Nursery Coordinator Church Ideas

Nursery volunteers play a vital role in churches with small children.

A church nursery is a haven for young ones providing a place where parishioners can drop off their children knowing they'll be in a safe, loving environment during worship services. A church nursery coordinator may either be a volunteer or paid position depending on the size and budget of the congregation. There are several ideas that can make this important position run smoothly.

Meetings with Volunteers

Hold regular meetings with those serving at the nursery. At the meeting, allow the individuals to express any questions or concerns they may have. Depending on the size of your church, it may be necessary to have weekly meetings. Volunteers in smaller congregations might only need to meet monthly with the coordinator. Also use this time to come up with an accurate schedule for the following month.

Schedule Keeping

A neatly organized schedule, with individual volunteers scheduled in advance is a useful tool for any nursery coordinator. After compiling the list, write it down in a form that works for you. It may be simply listing the names of each volunteer on a calendar or writing the dates on a piece of paper followed by the people's names and phone numbers. Email or give a paper copy of the schedule to all volunteers. Also keep a list of substitute volunteers on hand in case someone becomes ill or encounters an emergency that prevents them from making it to their assigned time.

Name Board

Church nurseries likely have a group of regular children in attendance. While the young ones are around each Sunday, the people working in the nursery may be different. Because nursery children may not all be able to talk yet, create a way for new volunteers to learn the names. Take a photograph of each child who comes to the nursery. Print out all the pictures and place each one on a bulletin board. Under the picture, place a name tag. Point out the location of the board to new volunteers and encourage them to study it. It may also be helpful to have name tags on hand for visiting children.

Volunteer Recognition

Volunteers in the nursery deserve appreciation and recognition. As the nursery coordinator, make an effort to praise and thank these individuals for their hard work. A small, heartfelt thank you from the person in charge can go a long way. Planning a volunteer recognition dinner or ceremony once each year where you invite the congregation is another way you can show appreciation.

References

• Ministry-to-Children.com: Church Nursery Schedule