At Saint Joan of Arc we want everyone to feel welcome, down to the tiniest members of our parish. We let your little ones burn some Sunday morning energy in the nursery while you enjoy some quality time at Mass. We staff an Infant Room (birth to 14 months with a 1:2 ratio), Toddler I (14-26 months with a 1:5 ratio), or Toddler II (26 mos-3 ½ years with a 1:7 ratio). We have a secure check-in/check-out system as well as a procedure to contact you if your child is in distress while you are in mass.

Each room is stocked with age appropriate toys, books and activities for the children. Your children play in a fun, safe and supervised environment.  Toddler I introduces the children to songs and books that reflect the spirit of Saint Joan of Arc and the changing seasons. Toddler II has a loose curriculum that includes an art project, music and movement activities and a monthly prayer and book selection.  

The nursery is run as a cooperative. Most of the regular volunteers are the parents of children who use the nursery and are asked to work in the nursery during one mass 5-7 times per year. Their job is to play with the children, assist the classroom teachers and help with craft projects. 

Lead volunteers provide the nursery with a point person who has more comprehensive knowledge of the overall program and safety protocol. They are responsible for check-in and check-out of the nursery, diaper the children and take them to the toilet. They receive additional training, including CPR and First Aid certification and are responsible for administering first aid, and filling out incident report forms. 

All adult volunteers (18+) must undergo a background check, sign SJA’s Code of Conduct and complete VIRTUS training.

Nursery Director Jennifer Gessner and paid staff members Allie and Leah perform the same jobs as the lead volunteers. Jennifer schedules the volunteers and staff, leads the nursery advisory committee, works with other ministries to build community for Saint Joan of Arc families and is the staff liaison.

If you would like to learn more about the nursery program, come down to the lower level of the Parish Center before mass on any Sunday. We will take you on a tour and answer your questions or contact Jennifer, jgessner@stjoan.com.

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