What to Expect

How do I Check in?
The Children’s Ministry wants every parent and child to feel comfortable about staying in our care. A Children’s Ministry staff member will greet you as you enter the children’s wing. You will be asked to fill out an information card for your family. This card will include any information or instructions we need to know to best care for your child/ren. Your child/ren will be given a nametag with a security number and you will receive the corresponding number for pick-up.  Please keep this number with you and be prepared to show it to the teacher to verify authorization to pick-up your child. Children will only be released to the parent with the corresponding number.

How are classes structured?
Children are placed in classes based on their date of birth. Children under 2 years of age are promoted based on developmental progress. Children 2-years-old (Butterflies Class) through 6th grade (Horizon) are promoted once a year in the fall.

What if my child needs me?
Pagers are available for any parent who would like to be called if they are needed. Regardless of your child’s age, you are welcome to take a pager with you. Once you have a pager, we can then discreetly call you if your child needs you to return to the Children’s wing.

When can we use the computer check-in system?
When you feel your family is ready, we will place you in our computer system. You may then use the computer check-in kiosk to register your child’s attendance and receive their nametag and your security number. Any Children’s Ministry staff member will be glad to show you how to use the check-in system. It is very easy to use and saves you time on Sunday mornings.

When you enter the children's wing, a Children's Ministry staff member will meet you and direct you to the appropriate classroom according to your child's age. The Children's Ministry team is a group of committed, screened, and trained volunteers who have a passion for presenting Christ's truth in a way that children understand.

Classes are available during each Sunday morning service for newborns through preschool. Current classes are listed below.

Nursery Policies

Health

Please do not leave a child who is ill. If your child has had a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, congested cough, sore throat, lice, unexplained rash, pink eye (or other eye infection), skin infections, or green or yellow discharge from the nose within the last 24 hours, your child should not be in the nursery. This is for the comfort and health of all children and caregivers. If your child becomes ill within 24 hours of being in the nursery, please let us know so that the proper precautions can be taken.

Medication
We will not give any medication to your child. If your child requires medication you will need to make arrangements to administer this yourself.

Diaper Changing
The caregivers will check all babies each hour they are in the nursery. Be sure that you have supplies for changing (diapers/wipes) in your child’s bag. Please include an extra diaper and a change of clothes.

Crying
We ask that parents and other family members not look in on your child. We will not allow your child to cry for a long period of time. You will be paged if we cannot calm your child within 10–15 minutes. If you have specific requests regarding this issue please communicate them with the nursery workers upon leaving your child. A nursing room is available in the interior of the nursery or in the ladies rest room.

Food
Please do not send any food item other than formula/juice (labeled with your child’s name) into the nursery. Please bring bottles already prepared, as each person prepares them differently.

Personal Items
Please label all of your child’s belongings. Parents are responsible to keep track of any personal items brought into the nursery. Please do not bring toys from home and have your child’s pacifier clipped to his/her clothing.

In keeping with the BASICS, the elementary ministry desires to teach kids Biblical truth in an atmosphere that is safe, fun, age appropriate, and nurturing. Our church is committed to helping parents see their God-given role as being responsible for the spiritual development of their own children. We believe that it is important to equip and teach parents how to be the spiritual leaders in their home and to pass on a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ to their children. We desire to partner strategically with parents in their responsibility and privilege of raising Godly young men and women. We encourage all families to take part in both hours of Sunday morning programs.


First Worship Service, 9am
During the 9am worship hour, the Kindergarteners - 2nd Graders will be learning from our Desiring God Curriculum.  The ABC's of God uses the framework of the alphabet to teach children the attributes and character of God.  Although not strictly systematic, the ABC's of God presents God in His fullness as He has revealed Himself throughout redemptive history. 

Our 3rd-5th Graders will be taught from the Desiring God curriculum, In The Beginning...Jesus.  The children will  be collecting clues as they learn about the major events of the Old Testament and how all these events work together to reveal God's redemptive purposes through the Person and work of Jesus Christ.


Second Worship Service, 10:30am
During the 10:30am worship hour, the Kindergarteners-4th Graders will be taught from a new curriculum by Lifeway called The Gospel Project.  It is the BIG PICTURE - the story of redemption through Christ - in one giant chronological time frame over the course of three years.  We are so excited to be a part of the pilot program!

The 5th-6th Grade Girls will meet in Room 15 to study Elizabeth George's How to Become A Young Woman After God's Own Heart.  The 5th-6th Grade Boys will meet in Room 13 to find out Everything You Need To Know To Be A Teenager.

During both worship hours Pocket Annie and Andy have helped bring the Scriptures alive to our preschoolers through Bible stories and worship.  What a privilege to see our littlest children excited about the Scriptures and singing praises to our Lord and Savior.

All of the lessons in Desiring God and The Gosple Project are cumulative, so it is extremely important for your child to attend on a consistent basis.  We would also encourage you to sit in church as a family to worship together one of the hours.

Parents are always welcome to come see what we do at any time.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact:  Dawn Gerent at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call her at 440.937.5001, ext.324.

Throughout the summer months we have several events planned for the children of Providence and their friends:

Upcoming Providence Events:

Vacation Bible School
Monday, June 17 - Friday, June 21, 9:00-11:30am
Registration continues at the Kiosk in the Foyer.  Registration forms are also available to download here and must be received by June 9.

Cookie Decorating at Providence
Tuesday, July 23, 10am-Noon
(For children up through 6th Grade)
Registration is required at the Informtion Center on July 21 or by calling the church office.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Cookies and icing will be provided.  Please bring a cookie topping to share.

Mini VBS at Providence
Tuesday, August 6, 10am-Noon
For children entering K-5th Grade in the Fall
Registration is required at the Information Center on July 28 or August 4 or by calling the church office.  An adult does not need to stay with the child for this event.

The following opportunities are not Providence events but an invitation to join a group of moms and kids doing some fun activities together!

Happy Feet Two at Cobblestone Theater,
Thursday, June 27: the movie starts at 10am.Tickets are $1.00/person and you can purchase food.  Meet in the lobby at 9:45am.

Bradley Rd Nature Park 
Tuesday, July 9 at 10:30am
3800 Bradley Rd, Westlake.  Bring a snack/picnic lunch.

Cleveland Metropark Zoo Day
Thursday, July 18, 10am
Meet at the elephants exhibit between 10 and 10:15am.  If you are running late call Jamie or Steph.

Westlake Rec Center Playground
Thursday, August 1, 10:30am
28955 Hilliard Blvd, Westlake.
Bring a snack/picnic lunch.

Smurfs at Cobblestone Theater
Wednesday, August 14, the movie starts at 10am
Tickets are $1.00/person and you can purchase food.  Meet in the lobby at 9:45am.