Introduction

As a church leader or volunteer, you know how important it is to keep kids safe during services or events. A check-in station for your children’s ministry can make this process smooth, simple, and secure - no tech expertise required.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to set up a church check-in station that’s easy to use, keeps kids safe, and helps your team focus on what really matters - welcoming families and sharing your ministry.

Why Every Church Needs a Check-In Station

If you’re wondering whether a check-in system is worth it, here’s why it’s a must-have:

• Safety First: Make sure each child is checked in and picked up by the right person using secure pick-up codes.

• Simple and Organized: Track attendance, manage personal information, and monitor room capacity without extra paperwork or confusion.

• Welcoming for Families: A smooth check-in process shows parents you care about their kids’ safety and their time.

• Support for Volunteers: Give your volunteers an easy system so they can focus on welcoming families, not managing chaos.

The Essentials for Your Check-In Station

You don’t need a complex setup to get started. Here’s what you’ll need to create an efficient and secure system:

1. Easy-to-Use Church Management Software

The right software makes all the difference. Look for a tool like Kidddo.com that is simple and secure:

• Parents can check their kids in using a mobile app or phone number.

• Each child gets a printed name tag with a unique pick-up code for added safety.

• You can track attendance and monitor room capacity in real-time for every church event or Sunday school class.

• Can be customized to suit the needs of your church.

2. A Few Basic Tools

You don’t need a lot of equipment—just the essentials:

• Tablet or Laptop: For parents to check their kids in quickly and securely.

• Printer: To print labels with the child’s name and pick-up code.

• Signage: Clear instructions to guide families to the right spot.

3. Trained Volunteers

Your team doesn’t need to be tech-savvy. Make sure they:

• Know how to check kids in and answer questions about the check-in station or process.

• Understand how to handle pick-up security and protect personal information.

• Are ready to help first-time visitors feel welcome and confident with the system.

Tips for a Simple and Stress-Free Check-In Process

1. Test Your System Beforehand

Before your next Sunday service or event, double-check that your system is working. Make sure your tablet, printer, and internet connection (if required) are all set up and ready to go.

2. Highlight Security Features

Parents want to know their kids are safe. Emphasize key features, such as:

• Unique pick-up codes on each child’s label.

• Background checks for all staff and volunteers.

• Restricted access to sensitive information about the kids in your care.

3. Plan for First-Time Visitors

Make it easy for new families to get started:

• Dedicate a volunteer to walk them through the check-in process.

• Set up a separate area for first-time visitors to avoid slowing down the main line.

• Be patient and reassuring - they’ll appreciate the extra care!

4. Keep it Simple

Start small with just the basics. A reliable church check-in station doesn’t have to be complicated - focus on making it super easy to understand are use. This ensures kids are safe and parents feel confident.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Ministry

Setting up your children’s ministry check-in station doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. For as little as $13/month, tools like Kidddo offer everything you need to:

• Manage check-ins through a mobile app or kiosk.

• Print labels with secure pick-up codes for every child.

• Track attendance for Sunday school or any church event.

• Keep all personal information secure.

Plus, it’s designed to be simple, so you can get started quickly—even if technology isn’t your strong suit.

Final thoughts

A safe and simple check-in station is an essential part of any children’s ministry. It helps your church provide a secure environment for kids, gives parents peace of mind, and ensures your volunteers can focus on what truly matters—welcoming families to your church.

Start with the basics, prioritize safety, and create a system that works for your church. One easy-to-use check-in solution can make all the difference. See what features Kidddo has to offer.