Simple question is the label for first time blue or prints blue words? Is this a setting with your checking system or you only have blue stickers at first time check in?	The label itself is blue - we have specific printers for First time check in dedicated to print on the blue stickers. You can learn more about our First Time Guest strategy here.
Do you give kids a gift when they are first time visitor?	Yes, it's a great way to make the kid feel welcome! We have done different things in the past, such as a Milestone Kids bracelet or cup, but we currently give a full size candy bar.

MARKING MOMENTS

Do you lets your Milestone Kids participate in communion? How do you prepare parents for weekends with this element?

We have done communion before in Milestone Kids, yes. We would send an email to parents, as well as notify them in person.

PROGRAMMING & CURRICULUM

What environments/rooms have worship, and which ones don’t- What is your reasoning for not having worship, those environments?	K-3rd and 4th - 5th grade have live worship teams. Preschool utilizes worship videos through their curriculum.
What is the formats for your ten minute messages/sermons?	Intro - includes big idea (overarching take away) & scripture memory verse Scripture Focus/Bible Story Application - how to make it applicable in their life (stick to one or 2 big points to focus on) Pray
Give an example timeline of an elementary student’s regular Sunday class?	You can find an Example Service Order here.
Any specific activities you do for babies/toddlers?	Babies: teachers always pray over kids in the classroom Toddlers: each week they are read a Bible Story and we play worship videos.
What would you recommend for someone who can’t do live worship?	Play worship videos.
Does the same person do the teaching every time or are you volunteers teachers?	Preschool - volunteers are the teachers Elementary - combination of staff/college students and a few adult volunteers
How far in advance do y'all plan curriculum/send it out to teachers? What system has worked best for helping the teachers be prepared for Sunday?	We stay at least 2 weeks ahead on all curriculum/messages being completed and available. For Preschool, we email the lessons our lead teachers each week so they can look over them in advance.

SERVE TEAM

What is your process for application/background checks? When, who and how When someone comes to the kids breakout what is their next step? Do they observe before or after screening?	The Volunteer Application is completed at Serve Team 201, Background check consent is typically processed in the 48hrs after 201 and the first step to joining the team is Observation during a weekend service. These are the forms we use for Preschool & Elementary Observation.
When do you have the volunteer training monthly? How does that work with volunteers?	All trainings are the same and take place during our 12:30 service (smaller campuses train every other month). Volunteers choose which month to attend, and are only required to attend once.
Are your Equip trainings in person? What are the topics you cover in the trainings?	All trainings are the same and in person. Trainings cover: Vision Safety Classroom Management Parent Communication Scheduling Volunteer Roles
How do you gather and get you volunteers to be on board with small groups. Especially when they have been serving for a long time and feel small groups don’t work.	Storytelling is a great way to repeatedly cast vision and keep the "why" in front of the team. Share a small group success story in the volunteer huddle every week if you can! Ask your trusted leaders if they feel equipped as small group leaders, they may just not know how to win in that role and need training or clarity around the expectations of a small group.
Advice on how to retain leaders in preschool ministry?	Volunteer culture. Get to know your people, get their prayer requests, follow up with them. Always keep vision fresh and in front of them.
What if no one in your church wants to be with kids?	Find ways for the Lead Pastor to cast vision to the church. Storytelling is a great way to do this! Focus on the volunteer culture, find ways to improve the experience so volunteers have fun, have the opportunity to build relationships with others on the team, and know how to win in their role.
What is your student to leader ratio?	Preschool: each classroom has a minimum of 2 adults Elementary: 1 small group leader per 10 kids
May I please have the template for the kids ministry volunteer feedback form?	Preschool Observation Feedback Form Elementary Observation Feedback Form