You just got called. Here's what you do.
You care for children ages 18 months to 3 years during the second and third hours of church. Your room is often the deciding factor in whether young families come back. A toddler who feels safe and happy in your care is a child the Church kept.
Your Role
What the Nursery Leader Actually Does
Two adults are required in nursery at all times — this is a Church safety standard, not a preference. Never be alone with a child. If your co-leader is absent, notify the Primary President before church starts so a substitute can be arranged.
Your primary task is to create an environment where very small children feel safe and emotionally regulated. That means routine, calm, and attentiveness — not elaborate lessons. The Come, Follow Me nursery curriculum ("Behold Your Little Ones") provides simple, age-appropriate lessons centered on Jesus Christ. Use it, but hold it lightly: a toddler who is melting down needs comfort, not a lesson.
You report to the Primary President. Inform her of anything significant — a new child joining, a child with special needs, a safety concern, or a supply shortage. Nursery is often invisible to the rest of Primary leadership because it runs in a separate room; your communication is what keeps it visible.
The two-adult rule is non-negotiable. If for any reason you find yourself alone with a child — co-leader left early, substitute didn't show — immediately involve a parent or notify the Primary President. This policy protects children and protects you. Document any concerns in writing and report them to the Primary President promptly.
Weekly Rhythm
Every Week
Before church
Arrive early enough to set up the room. Toys out, snacks prepped (confirm allergies), chairs arranged, curriculum reviewed. A chaotic room at arrival makes transitions harder for small children.
Receiving children
Greet each child by name. Introduce yourself to parents if you don't know them yet. Note any special instructions — "she didn't nap," "he's having a hard morning." Small details change how you care for a child that hour.
During nursery
Simple lesson, singing time, snack, free play. Consistent routine reduces anxiety for toddlers. Keep the energy calm. When a child cries, comfort them directly — don't wait for them to stop on their own.
Returning children
Children should only be released to a parent or the adult who brought them. Never release a child to someone you don't recognize without confirming with a parent first.
Safety
Keeping Children Safe
Two adults always
Required at all times. No exceptions. If one adult must leave temporarily, stay in visible range of the other or pause until they return.
Allergies and medical
Know every child's allergy and medical information before snack time. If uncertain, ask the parent. When in doubt, skip the snack.
Incident reporting
Any injury, even minor, should be documented and reported to the Primary President. Parents should be notified of any incident involving their child before they pick them up.
Child disclosure
If a child says or indicates anything concerning — about their home, another adult, or anything troubling — do not question them further. Write down exactly what was said and report it to the Primary President immediately.
Room security
The nursery door should remain closed but not locked. No child should be able to leave the room unsupervised.