Ideas to support early years development, ministry in church and thriving church toddler groups.
Early Years Ministry Learning Community
According to the Talking Toddlers research, 40% of practicing Christians came to faith under the age of 5 yet ministry to 0-5 year olds is often hidden or on the fringes of church life. The early years are a critical time of development and growth for children including their faith formation and churches can wrap around families to provide support and encouragement to nurture faith in Jesus. Whether you’re creating children’s corners in church, running creche or Sunday groups, volunteering at toddler groups or baby groups, this learning community aims to gather people across the diocese interested in developing their early years ministry to pray together, learn from one another and be inspired. To view upcoming events, please click here.
Resources
Welcoming 0-5’s and their families into church
Parenting for Faith’s Nurturing Babies and Toddlers Spiritual Lives book
Oxford Brain Story – building brains for life long health; information and vocabulary to help caregivers in early years development
Baptism/Christening support and advice
How to set up a Church Toddler Group Guide
Big Bible Storybook Toddler Group Curriculum from the Diocese of York. Session material: Autumn Term 1 Spring Term 1 Autumn Term 2
Little Seeds - ideas for bringing a Christian message to your toddler group using secular books from the Diocese of Worcester
Starting School - Goodbye booklet
Saving Creation – What a Wonderful World Toddler group curriculum
Playtime – Care for the Family Toddler group conference and resources
1277 Network website and Facebook page - National network of church-based toddler groups
Toddler Group Partnership Guidance - Advice and guidance for churches considering partnering with external organisations to run a toddler group