We Are Here For You!
Ginter Park United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia celebrates that all persons are created in God’s image and are of sacred worth. We extend hospitality and encourage participation of all, regardless of age, race or ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, educational background, church affiliation, and physical or mental ability. We invite all people to join us in our journey to God and the practice of greater love, understanding and respect towards each other.
Nursery
“…Growing in the knowledge of God.”
Colossians 1:10
Mission Statement:
At Ginter Park United Methodist Church we promise to surround our children in a community of love and forgiveness so that they may grow and fulfill their purpose of serving 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.
Dear Parents,
Ginter Park United Methodist Church’s Children’s Ministry is here to provide a warm, accepting environment for the children entrusted to our care. We strive to love, nurture, and help your child develop their relationship with Jesus by teaching Biblical truths and principles, through age appropriate means, in an unconditionally loving environment.
We are very excited to have your child take part in our program, and we are looking forward to loving and serving your child and you. Thank you for sharing your child with us. We want our ministry to be a positive and exciting experience for everyone as we all learn and grow in God’s Love.
This handbook has been prepared to assist everyone participating in the nursery. Whether you are a parent or volunteer, this book is to keep everyone informed of the policies and procedures for our nursery. Please keep in mind that our first priority is the safety and care of your child, not to inconvenience you in anyway. The policies and procedures are set to protect all who come to Ginter Park United Methodist Church and are entrusted to our care. Please keep this book handy for quick reference.
In His Service,
Anne Durrett
DCE, Ginter Park UMC
The Infant Room - Age: Birth to 7 months – Attached to the Main Nursery
The room has a sleeping area and age appropriate toys. This area has been set apart from the rest of the room so that people do not walk where babies are playing and crawling. This keeps the area more sanitary and safer for these children. This room can also be used as a nursing room for our breast-feeding mothers.
The Toddler Room: Age 7 months to 4 - The Main Nursery
The room is clearly marked with a flag outside door on the second floor of the educational wing. The Toddler Room is split into several learning centers including an arts and crafts center, reading center and riding toys center.
Hours of Operation
Sunday 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Open 15 minutes prior to any other scheduled event (for which a nursery is to be provided). Closed 15 minutes after the event. These special events can include, but are not limited to, special holiday programs, concerts, meetings, dinners, etc.
Expectations
A parent can expect:
- A warm, secure and safe environment for their child
- A professional, caring staff
- Fun, Bible based lessons & activities appropriate for their skills
- Diaper changes, clean toilet & hand washing facilities for potty trained tots!
Parents are expected to:
- Bring their child at an early age and be consistent in attendance.
- Provide items a child might need during their stay in the nursery (i. e. pacifiers with clips, diapers, wipes, bottles/sippy cups, a change of clothes, etc. labeled with the child's name).
- Sign child in/out of the nursery, indicating any special instructions..
- Not to expose others to any illness (see Healthy Child).
- Remain on the church campus while their child is in our care.
Nursery Staffing
The nursery is run by a caring and supportive staff and substitutes. Our regular nursery staff are Mrs. Liz Turner and Mrs. Dale Lipke. The staff members are there for consistency and to ensure the safety of our children. Our substitutes are Ms.Grace Durrett, Ms. Ella Kinney & Mr. DJ Turner. Staff & Subs go through routine background checks & must sign a nursery policy agreement before starting work. This policy is available for viewing in the nursery.
Curriculum
Children in each room are taught about the love of Jesus through fun, Bible based lessons, story time & activities appropriate for their skills. We also have a member of the church sing with the children on a weekly basis, occasionally including simple, basic American Sign Language to help the children remember the words!
Health and Safety and Security Matters
We strive to provide a clean, healthy & secure environment for our children. Please make note of the following policies and
procedures. We put these in place for the protection of everyone!!
General Health Issues
Toys and equipment are cleaned and sterilized at least once a week.
Child to worker ratios:
- Infants 3:1
- Toddlers 4:1
- Preschoolers 8:1
A well child is a child with:
- no fever in the past 24 hours
- no runny nose (except those who are teething or have allergies and the fluid is clear)
- no diarrhea in the last 24 hours (no more than 5 loose stools in 24 hours)
- no cough or cold
- no crusted, mattered eyes
- no unusual rashes
Please keep sick children home; no one wants to share any illnesses!!
Safety
Child to worker ratios:
- Infants 3:1
- Toddlers 4:1
- Preschoolers 8:1
- A basic first aid kit is located in the nursery for any minor “boo-boos”.
- Electric outlet covers and other child-proofing measures are in place.
Security
- Children are to be dropped off and picked up by their adult parents/guardian.
- Parent or guardian must remain on the church campus while their child is in our care.
- A child will not be released to a sibling.
- Each child is to be signed in on the registry form located by the door. It is important to fill this out completely, with your location. We need this information to locate you if there is a problem or emergency.
- Traffic through the nursery to other parts of the building is prohibited.
Nursery Graduation
Children are graduated from the nursery to the preschool department on Christian Education Sunday in September. Discussion about their readiness for such a move is encouraged.
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 welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One 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
