Preschool Ministry

The ACC Preschool Department is a fun place to be!  As children arrive, friendly grown-ups with red aprons greet them.  Our heart of the hallways comes from Matthew 19:13-15 where Jesus teaches us to not hinder the children from coming to Him for the kingdom belongs to the children.  Thus, in order to draw children into an atmosphere they can engage in and that “speaks their language”, we have chosen to decorate the hallways of the preschool with murals of animals and trains – in addition, we even have a train that runs around on a track in the Nursery hall throughout each service.

The teachers in each room are trained to love and nurture children and impart truth from God’s word.  This is complimented by crafts and fun activities each service.  Also, the children one and up go to an inside playroom area where there are slides and indoor playground equipment.  Children in each room play and pray, learning each week how to love Jesus and one another more fully.

Another area where vision comes for our preschool workers is based on Matthew 10:42, which says, “and whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones will not lose his reward.”  We want to give our best to Jesus by serving these little ones.

The preschool ministry serves the church during all three Sunday services: 8:30 am, 10:15 am, and Noon.

What is DiscoveryLand?

DiscoveryLand is the place where we teach a large-group format for preschoolers 3 and up.  It is the arena where we engage them in foundational Bible teaching in a way that is conducive to their learning capabilities and styles.  Our hope as a preschool is that they begin a journey of discovering God and what He is all about!

DiscoveryLand is held in its own room, parallel to the others.  There are consistent teachers, times of worship, and an engaging set design where other characters and puppets help drive home the message.  We believe that our preschoolers can experience God at an early age in life-changing ways and our desire is to do all we can to make this happen!

Policies & Procedures

Parents, your children are precious to us!  If you have questions or would like more information regarding the Preschool Ministry here at ACC, please feel free to contact our Department at (254) 754-0386 ext. 210, or via email: Noah Hutchison.

Registration/Drop Off and Pick-Up
Because of the large number of children in our Nursery and Preschool area, we have developed the following safety system:

• When parents drop off their child, they are greeted at the Welcome Desk where their child will receive a color coded arm band which indicates their room assignment.  The welcome desk staff will attach one band to the child and give the matching band to the parent. This arm band will provide the teacher will a safety number.
  
• Our teachers welcome the child at the door each morning.  Parents present their corresponding arm band when picking up their child.  Children are not released to anyone who does not have an arm band. (However, the arm band does not have to be on parent's arm.)
  
• If it is necessary for us to ask parents to tend to their child, the safety number is displayed on the top right of the large video screens at the front of the auditorium. If the parents are not in the auditorium, the Nursery/ Preschool teacher will come get them.
  
• IMPORTANT:  Please do not remove your child from the classroom without the teacher's knowledge.  And, older siblings are not permitted to pick up Nursery/ Preschool children.

Please be sure to label your child's possessions (bottles, diaper bag, sippy cup, etc.) with tape, labels or markers and help to make sure they are all returned to you at the end of the service.

Curriculum
We are currently utilizing Willow Creek’s curriculum entitled, “In the Beginning: Jumping into God’s Story.” You can find our more about the company and writers, or obtain products to supplement teaching for your child at home by referring to the link above.

Safety
Your child's safety is of utmost importance to us.   Therefore, we have taken several steps to ensure their safety.  Our policy is as follows:

• A minimum of two adults is always present in the classroom.
• Parents can view children through the glass window in the door.
• Only female teachers may change diapers or take children to the restroom.
• Our safety system is strictly enforced.
• Parents are contacted via the arm band number if a child is inconsolable.

Alongside of the above, we have placed phones in each room so teachers can quickly contact us without leaving the classroom, or having their attention diverted. The Preschool Director and Support Staff monitors the rooms and are present on the children's hallway at all times.  Welcome Desk workers monitor the hallway and restrooms before, during, and after the worship services.

Health & Wellness
Our Nursery/Preschool is staffed with loving individuals who share our vision for the health and safety of your child.  Each person has been carefully screened and trained in the following precautions:

• Wearing latex gloves for every diaper change
• Disinfecting the diaper changing station after every diaper change
• Washing hands frequently
• Carefully cleaning and disinfecting all toys and cribs

PLEASE do not bring an ill child to church.  If you are in doubt about your child's health, please remain at home with him or her. The following symptoms are good guidelines for deciding if your child needs to stay at home:  mucus from the nose, fever, cough, any skin infection, rash, diarrhea or pink eye.

We adhere to these guidelines for the protection of all the children and teachers - we always regret having to turn away an ill child.  Thank you for understanding why these precautions are sometimes necessary.