Okids

What is this whole Okids thing about?
Okids is a safe, developmentally appropriate, and Jesus-centered program for kids ages 0-4th grade. Our Okids Team is a spectacular group of multi-generational Oceanhills family members who have been background-checked and trained to provide a safe, fun and engaging space for children to discover who God is and how much God loves them.

Where do I go?
Our children’s rooms are marked with orange signs, but here is a breakdown of where to go.
Nursery (0-23 months) First hallway to the right as you enter.
The 2 year old and 3-5 year old rooms are directly to the left as you enter the double doors from the parking lot.
K-4th Start in the gym. Follow the large orange sign set up past the theater doors. Follow the sign’s “>>” pointing down the hallway and out to the quad, then walk them over to the large building (gym) on the left. *The last Sunday of the month, K-4th grade starts in the theater with their families and are dismissed after worship and may be picked up at the gym.

Will there be anyone there to help me if I have questions?
Yes! We have a New Family Welcome Team stationed directly inside the doors on your left. Look for the blue sign.

Who is with my children?
Adults on our team are background checked/live scanned and are trained in emergency protocol, mandated reporting, safety policies, and age-appropriate programming.
All team members have been a part of our church for an appropriate amount of time for their role and have been vetted by the Family Ministry Team.

Are my children ever alone with an adult?
Nope! We follow a 2-deep protocol requiring all volunteers to always be with or in line of sight of another team member. One team member will never be alone with one or more children.

What is your check-in/out procedure?
Nursery and Preschool children are checked in and out by the same Team Member. Parents will receive a name tag with their child’s name that is returned to the Team Member upon pick up of their child.
Nursery parents will be asked to fill out a preference questionnaire that will help us care for you and your baby well.
K-4th Graders need to be checked in and out by a parent in the gym.
If your family has concerns around checkout, please email our Family Pastor: cosy@oceanhills.org or click the button at the bottom of the page.

What does a normal Sunday look like in Okids?
Playtime as kids arrive
Family Circle and Introductory Activity/Questions
Worship
Story
Follow up activity (& snack for 0-5.)

Is there a quiet place to take my infant?
Yes! Our Family Quiet Room is down the first hallway on your right as you enter, past the nursery. We have comfy rocking chairs, and stream in the worship service so you don't have to miss a thing!

What are you teaching them?
Nursery is all about introducing your children to the warmth, safety, and care of God through the way we treat them! We focus on attending to their physical, emotional, and social needs so they can experience what it feels like to be a part of a safe God Family who trusts a loving God.
Preschool captures the wonder and imagination of your child as they explore memorable Bibles Stories and discover “God Made Me, God Loves Me, & Jesus Wants to Be My Friend Forever”
K-4th Core Truths we say every week: I am known and loved by God, Jesus is my friend, I am a unique part of God’s story, my true identity is in Christ, and I am fully alive in the spirit.
Kindergarten & 1st Grade takes a 2-year look at God’s story using the Jesus Storybook Bible. This storybook-style telling of God’s story shows kids that God’s purposes are always for reconciliation, restoration, and love through Jesus.
2nd - 4th Grade has a 3-year scope and sequence that builds on a general understanding of God’s story and invites them to discover God’s character and what having a personal relationship with God means for their lives.
Year 1: Life of Jesus
Year 2: Heart of God
Year 3: Foundations of Faith

Can my children stay together?
We understand that siblings can provide a lot of comfort when adjusting to a new place or group of people. We allow older children to stay with younger siblings, however, we ask that younger children do not join older classes.

Coming for the 1st time? Let us know so we can warmly and intentionally welcome your child. joy@oceanhills.org

Can I stay with my children?
Of course! You often provide the needed security for a child to discover the fun, safety and joy of a new place. We just ask that you do not come in and out or leave at disruptive times for the other kids. Nursery children and preschoolers are particularly sensitive to this.

Do they get snacks?
Nursery children are given puffs upon parental approval.
Preschoolers are regularly served goldfish crackers and water around 10:45 each Sunday.
K-4th Graders usually are not provided snack.

Can my children stay with me in the service?
Children are welcome to sit with you, but we believe every child can find security and belonging in our programs. If you are concerned about your child or they are not wanting to join Okids, reach out to our Family Pastor for support. Your child deserves to hear how much God loves them in ways that speak to their childhood hearts.

Where does my 5th & 6th grader go?
Click below to hear about our Youth Ministry!

On Easter 5th-12th graders are included in the main worship gathering