Please read the following information, policies and procedures. For further information, contact Christine Wellbaum, Nursery Coordinator, or Sally Granberry, Education Director, at (334) 826-8800

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Please help us by following the procedures listed below:

• Well children only! For the health of all children and caregivers, children with symptoms of illness will not be accepted into the nursery classrooms.
• Label ALL of your child’s belongings. Please include the following items for infants and toddlers: disposable diapers, diaper wipes, bottles or cups (toddlers will receive apple juice), pacifier if used, change of clothing
• Fill out an information card for infants and toddlers. Please update them periodically as needed.
• Please complete the sign-in sheet each time you bring your child to the nursery. This helps us know where you are going to be and when to expect your return. It is also important that you sign your child out when you return.
• We are now using a label security system with our young children. When you drop your child off, you will be asked to place a numbered name label on your child's back. You will take the parent's part of the label with the corresponding number on it with you. When you pick up your child, you will be asked to show your part of the label to match your child's label. This system protects against unauthorized people picking up your children. It is vital that if you send someone else to pick up your child, that you give them the numbered label to present to the nursery staff.
• We want your child’s transition from home to nursery to be as smooth and comfortable as possible. Some children prefer a hug and a quick exit, while others need a little play time with Mom or Dad. Our caregivers will follow your lead in this transition. Your child may cry when you leave. This is a normal and healthy show of preference for parents. We understand and expect it. You may sign out a pager for extra peace of mind, if you like. If your child cries hard for more than 15 minutes, we will page you or come and find you. You must indicate on the sign-in sheet where you will be located. Most children can be calmed down within a few minutes and are happy until the first parents begin to arrive at pick-up time. We want your family’s nursery experience to be a happy one. Please inform the caregivers of any special calming techniques that work with your child.
• The nursery staff cannot feed your child meals while in our care. We can warm bottles prepared by you and can give snacks like Cheerios and animal crackers with your permission. Notify each nursery caregiver of your child’s allergies or food restrictions.
• Please arrange to pick up your child immediately following the church service or function. Children WILL NOT BE released to anyone other than parents unless specified by the parent and known by the caregiver.
• Please have only one parent drop off and pick up the child. Our hallways and rooms are very small and get congested when all family members are present. No one should enter the nursery rooms except a parent. This cuts down on germs, congestion and confusion.
• Please do not come in to check on your child or stand by the door talking with other parents. Children are exceptionally good at hearing their parents’ voices. You may look in the door windows or ask other parents to check on your child while they drop off theirs.
• The nursery toys, cribs, swings, etc. are washed after each session as well as during the week after Children’s Day Out. We do our best to keep our nursery area clean and germ-free, but please understand that there will be times when your child is exposed to another child’s cold or chicken pox. We will let you know of any illness (other than the common cold) immediately upon our notification by the ill child’s parent. If your child suddenly becomes ill (other than a common cold) on Monday, please notify the church office so that we may notify other parents.
• Fourteen paid caregivers regularly staff the church nursery on Sunday mornings. The crib, creeper and toddler room also have one “hugger”. or volunteer, each during the 9:40 and 11:00 services. The nursery department is made up of the following rooms:
  • Birth -12 months - Room B148
  • Toddlers 13 months - 18 months - Room B138
  • Older Toddlers 18 - 24 months - Room B144
  • 2 Year olds (A-G) Room B137, (H-N) Room B145, (O-Z) Room B140
  • 3 Year olds (A-G) Room B133, (H-N) Room B133, (O-Z) Room B131
• Children are promoted into the next age group on September 1, or developmentally as they are ready. Parents and caregivers will jointly determine when each child will move up to the next class.
• Due to the large number of visitors to our church, we have little way of predicting the number of children we will have each week. There are rare occasions when our paid staff is unable to care for the number of children in their room. Every attempt will be made to move other paid staff into that room, but we may ask parents to stay and help if needed. Please be sensitive to the staff member’s needs and capabilities and assist if needed.
• All rooms have emergency fire and severe weather plans posted. A weather radio is located in the creeper room. Should severe weather strike while your child is in our care, rest assured that we are equipped to handle these emergencies. Basic first aid supplies are located in each room. The nursery coordinator and several staff members are CPR and first aid certified.
• Relax and enjoy the learning and worship experiences that AUMC has to offer.

For more information about AUMC Nursery Ministries, please contact our Nursery Director, Christine Wellbaum, at (334) 826-8800.