Nursery

General Policies: The following policies have been established by North Cross UMC for the operation of the nursery. The purpose is twofold: to provide for the needs of our infants and toddlers and to provide parents the opportunities for full participation in the life and activities of the church.

Hours of Operation: The nursery is open from 8:15a.m. to the end of the 11:00a.m. worship hour. Nursery is provided only for parents in the building. The nursery is provided for infants and toddlers through their second year. For children needing to be removed from worship, parents can listen to the service through a sound system in Room 154 or 151 while their child plays.

Directions to Nursery: As you come in the front door by the sanctuary, walk past the Jesus wall and go down the stairs. Go to the end of the hall and turn left. The nursery is on the left side in Room 156.

Non-Worship Nursery Services: For activities throughout the week, childcare is available for newborns through elementary-aged children by reservation only. Reservations for the nursery should be made as soon as possible (no less than one week in advance) by calling the Nursery Director. Children without a reservation will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Safety Policies: Our church is a Safe Sanctuary for children. We have adopted and implemented a program that takes large strides to make certain that our children are revered in the way Jesus intended, that coming to church is a happy occasion, and that the tragedies that have befallen children in other places of worship do not happen here. We have qualified, trained childcare workers, who are certified in CPR and first aid, as well. We have a safety system in place to protect your children. When you bring your child to the nursery, you should sign your child in on the Nursery Registry, as well as having a Church Nursery Information form filled out. You will be given a pager with a letter. Write this letter on the sign-in sheet.

When you return to pick up your child, please return your pager to the caregiver. To avoid crowded conditions, we request that only one parent bring or pick up a child. It seems to help if, after you leave, you do not return until it is time to signout. Your child may cry when you leave. This is natural and healthy for your child to prefer you. Most fussing stops within a few minutes. We will comfort and console your child. If he or she does not stop crying, we will page you.

Children should not bring toys, gum, food or candy to the nursery, Toys may become lost or broken. Sometimes it causes friction when others want to play with that toy.

Health Policies: In order to keep our nursery as safe, happy and germ-free as possible, we request parents keep their children out of the nursery area when they exhibit any of the following symptoms for 24 hours prior to Sunday morning:

• Fever greater than 100 degrees
• Yellow or greenish runny nose
• Questionable rash
• Excessive coughing
• Diarrhea
• Pink eye

If your child is being treated with antibiotics, he/she should be on the medication at least 24 hours prior to coming to the nursery. If your child develops an illness while in our car, you will be paged to take the child home. Rest assured your infant or toddler will receive the best care. We have safe, age-appropriate toys that are sanitized. Our cribs and changing tables are clean and safe. No medications are administered to any child while in our care. Please notify the nursery staff of any medical situations that would assist in the care of your child. 

Clothing: Please label all belongings with the child's name (diaper bag, coat, cap, bottles, pacifiers, etc.). It is recommended to bring 3 diapers, diaper wipes, plastic bag for soiled clothes, training pants (if appropriate), diaper ointment, 2 prepared plastic bottles, and extra change of clothes.

Potty-training: We request that children in process of potty training enter the nursery wearing pull-ups. After at least 2 weeks without an accident at home, you may send your child in regular underwear. If an accident occurs, the parent will not be called to help clean up. The childcare workers will change diapers.

Discipline Policy: The safety of all of the children in the nursery must be maintained. No throwing, hitting, biting or kicking can be allowed. If children express this behavior, they will be reminded in a kind voice of the appropriate behavior that is expected and removed from the source of conflict. If the behavior continues, it is appropriate to place them in a safe zone for no more than one minute for each year of age. If this is not effective, the parent will be called to remove the child from the room for the remainder of the time. If the behavior continues over a period of time, a conference with the parents will be scheduled.

Biting: If a child bites another child, both sets of parents will be notified. However, due to HEPPA laws, the names cannot be revealed. The child who has bitten will be removed for the remainder of the time that day. The parents of the child who was injured have the option to let their child stay or leave. If your child has bitten another child, we request that you accompany him/her during their next session in the nursery. If the behavior continues over a period of time, a conference with the parents will be scheduled.

Food Policies: Infants will be fed formula, juice, milk or water as provided in plastic bottles. Toddlers will be served a snack, but please no outside food. Toddlers and older children need to be fed at home.