Nursery

Caring for Our Littlest Hopesters 

Lutheran Church of Hope West Des Moines offers quality childcare from paid, background-checked staff during all weekend services for children ages 3 and under, beginning 15 minutes prior to worship. Because we seek to provide the best care possible for your children, we have different rooms available to fit each child’s needs.  

Kids excitedly walking into the nursery, being greeted by a volunteer

Nursery Availability and Groups

Nursery care is also available during some classes. Please check class details when registering on the calendar to ensure childcare is available. We ask that parents pick up children immediately following the end of worship and/or classes. The nursery will always close by 8:30 pm. 

Hope Minis Logo

Hope Minis

Hope Minis is for infants (ages 6 weeks through 1 year). Children in this room range from sitters, crawlers and early walkers. This room is in the front nursery, directly off the main entrance. 

Hope Toddlers Logo

Hope Toddlers

Hope Toddlers is for toddlers (age 2) who are walking but not yet potty-training. This class is held in Room 210 on the upper level down the hallway from the front nursery. 

Pre HopeKids

Pre-Hope Kids

Pre-HopeKids is for children ages 2½-3 who are working on potty-training. Here we provide a more structured environment to pique the interest of this busy age group and prepare them for HopeKids! This class is held in Room 208 on the upper level down the main hallway. 

What to Know

Checking In 
Children should be checked in at the computers located in the main entrance, and dropped off and picked up in their classroom. Staff and volunteers can help direct you to where you need to go depending on if it is for weekend worship or a weekday class.  
 
When you check in, you will be asked to enter a phone number in case an issue arises (sickness, behavior, etc.). Typically, nursery staff will try to console a child for 20 minutes; however, if the child can’t be calmed, you will be called to pick up your child.  

Illness 
Please keep your child home or with you if they are experiencing the following: 

  • Fever, vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours 
  • Runny nose with any colored discharge 
  • Sore throat 
  • Contagious diseases, skin rashes or infections (e.g., hand, foot and mouth; impetigo; chickenpox, etc.) 
  • Any infection that has not been treated with antibiotics (e.g., strep throat or pink eye) 
  • Lice 

If your child develops any symptoms while in the nursery’s care, you will be called to pick up your child. 
 
Food 
Because a number of children in our care have food allergies, we don’t allow any food items with peanut or tree nut products. Meals are not offered; however, the nursery does provide Goldfish crackers or Cheerios for snacks. You will be asked if your child can have these snacks when you check in. If they can’t, you may leave your own snacks. 
 
Diapers  
Please leave a bag with any personal items you think your child may need during care, including diapers. Please be sure to label items with your child’s first and last name. 
 
Donations 
Donations are always welcome to help sustain this ministry! Donations of Goldfish crackers, diapers and toys are happily accepted. 

Baby feet next to a colorful toy

Group of kids smiling in the nursery

A wide shot of the colorful nursery space

Woman holding a baby, feeding him/her a bottle

Child playing near colorful mats

Child playing with toys on a colorful rug

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SaraSchultz

Sara Schultz