Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need security and a security system?
We need a security system for the protection of our children and our church, to elevate new parents’ sense that our Children’s Ministry is a “safe place” for their children, to add photo ID tags for children and parents, to focus more effectively on children and their needs, and for teachers to receive a check-in slip for each child that includes all relevant care and medical information for each child.
Is the use of computers impersonal?
No. While at first you may fear that using computers to check in children may be a cold, impersonal process, you will soon experience that our check-in system truly enables our caregivers and teachers to focus more effectively on your child’s needs.
I have no computer skills. Will I be able to learn how to do this?
Yes. Touch screen monitors decrease user anxiety for persons without basic computer skills while at the same time increasing user speed.
What is the main advantage of using our security system?
Photo-identification is central to the security features. Photo IDs are used on check-in and check-out slips. All authorized guardians permitted to claim a child will be pictured on the child’s check-out slip. Photos will be required for all children and parents.
How will this system help with communication with parent?
Each family will receive a pager so that we can send a page to them requesting that they report to the Children's Welcome Center when they are anywhere in the building. In addition, when the parents check out their child, the system will print a check-out slip.
Will I be able to receive a page anywhere in the facility?
Yes. The pagers are “premise pagers.” They will receive a page anywhere in the building.
How much longer will this system take for me to check in my child?
Once you have your photos taken, a staffed terminal can check in a child within 15 seconds. When you use your family proximity card at a self-express terminal, a child can be checked in as quickly as 5 seconds.
I already have a pager. Can I use it instead of the premise pagers?
Not at this time.
What happens if I lose my pager?
The only way you can pick up your child is to have a check-out sheet. The only way you can get your child’s check-out sheet is to return the pager. If you lose the pager, you will need to go to the Children’s Welcome Center where they will verify that you checked in the child and you are authorized to pick up the child. If the pager is not found, a replacement charge of $100 will be assessed.
Will visitors have to use the security system?
Yes. If they have a child in fifth grade or younger, they will use this security system. It only takes a few minutes to do a quick registration of the entire family. Once the data entry is complete, the next time they check into the system, it will be as quick as everyone else.
What if I forget to check out my children?
Our volunteer staff will direct you back to the nearest check out station to check out your child and bring back a check-out sheet to the classroom.
If I have a problem with the system who will be available to help me?
The Children's Welcome Centers will be staffed with attendants to assist you.
What happens if the system goes down during a service hour?
We will revert to a manual check-in/check-out system.
What if I already checked in and need to check out when the system goes down?
The check-in sheets will be checked for photo verification at time of pick up. A photo ID will be required.
How do I add other authorized individuals to the system?
Please go to the Children’s Welcome Center with that authorized individual. Our trained volunteer staff will be able to take a picture of the authorized individual and add the information to the system regarding the household.
What happens if I forget to bring my proximity ID card?
Please go to the Children’s Welcome Center for ID verification. The children will be checked in at that time. You will also need to go to the Children’s Welcome Center to have your children checked out.
What happens if I lose my proximity ID card?
There will be a fee of $5 to replace lost cards.
What if I want additional proximity ID cards?
They can be purchased for $5 each.
How do I check in a child (friend of son/daughter) who is visiting without a parent?
Please go to the Children’s Welcome Center, where the visiting child will be added to the system with the host parents as guardians.
How can I help the Children’s Ministries staff?
Please arrive early, return pagers, volunteer, and be patient and understanding.
Who will receive a pager each week?
Parents of children in nursery and preschool will receive one pager for the whole family. In addition, visitors with older children, those with unique needs, and on-call volunteers can all be assigned a pager.
How do we check in at the classroom?
Once you receive your check-in slips each Sunday, parents divide the children and take them to different classrooms to help speed up the process. Older siblings (16 years and older) can also take children to the actual classrooms as long as they are authorized and their photo is on the check-in/out slip.
What about 4th and 5th graders?
Students that are in 4th and 5th grade can check themselves into the computer if a parent requests this at the Children's Welcome Center. Those students authorized by their parents to have this ability will be issued their own personal proximity ID card. Parents will NOT need to take these children to their classroom. However, with this greater freedom comes greater responsibility. I f the student loses their card, it will cost them $5 to replace it.
I'm confused, can you summarize what age level does what?
Birth to Preschool: Pagers assigned and parents drop off kids in the classrooms.
Grades K - 3: No pagers, but parents still drop off kids in the classrooms.
Grades 4 - 5: No pagers, students may self-check themselves in at the computers and classrooms if requested by parents.
When will this system be used?
Currently the security system is only used for Sunday mornings. Additional uses may be considered in the future.
