Religion

[Heidi]

I do not advertise as a Christian childcare, however, I do include religious aspects in our holiday celebrations. Parents are fully aware of my beliefs when enrolling.

I am accepting and tolerant of others' beliefs and would definitely try to include those beliefs if asked to do so.

I do talk openly with the children about God but it isn't a lesson or topic that we teach. It is just a who I am.

THis is also what I do. It is in my handbook, as well. While I am a Christian, I insist that in this house the all religions are respected. If it comes up, I encourage tolerance. I do not, for instance, allow them to call everything "gay"...as in..."I hate that hat, it's gay". I grew up in a big city, but now live in a smaller, more traditional town. My children have had to learn a different kind of tolerance, believe me!

[dave4him]

Well im in the Bible belt so that helps But yes of course ill be upfront with my parents and i am not opposed to teaching about other religious beliefs and systems... kind of have to if you want to talk about other cultures and history anyway!

[Blackcat31]

THis is also what I do. It is in my handbook, as well. While I am a Christian, I insist that in this house the all religions are respected. If it comes up, I encourage tolerance. I do not, for instance, allow them to call everything "gay"...as in..."I hate that hat, it's gay". I grew up in a big city, but now live in a smaller, more traditional town. My children have had to learn a different kind of tolerance, believe me!

I am the same for the opposite reason.

I live in a small traditional community where I have had zero exposure to other religions and beliefs but do think that if the children in my care are going to grow up and move away to other parts of the state, country and/or world, it would be beneficial to them to learn tolerance, acceptance and understanding in their early formative years. Especially given the fact that the world is becoming more diverse as we speak (or type) and knowing how to include and respect others is an important thing to learn.

I recently took a World Religions class as a Humanities elective course in college and was really surprised that most religions have more in common than not. It was an eye opener and VERY helpful in learning to be understanding about where others are coming from.

[Oneluckymom]

I just enrolled my first...its an infant girl 4mo old However, should I enroll a preschooler I have a "non sectarian approach" and celebrate the seasons rather. This allows me to include all the children. For example, some children wouldn't know who Santa Claus is, because they dont celebrate Christmas in their home (Im in Cali we are very diverse here) This is in my handbook. I just believe that everyone approaches religion in a different way.

But I would surely suggest outlining your daily program in your handbook and include your topic on religion.

[familyschoolcare]

I use the word Christian in my contract title. Also, I give the pre-school and Kinder children a picture to color during homework club once a week it is a bible verse page. At this time I do not have any that do not go to school.

[Sprouts]

Good
SO putting my Biblical Studies degree on the wall next to my welcome sign should do the trick

As part of my "Getting to know you form" I write

Because we are a Christian household, God/Jesus may be a topic that may come up. Is this okay with you?
( )Yes ( )No

[joy]

oy vay

I am astonished! Unless you indicate that the program is religious, and descibe what you use to incorporate religion into the curriculum, what your goals are, and it is written on your website, handbook, and parents know exactly who you are, you are completely out of line. How can you talk about G-d or use prayers because you believe in it? As someone said, do you know what the families practice at home? It is not the job of the early childhood provider to use religion or prayer in the classroom. In fact, I would report a center who implements such practice because it is on the verge of being abusive.

This is the job of family. If a family seeks a program that teaches a certain religion, they enroll the child in a religious program.

It's about the children, not about what owners or directors believe. They took the bible readings out of the public schools a long, long time ago. How disrespecful to assume such nonsense!!!!

[Blackcat31]

I am astonished! Unless you indicate that the program is religious, and descibe what you use to incorporate religion into the curriculum, what your goals are, and it is written on your website, handbook, and parents know exactly who you are, you are completely out of line. How can you talk about G-d or use prayers because you believe in it? As someone said, do you know what the families practice at home? It is not the job of the early childhood provider to use religion or prayer in the classroom. In fact, I would report a center who implements such practice because it is on the verge of being abusive.

This is the job of family. If a family seeks a program that teaches a certain religion, they enroll the child in a religious program.

It's about the children, not about what owners or directors believe. They took the bible readings out of the public schools a long, long time ago. How disrespecful to assume such nonsense!!!!

I completely disagree with this statement. I think it is our right as self employed business owners to teach, care and operate as we see fit according to our beliefs and morals. Daycare is NOT public education. Government can only dictate to me the safety of the children in my care NOT my beliefs and practices!

Teaching religion to families who voluntarily enroll in childcare is a wonderful way to share traditions, cultural beliefs and family values with these children I would hardly call it borderline abusive.

FWIW~ I wouldn't bring my child to a daycare that didn't share my family values and beliefs. How disrespectful to be so harsh to someone who simply does things differently and doesn't share your beliefs.

It IS the job of the child care provider to teach tolerance, acceptance and understanding of ALL religions, practices and cultural differences.
No one way is right or wrong.

[momofsix]

I am astonished! Unless you indicate that the program is religious, and descibe what you use to incorporate religion into the curriculum, what your goals are, and it is written on your website, handbook, and parents know exactly who you are, you are completely out of line. How can you talk about G-d or use prayers because you believe in it? As someone said, do you know what the families practice at home? It is not the job of the early childhood provider to use religion or prayer in the classroom. In fact, I would report a center who implements such practice because it is on the verge of being abusive.

This is the job of family. If a family seeks a program that teaches a certain religion, they enroll the child in a religious program.

It's about the children, not about what owners or directors believe. They took the bible readings out of the public schools a long, long time ago. How disrespecful to assume such nonsense!!!!

I'm having a hard time understanding what astonishes you?

I haven't seen anyone sneaking in prayer or talking about God, but maybe I missed something?

[Heidi]

I am astonished! Unless you indicate that the program is religious, and descibe what you use to incorporate religion into the curriculum, what your goals are, and it is written on your website, handbook, and parents know exactly who you are, you are completely out of line. How can you talk about G-d or use prayers because you believe in it? As someone said, do you know what the families practice at home? It is not the job of the early childhood provider to use religion or prayer in the classroom. In fact, I would report a center who implements such practice because it is on the verge of being abusive.

This is the job of family. If a family seeks a program that teaches a certain religion, they enroll the child in a religious program.

It's about the children, not about what owners or directors believe. They took the bible readings out of the public schools a long, long time ago. How disrespecful to assume such nonsense!!!!

Umm..abusive? Were there going to be rulers involved here?

[KBCsMommy]

Holy Cow did someone take a wrong turn somewhere!!!!

Thank God parents can choose who their daycare provider is!! And its every providers choice how much of the Lords word they incorporate into their daycare!

Its not Abusive at all its a business!! Not a public school!!

[dave4him]

Not a public school!!

I love America

[Meyou]

I'm a total non-believer and I advertise that fact the same as believers on this thread seem to be doing in their PRIVATE businesses. I really don't understand how astonishment comes into play. If everyone is upfront and vocal about their program then everyone wins.

There are arabic and mormon daycares here and I have as little problem with their establishments as I do with every Christian preschool in a church basement or Chirstian daycare in a private home.

Would I send my children to a daycare that has Christian fundamentals and teachings? No. But I also wouldn't send them to an uppity preschool in Mcmansion, Suburbia because it simply doesn't jive with how we roll.

[dave4him]

Same goes with any school system daycare system really. Parents should always be aware of what the kids will be learning. Too often they dont

[Country Kids]

Same goes with any school system daycare system really. Parents should always be aware of what the kids will be learning. Too often they dont

Did I hear an AMEN!!!! Not only in a school system daycare but also what your child is learning in school.