Nursery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child required to be in the nursery during Sunday service?

The Orchard Nursery is completely optional. Our church welcomes all children into our worship services.

What ages are children in the nursery?

The nursery cares for children ages 2 to 5 years old (but not yet in kindergarten).

What would be nice for my child to bring?

Please bring a water bottle labelled with your child’s name and anything else your child might need.

What will my child do while in the nursery?

We follow a rhythm of free play, singing, lesson time, prayer, snack time, and cleanup. Lesson materials come from our denominational publisher's “Show Me Jesus” curriculum and various storybook bibles.

What will my child eat?

A snack of Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, Bunny Grahams, or Cheddar Squares are served.

What safety policies and procedures are practiced in the nursery?

Orchard's child safety policies and procedures are documented in the Orchard Children's Ministry Team Member Handbook. All Nursery Team Members receive training on the handbook, and the handbook is updated at least once a year.

A document highlighting salient policies for parents can be found here: Nursery Policies and Procedures for Parents.

How do I check in and check out my child?

A check-in / check-out station is located by the nursery. During check-in, a Nursery Team Member will provide matching security stickers for you and your child. Parents must keep their sticker and present it to the Nursery Team Member to check out their child.

How will I be contacted if I need to be reached?

Parents will be asked to leave a cell phone number when they sign in and to keep their phones nearby during service. Nursery Team Members will text parents to reach them.

Who will be caring for my child?

Nursery Team Members are Orchard regular attendees who have completed an onboarding process that includes a Live Scan background check and training in child safety. Newer team members are paired with more experienced members when they are serving. Team members also receive ongoing training.

Are there other areas available for parents and children?

Kids Resource Table — Children are invited to pick up resources from an Orchard Kids resource table. We have bulletins for preschool and elementary school-age kids, as well as other items to help kids participate in the worship service.

Seeds Room — We welcome parents of children ages 0–2 years old to step out of the service at any time to sit with their children in our Seeds Room, where mats and toys, and a livestream of the service, are available.

Crying Room — Parents with babies can also use a crying room located in the back of the sanctuary.