Registering a New Child
Walks through exactly what information Children's Ministry captures when you register a new child, including which fields are optional.
What gets captured
Registering a child collects first, middle, and last name, date of birth, gender, a profile photo, and an address, along with the class you're placing them in, this is the full record a Children's Ministry class or front-desk volunteer needs to identify and place a child correctly.
School details are optional
A school name and an education level can be added at registration, but neither is required, if a parent doesn't have that information handy at check-in, you can register the child now and fill in schooling details later from their record.
The education level field follows Ghana-style school stages, Creche, Nursery, Primary, JHS, SHS, so pick the stage that matches, not a grade number.
Best practice
Get the profile photo at registration whenever possible, it's the fastest way for volunteers who don't know every family by name to confirm they're handing a child off to the right guardian at pickup.
Related Articles
Linking a Guardian to a Child's Record
Covers how to attach a guardian who already has a Member record to a child, including recording the relationship between them.
Adding a Guardian Who Isn't Already a Member
Shows how to attach a guardian's name and phone number for someone who isn't in Sermfy yet, without creating a Member record.
Creating a Children's Ministry Class
Clarifies that a Children's Ministry class is just a Group with a special tag, created through the same Groups feature as any ministry.
Moving a Child to a Different Class
Walks through moving a child between classes and confirms their attendance history carries over intact.