Religion in the Daycare

[jec]

I have a bad habit of over thinking and saying too much.

Me too so I know where your coming from
I agree with the ladies and wouldn`t put it on your site or contract

[Inspired by Reggio]

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

Ok ~ Internet has decided to work this morning so here is my program philosophy statement ... it shares a very subtle mention of diversity as a value in the program to plant that seed for clients

Philosophy

As an educator I strive to create a program that comes alive daily with the joy and magic of new discoveries and possibilities; a small community where people can make meaningful and positive connections that last a lifetime; where we are surrounded by beautiful materials and resources that push us to new places; where we are given the time we need to explore, discover and create personal masterpieces that enrich our souls; where all our works and opinions are seen as valuable and recognized by others as worthy of admiration. Were diversity is not only supported but cultivated in each other; where we can reach a point where we not only respect one another but celebrate of our differences that make each of us unique. .......

In my nutrition section of my handbook I also have the following

Birthdays and other Special Occasions

Your child’s birthday is a very joyous occasion and deserves celebration! Children are always excited to share the celebration with their daycare friends – upcoming birthdays will be recorded on each family’s monthly ‘Events calendar’. Prior to the special day the birthday child will be able to select the nature of their birthday celebration from their special lunch and afternoon snack to any special activities they would like the day to entail (within given financial parameters of course ). We will make and prepare the afternoon snack for celebration day. Parents are encouraged to come in and join in the fun if able.

In addition at other times of the year children may be interested in sharing celebrations with their peers that are a part of their community and family life such as Christmas, Easter, Valentines, Kwanza, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, etc.

Families are encouraged to share their upcoming celebrations with me the month prior so they can be added to the monthly calendar. We will do our best to keep the programs celebrations with a focus on the food, music and costumes that might be a part of any of these celebrations and encourage families to share any favorite recipes, songs, etc to enhance children's learning about others within their community.

We will do our best to keep any faith based components of a celebration to basic information as religion is something best explored at home with family where parents are best able to deal with children's natural curiosity about our similarities and differences in a way that shows respect for others faith while supporting their own family faith and beliefs.

But as others mentioned this is not something you necessarily need in 'writing' and can be shared verbally during interviewing process ~ I just prefer it in writing to cover my ass because well so much is shared during the interview and contract signing that it is easier to 'forget' when it is only shared verbally as well as for them to interpret things differently based on 'memory' .... for me having it in writing allows them to a) absorb the info through more than one medium and b) avoids conflict cause it serves as a 'reminder' should a complaint arise later around this issue that yes indeed I DID share that diversity was a value in the program and cultural celebrations that may or may not bridge a faith based component were a part of the program so your child coming home with a question about Hanukkah or what not should not be a surprise as you were made aware of it prior to signing on

[sunnydays]

Reggio, I love your descriptions of your program! You definitely have a way with words I want to go to your daycare