Nursery and Little Lambs

NURSERY AND LITTLE LAMBS

Nursery is available for infants and toddlers during the 9:30 education hour and the 10:30 and 5:00 worship services. Our youngest members are cared for by an experienced and trained staff so that parents can fully participate in worship and study. Infants (birth to walking) are in room 214, while Toddlers (walking well to age 2) are in room 212.

Little Lambs (age 2 by September 1, 2021) offers two-year-old children develop mentally appropriate activities to explore themes such as“God Made Me Special,” and “All God’s Children,”providing a strong foundation for future religious learning. This class meets in room 210.

Little Lambs also spend time in the Toddler Atrium (room 207) where they are introduced to the materials and methods utilized in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This experience allows children to become familiar with the environment and routines of the atrium.

NURSERY MINISTRIES

Our nursery ministry seeks to support families as they fulfill the mission of St. Mary’s. When parents know their children are well cared for, they can fully participate in the life of the Parish. In addition, the nursery often provides a child’s first contact with the family of God outside of the home. St. Mary’s nursery allows our youngest members to feel God’s love through the ministry of a loving staff. Lastly, the nursery program strives to equip and support our staff with the knowledge and skills needed to work their ministries to children and families.

Who is taking care of my child/ children while I’m in church?

Prospective staff members are carefully selected and screened during interview process which includes a background check. Staff members attend trainings designed to keep them up to date on the best practices for caring for and teaching infants, toddlers, and twos.

Why does my baby cry whenever I leave him/ her in the nursery?

“Drop off tears” are common any time a baby senses he or she will be separated from Mom or Dad. This is actually a healthy sign that the child has built a strong attachment to parents. Our staff has been trained to use many, varied ways to soothe a crying baby. The tears typically stop shortly after the parents are out of sight. If crying is persistent, staff will notify parents.

Ok, but why doesn’t my baby cry when I take him/ her to Mother’s Day Out?

Children attend MDO programs more regularly than church nursery, usually at least two days a week, with only one day in between visits. Attendance tends to be more regular as out of town travel and other things that take families away from church occur more often on weekends. This makes MDO a more familiar place for your baby. Consistency in church attendance will help, but remember seven days is an eternity in baby time; every week, it’s like starting over again.

Won’t my baby get sick if I bring him/ her to the nursery?

We take every precaution to prevent the spread of germs in our nursery including frequent hand washing and disinfecting toys and furniture.

When will my infant move to the toddler room?

Children are moved from the infant to the toddler room at the recommendation of the infant room teachers to the Nursery Director. This happens only once children are walking well to prevent them from being injured by more adept walkers in the toddler room.

Why isn’t my two year old in the two year old room or my three year old in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

While the move from the infant to toddler room is based on development, the rest of your child’s promotions will be based on his/ her birthday. Children must be two by September 1 in order to move to the two year old class (three by September 1 to go to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.) This prevents mid-year move ups in Sunday school which can be disruptive and ensures your child is in Sunday school with the children he/ she would be with in school. These move ups occur only on the Sunday following Labor Day.

Are there opportunities for me to serve in the nursery?

Yes! You can volunteer to help in a variety of ways: serving in the nursery when we are short staffed, preparing materials for craft projects, sending in items for special events, leading the VBS program for nursery children, donating your baby gear (swings, bouncy seats, play gyms, walk behind toys, etc.)

Can children this young really learn about God?

Emphatically, YES! A baby’s learning takes place all the time; the teaching in our nursery is accomplished by our teachers’ every look, word, and act while in the presence of the children. 

Need More Information?

Katie Dewees
Director of Children’s Christian Formation
katie@stmarysoth.org
(205) 933-1140 ext. 113