Journeyland Kids
We offer an engaging and stimulating program for kids of all ages up to and including 5th grade, while those in 6th grade and older are invited into the worship gatherings. We refer to our kids program as Journeyland and as such, we believe the best way to engage kids is through an interactive format that encourages and enhances their own faith journeys. Journeyland includes activity-based learning centers, music and dance, and engagement with the same themes being taught in the larger worship gatherings. Our hope is that this will provide an opportunity for families to process their faith journeys together.
We are resolutely committed to security regarding our kids’ program. We perform multi-state criminal background checks on all of our Journeyland staff members, whom we refer to as “guides,” and also cross-check them against the Illinois State Police registry of known sex offenders. Further, we do not ever leave a child alone or unattended, and staff our kids programs with multiple workers. We also have a security monitor who will graciously but firmly direct unauthorized people away from the kids’ area.
If you decide to check your kids into Journeyland, you will find the check-in station immediately through the front door of Emmett’s at the hostess’ stand. At Redeemer, we utilize a secure online check-in system called KidCheck. The first time you check your kids in, you will be asked to fill out an online registration form covering contact info, allergies, etc., after which you will be given a key tag with a barcode, similar to what you might use at a grocery store or gym. You can use this key tag each time you visit Redeemer to access your family’s information and check your kids in to Journeyland. If you forget or lose your key tag, you can also use your 10-digit phone number, and can always ask for a replacement key tag, which will override any previously assigned tags. Each child will have a name tag printed at check-in with their names, your name, and a unique, randomly generated alpha-numeric code. A final tag will be printed for you, labeled “Guardian Receipt,” which will have the same alpha-numeric code as each child you have checked in. Please keep this receipt as you will need it in order to check your child out of Journeyland. We will not allow a child to be checked out of Journeyland without first confirming a match between your guardian receipt and their name tag. We enforce this policy even for those who have been attending Redeemer long enough to be recognized by the Journeyland staff. Please know that your child’s safety is of utmost concern to us, and we appreciate your respectful compliance with our policy.
*Journeyland Pre-Registration* One of the advantages of using a secure online check-in system is that it allows you to pre-register your children prior to visiting Redeemer. If you know you plan to visit, you can save time at your initial check-in by creating a KidCheck account online. Creating a KidCheck account is necessary to check your kids into Journeyland, whether it is done prior to your visit, or by using one of our computers at your first visit. To create your KidCheck account and pre-register your kids, visit https://go.kidcheck.com/signin.aspx?register=1. Registration is free and secure, and please be sure to enter Redeemer Church of Downers Grove in the box titled “Your Church/Daycare.” If you choose to pre-register, then when you visit Redeemer, simply let the check-in attendant know that you already have a KidCheck account, and provide them with one of the 10-digit phone numbers stored in your online profile. They will then be able to access your information and provide you with a key tag for future check-ins.
Regarding allergies, we provide a nut-free snack during the Journeyland program, and are happy to offer gluten-free alternatives as well. Following registration, your child’s allergy will be clearly indicated on his or her name tag so that our staff can make the appropriate accommodations. Please be sure to inform us of the severity of your child’s allergy on the initial questionnaire.
We embrace all children, including those with special needs. If your child has special needs, simply inform the Journeyland staff at registration. A number of our staff are either educators or former educators. They are highly capable and more than happy to assist your child in any way necessary for them to enjoy and engage with Journeyland.
If your child has a hard time being left in Journeyland, you are welcome to join him or her for as long as you feel necessary. Simply inform a Journeyland staff member of your intentions and you will be given a name tag authorizing you to join the program area. If after leaving your child he or she becomes upset to the degree that the Journeyland staff is unable to provide comfort, a staff member will come and notify you.
