Parent Pager FAQs

 

1. Why do we need security and a new security system?

We need a security system for the protection of our children and our church, to elevate new parents' sense that our Children's Ministry is a "safe place" for their children, to add photo ID tags for children and parents, to focus more effectively on children and their needs, and for teachers to receive a check-in slip for each child that includes all relevant care and medical information for each child.

2. Is the use of computers impersonal?

No. While at first you may fear that using computers to check in children may be a cold, impersonal process, you will soon experience that Parent Pager truly enables our caregivers and teachers to focus more effectively on your child's needs.

3. I have no computer skills. Will I be able to learn how to do this?

Yes. Touch screen monitors decrease user anxiety for persons without basic computer skills while at the same time increasing user speed. In addition, there will be a Parent Pager attendant right there to help you if needed.

4. What is the main advantage of using Parent Pager?

Photo-identification is central to the security features. Photo ID is used on check-in and check-out slips. All authorized guardians permitted to claim a child will be pictured on the child's check-out slip. Photos will be required for all children and parents. For Express Check-in a Proximity ID (Prox ID) card is provided at no charge to families. Additional cards can be purchased at $5.00 each. The Prox ID cards can be stored in purses or wallets and do not have to be removed to be scanned. Scanning the Prox ID card automatically calls up the information needed for check-in and check-out. A Key-chain version of the proximity card is available for $5 each.

5. How will Parent Pager help communication with parents?

Each family with a baby or toddler will receive a text pager so that we can communicate any needs that may arise. Pagers will always be provided for our visitors with preschoolers of any age.

6. Will I be able to receive a page anywhere in the facility?

Yes. The pagers are "premise pagers." They will receive a page anywhere on the church premises.

7. How much longer will this system take for me to check in my child?

Once you have your photos taken, a staffed terminal can check in a child within 15 seconds. A self-express terminal can check in a child as quickly as 5 seconds with the use of a Prox ID card.

8. I already have a pager. Can I use it instead of the premise pagers?

Not at this time. We hope to make this feature available in the future. Until then, we will use the premise pagers.

9. What happens if I lose my pager?

If you lose the pager, you will need to go to Welcome Center in the preschool building where they will verify that you checked in the child and you are authorized to pick up the child. If the pager is not found, a replacement charge of $100 will be assessed.

10. Will visitors have to use the Parent Pager system?

Yes. If they have a child in kindergarten or younger, they will use this security system. It only takes a minute to do a quick registration of the entire family. Once the data entry is complete, they can use the express check-in station like everyone else.

11. Do I need to check out my children on Parent Pager?

Our staff will allow you to pick up children if you are authorized on the check-in form. Once your child has been picked up, the leader will put your check-in form in the "out" box.

12. If I have a problem with Parent Pager, who will be available to help me?

There will be a Parent Pager station that will be staffed with a volunteer attendant to assist you. If no one is available to assist you, please speak to one of the nursery or Sunday School staff.

13. What happens if Parent Pager goes down during a service hour?

We will revert back to a manual check-in/check-out system.

14. How do I add other authorized individuals to the system?

Please go to the staffed Parent Pager station located in the nursery reception area one the first floor of Building B in front of the nursery suite with that authorized individual. Our trained volunteer staff will be able to take a picture of the authorized individual and add the information to the system regarding the household. 15. What happens if I forget to bring my Prox ID card?Don't worry, your picture and information are already in the system. Please go to the staffed Check-in Station in the preschool building and someone will be available to help you.

16. What happens if I lose my Prox ID card?

There will be a fee of $5 to replace lost cards.

17. What if I want additional Prox ID cards?

They can be purchased for $5 each.

18. How do I check in a child (friend of son/daughter) who is visiting without a parent?

Please go to the staffed Parent Pager station located in the preschool building where the visiting child will be added to the system with the host parents as guardians.

19. Who will receive a pager each week?

Parents of children in the nursery area and visitors will receive one pager per family.