Welcome to KidCity
Children are important in the Kingdom of God and FULLY capable of knowing, loving and serving Him. KidCity exists so that any child might experience and know the love of God and have the opportunity to grow in the knowledge of who He is and in their relationship with Him.
What to Expect
Check-in for children ages 1-9 is located downstairs. When you walk in the door, you’ll see stairs directly in front of you leading down. The KidCity check-in is directly at the bottom of the stairs.
Children need to be checked-in prior to attending KidCity. This can be done up to 15 minutes prior to service or when the children are released after worship.
At check-in, you will be handed two tags. One with your child’s name and a unique code and the other with a matching code. Hold on to your tag as you will need it for pickup.
When the children are released for KidCity, children 10 and older will gather briefly at the coffee station at the back of the sanctuary before heading up to the bell tower room off of the balcony. Children ten and up will be dismissed at the end of the service to return to their families.
Curriculum
Toddler Class [1-3yo]
Our toddlers are provided with short story-based lessons that incorporate songs, games, and crafts to keep the children engaged and having fun as they learn about God’s word.
Elementary Class (4-9yo)
Our 4-9 year olds are jumping in with the ‘Foundation Biblical Worldview’ Curriculum, an interactive 25 week program which will help give our children a framework through which to discern the world around them using a biblical lens. Group activities, crafts, and games will round out our lessons and help reinforce what is learned.
Youth [10yo+]
Our older children will explore the fundamentals of Christianity and the Bible through meaningful conversation, activities, and games. Our youth leaders are committed volunteers who sign up for a minimum of 3 months in order to foster real relationships and create a space in which the children feel comfortable to engage.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are a member of Grace City Portland and are interested in serving please email: kidcity@gracecityportland.org
FAQ’s
When does KidCity start and end?
KidCity begins after worship with an announcement made by the service host. Parents are asked to pick-up their children within 10 minutes of the end of the service.
Why are children upstairs for worship?
Having our children participate in worship is such a beautiful opportunity to foster a practice of glorifying God through song. We believe it is important for our children to witness worship, participate in worship, and have a sense of belonging to the church family.
Will my child be given a snack?
Yes. At this time, children are given an option of Cheerios, fruit pouches, fruit leathers, or veggie straws along with water.
We work diligently to accommodate most allergies and dietary restrictions.That said, it is the parents responsibility to communicate all special considerations for their children, especially allergies.
What if my child is ill?
If your child has had any of the following symptoms within the past 24 hours, they will not be allowed to participate in KidCity: diarrhea, vomiting, fever greater than 100.5, questionable rash, open sores, eye discharge or excessive coughing.
What if my child is inconsolable or disruptive?
If a child is inconsolable (10 minutes of nonstop crying) the parent will be contacted immediately. Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to “cry her or himself out.” If a child is disruptive and not abiding by the classroom standards, (e.g. hurting other children or unresponsive to volunteer instruction or redirection), the parent will be contacted immediately.
What if my child is ill or gets injured?
If a child is noticeably ill or injured, the parent will be contacted immediately. If ill, the child will be separated from the other children until the parent arrives to remove the child from the classroom. Kid City Volunteers are not authorized to administer medication of any kind.
Do you change diapers or take children to the bathroom?
At no point will a volunteer enter a bathroom facility with a child. Potty independent children may be escorted to the bathroom so long as we have sufficient volunteers. If we do not, the parent will be contacted immediately. Similarly, we do not change diapers. If a child needs assistance in the bathroom or needs their diaper changed, the parent will likewise be contacted immediately.
How many volunteers are in each class? How are they qualified?
A minimum of 2 volunteers will be present with any child or children at all times. All volunteers are 18 years or older, have received a background check, are members of Grace City, and have been approved by Grace City’s leadership.