Nursery

St. Thomas Nursery is available for infants and toddlers up through age three.  It is a caring, nurturing environment where your child can experience God's love.  Toddlers will learn how to take turns, share toys and practice simple manners in a playful setting.  It provides parents the opportunity to worship and attend adult education forums and classes knowing that their young child is in a safe and nurturing place.  Experienced caregivers serve in the Nursery and eligible individuals who have completed the Safe Environment Training, are welcome to volunteer.  The Nursery is open during the Saturday mass at 4:45 pm and Sunday mornings from 8:45 am to 12:20 pm.  Four year olds are allowed during the parent’s adult education period or if their parent is an assigned classroom teacher or co-teacher according to the church schedule of classes.

Signing In

Please sign in on the sheet at the Nursery door entrance and list your cell phone number. We welcome you to stay until your child is comfortable, but keep in mind that most children settle in a few minutes after your departure.  Many times the Nursery is the first place that a child experiences detachment from their parents, and we encourage you to take the time that is necessary for you and your child to adjust.  If it is the child’s first time at the nursery, we recommend coming back to check on your child after 15 minutes without being seen, and if you do not hear your child crying, then he or she should be fine the rest of the period.  We advise that whichever parent enters their children into the Nursery, is the same parent that retrieves them.

What to Bring

Please bring labeled bag, Sippy cup, pacifier (if your child uses one), at least two diapers, a change of clothes, and all personal items your child may need such as wipes, ointment, prepared bottles, and/or comforting blankets.  All personal items should be labeled before arrival and please inform the caregivers of any allergies since animal crackers are given as a snack.  If you forget diapers and wipes, we have some on hand, and donations are appreciated.

Health Guidelines

For the protection of all children and caregivers, please do not bring your child to the Nursery if he or she is ill.  If a child becomes ill while in the nursery, the parents will be asked to take the child home.  Nursery staff cannot administer medication.  Children who have experienced any of the following symptoms within the past 24 hours should not come to the nursery: fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, undiagnosed rashes or sores, on-going cough, runny eyes and nose, and/or symptoms of childhood illnesses such as measles, chicken pox, mumps, influenza, strep throat, or head lice.

Thank you for entrusting us with your most precious gift and please feel free to offer any feedback or suggestions for taking care of your child.