Default Style Register
Daycare.com Forum
Curriculum>Religion
dave4him 08:58 PM 10-16-2011
Do you include religion into your daily plan? Do you let the parents know in advance that you will be using prayer and the Bible during your teaching and story time? I am a believer and believe there can be no other way for me to direct my steps as a care giver if it does not include the Word daily.
Reply
Country Kids 09:19 PM 10-16-2011
It's in my name and if that doesn't grab the attention what will. We read, pray, and sing songs and all of my parents are fully aware of this.
Reply
Meyou 01:21 AM 10-17-2011
I don't do anything related to religion. Even for holidays that have Christian origins we stick to the "commercial" version for our little parties, crafts and stories. Santa and snowmen at Christmas, bunnies and colored eggs at easter.
Reply
Rachel 04:15 AM 10-17-2011
Yes, I am considered a religious daycare, so I do on the level of the kids (now I have a very young group, oldest is only 16 months).
Reply
Cat Herder 04:26 AM 10-17-2011
I do some Religious Reference. Joy, Thankfulness, Hope, Giving and Faith.

Nothing you would not find in The Children's Living Bible, though.

I have no intention of giving the kids nightmares, paranoia and an inferiority complex like my old Preacher did. Wow, that man was scary (Southern Baptist).

The new Children's Church Leaders must feel the same way.The Church has since had a major overhaul.
Reply
momofsix 06:14 AM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by dave4him:
Do you include religion into your daily plan? Do you let the parents know in advance that you will be using prayer and the Bible during your teaching and story time? I am a believer and believe there can be no other way for me to direct my steps as a care giver if it does not include the Word daily.
We pray before meals, a little prayer song. We do the Christian meanings for holidays like Christmas and Easter. We sing some "Sunday school" type songs. We always talk about how God made them special, how God "paints" the sky, how God makes pumpkins grow...
Most of my families know me before they became my dc families,they either know me personally or were referred to me. My dh is a pastor, so they came in with the assumption that the kids would be learning about Jesus
At this time I don't do Bible stories every day, but I have gone through a Children's Bible or a children's devotional with some groups of older kids.
Reply
KEG123 06:48 AM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by Meyou:
I don't do anything related to religion. Even for holidays that have Christian origins we stick to the "commercial" version for our little parties, crafts and stories. Santa and snowmen at Christmas, bunnies and colored eggs at easter.
this

And as a parent/"non-believer", I'd be SUPER Po'd if my provider did not tell me that prayer/religious teachings would be included.
Reply
Blackcat31 07:02 AM 10-17-2011
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.
Reply
momofsix 07:33 AM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by KEG123:
this

And as a parent/"non-believer", I'd be SUPER Po'd if my provider did not tell me that prayer/religious teachings would be included.
Of course a provider should be upfront about that! No question about it!
Reply
Cat Herder 07:38 AM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by momofsix:
Of course a provider should be upfront about that! No question about it!
That is a given.

My daycare name clues them in to my child care philosophy.
Reply
KBCsMommy 09:20 AM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by dave4him:
Do you include religion into your daily plan? Do you let the parents know in advance that you will be using prayer and the Bible during your teaching and story time? I am a believer and believe there can be no other way for me to direct my steps as a care giver if it does not include the Word daily.
Thats wonderful that you feel that way and lots of providers include bilble teachings. But please make sure your dcp are aware that you will be including prayers and daily lessons from the bible.

I purposely put my child in a non religious preschool (almost every preschool here is associated with a church) and I would be upset if my ds came home saying we prayed in school, because its my job as a mother to teach him or to expose him to religions.
Reply
dave4him 09:42 AM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by KBCsMommy:
my job as a mother to teach.
Good
SO putting my Biblical Studies degree on the wall next to my welcome sign should do the trick
Reply
Sugar Magnolia 10:16 AM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by Catherder:
I do some Religious Reference. Joy, Thankfulness, Hope, Giving and Faith.

Nothing you would not find in The Children's Living Bible, though.

I have no intention of giving the kids nightmares, paranoia and an inferiority complex like my old Preacher did. Wow, that man was scary (Southern Baptist).

The new Children's Church Leaders must feel the same way.The Church has since had a major overhaul.
I agree.
I feel that teaching empathy, kindness, respect for others, helpfulness and courtesy are sufficient. If you want to discuss Jesus, the Bible and other aspects of Chritianity, you do realize that you are limiting your client base? Does that mean you will not accept Jewish, Muslim or Hindu or non-religious families? I think that religious training is best left to parents, pastors, Sunday School teachers and grandparents. With children under the age of 6, you might just stick to the basics of caring, sharing, tolerance and kindness. JMO.
Reply
Sugar Magnolia 10:29 AM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by dave4him:
Good
SO putting my Biblical Studies degree on the wall next to my welcome sign should do the trick
No. A degree on the wall is not enough. Even "Dave's Christian Child Care" is not really sufficent either. I'd put it on page 1 of your handbook, discuss it 1st during interviews and make it crystal clear you are teaching religious lessons daily. I agree with Catherder. Honestly....how do you make "christ was nailed to the cross and died for your sins" NOT scary for kids under 6? Even the "less scary" stories like Noah's ark....really...."God was displeased with man, so he sent a massive flood to kill everyone on earth". If you just do the "animals on a boat" version, aren't you sugar coating the REAL story?
Reply
KBCsMommy 12:11 PM 10-17-2011
Sugar Magnolia....I couldnt agree more with both of your posts. You took the words right out of my head!
Reply
Heidi 12:21 PM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
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!
Reply
dave4him 01:18 PM 10-17-2011
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!
Reply
Blackcat31 01:37 PM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by bbo:
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.
Reply
Oneluckymom 04:45 PM 10-17-2011
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.
Reply
familyschoolcare 04:57 PM 10-17-2011
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.
Reply
Sprouts 07:26 PM 10-17-2011
Originally Posted by dave4him:
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
Reply
joy 11:36 AM 10-20-2011
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!!!!
Reply
Blackcat31 11:44 AM 10-20-2011
Originally Posted by joy:
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.
Reply
momofsix 12:38 PM 10-20-2011
Originally Posted by joy:
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?
Reply
Heidi 12:39 PM 10-20-2011
Originally Posted by joy:
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?
Reply
KBCsMommy 01:15 PM 10-20-2011
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!!
Reply
dave4him 01:16 PM 10-20-2011
Originally Posted by KBCsMommy:
Not a public school!!
I love America
Reply
Meyou 01:42 PM 10-20-2011
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.
Reply
dave4him 01:44 PM 10-20-2011
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
Reply
Country Kids 02:11 PM 10-20-2011
Originally Posted by 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
Did I hear an AMEN!!!! Not only in a school system daycare but also what your child is learning in school.
Reply
Unregistered 04:46 PM 10-23-2011
Teaching different cultures without incorporating religion and G-d is appropriate. If parents enroll the children in your center and they know that religion is incorporated in the curriculum, fine. If not, then it is not okay to assume that all of the children have the same beliefs as the operators or owners. Abuse is defined as misleading or deceiving another, and if you teach religion, teach about G-d, and parents are not informed that this is part of your program, it is abusive. I would see that as something to report to the state reps as it is not the responsibility of the child care center to impose their personal religious beliefs on the children. It's presumptious and inappropriate.

Our country is based on freedom of choice, religion included.
Reply
Blackcat31 07:15 PM 10-23-2011
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Teaching different cultures without incorporating religion and G-d is appropriate. If parents enroll the children in your center and they know that religion is incorporated in the curriculum, fine. If not, then it is not okay to assume that all of the children have the same beliefs as the operators or owners. Abuse is defined as misleading or deceiving another, and if you teach religion, teach about G-d, and parents are not informed that this is part of your program, it is abusive. I would see that as something to report to the state reps as it is not the responsibility of the child care center to impose their personal religious beliefs on the children. It's presumptious and inappropriate.

Our country is based on freedom of choice, religion included.
No one said they were going to teach anything under the table or behind the parent's backs. The OP is a pastor so I am pretty sure he will be discussing his beliefs and methods of care with the parents during an interview.

It was said "it is not the job of the early childhood provider to use religion or prayer in the classroom." Most of us aren't talking about classrooms but homes. Most of us are child care providers not early childhood education specialists with doctorates in the field. We are small business owners who operate out of our homes. We share a love of children and want to provide the best care we can with them.

Sharing famiy cultures, traditions and religions is a wonderful way to bond with a child and family that you bring into your home and family. Few, if any, of us are operating under the rules and regs of the public school systems.

I don't think anyone was suggesting or implying that any provider be misleading or deceitful about the things they are teaching and exposing to their clients.
Reply
sharlan 08:00 PM 10-23-2011
No, I do not include prayer or Bible studies in my daycare. I never have, never will.

A parent who is wanting that will chose another provider over me, no hard feelings. I keep my religion to myself and prefer not to discuss it with others. I respect others rights as long as they don't feel the need to indoctrinate me.

My daughters had a religious provider years ago. I knew that upfront, going in. I didn't have a problem with it until she told my then 5 yo that her daddy was going to burn in hell for playing dungeons and dragons. I told her that she could either keep her opinions regarding my dh to herself or we could part ways. She felt she could get my dh to "straighten out" via our daughter. End of provider.
Reply
sharlan 08:02 PM 10-23-2011
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
No one said they were going to teach anything under the table or behind the parent's backs. The OP is a pastor so I am pretty sure he will be discussing his beliefs and methods of care with the parents during an interview.

It was said "it is not the job of the early childhood provider to use religion or prayer in the classroom." Most of us aren't talking about classrooms but homes. Most of us are child care providers not early childhood education specialists with doctorates in the field. We are small business owners who operate out of our homes. We share a love of children and want to provide the best care we can with them.

Sharing famiy cultures, traditions and religions is a wonderful way to bond with a child and family that you bring into your home and family. Few, if any, of us are operating under the rules and regs of the public school systems. I don't think anyone was suggesting or implying that any provider be misleading or deceitful about the things they are teaching and exposing to their clients.
This is true.
Reply
dave4him 08:27 PM 10-23-2011
Originally Posted by sharlan:
then 5 yo that her daddy was going to burn in hell for playing dungeons and dragons. End of provider.
That is a fun game Fantasy has a big role in helping kids understand things. I played it when i was growing up and am pretty sure i wont be burning anytime soon!
Reply
Oneluckymom 09:42 PM 10-23-2011
IMHO... We are providing a public service, it just so happens to be out of our homes. Unless we are aiming to serve a certain segment of the population which says so in writing, such as Christians, Muslims, Jewish etc. Then we should keep our personal religious practices and beliefs to ourselves. Those who have a hard time with that should be in a different line of work. We are not here to change the religious beliefs of the children in our care, whether they are in our homes or not. OP did state that he was providing a religiously based child care home...that's it.
Reply
Sugar Magnolia 11:52 AM 10-24-2011
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
1."If parents enroll the children in your center and they know that religion is incorporated in the curriculum, fine.
2." Abuse is defined as misleading or deceiving another, and if you teach religion.... it is abusive."
3 "I would see that as something to report to the state reps...... It's presumptious and inappropriate.
1.He said he IS DISCLOSING it FULLY. Or didn't you bother to read the thread? So its "fine
" and your comment should have ended there.
2. Where did you get that definition? In this business, it's defined as physically or emotionally harming or threatening to harm a child.
Your definition sounds more like "a lie".
3. Ok, reporting an OBVIOUSLY Christian daycare for teaching Christianity? Do you honestly NOT see how stupid that sounds? No, you don't because you didn't READ the replies. EVERYONE agreed it should be disclosed, including Dave.

To Dave: you are a strong person for ignoring this outlandish post. I think if you want to cater to Christian families, that is your right and you are doing the RIGHT thing by disclosing it. More power to you. You're a good man for wanting to be a child care provider and don't let some idiot tell you that somehow this is "abusive". I write this post not for the ignorant troll that posted that comment, but for YOU!
Reply
Sprouts 12:54 PM 10-30-2011
WOW I just read this post, and I am so sad to read that Joy would think that is ABUSIVE????? My husband is a devout christian and teaches my daughter about God and Jesus and morals and every story in the bible, and as a 4 year old she talks about WHATEVER is on her mind....I don't push religion on the children, but I dont want parents to be surprised if they hear my daughter talking about Jesus or God when they walk into my house. The question on my getting to know you form is to basically inform parents what kind of house they are entering, and they can decided from there if they want to continue or not.

SInce God was taken out of our schools and everything else in this country, the adolescent and child crime rates have gone up tremendously. How many times now days have you heard of CHILDREN raping, assaulting and killing??? I am trying to raise my children as respectful god fearing children and if anyone has a problem with that...then thats on them, not me
Reply
Tags:religion
Reply Up