Religion in the Daycare

[BlueRose]

I have had a few parents ask if I bring religion into my daycare. I am thinking about adding a not about religion on my website and in my contract so parents will know where I stand on the subject. I am just not sure how to word it. this is what I have so far:

Religion in the Daycare

My Daycare DOES NOT teach about Religion. I feel that religion is personal and should be taught by the parents. We will still be enjoying the non-religious aspects of : Christmas, such as Santa Clause, Christmas trees, Santa's Reindeer, Giving, etc.
Easter, such as the Easter Bunny, Easter Eggs, etc
Halloween, such as Dressing Up in costumes, Enjoying a small amount of candy, and reading scary stories.
Thanksgiving, such as being Thankful, Turkeys, etc.

We will also enjoying stories, songs, arts and crafts, and other activities for the following:
Valentines Day
Ground Hogs Day
Canada Day
New Years
Mother/Fathers Day

Any thoughts on this?

[apples and bananas]

I don't know if it's something that you need to put in your policies. I would probably just address the questions as they come. Sometimes we give too much information on our websites and I'm not sure this is a "policy"

I do have some religion in my daycare. We go to church, my children will watch movies that tell bible stories and there is stuff around my house that would be considered religious. I always ask in the interview if there are any special religious needs. That usually tells me where they stand. Then I let them know that their child will be exposed as this is part of my day to day life. But nothing will be pushed or "taught" to them. That's the parents job, not mine... when it comes to religion.

[BlueRose]

I don't know if it's something that you need to put in your policies. I would probably just address the questions as they come. Sometimes we give too much information on our websites and I'm not sure this is a "policy"

You might be right. I have a bad habit of over thinking and saying too much.

[Inspired by Reggio]

I agree that "religion" is a personal family thing to be taught - therefore I do not "teach" it in my curriculum however if families are religious or of faith it is going to come up in any program that has verbal children - it is a part of their lives .... I am not on my computer but phone otherwise I would copy and paste to share my statement about my curriculum and how it supports diversity of culture and diversity around different views on the world ... I encourage the children to discuss and share about their celebrations at home be it Xmas or Kwanzaa ... however we do our best to leave the "biblical" reference to a minimum and stick to more of the cultural aspects of these celebrations - food, songs, clothing wore or whatnot.

[Littledragon]

I know that when it comes up often in interviews, and it's a touchy subject, it's easy to want to put it in your policies so that you don't have to "deal" with it. But I think AandB is right. I've never had this brought up before, is this common, that parents bring up religion? Have you been asked to celebrate/not celebrate something? Weird. I don't know what I would do. I'm catholic, but I don't really push it. I don't have anything in my home that would show that I am catholic, but I do celebrate all the holidays. Hmmm...food for thought.

[Inspired by Reggio]

BTW - I do think that IF relgion is a part of the actual curriculum that needs to be shared with perspective clients ...some clients would be upset if their child was being taught about a faith they did not share ....we had an issue in centre care because a part of the ritual for meal time was to say thanks for the food and at the end the little poem said "amen" and well a clients kid tried to do it at home for supper and the parent was livid we were teaching the kid to "pray" .... not being religious myself it had not really seemed like a prayer to ME but more of a little song to let the kids know it was time to eat ... just an example of how sharing practices in program can help alleviate conflict ... we just took the amen part out of the song as well as any reference to the lord and created a song that allowed everyone to participate in the ritual without impeding anyone's religious beliefs.

[Cocoon]

I dont teach or do religious stuff at home. It is their parents job. Right now the kids i look after are small and even if i do they wouldnt understand anyway. And I don't plan to celebrate any religious occasions when they grow up. The kids I have right now comes from different nationality and I do not know whether their parents practices, follow any religion. I only celebrate Mothers, fathers day, birthdays and any non religious events. I believe it is very sensitive subject and I do not want to offend! Anyone.

[Momof4]

Valerie, I do agree with you that religion should be taught at home. I do know a lady who runs a very Christian daycare and she attracts her clients because of that, but we don't talk about it at my daycare either. It's exactly as you described with the fun kiddie version of holidays.

However, I don't think I'd put it in my contract or on my website. But I check with families when they are signing the contract to ask them if they are alright with us celebrating all the holidays and birthdays so that I'm respectful of the parent's wishes.

[BlueRose]

I am not on my computer but phone otherwise I would copy and paste to share my statement about my curriculum and how it supports diversity of culture and diversity around different views on the world ... I encourage the children to discuss and share about their celebrations at home be it Xmas or Kwanzaa ... however we do our best to leave the "biblical" reference to a minimum and stick to more of the cultural aspects of these celebrations - food, songs, clothing wore or whatnot.

I would love to read your statement on diversity and culture. I think that's what I am really looking for.

[BlueRose]

My husband and I are not really religious, which is why I want to stay away from religion in my daycare. But we do enjoy the holidays and want your children to enjoy them as well.

I also want to teach my children about accepting others for who they are and not by the colour of there skin, their beliefs or where they come from.