PURPOSE:

To fulfill all aspects of Rooftop's general purpose-"To be followers of Christ who make followers of Christ who make followers of Christ"-as it pertains to children.  For infants and toddlers, we offer safe and enjoyable childcare so parents are free to concentrate on the teaching and worship functions of the church.   For older children, we offer age appropriate biblical education so that they themselves may learn to be followers of Christ.

RELEVANT ROOFTOP VALUES:

• teaching
• worship
• evangelism
• community
• service
• prayer

GUIDING VERSES:

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

EXPLANATION:

There are many ways that Rooftots serves both children and all the people of Rooftop.  First, we provide childcare and spiritual education to children as parents are learning and worshipping.  Also, we help Volunteers realize their worth in the kingdom as they serve God.  In addition to training, we offer social and spiritual opportunities for growth so that Rooftot's Volunteers can more easily mature and connect in the body of Rooftop and in the kingdom of God.

STANDARD OPERATING HOURS

Rooftots offers classes for children from birth through 5th grade during both Sunday morning services.  In addition, childcare is offered on an RSVP basis at many church functions.  These are advertised in the program or in the weekly announcements.

REGISTRATION

• The first time a child attends a Rooftots class, his or her parent should complete a registration form (forms are located in each alcove). 
• If a child is enrolled in the Infant, Walker, or Toddler class, parents should also assign the child a number and receive a bracelet from the child's teacher bearing the same number. 
• If the child has difficulty in the room, that number will be displayed in the sanctuary so the parent may discreetly excuse themselves to attend to the needs of the child.
• Upon the completion of the service, parents should promptly return to the classroom to pick up the child and, if appropriate, return the bracelet.  This helps to ensure that children are only picked up by people who have been approved by the parent.

STAFFING:

All rooms are staffed with volunteers.  Rooftot's Volunteers must: 1) Attend Rooftop for at least 6 months, 2) Complete an application process that includes filling out an application form that asks for references and permits a background check, and 3) Personally meet with the Rooftots director.  Annual Infant/Child CPR training is provided for volunteers.

CLASSES AVAILABLE:

First service:

Second service:

PROMOTION:

• Parents are expected to initiate promotion from the Infant, Walker, and Toddler Rooms.  This is easily done by consulting with the Children's Director.
• Children are ready to leave the Infant room when they are approximately 1 year, and walking.
• Children are ready to leave the Walker Room when they are approximately 2 years, walking confidently, and playing independently.
• Children are ready to leave the Toddler room when they are approximately 3 years, able to follow simple instructions in a group, able to participate in structured story and craft times, and potty-trained.  
• Beyond that, the students will be promoted according to their grade in school the first Sunday in September. 

ILLNESS:

A child should not be in a classroom if:

• 1. In the previous 24 hours, the child has shown signs of:
    a) fever, b) vomiting, c) diarrhea, d) an undetermined rash, or e) respiratory difficulties;
• 2. The child shows signs of conjunctivitis (pinkeye) or any type of contagious infection;
• 3. The child has been on an antibiotic for less than 48 hours due to a contagious infection;
• 4. The child seems listless and/or exhibits a change in normal behavior; or
• 5. The child is experiencing the first 48 hours of a runny nose, cough, or thick nasal discharge.

IF YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED:

• If you would like to be a classroom Volunteer, and are willing and able to meet the Volunteer requirements (see "STAFFING" above), contact Erin.
• Other opportunities to serve include: greeting families at the registration table, helping with Easter and Fall Parties, volunteering for Vacation Bible School, or providing childcare for other Rooftop events.

ROOFTOT'S DIRECTOR:

Erin Schrage
erin@rooftop.org, 314-270-8493