The St. Michaels by-the-Sea Nursery is provided for parish families so parents may attend Mass and Christian Formation classes, allowing for spiritual growth while their children are cared for in a loving environment.
The Nursery Program is open to children from 6 weeks to 36-months-old.
Childcare is available for the 10:30 am Sunday Mass, as well as the 9:15 am Christian Formation Hour during the fall, winter, and spring. During the summer months, childcare is available during the 10 am Sunday Mass. Childcare may also be available at other parish gatherings as determined.
Bringing your child to the Nursery for the first time
Each family is asked to complete a “Nursery Information Form” enrolling your child in the Nursery, and placing the family on the Nursery Ministry communications list. Should your contact information change, please resubmit a form with the appropriate corrections, noting it is an UPDATE. These forms will be kept on file near the check-in clipboard. The completed forms will be used as a reference during your child’s time in the Nursery and will place your family on the Nursery Communications list.
Check-in Procedure
When dropping off your child, please sign-in. The Sign-in sheet will be located on a clipboard near the door. You will also be able to check-out a pager at this time. Please turn on the pager, and keep it in a place where you will be able to feel it. Also be sure to return the pager when you pick-up your child. After check-in, the Nursery Staff will aid in separation by engaging your child in play.
Check-out Procedure
Parents are requested to pick-up their child within 10 minutes after the close of each church activity. Please return the pager at this time. The caregiver will give you an idea of how your child(ren) fared during their stay and answer any questions you may have.
Nursery Staffing
Our primary focus is to provide quality care and supervision of the youngest members of our parish by striving to maintain high caregiver: child ratios. Although we are not required to adhere to the California childcare facility guidelines, we have considered the guidelines when establishing our own. We strive to have at least one CPR & First-Aid Certified caregiver on premises during Nursery hours. Our Nursery Staff consists of volunteers from this ministry and a few paid caregivers who all provide safe, positive, and fun first church experiences. Per our Episcopal Diocesan policy on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry, lead caregivers must complete the “Safeguarding God’s Children” Workshop, and all caregivers must undergo screening. Nursery caregivers are not permitted to allow unscreened friends and family to assist in the nursery without applying to be volunteers.
Bathroom Procedure
If your child is potty-trained or is currently in potty-training, we ask parents to escort their children to the restrooms immediately before signing them into the Nursery.
Suggested items to drop off at the Nursery with your child
- Diaper bag, sack, or backpack with child’s name labeled on it.
- Extra diapers
- Baby bottles and/or sippy cups labeled with your child’s name
- Extra clothing, undergarments if potty training
Policy for Sick Children
Please keep your child at home if she/he is exhibiting any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Rash or cold sores
- Fever (child should be fever-free without medication for 24-hours before coming to the Nursery)
- Runny nose (clear discharge is okay if it’s related to allergies or teething)
- Coughing
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping all our children healthy. Caregivers assist in this effort by following strict hygiene procedures, as well as washing and disinfecting toys on a regular basis. Gloves will be worn by caregivers whenever changing a diaper.
Questions?
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to address them to the Children’s Ministry:
phone | 760.729.8901 ext. 104
email | children@stmichaelsbythesea.org
Thank you for your support. Peace be with you!
