As parents, we understand you may have some questions about our parent policies and why we do, what we do in children's ministry. We have compiled a few of our most 'Frequently Asked Questions' and hope they answer some of the questions you may have.

Q. When can I check in my child? 
Check-In will be open approx. 10-15 minutes before each service begins. One adult leader and helper need to be in the classroom in order to accept children. Twenty minutes after each service begins, Check-In will close to allow less classroom interruptions and more focused learning time. (Service times listed below)

• Saturday Community 5:30 PM (nursery through 5th grades)
• Saturday Connection 7 PM (nursery through 5th grades)   
• Sunday Community   9 AM (nursery through 5th grades)
• Sunday Connection 10:30 AM (nursery through 5th grades)

Q. When do I fill out a registration card and what do you do with the information? You can fill out a registration card when you are ready to do so. It can be as early as your first visit or you may choose to wait a few months as your family checks out AC3. All information on the registration cards will be kept confidential. We only use the information to get to know you and your children better. It helps us identify birthdays, health or security concerns and lets us keep your family updated with current ministry information. Please fill out a new registration card promptly if you have a change in your home address, email or phone number so we can keep our security efforts and database up to date.  
 
Q. What parent and security policies do I need to be aware of?   

• All children need to be signed in and out of Kreek Kids by a parent or guardian.
• Only children, parents and Kreek Kids volunteers are permitted into the nursery and education areas during ministry hours. 
• Anyone entering the education center during ministry time must sign in, obtain a parent or visitor pass and remain with a Kreek Kids team member.
• Two team members need to be in a classroom in order to accept children.
• We maintain Volunteer-to-Child Ratios. Occasionally, a classroom may need to be temporarily closed.

  Volunteer-to-Child Ratios
  infants	1:2
  crawlers/walkers	1:3
  3 & 4 years olds	1:4
  5 year olds	1:5
  kindergarten	1:6
  1st & 2nd grades	1:8
  3rd - 5th grades	1:10

Q. What is a closed classroom?
On occasion, it may be necessary to close a certain classroom because we have met our Volunteer-to-Child Ratio in a particular age group. This is done for the safety of our children and consideration of our volunteers. When this happens, parents are always welcome to stay and participate with their child as a parent helper for the day. This would increase our volunteer to child ratio enabling us to keep the classroom open.

Q. My child has been sick. When should they return to class?
We have a Well Child Policy and follow the recommendations of the American Pediatrics Academy. For the health of our children and volunteers, please do not bring your child to class if they show any of the following signs:

Q. Will my child be offered a snack?
On Sunday mornings, we may offer a light snack such as crackers and juice. Sometimes a food craft may be incorporated into the day's lesson but not always. So it's important to provide your child with a satisfying breakfast especially when attending both services. 

On Saturday evenings,  there is a hearty snack available in the lobby for parents and their children.  If you want your child to have something to eat, we ask that you dish up a small serving and bring it with them upon checking into the classroom.  

We have chosen to be a "Peanut Free" ministry. If your child has a known food allergy,  please alert our Check-In staff upon arrival. 

Q. Is there anything that children should not bring with them?
We prefer that no toys or snack foods are brought into the classroom. We suggest they leave all toys and snack items in the car or at home. This way, there will be no lost items or toys that may become a distraction in the classroom.

Q. Can friends or siblings of different ages be in the same class?
We understand that some siblings need to be together in order to feel comfortable at church. While we prefer that each child attend their appropriate class, we can place both of them in the younger sibling’s/friend’s class for the day.

Q. How do you determine what area or classroom my child will be in?
Infants through three years old will be in one of our two nursery/toddler areas based on their developmental stage, number of children and volunteer staff. Younger children may move up to our preschool class when they have had their 3rd birthday and when they can actively listen to stories and participate in craft or structured group activities. Kindergarten and elementary children are promoted to their next grade level in September.

Q. What is your policy when posting Kreek Kids' pictures on the AC3 website?
AC3 maintains a website that posts a variety of ministry pictures. When Kreek Kids' pictures are posted, NO children's names or personal information of any kind will ever be posted on our website!  If you do not want your child's picture posted on the website, please fill out an Internet Policy Form stating your request and give it to one of our Check-In staff. (Forms are on the Information Tree in the Kreek Kids Check-In area.) 

Q. Do you need parent helpers?
Yes! We believe that an effective children's program is made possible through the cooperative efforts of teachers, parents and helpers like yourselves. If you are a parent who calls AC3 home, we need you!  You just may have a hidden talent or two that can be  used on one of our ministry teams. Not sure what to do? That's OK! We have Parent Helper Schedules that are flexible and where you'll learn as you go. We look forward to answering any questions you may have!  

Your partners in ministry,  Twila & KK Staff                 (Updated 12/05)