Last updated: December 2025
Written by: Kidddo team; with 10+ years working with churches and child check-in systems

Setting up a church check-in kiosk doesn’t need to be complicated, technical, or expensive.

Whether you’re serving a small children’s ministry or a growing church with multiple classrooms, the right check-in station setup can dramatically improve safety, reduce lines, and make families feel confident from the moment they arrive.

This guide walks you through how to set up a church check-in kiosk step by step - including software, hardware, layout tips, and optional label printing - in a way that works for real churches with real volunteers.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Church Check-In Kiosk?

2. Why Churches Use Check-In Stations

3. What You Need to Set Up a Church Check-In Kiosk

4. Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Church Check-In Station

5. Label Printing vs Paperless Check-In

6. Best Placement for Check-In Kiosks

7. Common Church Check-In Questions (FAQ)

8. Final Thoughts

What Is a Church Check-In Kiosk?

A church check-in kiosk is a self-serve station - usually a tablet or computer - that allows parents or volunteers to securely check children into church programs.

Most modern children’s ministry check-in kiosks use:

• A tablet or computer

• Check-in software running in kiosk mode

• Optional printers for name labels or receipts

In simple terms: a check-in kiosk helps churches track attendance, verify authorized pickups, and keep kids safe - without slowing families down.

Why Churches Use Check-In Stations

Churches use check-in stations because they solve three common problems:

1. Faster Check-Ins

Parents can check kids in themselves or with light volunteer assistance, reducing long Sunday lines.

2. Better Child Safety

Secure check-in systems help ensure children are released only to approved guardians.

3. Less Volunteer Stress

Clear workflows mean volunteers don’t need to remember names, rooms, or policies.

A well-configured church check-in kiosk improves both safety and experience - without adding complexity.

What You Need to Set Up a Church Check-In Kiosk

1. Check-In Software with Kiosk Mode

Look for software that offers a true kiosk mode, meaning:

• The device is locked to the check-in screen

• Users can’t access other apps or settings

• The flow is simple and guided

This is essential for churches where volunteers and parents may rotate weekly.

2. A Device (Tablet or Computer)

Most churches use:

• iPads or Android tablets

• Laptops or desktop computers (for staffed check-in stations)

The key is consistency - the device should stay dedicated to check-in only.

3. Optional Label Printer

If you want physical name tags, you’ll need a label printer.

Common uses for printed labels:

• Child name + classroom

• Security pickup codes

• Allergy notes

(We’ll cover whether you actually need label printing below.)

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Church Check-In Station

Step 1: Create Your Check-In Flow

Decide:

• Who checks kids in? (parents vs volunteers)

• What information is required? (name, phone, allergies)

• Do you want printed labels or digital receipts?

Start simple - you can always add fields later.

Step 2: Enable Kiosk Mode

Enable kiosk mode on your device so:

• The screen stays on the check-in app

• Accidental exits are prevented

• Volunteers don’t need technical knowledge

This keeps check-in fast and consistent every week.

Step 3: Test the Full Check-In Experience

Before Sunday:

• Run test check-ins

• Print sample labels (if enabled)

• Walk through the process as a first-time visitor

If someone unfamiliar with the system can check in without help, you’re ready.

Label Printing vs Paperless Check-In

Churches often ask: Do we need printed labels?

The answer depends on your ministry size and preferences.

Option 1: Label Printing

Best for churches that want:

• Visible name tags

• Matching pickup codes

• Allergy indicators

Printed labels can increase confidence, especially for newer families.

Option 2: Paperless (SMS or Digital Receipts)

Best for churches that want:

• Less equipment

• Faster setup

• Minimal volunteer oversight

Digital check-in receipts sent by text can fully replace physical labels for many ministries.

A flexible church check-in system lets you switch between printed labels and paperless check-in as your needs change.

Where to Place Your Church Check-In Kiosk

Location matters more than most churches expect.

Best practices:

• Place kiosks before hallways or classrooms

• Keep them visible, well-lit, and uncluttered

• Leave space for brief queues

If possible, use multiple check-in stations rather than one crowded desk.

Common Church Check-In Questions (FAQ)

How many check-in stations does a church need?

Most churches start with one station per 30–50 children, depending on arrival patterns.

Can parents check kids in themselves?

Yes. Self-serve check-in kiosks reduce volunteer workload and speed up arrivals. Some check-in systems also allow for parents to check kids in via their own mobile phones.

What if a church doesn’t want printers?

Paperless check-in using SMS receipts works well for many children’s ministries and eliminates printer issues entirely.

Is check-in software difficult to set up?

Modern systems are designed for non-technical users. Most churches can set up a basic check-in kiosk in under an hour.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple

The best church check-in kiosk setup is the one volunteers understand, parents trust, and kids barely notice.

You don’t need:

• Complicated hardware

• Technical expertise

• Long training sessions

You do need:

• Clear workflows

• Simple screens

• Flexible options as your ministry grows

If you want a system that supports kiosk mode, optional label printing, and paperless check-in - without complexity - that’s exactly what Kidddo was built for.