What is The MET's preschool curriculum?

Our preschool curriculum teaches God’s Word in age-appropriate environments where children hear Bible stories that are based on three important basic truths that we feel every preschool child should know before they continue on their spiritual journey in the Children’s Ministry. The three basic truths are: God made me, God loves me, and Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

How do I check in my child?

Check In Stations are located throughout our campus. You will receive Check In Name Tags, a Check In Receipt to pick up your children and, if desired, Asset Tags for any personal belongings (think of it as a claim check). Parents can use any Check In Station for registering and checking in Preschoolers.

After a greeter confirms check in assignments, Check In Name Tags (one for each hour of attendance) will print for each family member who has checked in. The Check In Name Tags have the child’s name, room number, a place for a pager or cell phone number, a randomly generated family identification number and a space for allergies or other medical information.

What is the process to pick up my child?

Preschoolers will not be released to older siblings younger than 16 years old, even with the matching security receipt.

The Check In Receipt is duplicated to give each parent his or her own receipt. This receipt will have the date and your family’s random identification number. This receipt will NOT have your child’s name or location in case it is dropped or lost. One receipt will enable you to pick up all of your children because the teacher will not keep the receipt. Teachers will only verify your number. If you lose your receipt, you will need to go to the Guest Reception Area in the Atrium and show proper identification to pick up your child.

No child will be released without the matching identification number or proper security forms from the Guest Reception area.

What do I need to bring for my infant/preschooler?

Newborn to 24 months: diaper bag, diapers or training pants, premeasured formula or pre-made bottles, special snacks, pacifier, sippy cup and a complete change of clothes including a pair of socks.

2 years to 3 years old: diaper bag or back pack, diapers or training pants, underwear, sippy cup, special snacks (only if your child has food allergies) and a complete change of clothes including a pair of socks.

By policy, we will not give a child any bottle, cup or pacifier that is not labeled with their name. Please label all your child's belongings.

Are snacks provided?

We provide age-appropriate snacks in the Life Group classrooms. Sunday morning snacks include Cheerios®, Goldfish® Crackers, Ritz® Crackers and Cheese Nips®. Please inform the greeter at Check In of any food allergies that will be noted on the child’s name tag. Due to limited manpower, we are unable to spoon-feed babies.

Is there a nursing room at The MET?

We have a nursing room with rocking chairs, a refrigerator and a television (tuned to the Worship service) available to all nursing moms. The nursing room, Room 131, is located on the Guest Reception side of the Atrium.

What is the health policy for children at The MET?

We require that children be free of fever, vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before entering a preschool or children's classroom. A child who becomes ill will be immediately removed from the other children. Parents will be called or paged to pick up the child.

For the protection of other children in the class we will not accept children with the following:

Fever	Skin infection
Vomiting	Any unexplained rash
Diarrhea - even associated with teething or medication	Childhood diseases such as Scarlet Fever, German Measles, mumps, chicken pox, strep throat, flu, etc.
Common cold - from onset through week one	Pink eye or other eye infection. The child must be on medication for 24 hours before entering a preschool or children's classroom
Sore throat	Fever blisters
Cloudy or green noses	Croup
Persistent cough	Fifth Disease

These policies are for the safety and protection of all the children in the classroom.

Can child care providers at The MET administer medication to my child?

Staff may not administer medication. If your child needs medication, please return to the classroom to administer at the appropriate time.

How are the toys/equipment cleaned in the classrooms?

Classrooms are cleaned and sanitized weekly. All furnishings including high chairs, bouncers, swings, tables, chairs, toys, etc. are cleaned by a staff member after each session.

What can I do at home to help prepare my child for church?

• Speak enthusiastically about church, your child's teachers ad learning about God before entering the classroom.
• Always feed children before they are brought to church.
• Communicate any concerns and special instructions about your child to the staff.
• Verbally communicate any food allergies to the staff. If a child has food allergies, you may bring a snack alternative.
• When dropping off your child, do not linger. Even if your child is crying, it is best to drop him or her off and leave. The sooner you leave, the faster your child will recover.
• Be consistent in coming to your group or activity. Your child needs to become comfortable away from you and trust the environment of The MET and our staff.
• Get to know the preschool staff. You will feel much more comfortable if you know the men and women you are entrusting with your child and your reassurance will then be conveyed to your child.