Early Childhood
Birth–Preschool
We have unique ministries for every age group. In both a large group teaching time and in small groups, kids learn about the things God has done and how that applies to their lives today. And they have a lot of FUN!
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8:30am | 9:45am | 11:00am
Your child will be greeted by loving teachers as they head into their classrooms. They will hear a new Bible story each week and complete fun lessons that reinforce what they are learning.
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Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to us. All of our Early Childhood classrooms have restricted access that only allows scheduled volunteers who have passed a rigorous background check to have contact with your child. We would love to give you a tour at one of our designated times.
As parents, you want the best for your children—and we support you! Whether attending or volunteering, we invite you to be part of this journey with us.
Our Early Childhood program is a joyful, nurturing space where your little ones can grow in faith, friendship and fun. Children explore their faith through stories, play and hands-on activities. Our passionate team is dedicated to helping them build a strong foundation in their walk with God. Thank you for being part of our church family. I look forward to seeing you and your little ones soon!
–Joy Olberding, Early Childhood Director
Park Playdates:
Come hang out with us!
Meet us at different parks around town. Bring your own snack (if you’d like). No need to sign up—just come when you can!
MAY
15 – The Highlands Church
22 – The Highlands Church
29 – Peppermint Twist (11 AM–1 PM)
JUNE
5 – Lake Rebecca
12 – Lake Rebecca
19 – Lake Rebecca
26 – No Playdate (Join us at Superhero Camp at The Highlands instead! Consider signing up or volunteering.)
JULY
3 – No Playdate (Happy 4th of July!)
10 – Central Park
17 – Central Park
24 – Peppermint Twist (11 AM–1 PM)
31 – Central Park
AUGUST
7 – Barb King Park
14 – Barb King Park
For playdate reminders and updates, text “Park” to 763-445-1671
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For playdate reminders and updates, text “Park” to 763-445-1671 〰️
Buddy Program
Providing one-on-one care to children with special needs and creating opportunities for parents to worship while their children are cared for in a supportive and safe environment.
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Here at The Highlands, we care for each child and student within our Next Gen Ministry. Our Buddy Program helps every child and family feel cared for, regardless of how much care they need. A buddy helps make Sunday mornings and/or Wednesday nights more accessible and removes barriers by focusing on each individual child’s ability—not their disability. Not every child with special needs will need a buddy, nor will every buddy provide the exact same support. Buddies provide individualized care that is as special and unique as the child they are serving. Children with special needs worship and learn with kids in their age group. If a child becomes uncomfortable, our buddies will provide him or her with an alternative activity or a break.
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If you are interested in requesting a buddy for your child, simply fill out the registration form.
Child Dedication
The definition of dedication is a setting apart or being set apart for a sacred purpose. A child dedication is a public commitment you make before God, your family and your church. The dedication service provides you, the parents, the opportunity to express publicly your desire to lead and spiritually nurture your child to love God and others. Child dedication is not baptism. Baptism has to do with belief in Christ and repentance of sin and public confession of faith and commitment to Jesus.
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We dedicate children for their blessing and our encouragement, following the example of godly parents in the Bible. They publicly dedicated their children to God, because they understood that God had entrusted their children to their care. As a church, it is a joyful opportunity to publicly recognize a child as a gift from God and to stand with the parents to raise their child up for God, as He gives them grace.
The Bible tells us that Hannah dedicated Samuel with these words, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord”. (1 Samuel 1:27-28)
Mary and Joseph presented Jesus back to God in an act of worship and dedication, “When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him." (Luke 2:22-40)
We want to see this blessing be true for your child too. -
The act of dedicating a child to God was a common practice in Old and New Testament times. As believers in Christ, we dedicate children for many of the same reasons.
Baby Dedication is:
A joyful opportunity for parents to acknowledge God’s incredible blessing of children as a gift from God. (Psalm 127:3)
A formal recognition that the child belongs to God. (Psalm 24:1)
A public commitment on the part of the parents and body of Christ to teach God’s Word and encourage them in their spiritual development.
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We encourages baby/child dedication for children ages 3 and under.
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This is the easy part! We have several baby dedications throughout the year here at The Highlands.
To get more info and/or schedule your child's dedication! Please complete the Child Dedication Form
