Learn about the changes coming to Heartland Kids this fall
by reading below or watching this video:
| Hello Heartland, There are some things I want to share with you about the upcoming year in Heartland Kids and the changes to our physical spaces and processes. Over the past year, our Kids Leadership team has met with other children’s ministry leaders from churches across our district, and it's been exciting to hear about the different ways to structure children’s ministry and how well it can work. From that, the changes we are implementing have the full support of our Senior Lead Team and the Board of Elders. Elementary We are very excited to welcome the elementary-aged children back during kick-off weekend, September 6 and 7! You will notice quite a few changes to our layout, as we’ve shifted things around. Over the summer, the nursery moved. As well, the Explore, Kindergarten, Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4, and 56er classrooms are all in new locations. We are so excited for the 56ers' new classroom. If you have questions about 56ers, please contact Pastor Sydney. Security Another addition to our HK hallway is the security doors installed in the Heartland Kids check-in hallway. These doors allow us to ensure that we remain secure during service times and will remain unlocked before and after weekend services. Once our elementary kids are released from worship, these doors will be locked. If you need to access Heartland Kids during the service, a staff member will be available to let you in. The Heartland Kids Check-in Hallway will be the only entrance point into HK during service times. The Lounge is now the new location for nursing mothers. Check-Ins Check-in desks are manned by Heartland Kids Staff. They are open 15 minutes prior to service start time and will close 15 minutes after the service begins. After this time, our classes are underway with our adult-to-child ratios set. We know this is a big change. Please come and check with us if you are running late. We are going to take some time in the fall to work together and adjust. Wait-Lists If you come to the sign-in desk and our adult-to-child ratios are not met, your child will be placed on a wait list until we are able to find additional adult support. We will then page your number on the LED display to alert you that your child can now come to class. 2025-26 Heartland Kids Waiver One of our main priorities in Heartland Kids is ensuring a safe environment both for the children in our care and the adult serving team. Our Heartland Kids Waiver must be completed yearly. It is sent out in late August and must be filled out for each child attending Heartland Kids. You will notice some changes to our form this year. We are required to have a current signed waiver for each child in order to allow attendance in Heartland Kids. Once your child’s waiver is complete, they can be signed into Heartland Kids. Parent Rotation We’ve seen tremendous growth in children’s ministry, we know the benefits of serving each other, strengthening relationships and participating in sharing the message of salvation with the children of our church. In order to continue to welcome children into HK, A parent or guardian from each household who has attended Heartland for 6 months or more will now be required to participate in a parent serving rotation in Heartland Kids, even if you serve in another area of the church. Your turn on the rotation will be once every 2-3 months. Parents/Guardians are not required to be lead teachers but rather support the classroom team to ensure our adult-to-child ratios are met. A member of the admin team will contact you with information on completing a Criminal Record Check and our Operation Protect video training. We know life happens and that there can be extenuating circumstances that won’t allow a parent or guardian to serve, such as illness, legal issues or a new addition to your family. If this is the case, a member of the Kids team will follow up with you. Thank you for hanging in there with me. I know it was a lot of information! Just as a reminder, your co-operation ensures that this ministry can continue serving the children in our community and keep everyone safe! If you have any questions about these changes, I am happy to have conversations with you as well as any member of our Heartland Lead Team. Sincerely, Amy Nahnybida Director of Heartland Kids amyn@heartlandalliance.ca |