EXP:Minikids is for preschoolers on Saturday evenings while their parents are attending the worship service. EXP:MiniKids is directed by Lisa Grant and split into two groups:
EXP:Minikids (infants to age 3) • The structure of Minikids is identical to Paramount’s present preschool Sunday School format, featuring activities, play, and a Bible lesson taught in a safe, secure environment by a trained staff of caring teachers.
EXP:45 (4- and 5-year-olds) • A similar structure to EXP:Kids, with a large-group, high-energy time of music, teaching, skits, games, and
more—followed by a small-group time in which children benefit
from a more Sunday School-like experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can come to EXP:Minikids?
EXP:Minikids is for infants through age 5, whose parents are attending the EXP worship service.
How are the classes separated?
We have separate Minikids classes for infants, 1- and 2-year-olds; and 3-year olds. Both 4- and 5-year-olds attend EXP:45s.
Does EXP:Minikids replace traditional Sunday School?
Yes. In fact, the younger classes use the same curriculum as Paramount’s Sunday School
classes for the same age-groups. Most of our Minikids teachers have
taught preschool-age Sunday School in the past, and strive to make this
experience just like it. EXP:45 is currently using a curriculum called 252 Basics, based on Luke 2:52. It teaches the children to understand three truths: 1. I need to make the right choice (wisdom); 2. I can trust God no matter what (faith); and 3. I should treat others the way I want to be treated (friendship).
What happens at EXP:Minikids?
From the moment your child enters the room, he or she will be greeted by a teacher determined to show the love of God to your child. For the approximately 75 minutes of your child’s time at EXP:Minikids, he or she will be told a Bible story or lesson, work on a related craft, eat a light snack, and have time to play and interact with friends. Older preschoolers will occasionally have a larger-format play time in our safe, secure Activity Center (right down the hall) or, weather-permitting, on our outdoor play equipment.
What happens at EXP:45s?
Children will experience a blend of high-energy, large-group activity and small-group interaction. We'll play games, learn a coordinated Bible lesson, talk about what the Bible says about that week's topic, sing songs related to that topic, and learn about themes like obedience, friendship, helping others, and trusting God.
Are preschoolers allowed to come to the regular “adult” worship time?
If necessary, yes. While we prefer that younger children attend EXP:Minikids so that their parents (and others) may worship without distractions, we realize that this is not always possible. EXP tries to be a grace-filled community, and if your infant or preschooler needs to attend the service with you, we certainly understand.
What is the security policy for EXP:Minikids?
We have a dedicated computer check-in security system in place as you enter our area. When parents bring their child(red) to EXP:Minikids and EXP:Kids, our software will print out a nametag and matching receipt. The child wears the nametag throughout the evening. His or her parents will need to present the receipt when they pick up each child, so that we may match the tag to the receipt.
Does EXP:Minikids ever need volunteers or extra workers?
Yes! We love volunteers. Whether you want to commit to working with us for one week a month, once a quarter, or for a month at a time, we’d love to have you. Your only responsibility will be to smile, interact with the kids, and make sure they know God loves them. It’s fun and easy — and we adults get just as much out of serving the kids as they receive from us.