Z-Kids Vision Win, & Values

Vision

We exist to help people (and kids!) encounter God every day.

Win:

Our win as Z-Kids leaders is to equip, lead, and disciple children while creating a safe, fun

environment where they can grow in their foundations of pursuing a personal relationship with Jesus.

Z-Kids Values
These values guide our team in all that we do. Our goal is for every child and volunteer to recite these in their sleep

I know God and God knows me.

I love being in God’s house.

God has good plans for me.

I do my best for God

Welcome to the Z-Kids team!
We’re thrilled to have you join us in helping kids encounter God every day.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions to help you get started.

Getting Started

How do I join the Z-Kids team?

  • First, complete Discovery (Zeal Church’s next steps class).
  • If you’ve already finished Discovery, text the Z-Kids number (719-624-8899) to get started!

What should I wear when serving?

  • Wear something appropriate for working with kids—comfortable, modest, and practical.
  • “Hands above head, touch your toes, anything shows? It has to go!”
  • You will be given a Z-Kids Jersey to wear over your clothing.
  • Always wear your name tag for easy identification.

What Does My First Day at Z-Kids Look Like?

  • First Sunday – Orientation: You’ll meet your trainer at check-in and go through Z-Kids safety policies, procedures, and a tour of the spaces.
  • Second Sunday – Shadowing: You’ll observe a classroom and see what a typical Sunday looks like for your team.
  • Pro Tip: There’s a lot of information at first, but don’t worry—you can always ask questions and attend continuing education training later.

When should I arrive, and where do I check in?

  • Arrive at 8:20 AM for the first service or 10:30 AM for the second service. Arrive a little earlier to get your name tag prior to huddle.
  • Check in at the Z-Kids ipads, where you’ll receive a name tag and in your classroom a Z-Kids jersey.
  • Attend the pre-service huddle for encouragement, updates, and prayer.

How many Sundays do I commit to serving?

  • If you are on the Z-Kids Team, we ask you to commit to serving two Sundays per month.
  • Kids need consistent leaders in their lives, and you will benefit from building relationships and being part of a strong community.
  • Z-Kids sends a commitment form as part of onboarding. If your availability changes later, simply fill out the “Change Your Commitment” form.

How does a child join the VIP Experience?

  • The VIP Experience is our adaptive discipleship program available during the second service. The VIP room is designed for sensory-sensitive children who need a quieter, more regulated space.
  • Parents must complete the VIP Intake Form (available on any iPad or can be emailed to them).
  • A child in this program will have a VIP indicator on their nametag.

How do I get access to the Z-Kids Hallway?

  • If you still need access to the Z-Kids Hallway, fill out this form: Request Access Form

Serving in Z-Kids

What are my responsibilities as a volunteer?

  • Lead with love – Encourage and support kids as they take steps closer to God.
  • Help with check-in – Assist families and ensure every child gets a secure name tag.
  • Engage in classroom activities – Facilitate Bible lessons, worship, and fun interactions.
  • Ensure safety – Follow all safety guidelines, including proper bathroom procedures and accountability rules.

What should I do if I can’t make my scheduled shift?

  • Please confirm or decline your assigned shift in Planning Center Online (PCO).
  • If you know in advance that you can’t make it, let us know at least 24 hours before your shift.
  • If you need a last-minute replacement, post in the Band app to see if another volunteer can cover for you. It is your responsibility to find a replacement if less than 24 hours notice.

What If I Have a Vacation Coming Up?

  • Add a blockout date in Planning Center Services.
  • You can enter blockouts up to a year in advance and adjust them later.

Can I serve on a week I wasn’t scheduled?

  • Absolutely! If you’re available, just show up, and we will find a place for you.

Can I choose which age group I work with?

  • Yes! You can request your preferred age group, or choose to serve where the need is greatest.
  • We do our best to honor your request, but occasionally we may need to reassign volunteers to maintain proper classroom coverage.

Where Do I Park?

  • All Z-Team members park in the JCPenney parking lot and take the shuttle or walk to church.
  • This keeps main parking free for our new visitors and one-service attendees.

What If I Want to Switch to a Different Z-Team?

  • We support finishing strong! 🏆
  • Talk with your team leader about your new calling.
  • Work with the Z-Kids Director to transition well.
  • Serve all previously accepted requests before moving.

What If I Want to Change My Serving Frequency?

  • Let your team lead & scheduler know ASAP.
  • They’ll adjust your serving preferences for future schedules.
  • Serve all previously accepted requests to ensure smooth coverage.

Do I Need a Background Check to Volunteer?

  • Yes! All Z-Team members over 18 must pass a background check before serving.
  • This is essential for protecting the safety of children and volunteers.

Safety & Security

Calling Parents During Service

Calling Parents During Service

If you need to contact a parent during service, follow this two-step process to ensure quick communication:

1. Send a Message

On the iPad roster, select the message icon next to the child’s name.

Select the parent(s) (or all listed parents) and send them a message.

2. Notify Life Safety

Immediately after sending the message, inform Life Safety that you need them

to communicate the child’s tag number to the ProPresenter operator.

Life Safety in the sanctuary will ensure the number is displayed on the screen

by communicating with the AV booth. If 10 minutes pass and the parent has not arrived, ask Life Safety to find a lead or the Z-Kids Director so we can call the parent directly or locate them. Please do not hesitate to find a lead earlier if needed.

Parents trust us to reach them quickly in case of an emergency, so let’s ensure we follow this process every time! 😊

What is the check-in/check-out procedure?

  • Parents receive a four-digit code that must match the child’s tag before they can leave.
  • If a parent loses their code, check-in can reprint it for them.
  • No child can leave without the correct matching code.

What are the bathroom procedures?

  • Follow the two-person rulealways escort a child to the restroom, but do not enter unless assistance is needed.
  • Only a female adult (18+) may enter if necessary, and must be accompanied by another team member who waits outside.
  • If an accident happens, wear gloves, clean up properly, and wash hands afterward.

Classroom Guidelines

What is the discipline policy?

  • 1st warning – Gently correct and redirect.
  • 2nd warning – Room lead/coordinator speaks with the child.
  • 3rd warning – The child is escorted to the check-in counter, and the parents are paged.

If a child is inconsolable, the room lead will notify the parents.

Automatic Pick-Up Policy

1. Hits someone

2. Throws something

3. Runs away

We are all about second chances! Children may return the following week if they agree not to repeat the behavior.

Z Kids Club

Who is Z-Kids Club for?

  • Z-Kids Club is a free play space for first through fifth graders whose parents are
  • Z-Team members attending one service and serving another.

How does it work?

After the Z-Kids service, parents will check their child out of Z-Kids and then into Z-Kids Club, letting the teacher know where they will be serving.

Z-Kids Club will end 30 minutes after service, allowing parents time to wrap up their responsibilities. Please pick up your child promptly.

Since there is no restroom in this space, parents should take their child between services.

Parents are encouraged to keep their phone nearby in case we need to reach them.

Opening & Closing Procedures

What Does a Typical Z-Kids Service Look Like?

A typical service varies slightly by classroom, but the general flow remains the same:

1 Volunteer Huddle at 8:20 AM for first service and 10:30 AM for second service.

2 Set up/reset classrooms & welcome children.

Free play time.

Worship & lesson (age-appropriate).

Snack time (for ages 6 and under).

Craft/discussion time.

Free play until pick-up.

📝 Each classroom has a service schedule to guide you through the specific age group’s needs.

Opening Procedures

0-1’s & VIP Room
Make cleaning solutions.

Put away clean snack & sippy cups.

Fill the water pitcher in the hallway.

Stock up on necessities.

Wipe down highchairs (soap & sanitizer).

Scan the room – everything in place & safe?

Turn on calm, welcoming music.

During Service

Check children in and out with a smile.

Ask parents if there are any care instructions.

Check all stickers for allergies.

Pick up toys left behind.

Keep the classroom tidy and children engaged.

45 minutes into service, enter the # of kids into the Headcounts app.

Closing Procedures

Put all toys back in place.

Wash snack/sippy cups & mouth toys.

Soap & sanitize all surfaces (counters, highchairs).

Vacuum both rooms (empty and plug back in when finished).

Lightly sanitize toys and mats.

Empty trash and replace with new bags.

Dump soap, sanitizer bottles & water pitcher.

Return the iPad to the charger.

Culture & Communication

How do we communicate as a team?

Band App – Used for team updates, scheduling changes, and community interaction.

Planning Center Online (PCO) – Check schedules and block out dates when

unavailable.

Z-Kids Phone Number – For urgent questions or updates, call or text 719-624-8899.If you have any other questions, reach out to your room lead or the Z-Kids Director. We’re so grateful for you and can’t wait to serve alongside you!