How do I get to the nursery?
The children's building is located closest to the East White Street parking lot. As you enter the church doors at the covered roundabout drive, the nursery is located to your right. Our Nursery Coordinator, Lexi Grainger, will be at the desk to help welcome you and your little ones. She will be able to help you with any questions or concerns and assist you with gently placing your children in their appropriate nursery rooms.
What ages are served in the nursery, and when?
Child care is provided for infants through three years of age during both worship hours (9AM Contemporary and 11AM Traditional) as well as during Sunday School (10AM). All ages are welcome to go to any of the worship services. Children ages 4-6 years old may dismiss immediately following the children's sermon for children's church (a lesson more suited to their learning level).
How does communication work in the nursery?
Parent cell phone numbers are written on security tags and attached to the child so that parents may be reached in the event that immediate communication is needed. The tags also note other key information such as medical instructions for the staff.
What should I bring to the nursery?
Please bring a diaper bag containing the following:
Infants: Several diapers, wipes, change of clothes, bottles (please label with your child’s name), pacifier (if needed), bib, and any special items specific to your child.
Toddlers: Diapers/Pull-Ups, wipes, change of clothes, extra underwear (if potty trained), sippy cup (please label with your child’s name), and any special items specific to your child. If you do not want your child to eat Goldfish crackers for a snack or your child has a food allergy, please provide a snack labeled with your child’s name and notify the caregivers in your child’s classroom.
Is my child too sick to come to church?
In order to provide a safe, healthy nursery for all of our children, we ask that you keep your baby or toddler at home when he or she exhibits a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, sore throat, rash, or any other sign of infection. A fever is classified by 99.0 degrees Fahrenheit or above.Please be sure your child has been free of all symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to the nursery.
How does the church help my family to stay healthy?
We strive to provide a clean, healthy environment for your child by adhering to the following measures:
Diapers are changed on a sanitary lining over a washable pad.
Safety straps are fastened on changing tables.
Disposable gloves are used to change diapers.
Creams and powders are not used unless parents request and provide them.
Soiled diapers, wipes, and gloves are immediately placed in a diaper disposal container.
Changing surfaces are cleaned after each use with a disinfectant.
Hands are washed after each changing.
Crib sheets are changed after each use.
Toys are disinfected at the end of each day. Tasted toys are removed from play.
Parents are asked to label all bottles and sippy cups with their child’s name. Labels are provided in the event that a family forgets to label their cups and bottles.
St. John’s also adheres to our
Public Health Statement.
What is the Public Health Statement?
Our youngest children are not yet old enough to have received all of the recommended vaccinations. For this reason, special care is taken to protect the health of our little ones. Please note as part of our
Public Health Statement, it is our policy that all individuals (adults and children) who enter the nursery area are up-to-date on all vaccinations. For details regarding our safety policies, see our
Public Health Statement FAQ or contact our Nursery Coordinator, Lexi Grainger.
I nurse my baby. Is there an easy place to do this?
A Nursing Mother's Lounge is available for any parent/guardian looking to feed baby in a quiet environment. The lounge is equipped with a changing table, rocking chairs, nursing pillows, and a television set that broadcasts the traditional service. The lounge is locked at all times for privacy, so please see the Nursery Coordinator, Lexi Grainger, at the nursery desk for assistance with entry to the room.
What kind of training does the staff undergo?
The nursery is staffed primarily with paid staff and supplemented with volunteers as needed who all go through a series of trainings and safety procedures to best serve our children. There will always be at least one staff member per room. All staff who serve in the nursery are trained in Pediatric CPR and First Aid, follow our
Safe Sanctuary policies, and adhere to our
Public Health Statement. Please contact our Nursery Coordinator, Lexi Grainger, with any additional questions.
How can I help?
We appreciate anyone who feels called to volunteer. Please let Lexi Grainger know if you would like to be added to the list of potential volunteers that is used to supplement nursery coverage. All volunteers must complete a background check and will be trained in all safety measures and policies before serving in the nursery.
What is the Nursery Committee?
The Nursery Committee's mission is to help welcome our newest and smallest members to St. John's. The committee runs a Stork Ministry, which lets the community and neighbors know of new arrivals at the church. Wooden storks are delivered to the homes of our new babies to announce their arrival and welcome them into our congregation. The parents are presented with new baby baskets filled with infant necessities, information on our children's programs and child development, a diaper bag tag, and a variety of other family treats. If you are a St. John's church member and feel called to become part of the Nursery Committee, we welcome you to contact
Sarah Crockford, Director of Children's Ministry.
What if I have other questions or concerns?
If you have any further questions regarding our nursery, please contact our Nursery Coordinator,
Lexi Grainger.
