FAMILY GUIDES
WHAT ARE FAMILY GUIDES?
Parents! We want you to be able to help know what your children are learning in Kidtown and be able to follow along! Our Family Guides sync up with our Kidtown Curriculum each week. The Family Guide resembles the weekly LifeGroup Guide and is designed for a family to do together once a week. It has the same familiar elements (Catch Up on Life, Sermon Discussion, Engage the Heart, Review the Mission) and is meant to be a 30-minute family rhythm.
“When it comes to family spiritual formation, it’s not about perfect practice, it’s about moving from nothing to something…If our goal was to do something perfect, we’d still be doing nothing. But that is not the goal; the goal is just to do something, and a messy something is still something.”
- Justin Whitmel Earley, Habits of the Household
OUR VISION
Kidtown exists to help the church raise kids who love Jesus.
We believe parents are the primary disciple-makers of their children, so we equip people (parents, volunteers, LifeGroups, etc.) in our church to help kids understand the gospel and develop a relationship with Jesus. Kidtown has no desire to entertain or provide childcare for children. Instead, we disciple kids, teach the Bible, sing to Jesus, build relationships, and provide training, all in the direction of seeing our kids launched out as maturing disciples.
Kidtown is available for 6 weeks to 5th Grade.
If you have any questions you can reach out to our Kidtown Director, Ryan Shults.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT KIDTOWN
At Kidtown, we love welcoming new families! We want to make sure kids and parents alike feel comfortable worshiping with us. Below are a few tips and pointers so that new families know exactly what to expect.
KIDTOWN CHECK-IN
Our Kidtown Connect Team is stationed by a sign that says, “First Time Family?” They are there to help with the check-in process, give families a tour of our Kidtown space, and answer any questions.
KIDTOWN CHECK-OUT
At check-out, parents will always need to provide the matching identification sticker that they received at check-in. Parents with children upstairs will go directly to their child’s classroom to check-out. Parents will children in our Preschool, Elementary, and Preteen spaces will present their security tag to a Kidtown Connect team member and wait in the lobby. A Connect team member will retrieve your child and meet you back in the lobby!
Parking
We know that it can be difficult to get yourself and your kids ready and out the door on Sunday mornings. So to help, we've reserved a whole parking lot for you right next to our Kidtown space. On Blanding Street in between Kidtown and United Way, you'll see our bright green flags that say "Parent Parking" along with a member of our parking team to answer any questions.
TEACHING & CURRICULUM
Babies and Toddlers (1 Years Old) have a quiet and safe place to play and learn in Kidtown. Rooms are divided and labeled according to the child's age and level of development. There is also a private nursing room and bathroom with a changing table available upstairs.
Toddlers (2 Years Old) through Preschool, will get to play, build friendships, and learn about Jesus through sensory play. After our initial play time with other children and Kidtown volunteers, we gather as a large group to learn about Jesus using The Gospel Project Curriculum. After this, children return to their rooms for a quick snack and a craft or activity to help them apply what they’ve just learned!
Elementary (Kindergarten-3rd Grade) gathers in small groups in our large Kidtown space for some kinesthetic and hand-ons activities that help preview the day’s lesson. Just like our younger group, we’ll transition to our large group space for a time to worship and learn about Jesus using The Gospel Project Curriculum. After reviewing the lesson through a fun game, our kids return to their small groups where our small group leaders lead a discussion and additional activities on the lesson with the goal of helping kids apply the truth to their lives.
Preteens (4th-5th Grade) are in a unique stage as they transition from young children to teenagers! We desire to find the balance between hands-on, kinesthetic learning and deep, meaningful discussions that prepare them for the middle-school years.
IMPRINT SPECIAL CARE MINISTRY
All kids and students, regardless of ability or life stage, can experience the love of Jesus and learn about God’s Word. This is accomplished through our Imprint Buddies, who work with a specific child to build a personal relationship and provide one-on-one support during the Gatherings and Students.
If you are interested in learning more about accommodations, complete the form below.
SERVE WITH KIDTOWN
We desire for our volunteers and leaders to become Gospel Fun Experts! They are trained in basic child development, safety policies and classroom management so they can create safe and fun environments for kids to form relationships and learn about God’s Word. No matter your gifting, there is a spot for you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR MY CHILD?
Depending on the age of your child, be sure to bring any diapers, pacifiers, extra clothes, bottles, or toddler cups that they may need. To help us keep track of your items, please label them with your child’s first and last name before arriving.
WHAT TIME DOES KIDTOWN OPEN?
Kidtown opens and begins checking children in 15 minutes before each Gathering. We ask that parents/guardians come and pick up their children promptly after the Gathering ends.
WHO WILL BE TEACHING MY CHILD?
Kidtown is hosted by volunteers committed to having fun and teaching kids about Jesus. Each volunteer has undergone a background check and is supervised by our Kidtown Director, Ryan Shults.
WHAT ARE INDICATORS THAT MY CHILD IS TOO SICK TO COME TO KIDTOWN?
We always love having your children at Kidtown but ask that you keep your child home if they are showing any signs of illness. Children should be symptom and fever-free for at least 24 hours before attending Kidtown. If your child has been seen by a medical professional and prescribed antibiotics, we ask that you not bring your child to Kidtown until they have been on medication for at least 24 hours.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Our goal is to help parents be the most confident, well-equipped, joy-filled parents they can be as they raise kids toward Godward independence. Check out our parenting resources!