DPM KidLife FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Serving with Preschoolers

at Dawson KidLife Week

 

What does a day at preschool KidLife look like?

We have 25 classes for preschoolers, ages 4-6. Each class typically has 16-20 children and 4-5 leaders.

8:45- 9:00      Drop Off

9:00-9:35       Classroom Time (Bible Story Group Time, Learning Centers, Crafts)

10:00- 10:30 Preschool Worship in the Sanctuary

10:40-11:40 Rotations (Recreation, Snack, Special Event)

11:40-12:00 Classroom Time (Daily Wrap Up, Learning Centers)

12:00-12:10  Dismissal

 

My child is younger than 4 years old. Does that mean I cannot serve?

Absolutely not! We have nursery classes for children (birth- 3 years old) of KidLife volunteers. These young preschoolers participate in KidLife lessons and activities as well, with their own age-appropriate rotations and activities. We need volunteers for these nursery classes as well!

 

What are the greatest needs?

Classroom teachers! We strive to have 4 adults and 1 youth helper in each of our 25 preschool classes. We do need a few additional volunteers in our rotation areas (recreation, snack, and special event) as well.

I do not feel qualified to be a “teacher.” What else can I do?

Each teaching team needs a lead teacher, but also leaders who help with organization (nametags, attendance, greeting families, etc.), crafts, crowd control, etc. Each team makes a plan and assigns teachers assignments according to their gifts and interests. There’s a place- and a need- for everyone!

 

Do I have to purchase or prepare anything?

No. All lessons, teaching resources, and supplies are provided. All teachers will receive a manual with lesson plans, daily schedules, etc. at training. Lead teachers will also receive the supply tub at that time to become familiar with all crafts and resources.

 

Can I teach my own child?

This is completely your choice! Some parents/grandparents find this a rewarding time to spend with their child. Others find that their children do better/participate more fully when their parent/grandparent teaches a different class. Even if you are in separate classes, you will have the same experiences to discuss at home.

 

What if I cannot commit to the whole week?

Of course, it is important for preschoolers to be able to expect a familiar face each day so we want everyone who is able to serve for the whole week. But- if you can only serve 1, 2, 3, or 4 days, there is still a place for you! Typically, we either partner up our “part time folks” to fill one teaching spot OR add them to the floater list to be assigned the morning of in a class that has an absent teacher or needs extra hands.

 

Can I make requests about where I serve and whom I serve with?

Yes! You can request to teach a certain age group, a specific child, or with a particular friend or teaching team. We also have “partner classes” (located close together and rotate together during rotations). So you can make requests related to that as well (ex. My child in the partner class rather than my class, group of 6-8 friends make up 2 teaching teams for partner classes, etc.)

 

What is the BEST thing about serving in Preschool Dawson KidLife Week?

No 2 people will have the exact same answer, but the rewards are great! Yes, you will be TIRED on Friday… but you will be a part of sharing God’s love and Word with more than 1,000 children in our community. You will experience worship with the sweetest and purest hearts. You will grow closer in your own relationship with Jesus as you teach God’s Word to preschoolers. You will strengthen relationships with the children and other volunteers. You will quickly see why KidLife Week is my favorite week of the year!

 

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. we HIGHLY encourage you to join our Preschool KidLife team. You will not regret it!

 

Sign up to volunteer: www.dawsonkidlife.org