A worship service for preschoolers at The Father’s House
VISION: Lil’ Kidz Church at The Father’s House endeavors to reach every child to experience the love of Jesus and to become believers and to grow in His love and truth, to be true worshipers and people of faith and prayer.
We do this in a loving, fun, and safe atmosphere. Children with all learning styles learn and experience the Biblical principles and concepts using center-based teaching. Lil’ Kidz Church also keeps the Teacher/ Child ratio very low at the maximum of 6 children per teacher. We also work with parents and a Special Education Educator for Special Needs children (Our Heart2Heart Ministry-click here for more info), so we can minister to everyone at the highest level of excellence.
Goal: Our goal and passion is that every child that comes to Lil’ Kidz Church will come to know who Jesus is; He is God, the Creator, and Savior. What Jesus has done; He lived here on earth to teach us, love us and die for us. What Jesus does today; talks to us, hears us, heals us, and redeems us.
No childcare here, at Lil’ Kidz Church. This is a ministry specifically designed for children ages 2 ½ to 4. We believe every time that any child comes to Li’l Kidz Church it is an opportunity to minister to them and teach them about Jesus and his love.
SAFETY: Safety and well-being is of highest concern at The Father’s House. We use a pager system, to keep in contact with parents and or guardians. Teacher’s and all adults who come in contact with a minor goes through a thorough screening process, which includes a background check.
Check-in for Lil’ Kids Church:
For the first time visitor, go to a kiosk-they are located at all children’s ministry locations-. The kiosk are touch screen, there is a keyboard available also.
Step 1- Touch the screen that says “I’m a new Visitor”
Step 2-Add how many children that you are checking in.
Step 3-A Child ID badge with a number and a parent pickup slip will print for each child.
Step 4-Print your child’s name on the Child ID badge and apply to child, keep the parent pickup slip.
On the Child ID badge you will notice that there is a page number that coincides with a Parent pick-up tag. That is the number that will be used if your child needs you during the service. If you are needed by your child the page number will appear on the two side screens in the sanctuary. And it is the parent pickup slip you will need to show to the teacher at Lil’ Kids Church to pick up your child.
If your are a regular attendee of The Father’s House or you have decided that you are going to be a regular attendee, please fill out the registration card completely and we will add your child to the regular attendee list and check-in works this way-
Regular Attendee check-in: go to a kiosk-they are located at all children’s ministry locations-. The kiosk are touch screen, there is a keyboard available also.
Step 1-Touch the screen that says “Member Check-in”
Step 2- Enter your home phone number
Step 3-Touch or click “LOOKUP”
Step 3-Select children and Event (Sat. 5pm Lil’ Kids Church, Sat. 7pm Lil’ Kids Church, etc.)
Step 4-A Child ID badge and a parent pickup slip will print for each child.
On the Child ID badge you will notice that there is a page number that coincides with a Parent pick-up tag. That is the number that will be used if your child needs you during the service. If you are needed by your child the page number will appear on the two side screens in the sanctuary. And it is the parent pickup slip you will need to show to the teacher at Lil’ Kids Church to pick up your child.
What information are we requiring for check-in? Basic contact information, we only use this when it is important to contact you, we don’t sell personal information. Also, any information that is needed to minister to your children the best that we can, for example it is important to know if your child has any allergies, special needs (autism, hearing loss or deafness, language delay, medical conditions that would restrict activities, etc.) We also put pictures and video of Li’l Kids Church on our website and we ask for permission to use pictures or video that your child may be in. We also ask for information that may be needed in case of an emergency.
Saying Good-bye: After checking your child in, give your child a quick good-bye and leave for worship service. The teachers in Lil’ Kidz Church will engage your child in activities as soon as they are checked in, this should lessen their (and your) anxiety about your departure. Please do not worry, we will page you if your child does not adjust well and cries for no longer than 10 minutes. Separation becomes easier given time and consistency.
Pick-up: Having your child returned to you, will take patience. There will be a line, just be forewarned. We check children out one at a time, for their safety and everyone’s peace of mind. The Pocket chart will be in the classroom, so bring the pager to the door, ask for your child and we will locate your child from their learning center and all of their things from their cubbies and your child will get a personal “good-bye”, “see ya later”, farewell from the Lead teacher of the day. Having your children returned to you personally and safely is of the highest priority for us. We will put the card away to be filed later. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Curriculum: “Lil’ K”an interactive multimedia-based DVD curriculum, that is fun and enjoyable for children (and teachers).
MORE on the Lil’ K Curriculum: “The teaching video joins Lil’ K and host, Kai, on a journey of discovery as we explore the lesson objective for the day. We’ll learn how our doodad relates to the objective and how we can live out God’s Word everyday. There are keys to find, chests to open, and silly yet always wise Professor Sock, who will help us decode the mystery of each day’s doodad.
During Song Time each episode includes a sing-a-long worship song that all can join. (It is) Presented in music video form. kids sing, jump, shout, move and worship through song. The song is repeated throughout each of the 5 episodes in the series.
Each 5-episode set also includes a Remember Verse. This Bible verse is presented with fun, memorable movements in classic KIDMO style. The Remember Verse is so easy and effective; you’ll never look at scripture memory the same again.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, along come, Knock, Knock. Kids have a chance to test their knowledge in this final round of the DVD driven portion of the program. Knock, knock…Who’s there? Kids review specific teaching points and bible characters in a fun and engaging way. Imagine your preschooler doing what they do best, telling you what they know.
And then finally each week the children receive the take home Map Book. This application based review of the Bible story and lesson is delivered through fun learning activities. Designed to stimulate parental involvement and help build early spiritual formation, the Map Book informs parents and reinforces the key-learning objective.” (everything in quotation marks is From the KIDMO website)
Snacks: Snacks are a part of the learning experience at Li’l Kidz church. They are one the learning centers. The snacks are not jus graham crackers and Goldfish crackers. We do try to keep it somewhat healthy; occasionally there will be a sweet snack. I try to limit it (Junk) as much as possible, but it is not always entirely possible to not have it. So I admit there are occasions that we have sweetened cereal and mini-marshmallows, but only when it will help teach the kids the Biblical principal or story of the day. Snacks are an important part of the LI’l Kidz church experience. Let us know of any food allergies or sensitivities. There will not be any peanut snacks given at any time.
Centers:
Block Center- A learning place where the Biblical lesson can be reinforced through games, exploration, and sharing skills
Craft Center- A learning place where children can use their creative talents to highlight the Biblical lesson
Science Center- A learning place where children can investigate God’s World
Reading Center- A quiet place where books can be read and have discussion about the Bible lesson of the day
Home Center- A place where children can relate to each other and teachers can guide them in applying the Biblical principle of the day
Worship Center- A Place where children worship and learn the Bible lesson
Snack Center- For those who must experience taste and smell to remember, and or learn the Bible Lesson of the day
Heart2Heart Ministry- Special Needs Ministry in Li’l kidz Church: We invite everyone to come to Li’l Kidz church. We have a special needs educator-the Heart2Heart Director that helps train teachers on how to minister to every child that comes. We will work one-on-one when needed. If your child has special needs and needs a little extra care, please let us know, the Heart2Heart Director of Li’l Kidz Church will assist you and your child through any transitions that may be needed. Call if you have any questions about this special aspect of Li’l Kidz Church.
Our Teachers and TA’s- All of our teachers are volunteers. They all have a passion to reach children for Jesus. Teacher’s and Teacher’s Assistants go through ongoing, bi-monthly training sessions, as well as special training sessions through out the year. Many have been teaching for 3 or more years at The Father’s House. Our TA’s range in age form 8 years old to adult. They help the children with transitions in between centers and are the teachers extra hands, eyes and ears. Many of our teachers were once TAs, it is great place to serve, learn, and train. All teachers have gone through a screening process, for the safety and well-being of your children.
FAQ:
I’m a visitor how do I check my child in?
For the first time visitor: There are Visitor Cards that will need to be filled out- this gives us basic information for the well-being of the child, as well as contact information. It is simple and easy! Click here for the sample of a Visitor Card
I attend The Father’s House and my child does not have a card to check in, what do I do?
If you are coming from the Nursery ministry (The Baby Place) then simply bring your child’s card from there, we already have all the information that we need. And will add a new page for you in our binder. If you have new and updated information that we need to be made aware of please ask for a new information sheet and fill it out and turn it in to one of the check-in volunteers.
If you have been coming and don’t have a card, there are Information Sheets on the check-in table. Please fill one out (completely please) and turn it in to the check-in volunteer –use the visitor card to check in your child for this service. You will have a card next week.
I'm a volunteer… I'm scheduled for Sunday, but I won't be able to make it. Who do I call?
If you know ahead of time that you are unable to make it on a Sunday you are scheduled, please switch with another teacher or TA and then please contact the Children’s Ministry Assistant (Karyn Brooks) at the church office 707-455-7790 ext 107. If you are unable to make it due to last minute circumstances please call Tammy Payne.
My child is sick… can she still attend the ministry today?
Our Well Child Policy states, “Children experiencing illness are not allowed in Li’l Kidz Church.” For the health of workers and children, we can only admit well children each service. A WELL child has
- No fever for the last 24 hours (above 100)
- No runny nose (unless fluid is clear and child is teething or has allergies)
- No diarrhea
- No crusted, mattered eyes
- No unusual rashes
- No lice or nits
How do you get involved in Li’l Kidz Church, become a volunteer?
Contact Tammy Payne, she will love to give you the 411 on all that is required and the training needed to serve and minister in Li’l Kidz Church
You can volunteer in the following areas:
- Teach
- Teachers Aid
- Cleaning team
- Arts and Crafts preparation
- Heart2Heart Ministry (our special needs inclusion ministry)
- Saturday Night prayer for the Preschool and Nursery Ministry
Contacts:
Tammy Payne Preschool/Nursery Ministry Pastor
E-Mail: tammy@tfh.org
Phone:707-455-7790 ext 105
Children’s Ministry Assistant
E-Mail:
Phone: 707-455-7790 ext 107