CHILD CARE IDEAS FOR SMALL GROUPS Table of Contents Options for childcare (in general):..............................................................................................................................1 Options for financing childcare ..................................................................................................................................2 Options for coordinating childcare arrangements .....................................................................................................2 Options for training child-care workers / babysitters ................................................................................................2 Options for training child-care providers according to the following categories ......................................................3 Resources to provide for children during group ........................................................................................................3 Groups or individuals that could be recruited for child care .....................................................................................3 Options for teaching children in the Life group .........................................................................................................3 Options for incorporating “family time” in Life group meetings ...............................................................................4 Testimonies of children involved during “family time” in Small Group meetings: ....................................................4 Sample childcare signup sheets..................................................................................................................................4
Because the age and makeup of the children in every small group is so different the best way to take care of the children varies greatly from group to group. We have listed some suggestions below. If we can be of help, please don’t hesitate to contact Sandy Watt at
[email protected].
Options for childcare (in general):
Hire a babysitter to watch children in another room of the meeting place
Hire a babysitter to watch children in another house, condo, or apartment nearby Have teens in Life Group watch younger children (best to offer them some financial compensation) Allow kids to play in another room unattended No childcare, instead involve the children in the entire Life Group meeting No childcare, instead involve the children in parts of the Life Group meeting Assign a different Life Group member each week to handle childcare No children permitted, except for nursing infants “Parents pay for babysitting in their own homes. Perhaps several parents who live nearby can go in together.” Leave teenagers at home Have the children join your small group for part of the time and use a sitter or parent rotation for another part. For example children may be welcome during “family” devotional or social time and snacks and then have a sitter for the Bible study and discussion time. Parents may be able to arrange swapping childcare nights with a neighbor or friend. Have a rotation schedule in which the adults from the group take turns supervising the children in a home different that the host home. If appropriate, have someone lead a children’s small group simultaneous to the adult group in another room or location. If appropriate, have children “supervise themselves” in another room of the host home.
Options for financing childcare
Set a rate per child Set a rate per person (even those w/out children) Free will offering per child Free will offering per person (even those w/out children) Everyone pitches in, even if there are very few receiving childcare since the Body of Christ needs to “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:4).
Options for coordinating childcare arrangements
The Life Group host is responsible (best option) Rotate responsibility within the group Two small groups may pair up and each provides childcare for the other during their weekly meetings
Options for training child-care workers / babysitters
The Life Group host trains child-care worker The Life Group host consults with children’s ministries director for training and materials Another designated person in the Life Group who has experience in ministering to children trains Take a baby sitter certification class o http://valleyymca.org/teens/enrichment-programs/babysitting-class/ o http://valleyymca.org/youth/enrichment-programs/babysitting-workshops/ o http://www.l493.org/Default.asp?p=Community_Education_Calendar o http://www.bannerhealth.com/Locations/Arizona/Banner+Desert+Medical+Center/Classes+and +Support+Programs/Classes/_infantCPR.htm o http://www.chandleraz.gov/content/youth-classes.pdf (Chandler)
Options for training child-care providers according to the following categories
Basic safety instructions How to handle discipline How to engage children in involvement learning and interactive play A basic understanding of age levels Diaper changing Note: Training and materials for all of the above are available from children’s ministries.
Resources to provide for children during group
Christian videos o http://rightnowmedia.org/ (1,000 children videos. Send email to Sandy Watt
[email protected] for access) o http://open.lifechurch.tv (look for the different age appropriate materials from preschool thru 12th grade)
Reading books for different age groups Games and puzzles Coloring and activity books Craft books Bible lessons Bible activities Teacher’s curriculum
Solicit ideas from children’s ministry
Groups or individuals that could be recruited for child care
The Student Ministry—the student pastor may provide a list teens to minister in this way and they can make some extra spending money “Grandparents”—older members of the church-especially those who don’t have grandkids or those whose grandchildren live far away. Others adult members of other Life Groups who don’t meet during that time Rotate adult members of the Life Group
Options for teaching children in the Life group
Children play and child care workers interact with them, looking for teachable moments Application based on children’s Sunday lessons Lessons that go along with parents’ Bible study—Gives family opportunity to discuss study together later. Once a month (or quarter) devote to family night. Incorporate “family time” as part of each SG meeting. Assign different families to plan this time. Rotate children’s activity stations (crafts, games, reading-aloud, etc.)
Options for incorporating “family time” in Life group meetings
Group drama Devotional/ Tell stories Illustrate key parts of the Bible with drawings made together (murals are especially fun) Anything created during the family time can be saved in a scrapbook to remind children of what was learned and the fun had in doing it. Snack time Singing adult songs Singing children songs Icebreakers for children Celebrate both adult and children’s birthdays and other key events. Children pray for each other and adults during prayer time Adults pray for (or pray over) children Group sharing includes children
Testimonies of children involved during “family time” in Small Group meetings: “I remember when Mr. Leonard sat on the floor with us and listened to us.” 7 year old. “I like to be with the big kids and do what they do. They let me talk and everything.” 4 year old “I remember when I was afraid to go to public school because I had been homeschooled. All the kids prayed for me.” 9 year old “I remember when Jeff blindfolded us and led us around the furniture. He said that is the way God leads us, and we should trust Him.” 15 year old
Sample childcare signup sheets Date
Facilitator
Snack
Drinks
Childcare
Host Home
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Date
Task
Person(s)
26-Sep Snacks
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Dessert
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Childcare + lesson (2 people)
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Group Facilitator
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Host Home
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