What Churches Use to Check In Kids (and How to Set Up Your Check-In Area)
Posted by ChurchBanners.com on 9th Nov 2026
Kids check-in is where parents decide whether they feel good about leaving their children with your team. A smooth check-in takes two things: a system that keeps kids safe, and a check-in area families can find right away. Here's what churches use to check in kids, how the process usually works, and how to set up a check-in station that's easy to spot.
What Do Churches Use to Check In Kids?
Most churches use check-in software that runs on a tablet or computer at a kiosk and prints name labels. A few popular options:
- Planning Center Check-Ins: part of the Planning Center church management system. It's free for up to 10 check-ins a day, and paid plans are priced by how many check-ins you have on Sunday.
- KidCheck: software built only for children's check-in. Plans are listed at $25, $45 or $60 a month for one check-in station, with unlimited-station options available. It works alongside several church management systems.
- Church management systems with check-in built in: many all-in-one systems, such as Pushpay, include a check-in tool with security tags and allergy notes on name tags.
Prices and features change, so check each company's website for current plans. If you're a smaller church, paper sign-in sheets with matching numbered tags still work. The important part is having a consistent way to match each child to the adult who picks them up.
How Kids Check-In Usually Works
- Check in: parents check in at a kiosk or with a volunteer. Many systems also let families check in from a phone app before they arrive.
- Print labels: the system prints a name label for each child, often with allergy notes, and a matching security label for the parent.
- Drop off: the child wears their label to class, and the parent keeps the security label.
- Pick up: the teacher matches the parent's security label to the child's label before releasing the child.
- Lost label: parents go back to the check-in station, where a volunteer can print a new one.
Set Up a Check-In Area Families Can Find
Ministry leaders agree on a few basics: make check-in easy to find, mark it clearly with signs, and give first-time families their own spot with a friendly volunteer. Here's what churches use to do that.
Outside: Kids Sidewalk Signs
A kids sidewalk sign on the walkway points families to the right entrance before they even reach the door. Kids sandwich signs are $199–$249, and replacement inserts are $49.
At the Station: Kids Check-In Retractables
Kids check-in retractable banners are designed to help families find your check-in stations. Each one is $149 with a 33" x 77" fabric insert on a silver aluminum base. Stand one at each kiosk, or one at the first-time guest table.
On the Table: Kids Table Throws and Podium Counters
- Kids table throws, like the Kids Check-In Table Throw (TT224), turn any 6ft or 8ft table into a check-in station. They're $169–$229, printed on washable 7oz polyester, and come 3 sided (open back) or 4 sided (closed back) to hide supplies.
- The Kids Check-In Podium Popup Counter ($449) is a free-standing printed counter that turns any open spot in your lobby into a check-in station.
On the Wall: Kids Check-In Banners
Indoor kids ministry banners mark the check-in area from down the hall. They're printed on 100% polyester fabric with pole pockets or grommets, in sizes from 18" x 60" up to 4' x 12'.
Tips for a Smoother Sunday
- Have a separate first-time family spot. New families need a few extra minutes to enter their information. A separate table keeps the regular line moving.
- Train a "host" volunteer. One person who greets families, explains the process and walks them to the classroom makes a big difference.
- Post your pickup process. Let parents know they'll need their security label to pick up.
- Test your printers before every service. Keep extra label rolls at the station.
Every design is free to customize with your kids ministry name and logo
Kids Check-In Retractables | Kids Table Throws | Kids Sidewalk Signs | Kids Wall Banners
Want help planning your kids check-in area? Call us at (888) 453-0060 or email support@churchbanners.com.