Welcome to Kids at First Church
We are so glad you’re here! Whether this is your family’s first visit or you’ve been coming for years, we want you to know that your children are deeply loved and welcomed at Kids at First Church.
At KidZone, our heart is to create a place where kids feel safe, have fun, build friendships, and discover just how much Jesus loves them. We believe church should be a place children are excited to come to- a place where they can laugh, learn, ask questions, and grow in faith in ways that are meaningful for their age and stage of life.
Everything we teach in KidZone is built around three simple, but life-changing truths modeled by Jesus in Luke 2:52:
I need to make the wise choice.
I can trust God no matter what.
I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
Through engaging Bible stories, worship, music, games, hands-on activities, and caring leaders, we help children discover who Jesus is and how they can grow in a relationship with Him, all in a fun, safe and encouraging environment.
Our prayer is that every child who walks through our doors feels seen, valued, loved, and excited to come back each week.
MEET YOUR CHILDREN'S MINISTRY STAFF
Dolly Baird
Director of Children's Ministry
Micah Lange
Assistant Children's Ministry Director and St. Joseph Campus Children's Ministry Coordinator
Megan Potter
Afternoon Receptionist, Children & Student Ministry Administrative Assistant
Melina Palomera
Benton Heights Campus Children's Ministry Co-coordinator
Mel Mannix
Benton Heights Campus Children's Ministry Co-coordinator
Kelly Fee
Eau Claire Campus Children's Ministry Coordinator
Janelle Struzynski
Stevensville Campus Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Welcome to KidZone! We're Glad You're Here!
We know visiting a new place for the first time can feel overwhelming, so we want to make your KidZone experience simple, safe, and welcoming. Here’s what to expect when visiting KidZone.
Step 1: Find KidZone Check-In
When you arrive, look for the KidZone Check-In area, located at or near the Info Hub at the First Church campus you are visiting. Don’t worry- our friendly team members will be happy to help you find it and answer any questions along the way!
Step 2: Meet the Welcome Team
At KidZone Check-In, you’ll be greeted by a friendly member of the First Church Welcome Team who will help you get started.
For your child’s first visit, we only ask for a few quick pieces of information:
- Child’s name
- Age and grade
- Parent/guardian name
- Contact phone number
A guest name tag will be created for your child, and you’ll receive a matching parent claim ticket for pickup. This helps us provide a safe and secure check-in experience for every child.
If your family plans to visit again, we’ll provide a registration form that you can complete at your convenience. Once entered into our system, you’ll be able to use our quick and easy computer check-in process for future visits at any campus.
Step 3: Head to Your Child’s Classroom
After check-in, a member of our team will personally guide you and your child to their classroom so you know exactly where to go.
As you drop off your child, please share any important information with their teacher (allergies, special instructions, or anything that will help us care for your child well).
Step 4: Pickup Made Safe & Simple
When it’s time to pick up your child, simply return to their classroom and present the parent claim ticket you received at check-in. This helps us ensure a safe and secure pickup process for every child.
Your Child’s Safety Matters to Us
At First Church, your child’s safety is a top priority. All volunteers serving in KidZone complete a background check before serving in our children’s ministry areas, helping us create a safe, caring, and welcoming environment for every child.
We can’t wait to welcome your family to KidZone! Our prayer is that your child feels loved, has fun, builds friendships, and grows in their relationship with Jesus.
HOW CHECK-IN WORKS
You can check-in your child at any KidZone Check-in area. After finding your child’s name in the database, you and your child will be given matching name tags that are exclusive to your family. Your child will be required to wear the name tag portion, you will reserve the matching tag.
After the service is complete, you will return to your child’s classroom and show your child’s matching tag to the classroom leader and your child will be released back to you.
YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO US
At First Church, your child’s safety is our top priority. Every volunteer serving in our Children’s Ministry age 18 and older has completed a thorough background check and received training to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Our secure check-in system is in place for a reason: when you check in, your child receives a name sticker to wear on their front or back for easy visibility, and you receive a matching claim ticket. At pick-up, our team matches your ticket to your child’s sticker to ensure that every child leaves with the right adult. Each child’s sticker also includes important details such as allergies or special needs, so our team is fully informed and prepared to provide the best care possible. We are committed to creating a space where children are not only loved and taught about Jesus—but protected and known.
CHILDREN WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES
At First Church, we believe every child is uniquely created in the image of God and deserves the opportunity to grow in faith and feel a sense of belonging. That’s why we offer our Buddy System—a one-on-one support program designed to help children with diverse abilities participate fully and comfortably in our Kids’ Ministry environments. Whether your child benefits from extra support, sensory accommodations, or a more structured routine, our trained buddies are here to walk alongside them with care and compassion.
We also want to partner with parents to help each child succeed. By gathering information about your child's strengths, needs, routines, and preferences, we are better able to provide support and assign the buddy who is the best fit for your child.
In addition, we invite families to be part of The Gathering- a special service and worship time for families of children with diverse abilities, where everyone can feel comfortable, welcomed, and involved. The Gathering takes place on the third Sunday of each month at 5PM at our Stevensville campus.
To learn more or get connected, please contact our Director of Children's Ministry, Dolly Baird at Dolly.b@myfirstchurch.com
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
This program is offered September through April
KidZone WOW (Worship on Wednesdays) is for aged 2 years-5th grade (and our nursery for children ages 0-24 months, is also available during this time). KidZone WOW runs during adult programming at First Church on Wednesday nights. Parents of children ages 0-Kindergarten MUST stay on campus.
If your child has attended KidZone at least once, they’re all set. If you haven’t attended Pre-register now.
Both Little KidZone and Big KidZone Clubhouse open at 6:15pm for drop off and programming begins at 6:30pm. Pickup happens at 8:00pm, immediately after adult programming is finished. Please be respectful of the time of our volunteers with your children.
Check-in for KidZone WOW follows the same procedure as checkin for KidZone on Sunday morning.
WHAT'S COMING UP IN CHILDREN'S MINISTRY?
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We know a lot of you want to get plugged in at First Church. This is an area that needs a lot of adult hands and feet to keep up with all those little hands and feet! Even if you can only serve one time per month, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals who want to make learning about Jesus enjoyable. We have openings in the nursery, running tech in the children’s department at St. Joe Campus, as small group leaders at most of our campuses, and more. And don’t worry about the work, there is little preparation needed as we provide the curriculum for you. If interested in getting involved, click the button below and fill out a Serve card, selecting Children's Ministry as your serve area. We look forward to hearing from you!
GOT QUESTIONS?
If you have further questions about KidZone or visiting First Church with children, simply use the form below and get in touch with us!
WE LOVE KIDS AT FIRST CHURCH
