Early Childhood

Our vision and passion in VineyardKids is to bring kids face to face with Jesus. Within early childhood ministry, we want to bring the youngest of children 6 weeks through 5 years of age face to face with Jesus. Guiding them on a path toward committing themselves on a healthy life-long relationship with God; learning how to do everything Jesus said to do. Jesus loves kids and values spending time with them and we want to follow his model the very best we can. Therefore, we seek to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children can come as they are and experience the wonder, the love, and presence of Jesus that is designed uniquely for them. Parents can relax knowing that while they are engaged in the service, their children are engaged in a rich environment filled with relevant, relational learning and fun.

We know it can feel strange to leave your child with others and we have considered this. We deeply value the safety and security of all children and volunteers. No matter which class your child goes to, he or she will be checked in each week and given a security sticker with a unique security code on it and a matching parent sticker. For your child's safety, only the person with the matching security sticker will be allowed to check him or her out. We also use this unique security code to contact parents using the projector in the auditorium if there is ever a need. Each of our VineyardKids volunteers completes an application process, which includes a security background check, before joining our team and participates in ongoing team training. We also ensure that toys and equipment are safe, sanitized and age appropriate.

Classrooms and age groups:

VineyardKids is structured to give your kids the best possible experience while with us. Classrooms are based on these age groups:

Under 1's Nursery: 6 weeks through 1 year (or walking)

1's Nursery: walking - 24 months

2's

3's

4's

5's through Kindergarten

Many of our parents enjoy serving as volunteers in the classes their children attend. Bringing a sense of community and belonging. We invite you to participate in this as well.

Nursery: 6 weeks to 24 months

Our ministry to children at the Vineyard begins in the nursery. We see our time with infants and toddlers as an opportunity to express the love of Jesus to them every time we hold them, feed them a bottle and care for their needs. During their time in the nursery, they will have supervised free play, hear stories, and songs about God and be prayed for by our trained nursery volunteers.

Early Childhood: 2 Years to Kindergarten

We believe that even our youngest VineyardKids can accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, love Him wholeheartedly and grow into His devoted followers. The leaders in the early childhood classrooms take seriously the responsibility and the privilege of being among the first persons outside of the child's family to introduce small children to Jesus. Starting at 6 weeks of age, therefore, we begin using a fantastic curriculum called First Look. During their time with us, children spend time worshipping as a large group, then split up into age specific class rooms where they receive Bible teaching, do fun crafts and activities that reinforce the teaching. We also send a "Parent Cue" with the child each week that has great activities related to the lesson for you to do as a family all week long.

For more information, please email Anna LaCore, the Early Childhood Coordinator; email our Children's Minisitry Director, Kristi VanTassel; or call the church: 218-525-3462.