UMC Nursery and Childcare Information

Children are our special responsibility-entrusted to our care by God. It is the mission of our Nursery and Childcare staff here at Central United Methodist Church to provide a place where young children are loved, nurtured, and cared for. In our Nursery, infants and toddlers have their first introduction to their church home. Our Childcare provides a safe, enjoyable environment for elementary aged children. Here they learn from loving caregivers what Jesus taught the children: God loves you!

Ages and Rooms

Central United Methodist Church provides two nurseries, located downstairs in the east wing to provide care for children of varying ages:

Infants: Newborn to 12 months and/or walking

Toddlers: 12 months or walking to 3 years

Transfer of children to an older class will be based on maturation and will be made by nursery staff in consultation with the Nursery Coordinator and parents. Children turning three by August 1^st of a year will be promoted into the Sunday School program.  Childcare is available for children up to 5th grade during Bible Studies, meetings, rehearsals, and some special events.

Availability

The nursery is available from 8:15 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. each Sunday for infants and toddlers. In addition, nursery and childcare is provided for those participating in meetings, music rehearsals, Bible studies, and some special events.

If childcare or nursery is needed during an event or meeting when it is not routinely available, please notify the Nursery Coordinator at least 48 hours in advance so that adequate staffing can be provided. We try to maintain a high ratio of staff to children.  Please contact Karen Anderson at 479-636-1630 or Lisa Rogers at 479-659-1035 for more information. 

Discipline Policy

One of the goals of discipline is to teach children controls which will help them grow in a healthy, safe manner. Through discipline, they learn self control. As care givers, we want to create a trusting, caring environment and provide a safe and stimulating atmosphere.

We use positive redirection in most situations. As a last resort, a short time-out might be used with children 2 and above. If time-out is used, the parents will be made aware. Continued behavioral issues require parent involvement to correct. Each child will be treated with respect, love, and kindness.

Drop-Off And Pick-Up

1. To avoid crowded conditions and confusion please leave and pick up your child with the Nursery Coordinator at the nursery desk. We ask that you DO NOT enter the nursery area. We understand that occasionally a child will need to be reassured by you and you will need to come in, however the Nursery staff is better able to insure the safety of children if only those working are in the classrooms.

2. Sign your child in at the desk and record how we can best meet their needs (when they last had a bottle, when they may want a nap, if they are potty training, etc.).

3. Our nursery staff will be happy to record your cell phone number so that we may reach you if needed. Please switch your phone to the “vibrate” mode.

4. It is best if you don’t slip away from your child. Tell them in a kind, but firm voice that you are going but will be back soon. Leave quickly. If your child continues to be upset, you will be contacted. Consistency is the key. The more often they are exposed to the nursery and staff, the more comfortable your child will feel.

5. Parents are asked to come for their children immediately following the activity in which they are participating.

6. When returning for your child, please wait at the desk. A staff person will bring your child to you. This helps reduce the traffic inside the nursery and insure the safety of our little ones. Children in the nursery will only be released to those who have a security tag.

Nursery Wellness

If your child is sick he/she will be more comfortable at home. Please do not expose other children and the staff unnecessarily to infection. If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, please do not bring them to the nursery:

Fever within the last 24 hours

Diarrhea and/or vomiting within the last 24 hours

Rash not associated with diapering, heat, or allergies

Discharge from the nose or eyes that is not clear in color 

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms while in the nursery you will be notified to pick them up. Your cooperation in following these guidelines will help to keep our nursery a safe environment for all who use it. Nursery staff cannot give medication to children.

Bedding is washed after each use and toys are cleaned with disinfectant. Nursery staff washes hands and cleans the diaper changing area after each use. 

Food and Snacks

It is our policy NOT to serve snacks unless the parent is otherwise notified. With the exception of infants, please DO NOT send food with your child, as we have several children with severe food allergies. We try to maintain a NUT FREE environment.

Staff

Our Nursery Coordinator is Lisa Rogers. Please feel free to contact her with any comments, concerns, or requests you might have. You can reach her by calling the church at 636-1630. The Christian Education Director is Karen Anderson and can also be reached at the church.