DBC loves preschoolers! Our goal is to provide a loving and secure environment for your children to learn to love God and to love others. Trained teachers nurture and guide your children with age-appropriate activities and songs and stories that provide a basis for spiritual growth. We know that you as parents are responsible for the spiritual growth of your children. We want to assist you in that process by the following:

• Providing Bible study for you while your children are cared for
• Encouraging family devotions
• Promoting family prayer time
• Providing resources to encourage positive and creative parenting

Feel free to pick up any of the parenting magazines we have available in the hallway for many new ideas to help you in these areas. From time to time, we may suggest books or special classes.

What you need to know
Locations:
Newborns - 18 months: Room 114
18 months - 36 months: Room 117
3 & 4 year olds: Room 305
5 - Kindergarten: Room 306

Schedule:
Sunday Morning
Bible Study - 9:30 a.m.
Extended Session - 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Night
Childcare - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
(Childcare is also provided for choir members
from 7:30-9:00 p.m.)

Special Events

• Parents Night Out – Once a quarter, childcare is available on a Saturday evening for several hours to allow parents a night out. Childcare is provided for children ages newborn through 6th grade.
  
• Parenting Workshops – Throughout the year, conferences to enhance your parenting skills are provided with childcare available.
  
• Holidays and Special Services – Check the bulletin for childcare availability.

Child Dedication
Parents sometimes want to have their child dedicated to God in a worship service. This is a time for the parents to commit to raising their child in the Christian life. To find out more about child dedication or to set a date for your child’s dedication, please contact Carolyn Jenkins at 703.549.6531 or by email at cjenkins@downtownbaptist.org  

Bags
All preschoolers need to bring with them a diaper bag that includes diapers and wipes, a change of clothing, snacks, bottles or cups as used, and any special toys or comfort items.

Check In/Security
First time visitors receive a data sheet to be filled in with pertinent information about their child. Children, ages newborn to 36 months, are given a security tag that matches them to their personal belongings. The parents are loaned a beeper which allows us to contact you quickly in the event your child needs you. No one other than the holder of the beeper will be able to retrieve your child. Please do not send older siblings to pick up little ones.

Snacks
Snacks are provided for ages 18 months through 4 years. Parents may provide snacks for the younger babies that teachers will give. Please let the teachers know if your child has any food allergy, or if you would prefer the child not receive snacks while at church. We provide apple juice, graham and goldfish crackers.

Health
DBC preschoolers come to church when they are healthy! Out of concern for your child and others, children with a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, fresh cold or other signs of illness do not need to be in the preschool area. We do not administer medications. Sometimes a child will become ill after arriving, at which time we will contact the parent to come for the child.

Toileting
All babies have their diapers checked at the end of each hour. Please notify the teacher if you would like a diaper report when you return for your child. Every effort will be made to ensure you will be receiving a fresh baby, but sometimes, well, you know! We are more than happy to assist you in the toilet training process. Please alert teachers to your routine, special words, or phrases, so we can reinforce what you are teaching your child. Be sure to have extra clothes on hand during this time as accidents happen in new environments.

Special Needs/Special Fears
We welcome all preschoolers and wish to provide as secure an experience as possible. Children with allergies, separation anxiety, digestive problems, special fears and other health and emotional issues will be lovingly cared for with your help in providing instructions and recommendations on how best to keep the child comfortable.

Nursing Location
Within the baby nursery (Room 114), an area is set aside for privacy while nursing. Subdued lighting and rocking chairs can be provided.

How you can help?
All parents are expected to work during extended session on a regular rotation. Chris Kinnett, our extended care coordinator, will contact you with a schedule.

For Extended Session information contact:
Chris Kinnett

For DBC information contact:
Carolyn Jenkins
Minister of Christian Education
703.549.6531
cjenkins@downtownbaptist.org