city kid's faq

Mission & Purpose

1. What is City Kids about?

Welcome to Calvary Chapel Oceanside's Children's Ministry. At City Kids we view your kids not just as the future of the church, but a significant and vibrant part of the church right now.  Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).  At CCO we believe that Kingdom of God does belong to our children and we feel the joy and the weight of the responsibility that you as parents hold to train up your children in the Lord.  Our vision is to enable them to always be ready to give a defense, in a world where false views and philosophies are standing against the truth of God's Word. We view it a privilege to partner with you as you do the important and hard work of parenting.

The goal of our Children’s Ministry is to provide a place where your children can learn, develop and stand firmly on their own faith.  We want to help our kids cultivate a heart that treasures God above all things. Our hope is that your children will comprehend the great love God has for them, and believe with all their hearts that God's Word is true. In order to do this effectively, we have intentionally considered all the details of your child’s time with us.  The fun and interactive spaces and the smiling faces of our volunteers are designed to show your child about our God, His excellence, and His love.  Our high-energy worship, interactive lessons, and storytelling are intentionally designed to help your child to know God deeply in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

Whether your child attends Sunday mornings (9am & 11am), Saturday nights (6pm), or Wednesday nights for CKC, they will get an opportunity to carefully study the Bible, their faith will be strengthened, they will develop a loving relationship with God and be able to stand firm and trust His Word. We look forward to meeting you and your child and partnering with you as you do the blessed work of parenting. We pray that as we have your children through the years, they will become part of a generation of believers that are set apart and live their lives in a way that pleases our Lord.


Programming

1. Can children sit in the main sanctuary? (weekend service)

Can children sit in the main sanctuary? (weekend service)
Yes, children of any age can sit in the main sanctuary. 

2. Can my child worship with me in the main sanctuary and attend children's ministry? (weekend service)

Yes. You have to check in your child to children's ministry before doors close. Doors close 20 minutes after service begins.

3. What will my child be taught? (weekend service)
We are going through Dig in curriculum. https://www.group.com/childrens-ministry/sunday-school/dig-in/philosophy

4. Can I check in my child to children's ministry at any time?
No, doors open 15 minutes before service and close 20 minutes after service begins. (this also applies to midweek programs)

5. What does my child do in children's ministry?
Nursery-2s class: Free play, worship, snack time.
Pre-K Schedule: Free play, worship, teaching, playground time, snack time, and game or activity.
Elementary: Free play, worship, teaching, and free play.


6. Do you provide snack?
Yes, nursery-K are offered plain Cheerios and water. If your child has an allergy, let your child's teacher know. Bring a snack for your child if they have allergies. Elementary students only get water. WE ARE A PEANUT FREE WING

7. Do you have a program for children with special needs?
Yes, we have a class designed to support children that thrive in a smaller and more tranquil environment. We want to provide children with a safe, positive, and enjoyable time. Our buddy program will help your child feel safe, understood, and accepted. We welcome children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, etc. This program currently focuses on three years old through 5th grade.

8. What if my child has an allergy?
When registering, please advise of any allergies. If we serve food, we look at allergies. We are a peanut-free wing.

safety

1. Who is allowed to be in a classroom?
At CCO, only staff and volunteers who have completed our ministry application have gone through starting point, cleared a background check, and received appropriate training from our staff are allowed in a classroom. Additionally, our hallways are monitored by staff and security guard during each service to ensure your child stays safe and secure. What other measures do you take to ensure my child's safety? We have a detailed Child Protection Policy, which includes specific rules and procedures that all children's ministry servants follow. For example, all servants have undergone mandated reporting child abuse training. In addition, all classrooms are under video surveillance.

2. Can my child check themselves in?
No. A parent or guardian over 18 must check in the child and walk child to their designed classroom. Please make sure your child is in their classroom before leaving.

3. Can my child meet me in the foyer?
No. A parent or guardian over 18 must drop off and pick up children from their designed classroom. Adults must have their pick-up sticker. This applies to all children from nursery-5th grade.

4. Can my child bring a cell phone or iPad to communicate with me in case they need me?
No. If your child needs you, we will contact you.


5. Can I stay in the classroom with my child?
You can stay for 5-10 minutes to help with your child's transition. All adults in our classroom must be background checked and have undergone training.

6. How do you handle bathroom breaks?
Nursery-2 years only female volunteers over 18 are permitted to change diapers.

Our pre-k classes have individual bathrooms, only one child at a time is allowed. Only female volunteers over 18 are permitted to assist a child if needed.

For elementary-aged students, only one child at a time is allowed in the bathroom. A teacher is always outside the hallway monitoring. When children's ministry is in session, bathrooms are only for children K-5th grade.