Nursery

“LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME”

First United Methodist Church is delighted to welcome you and your child into our nursery program. It is our goal to always provide a loving, Christian atmosphere for all children placed in our care. We hope the following information will acquaint you with our policies and procedures. If you have any questions or need assistance in any way, please call the church office at (334) 834-8990.

STAFF

Both paid and volunteer caregivers staff the church nursery. First United Methodist Church employs workers who promote consistency and security to both parents and children. We provide all of our nursery employees with infant and child CPR training and re-certification. In addition, parents of nursery age children are asked to help once per quarter during the 8:45 a.m. worship service and Sunday School hour. The parent volunteer program allows our parents to experience first-hand how our nurseries are operated, as well as provide additional loving arms. We hope that everyone’s cooperation with the following procedures will allow you to relax and enjoy your worship time. If you would like a tour of our nursery facilities or have the need for more information, feel free to contact Adrian Borden, aborden@fumcmontgomery.org, the Director of Nursery Ministries.

INTRODUCING YOUR CHILD TO THE NURSERY

It is our desire to have happy children in the church nursery. To assure a clean, safe and secure setting, please try to adhere to the following procedures: • When you arrive at the nursery, complete the sign-in sheet found at the door. • A paid worker or a parent volunteer should greet you and your child at the door. To avoid confusion and for safety reasons, parents are asked not to accompany their child into the room if possible. For babies and toddlers, a hug and a quick departure are usually best. Label everything your child brings into the room. Please consider that all pacifiers, bottle, cups and white sweaters look alike. This is the one time when no one likes sharing. Please help us return the proper items to diaper bags and avoid the spread of germs by faithfully labeling all contents.

Please send:

• 2-4 disposable diapers

• Well-labeled bottles, cups, snacks, pacifiers and juice (children in the 0-9 month nursery will be given only what is sent in their bags unless instructed otherwise by you).

• Extra clothing

If you would like to check on your child, please have another parent or friend look in to give you a full report. This will help avoid upsetting your child unduly.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Sick children should not be brought to the nursery where illness can spread quickly. Some signs of illness are:

• Unusual fatigue or irritability

• Coughing, sneezing, runny nose or eyes

• Fever in the past 24 hours

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Inflamed mouth or throat

All toys and equipment are sanitized after each use and every effort is made to limit the passing of germs.

SAFETY
Children will not be released to anyone with whom the nursery staff is unfamiliar. Please take a moment to introduce yourself to the nursery staff before leaving your child the first time.

SUNDAY MORNINGS
The Church Nursery is located on the first floor of the Children’s Building. Care is offered during all Sunday Worship Services, Sunday School and during regular Wednesday night activities. Nursery classes are divided by age as follows:

0-9 months
9-18 months
18-24 months
Young Twos

NURSERY GUIDELINES

A nursery will be provided to care for children currently only during Sunday morning worship at 8:45 AM. A nursery will also be provided, or can be scheduled, for any church event, including Bible studies, church-ordained meetings, concerts, and other activities. Unfortunately, we do not provide a nursery for non-church-associated events and activities. A minimum of two caregivers is required for each nursery, according to our Safe Sanctuaries policy. the safety and happiness of your children is our utmost concern. If you have questions, please call the church office at 334-834-8990 or email Adrian Borden, Director of Nursery Ministries, at aborden@fumcmontgomery.org.