We have Self Check-In iPads & printers available for everyone who has previously attended. First Time Guests (FTG) & those needing assistance come to the Assisted Check In Desk. For FTG's that let us know they are coming in advance, we greet them and ask for their phone number to start the process of getting kids & parents their stickers.

A Host takes them to each classroom & explains the process. Much information is provided for the FTG parents during this time. The host walks the FTG parents to the Cafe & releases them to attend service. FTG families that come but haven't given us their information in advance, scan a QR code at Check In, fill out all the information requested, and then we check them in as described above.

How do you run your week to week check-in process?

We have a team of volunteers that rotate weekends (serve every other). Each team has a Lead that informs the team of all events happening during service, as well as running the service logistics. Then there are Assisted Check In Volunteers running the computers at the desk to help with First Time Guests & anyone else needing help. Self Check In Volunteers help to greet families as they check in and assist when technology glitches. First Time Guest (FTG) Hosts are ready and waiting for guests to arrive. They host them from arrival, all the way to Cafe area before the FTG releases them into the Worship Center. A Staff member is always present to oversee the team & help if an emergency technical issue arises.

MARKING MOMENTS

Do you have a class for parent for baby dedication?

We don't have a class for baby dedication, families just sign up based on the service they want to attend. Prior to the dedication in the service, the families gather in a room where the Kids Pastor speaks with the families and celebrates them.

For Promotion Weekend, what are the move up grades/ages?

Kinder moves from Preschool to Elementary and third grade moves from the K-3rd environment to the 4th & 5th grade classroom.

We do not do Promotion Weekend for preschool classes, we promote kids individually as they are ready to move to the next room. Our rooms are labeled by color, not age, so we can create the best experience for families and volunteers by putting kids in the room that is the best for them. (A great example is our 2's: 2 is a unique age and there is a big difference between a child that just turned 2 and one who is almost 3. So, we might have a room of older 1-year-olds with younger 2-year-olds together, and another that has older 2's and younger 3's together, rather than breaking them up purely by age).

Do you do any gifts for families for Baby Dedications? If so, what does that look like?

The gift is the Jesus Storybook Bible.

NEXT STEPS CLASS/SALVATION

When do you do your next steps class?	Once a month - scheduled about 2 weeks out from baptism weekend to allow parents (if their child is ready) to sign up for the next baptism after attending the class
What was the teaching that is done during Kids Next Steps?	Here is a copy of the Next Steps Class Teaching.
What is your process when a kid gives their life to Jesus in your kids service?	A child receives a sticker in class that says "I gave my life to Jesus" then at checkout parents are notified and receive a Salvation/Baptism resource along with an invite card to our kids Next Steps Class. (personal conversation with the parent) The following business day the parents receive an email telling them we are excited for the decision their child has made with a link to register for Next Steps Class.
How often do you do next steps class?	Once a month - scheduled about 2 weeks out from baptism weekend to allow parents (if their child is ready) to sign up for the next baptism after attending the class.

PARENT COMMUNICATION

You mentioned connection and texting parents for announcements—what are some ways that you stay connected with parents and families?

Texting and emails, along with personally connecting with parents during drop off and pick up.

PROGRAMMING & CURRICULUM

What is your kids mission statement and goals?	You can find the Milestone Kids Core Values here.
We have one big room, with ages kinder-5th what are some ways we can accommodate the 5th grade kids (boys) to make it a fun area where they want to be!	Separating Small Group to age specific will help 5th grade boys be with kids their age. We write different questions for this age to help meet them where they are at. Pre - Service maybe having some older age games for them. It could be "5th Grade" only, this would make them feel "cool" and give something for 4th grade to look forward too.
What do you focus on instilling in kids before they transition up to middle school?	We focus on our 5 milestones throughout or elementary ministry. We heavily emphasize in our 4th/5th grade ministry our 5th milestone which is "find good friends." We set up small groups so our students can find good friends, while also being taught how to read, and find scripture. Every Sunday we do "sword drills", which consists of finding our bible story, key verses, and learning to use the table of contents.
Do you have any resources for Children’s curriculum? Just wanting to see what’s out there.	You can find our available Kids Curriculum resources on leadtowin.com, along with the Churchwide Campaign resources!
Explain more of how the PREPARE prayer wall works and ideas for a smaller church who rents a space. We do not have access to a “wall” during the week.	During our churchwide PREPARE event (three days of prayer & fasting), we have a prayer wall in the Worship Center and Elementary rooms. We believe you don't have to wait to be great, so we make sure that kids are included in any churchwide experiences, including this! We will provide opportunities for kids to write their requests and post them on the wall each weekend, and we lead them in praying over requests and for each other. One idea would be to stretch a large piece of brown paper on the wall, write the requests directly on the paper, and then roll it up after services to store it for the following week!
What areas of our children's ministry should we prioritize leveraging first?	Putting a focus on the volunteer culture is an impactful place to start! Make it a great experience for them and help them win as leaders: clarify expectations, provide training & resources, continually share stories to remind them of the "why", and be available to them (not just at church, but when they're going through life). Your teams will grow when the volunteers enjoy serving, and the kids will feel loved and seen.

SERVE TEAM

What are some practical ways to rapidly gain dedicated volunteers in the ministry?	Personal asks, having your current volunteers recruit other team members as well. Utilize student ministry and get some key students involved, they will want to bring their friends too.
What is your process of onboarding volunteers to your lead team?	We promote volunteers into Lead roles if needed, once they have been identified and are trained up.
How do you care for your small group leaders?	Develop relationship with them: text during the week, maybe attend an event for them or their child, pray with them (get their prayer request during weekend service and follow up during the week).