Subheader image
FAQ's Print E-mail
question_002.jpgQ: Why do the classes fill up so quickly? My child is often turned away.
A: We are so sorry your child has been turned away. We don’t want to turn away any children, and it grieves us to do so! However, we have adult to child ratios that are selected for the most effective classroom environment and for safety. Usually we can accept more children if we have more helpers. You are invited to help in the class so that your child and others are able to attend. Also, please be aware that most classes are usually not full by the time the period begins at 9:00 or 11:00.

Q: If the correct class, based on age, is filled, can my child attend another class?
A: Classes are specifically designed for each age group and it is not beneficial for the child to go into a class for a different age group. It helps neither the child nor the class.

Q: But my child would be OK in a different class . . . he/she is special!
A: We must be consistent in the way we assign classes, both for the children’s sake and for the teachers’ sake. If you have a special needs child, please consult with the Children’s Director, Sharon Barham.

Q: We are new here. Can our child go into his sister’s or his friend’s class today?
A: Yes, if it is an appropriate class for your child and if there is room. Visitors may be a guest in a class for their first Sunday, but after that, they must attend their own age-appropriate class.

Q: Why isn’t there a class this hour for the age of my preschooler? What am I supposed to do with my child?
A: There is not a class because there are not yet teachers and helpers available to staff that class. Would you like to help in the program so that your child and others have a class to attend? Pastor Hutch makes a point out of receiving children warmly in the service, even if they are restless. There are also activity packets available to help keep them occupied.

Q: I still don’t get why you make such a big deal out of the ratios. Why can’t a class take in a few more children?
A: Above and beyond the classroom environment and security issues, there is the concept of what we are doing in children’s ministry in the first place. We are not providing childcare service for parents! (We are in fact conducting a school.!) We are keenly aware that it is a great convenience for parents to have something going for their children while they attend worship service or an adult class. In fact, that is one of the reasons why the morning schedule is the way it is. But childcare is not what we are doing. We are teaching children God’s truth, and they are learning it and growing, just like adults are taught and learn in worship service and class.

Q: Who are the people who are teaching our kids? What are their qualifications?
A: They are just Antioch members who volunteer! Some happen to be professional educators, but most are not. They are simply Antioch people who love Jesus and love children and are willing to serve God in this ministry. We train them as best we can, and help them with our procedures and policies. Many of them have served for many years, and have a high degree of expertise.

Q: Why do I need to fill out the registration form again this year?
A: It is very important to us to have updated records of every child who attends class, and even if none of the information has changed, we need annual confirmation. For safety and security reasons, we ask for all of the information that is on the form. Please be aware that this information is not shared with any outside group. If you have special confidentiality issues with anything on the form, please consult with the Children’s Director, Sharon Barham.