Curriculum: 

We believe even our youngest can learn! For regular service times we have a wonderful curriculum for toddlers and even infants! There are many ways to show children God’s amazing love. Our teaching includes music, movement, pictures and books and quiet play. Through natural learning processes, our goal is to give each child one on one attention where he or she can begin to learn about God. 

We are currently using Gospel Light’s Baby Beginnings program for 0-36 months.  Feel free to ask us about it or visit their website at gospellight.com

Safety Procedures:

Safety is of utmost importance to every parent. The safety and security of every child is our first priority. That is why we have strict sign in/sign out procedures as well as our illness policy and cleaning procedures for our staff and nursery. Our guidelines include hands being washed upon arrival for staff and children; sanitizing toys, diaper changing area, all surfaces; regular maintenance and deep cleaning. All of our staff have passed background checks and are CPR/First-Aid certified. Our goal is to maintain a child/staff ratio of one adult per five children and one adult per three infants with at least two staff members at all times.

After Leaving the Church:

It is beneficial to both you and your child to talk about their experiences at church. Even if your child isn’t talking yet you can talk about the monthly theme, the people they met, things they saw, etc. There are parent handouts for each month’s “lesson”. We also have copies of music CD’s that are played in the nursery that you can play at home or in the car. These are available upon request to the Nursery Director or staff member.

Snacks:

Gluten-free fruit snacks or Cheerios are provided for children. If your child has an allergy and/or you would prefer they do not have a snack, please inform the staff when you check in your child.

Healthy Kids:

We like happy, healthy kids! For the protection of all, we cannot accept your child with a fresh cold (four days or less), fever, rash, persistent cough, diarrhea, head lice, or any other illness. Please do not place your child in the nursery while they are at risk of exposing other children. Please refer to our illness policy.

Policy and Procedures:

Philosophy:

As members of the United Methodist Church, we uphold the rights of children and acknowledge that children are a sacred gift from God. In proclaiming that sacredness, we in the Church carry a commitment to enable all children to experience the fullness of life as Jesus proclaimed.

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:36-37

“...Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”Mark 10:14

Mission Statement:

At Sunrise UMC, we promise to surround our children in a community of love and forgiveness that they may grow in their service to others. Our intention is to minister to the needs of all children and provide them with a caring community where all may be nurtured in a dignified and loving manner.

Nursery Hours and Requests:

A nursery is provided for infants and toddlers for all church services and many church-wide events and activities. The nursery will open 15 minutes prior to the beginning of a church function and will promptly close 15 minutes after the event is over. Any special requests need to be submitted to the Nursery Director as soon as possible. Request forms are available at the nursery desk.

Please click HERE to view the Nursery Reservation Policy.

What to Bring:

When packing a diaper bag for your child, please include the following items:

1. Two or three diapers.
2. Pacifier or other item, should your child need it for security.
3. A complete change of clothes, just in case.
4. A bottle of milk, formula, juice, or water.

Allergy Note: If you elect to pack snack food, please be aware that for allergy reasons, Sunrise is a ‘peanut’ and ‘tree-nut’ free zone. The staff will dispose of any foods containing nuts and remove them from the room.

Checking In/Out:

A leader will meet you at the check-in area to receive your child and any other necessary items. Please label all personal items with your child’s first and last name. This will help us to keep track of your child’s items. Please sign in and note any information that will help in caring for your child, such as allergies and any special needs.

At this time you will receive a pager with a number that will be written on your child’s adhesive nametag as well as the sign in form. If you are needed, you will be paged. The pager will vibrate and lights will flash, so please hold or wear the pager at all times. Present the pager when you return to the nursery. A child will not be released without presentation of the assigned pager and matching sign out signature.

Saying Goodbye:

After you have completed the check in process, simply wave a quick goodbye and leave. As you know, it is normal for little ones to cry when leaving a parent. This does not last long, and separation becomes easier over time. Our leaders will immediately try to create interest in a toy or activity and give assurance that you will return after worship service is completed. If your child cries for more than 10 minutes, we will page you.

Checking on Your Child:

Feel free to check on your little one at any time. However, we ask that you do so discreetly, trying not to let your child see you.

Pick Up Procedures:

Thank you, for giving us the opportunity to minister to your beautiful children. They are truly a blessing.

Sunrise UMC Nursery Director:

Jeannette Ray

Website: www.sunriseumc.com