Childcare: Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I bring to Childcare?
Parents are encouraged to bring:
   - A change of diapers &/or underwear and lower garments
   - A special soft "Lovey" or blanket, if needed (Please no other toys) 
   - Bottle for babies with instructions (refrigerator and microwave on site)

What about Snack?
LOPC Childcare has a NO NUT policy. Parents are always welcome to provide their own snack for their children to either supplement or replace the snack that we provide (usually Cheerios, Goldfish and/or Cheese-its, but occasionally fruit or cookies). Please do NOT pack any items made from/with nuts, nut-butters, or nut-oils, especially peanuts, as some of our children have life-threatening food allergies.

My Child has Allergies, whom do I tell?
There is a place to list Allergies on the Childcare Registration Card. Parents of Children with severe Allergies or Medical Conditions will be asked to fill out an additional "Orange Card". When checking-in your child to Childcare, please make sure that their nametag also reads either "no snack" or "self snack" so that Caregivers can properly monitor and serve your child during snack time.  You may pack your own snack for your child.

What is the check-in procedure?
At the Childcare gate, please print your child's name, your name, and your approximate intended location into the sign-in binder. You will be given a numbered pager. Make sure your child has a nametag and that all belongings/bags are labeled. You may go into the childcare room to get your child settled, and may stay as long as you feel necessary. Some children are very happy to walk into childcare unassisted, this is equally welcomed.

What is the pick-up procedure?
Please wait at the Childcare gate. Sign-out your child out in the binder. When you turn in your pager, your child and her things will be collected and brought to you at the gate by a caregiver. This may necessitate a short wait for parents in the CLC lobby; take this time to look through any postings and flyers in the lobby, as well as the Lost & Found in the large credenza.

May I go off campus while my child is in Childcare?
No. Parents must remain on LOPC's campus on Sunday mornings when their children are in childcare. 
There are a few church events that take place off campus where childcare is provided, but these require special registration and release forms.

I am attending a class/event on Sunday morning, and wish to also attend Service before/after, can I use Childcare throughout?
Yes. When parents are involved with on-campus functions, children are welcome in childcare between/after services, and/or for both services . Please let the caregivers know as you sign-in your children that you will be picking-up your child beyond the usual service time, and write down the name of your event in the binder.

I'm bringing my child to Childcare for the first time. Any tips?
Let us know you are a first-timer
Parents will be asked to fill out a Childcare Registration Card for each child upon their first visit to Childcare.  This card asks you questions about their play and comfort preferences that we will use in future visits, and also requests your contact information (useful in the unlikely case of  pager system failure, and for notifications about upcoming events).

Unless we are over-capacity, parents are welcome to be in the Childcare area during their first few visits.  This will introduce the childcare area and staff to you and your child.  Some parents stay for the whole service, some leave after 5-20 minutes.  You are also welcome to come 15 minutes before the service so  your child can experience the room before others arrive.

Childcare usually has fewer children during the second service on Sundays. Parents often hope for a quieter play time for their child, particularly when introducing their child into childcare for the first time. Consider coming to the 11:00am (10:30 in summer) Worship Service instead of the 9:00am Worship Service.

My Child is experiencing separation anxiety, any tips?
Feel free to enter the childcare area with your child after check-in and help them start on a toy or activity, converse with the caregivers in the room to show your child that you have a trusting relationship with them.  As you prepare to leave, say goodbye to your child, and ask a caregiver to distract or comfort your child if you deem it necessary. We do not recommend that you "sneak away".  We will page any parent whose child is inconsolable, but we are usually able to get even crying children to engage in the group within 10 minutes.  If your child is crying you may tell the caregivers what your personal tolerance of "cry-time" is, and we can page you early if you wish.

My Child has Special Needs, Can we use Childcare?
This must be determined case-by-case.  Please contact the Assistant Director of Childcare Ministry: Kimberley Rogers via extension x237 or  Kimberley@lopc.org  (email is best)

My Child is Potty Training, whom do I tell?
As you check in your child, make sure that their name tag mentions "Ask Potty". Our staff will encourage your child to try and will assist them when needed. Even so, make sure you bring along a change of underwear and lower garments.

My event is in the evening and/or lasts a long time, are there special recommendations?
If Childcare is available for an extended time and/or for an evening event, you may want to pack a blanket and sheet set for resting, a toothbrush for after meals, and pajamas for falling asleep on the ride home.
Kids ROCK childcare (for volunteering parents) provides a meal.  For other evening events, please send:
   - packed meal (we have access to a refrigerator and microwave)
   - Utensils and a plate

How do I know if the LOPC event I am interested in offers Childcare?
The leaders of a ministry event request childcare, so contact whomever scheduled the event in question to check. 
Childcare must have a minimum of 3 expected/pre-registered children to run. However, on-campus babysitting for 2 or fewer children can sometimes be arranged. Our aim is to allow families to participate fully in the life of the Church!

Who are the Childcare Providers?
Childcare is blessed with many talented souls to care for our children.  All have been background-checked, and most have current certification in AED & CPR.  Many of our caregivers have Early Childhood Education training, and some have been serving our children for over 9 years.
There will always be at least 2 Caregivers working in any area where Childcare is taking place, and at least one will have current CPR certification. Caregivers have access to the childcare registration cards and "Orange Cards" during childcare events for your tips on increasing your child's comfort and safety.
Our Childcare Team currently includes: Hannah Christopher,  Shannon Doering, Julia Freet, Miranda Gill, Tom Grimes, Kristin Hilty, Margaret Kaluzny, Ian Lennox, Alex Ligouri, Hannah Lofink, Gabby Olufson, Lena Olufson, Emma Patton, Carmen Polifrone, Ava Rock, Priya Sawhney, Julie Tanno, Melanie Toth, and Lasondra Wilson.

My Question was not answered here:
Please feel free to contact the Assistant Director of Childcare Ministry: Kimberley@lopc.org  
Your question may even be added to this page with our thanks!