Our Childcare Policy
Yours “plus one”. This means your children, plus one additional child, are always welcome. If you are paid for the “plus one”, we ask that you cover the weekly childcare cost per child.
What happens in Childcare?
Infants, 0-11 months, are in the infant rooms in the Wee Kids Nursery wing.
Toddlers, 12-18 months are in the Scooters room in the Wee Kids Nursery wing.
Toddlers, 18-23 months are in the Toddler room in the Wee Kids Nursery wing.
- They will enjoy free play the entire morning while caregivers interact with and read to them. Caregivers will pray for each child. A snack of Cheerios or Goldfish and water is served in the toddler room. We request that your infant’s pacifier and blanket be marked with their name or initials. No food will be offered in the infant room other than a bottle.
Two year olds are in the two year old rooms in the Wee Kids Nursery wing.
- There will be a Bible lesson including song time, memory verse and a craft. They will enjoy free play while the caregivers interact with and read to them. A snack of Goldfish and water will be served. Weather permitting; the children will be able to play outside at the playground.
Preschoolers, ages 3-5, are divided in rooms according to their age in the Preschool rooms located in the Wee Kids Preschool wing.
- There will be a Bible lesson, activity and craft. The children will enjoy structured play time while caregivers interact with and read to them. A snack of Goldfish and water will be served. Depending on the weather, they will either play outside at the playground or indoors.
The transition of leaving mom to enter the nursery can be a difficult one for some young children. Therefore, please inform the caregivers if there is something that might help soothe the child during this time. A Christian children’s video may be playing as the children arrive. This allows children to have something to occupy them as moms come and go, shifting their focus away from mom leaving and onto playing.
It is our goal to keep your child happily engaged the entire morning so you may enjoy your time in fellowship with other women. Please give the caregivers any specific directions or helpful hints that will make this possible for your child. If your child is unhappy, the caregivers will make every effort to comfort him or her. If the child is inconsolable, you will be asked to come and help.
Clothing and Personal Possessions Jackets and coats should be hung in each of the Wee Kids wings on the provided hooks. The child should not have the following in their possession:
- Money
- Toys from home
- Candy or gum
- Food of any kind, as allergies are of a concern
- Medication of any kind
Sick Child Policy
We ask that you refrain from bringing your child if they have a persistent cough or runny nose or have had a fever or vomiting illness the previous night. If your child is being treated with an antibiotic, they will need to be on the antibiotic a minimum of 24 hours before attending The Grove. Should your child’s behavior change during the morning and he or she appears to have an illness you will be notified to pick up your child.
Security Tags
We ask that all Moms show their security tag when picking up their child. If this tag should be misplaced, please see the Childcare Coordinator before going to your child’s room.
How is The Grove Childcare funded?
The Grove childcare is funded by donations from the women who attend with Prairie Lakes Church (PLC) making a strong commitment to underwrite any necessary remaining funds. There is no charge for participating in the program or for childcare. Our goal is that we, as a community of women, would be willing to freely give as the Lord allows to help fund as much of the childcare as possible. The majority of the cost for The Grove is the childcare. Below is an explanation of our vision and goal.
The Vision
Our heart and vision is to allow for moms to come with their children and be confident in knowing they are receiving quality care. Childcare costs are covered by donations and PLC. Our desire is for the parent to contribute what they are able and know that regardless of the amount given their children are being taught about Jesus in a safe and secure environment.
The Facts
Last year it took a coordinator and approximately 30 caregivers each Tuesday to provide quality care for our children. Our desire is to keep the ratios as follows:
- Infants: 2-3 per worker
- Toddlers: 3-4 per worker
- Twos: 3-4 per worker
- Preschool: 5-6 per worker
The Need
To fulfill our vision it will take all of us committing to the care of these precious children. Our hope is you will prayerfully consider making a regular donation to help underwrite the childcare program. We need one-time gifts, as well as weekly and/or monthly donations. As you feel lead to give, checks should be made payable to Prairie Lakes Church. If you do not have children in the childcare program, your donation is also tax-deductible. Please write “donation” in the memo of your check. We praise God in advance for your generosity.
