency, how do you reach parents/guardians during the service? At check in, parents are given a numbered tag that is a match to the one given their child. That number will appear in the lower corner of the Worship Center screen if we should need you during the service. If you should see your number displayed, please report to the East Information Desk. For church-wide emergencies, you will be provided instructions regarding where to exit and how to pick up your children.
Who cares for my child? We have a team of adult volunteers who have completed a detailed application and background check, gone through a reference check, and an interview with a staff person. We also have middle and high schoolers who have been through a screening/interview process. In our totZone classrooms, we employ volunteer to child ratios to maintain the safety of the children.
What if my child needs to use the bathroom? There are diaper changing areas in every adult bathroom and in each classroom in the nursery area. The bathrooms for the 2-4’s are located in their classroom area. They are equipped with kid-size potties & sinks. The kids will be escorted to the bathroom with a female leader/helper and assisted as needed. Kids in grades K-5 have bathrooms in their classrooms which they are allowed to use on their own.
Can I stay with my child? A parent is always welcome to stay with their child, especially if the child is having difficulty adjusting to a new room. Just check in with your child’s leader.
What if I want to visit my child’s class? We love for parents to stay and experience our programs with us! All you need to do is check in with your child’s leader.
What if my child has an allergy? Grace is a peanut-free facility. We only serve certain snacks in the totZone (ingredient lists are available) and no snacks are served in the kidZone. Allergy stickers are available at check in to be placed on your child. In the nursery area we only use sterile non-latex gloves for changing diapers.
Curriculum
What will my child learn? What curriculum do you use? The focus of the Nursery (infant – walking) are three learning themes which rotate throughout the year: “Jesus Loves Me”, “God Made Me”, and “Prayer”. By age 5, we help a child grow to believe that “God made Me, God Loves Me and Jesus wants to be my friend forever.”
In the 2 year old class, we use age-appropriate curriculum. Your child will learn and remember important Bible lessons through a variety of activities and songs including small group story time.
In the 3’s & 4’s class, we are currently using age-appropriate curriculum. This is a multimedia-based curriculum that uses activity stations, small and large group teaching, and activities to bring the Bible to life for your child.
In late childhood (K-5th grade), we will be using the “252 Basics” curriculum. Each week, trained volunteer leaders facilitate learning in both large and small group environments so kids will leave kidZone knowing: 1) To Make The Wise Choice, 2) To Trust God No Matter What, and 3) To Treat Others the Way They Want to be Treated.
Volunteering
totZone/kidZone looks like fun. What if I want to volunteer in my child’s room? We would love to have you serve with us in either of our Zones. Some volunteers serve month-on/month-off and others volunteer less frequently. We are extremely flexible. You will need to fill out a Children’s Ministry Volunteer application (including a background check authorization) and have a short interview. For more information, contact a staff member, call 240-553-1090, or email childrensministry@gcconline.org.