We are constantly looking at ways to better improve how we are facilitating preschool ministry at Greenlight. That's why we want to introduce you (volunteers) to our latest idea: "Transitional Teachers". It's a functional title at best..but nonetheless, stick with us on this one!
A transitional teacher is a designated volunteer who is on the schedule four consecutive weeks in a row (for an entire month), followed by 3 months off. They arrive at least 20 minutes prior to service time and go through a checklist to help ensure the classroom is ready and volunteers prepped to transition our littlest ones into that morning's program.
The key to transitional teachers is consistency. We find that our nursery and toddler rooms have the most difficulty helping kids transition from mom/dad/guardian to what's happening inside the ministry rooms. We feel that having at least one familiar face for an entire four weeks in a row will be one way of making parents and our babies feel more comfortable entering the classrooms. However, that's not all that transitional eachers will help with.
Transitonal teachers will arrive 20 minutes prior to service to begin the following ABC steps:
A- Assess the Room: Is the room welcoming and is it tidy? Are the lights on and music playing softly? Is the lesson outline from First Look in a visible place for leaders. Making sure the service feed is on in the nursery is NOT priority during the transitional time when children are arriving. Assessing the room involves asking yourself "Is this room inviting to both parents and kids?"
B- Bubbles: Each toddler and nursery room will be equipped with a kit containing items that will help children connect as they enter the room, including BUBBLES, playdough, hand puppets,etc. The T.T. will not necessarily be the person using these items; however they will delegate the other volunteers in the room (including jr. helpers) to be using the kit during the first 15 minutes of the morning, or as new children are arriving.
C- Communicate: As the transitional teacher, your role is to be the main line of communication for parents. You will be the volunteer at the door, helping parents say their goodbyes and communicating to parents the following:
- we are glad they have brought their child this morning (yes...you should say this aloud)
- we will contact them should their child need them (diaper change) or if they have been crying for longer than 5-10 minutes.
- we ask that they bring their pick-up tag back with them after the service
We are confident this is a necessary step to helping our families during this exciting, but transitional time of their child's life. This could be a child's first opportunity to experience the life-changing presence of Jesus within the walls of our church. It is truly a privilege to be partnering with parents in this way.
AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We are looking for people who are willing to take on this new role and the responsibilities that go along with it. For those of you who are not interested in changing the times you are scheduled in preschool ministry, that's okay! We need you to continue pouring into our children every time you serve, because you too are making a difference for both parents and our little ones.
Pastor Michelle Mercer & Dave Liscombe
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