Discover » Kids » Preschool » FAQ

  • When is childcare available?

    We provide childcare during regularly scheduled church services.

  • Where are the preschool rooms located?

    The preschool rooms are located opposite our Sanctuary, beyond Turbo the Turtle and our Children’s Check-in Center.

  • How old does my child have to be to start attending Discovery Cove?

    We recommend that your child be at least 6 weeks old before attending Discovery Cove.

  • How early may I check in my child?

    We will receive children 15 minutes before service and up to 30 minutes after the start of service.

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  • What should I bring for my child?

    When packing a diaper bag for your child, please include the following items:

    • Two or three disposable diapers. No cloth diapers, please.
    • Pacifier or any comfort items your child might need such as a blanket or a favorite toy.
    • One complete change of clothes.
    • A bottle of milk, formula, juice or water, even for mothers who nurse.
    • Please label all personal items with your child's first and last name so we can be sure to return them to you at the close of service.

  • How do I check my children into their classroom?

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    All children need to be checked in by a parent before they can be admitted to any of our Kid’s Quest environments. Children are registered at Turbo the Turtle’s Children’s Check-in Center located in our concourse. After you check them in, you will be assisted in finding your child’s classroom. We ask the parents to give us each child’s full name so we can assign you a four-digit "iNumber" used for all children to contact parents if necessary during the service and to insure proper pickup after service. Each child and a parent will receive an identification sticker. Children must wear their sticker to enter the classroom. Please inform the volunteer at the check-in of any special information you feel those caring for your child may need to know, such as feeding times, sleeping times, allergies and special needs. Also, relay this information to the  classroom staff when you leave your child in his or her room.

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  • Saying goodbye

    After your child is checked in and walked to his or her room, simply wave a quick goodbye and leave for the worship service. We know that sometimes little ones cry when leaving a parent and some moms and dads do, too! Our volunteers will immediately try to create interest in a toy or activity and give assurance that you will return after the worship service is completed. If your child continues to cry for a period of 10 minutes, we will page you using your four digit "iNumber" on the LED monitors in the Sanctuary.

  • What type of supervision will my child receive?

    Our volunteer staff are passionate about reaching children for Christ, because they understand each and every child is important to Jesus.  We provide our volunteers with the materials, curriculum, and proper training to equip them to effectively serve your children. You can easily recognize our staff as they will be wearing a turquoise blue tee shirt.  Most volunteers serve on a monthly basis so your child will see familiar faces each week when they come to church! All volunteers undergo a full background check. Discovery Cove has established ratios of children to adult volunteers that exceeds State of Connecticut day care standards to maintain a fun and safe learning environment appropriate for children.

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  • Checking on your child

    Feel free to check on your little one at any time during the worship service. However, we ask that you do so discreetly, trying not to let your child see you.

  • What if my child needs me?

    If your child needs you, the LED display monitors, located on each side of the altar, will display your "iNUmber". Quietly leave the Sanctuary and report first to the Children’s Check-in Center where you will be directed to your child’s room.

  • Do you provide snacks?

    Yes, we provide a small snack of water and Cheerios, pretzels or animal crackers for toddlers age 1 through Kindergarten. If your child has a food allergy or anything specific we need to know, please let us know when registering at the Children’s Check-in Center and this information will be added to your child’s badge. Lastly, Take a moment to inform your child's teacher when you drop him or her off at the room.

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  • Where is your changing station?

    Diaper-changing facilities are provided in our Nursery Room 200. We encourage parents to visit this room prior to dropping off your little one to see if a "change" is needed. Your child’s diaper will be checked every 20 minutes during the service. We also have a separate changing station for children who are not attending Kid’s Quest which is located in our Ladies Bathroom just outside of our Children’s Check-in Center.

  • What about nursing mothers?

    We provide a private nursing mother’s area located in Nursery Room 200. Here we have comfortable rockers for moms to nurse and access to changing tables along with a live video feed of the main service.

  • What about your child’s health and our wellness policy?

    We operate a well-child program. For the protection of all children age 5 and under, we cannot accept a child with a runny nose, fresh cold (four days or less), fever, rash, persistent cough, diarrhea or any other sign of illness. We request that you not place your child in the program while they are at risk of exposing other children. Thank you in advance for helping us keep our program a healthy place for all.

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  • At what point will my child have the opportunity to be introduced to Jesus Christ?

    While we will share with children from the earliest stage about knowing Jesus, we believe it is best to lead children to Christ when they are able to understand what they are doing and how this decision will affect their lives. Therefore, we offer the opportunity to truly respond to beginning a relationship with Jesus from 1st grade and up. Children who have already received Christ will be focused on how to grow closer to Jesus and to become a fully devoted followers of Him.

  • How do I check my child out of class?

    We respectfully request that parents honor our volunteers and pick up their children no later than 15 minutes after service. Parents or a sibling over age 18 will need to show their identification sticker so our volunteers can match the "iNumber" to the child’s sticker. You will need to turn in your parent ID sticker once your last child is picked up. Your child's coordinator will expect the same person to drop off and pick up each child unless special instructions are given at check-in and printed on the I.D. sticker. Make sure all your child's personal items have been returned to you before you leave the premises.

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  • What if my child’s belongings are misplaced?

    Misplaced items will be retained for at least one month at our West Information Center and then donated to a charitable organization.

  • What happens in case of an emergency?

    The children’s ministry staff has been trained in procedures developed in conjunction with the West Haven Fire Marshal. In the event of an emergency, we will evacuate all children to the back right corner of our parking lot.

  • Do you provide support for expectant mothers?

    Yes! Our Expectant Mothers ministry is designed to support and encourage first-time moms throughout their pregnancy and during the first weeks of their baby’s life by providing meals, information and support at this exciting and new time in a family’s life!

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