Registration: We ask that parents register each child who will be participating in the UUC Religious Education (RE) Program. There is no registration fee, but those who register their children or youth in our program are expected to contribute financially on a weekly basis or through an annual pledge, and to volunteer to help in some way during the year. Together we can create a wonderful and worthwhile program for our kids!

Normally, children attend the class appropriate for their secular grade level. Preschool children must have had their third birthday by the first of September. The Director of Religious Education, after consultation with the appropriate teachers, may approve exceptions to these placements.

Schedule: The Congregational year starts on the last Sunday in August with an Intergenerational Water Ceremony Service. Regular RE classes begin on the Sunday after Labor Day weekend and end on the last Sunday in May. The Teacher Recognition Sunday and Intergenerational Flower Service are held respectively on the first and second Sundays in June. There will be no RE classes on Sundays when there is an Intergenerational Service (dates to be announced).

Attendance: Religious education, like public education, is an ongoing process. Classes have integrated curricula in which one lesson leads to the next. Although occasional absences may be necessary, children need to attend regularly if they are to benefit fully from the curriculum and from fellowship with their classmates.

Feelings of friendship and connection take time, and a sense of belonging develops only by attending regularly. In addition, we hope you will respect the time and effort our volunteer teachers put into preparing lessons for your child by making regular attendance a priority!

Visitors: We welcome young guests in our religious education classes on Sunday mornings. We ask that a Visitor’s Registration Form be completed by the adult responsible for bringing the child to the UUC.

Offering: To promote the concept of giving, there will be a weekly children’s offering in RE classes. For this to be meaningful, we suggest the children bring an offering from their own resources of as little as a dime or quarter. Money collected will be used for service projects selected by the children.

Worship: Unless special arrangements are made, children join their families in the sanctuary for the first 15 minutes of the service. After the “Story For All Ages”, the children and their teachers leave for their classrooms. Religious education classes last approximately one hour (45 minutes for the 9:30 service preschool/kindergarten class). We ask that parents pick up their children at the end of RE class time. RE classes end at 10:30 (9:30 service) and 12:15 (11:00 service). After class, children are under your supervision.

Safety Policy: The safety of children participating in our RE program is of utmost importance. Our policy requires that teachers sign a UUA Code of Ethics and that two adult teachers be present in each classroom. Background checks are done on all our volunteers who work with children and youth. Please let us know if your child has any allergies or special needs. A copy of our safety policy is available upon request.

Behavior Policy: In class, all participants are expected to work together to create a respectful and cooperative learning community. Teachers will guide students to make their own rules and consequences. These will be posted in class and reviewed periodically.

When a problem arises, the teacher will remind the student of the rules and consequences. If the child chooses not to correct the behavior, the student will be separated from the group in one of the following ways:

1. time away from the group within the classroom
2. time away from the group outside class with adult supervision
3. time with parent(s)
4. conference with student, parent(s), teacher, and DRE.

Welcoming Congregation: The UUC is officially recognized by the UUA as a “Welcoming Congregation.” We welcome participation by all kinds of families and recruit our RE teachers and volunteers regardless of sexual orientation.

Playground: The playground on our property is owned, insured, and maintained by the Children’s Garden School, a private school that rents space within our Fellowship building. The children registered in our RE program have been given permission by the school to use the playground, provided there are two adults supervising the children at all times, and we follow the school's established guidelines. The playground is to be locked when not in use. Please see the DRE for the keys and guidelines.

What Is Expected
of Parents and Guardians?

Our RE program is a cooperative effort. As parents/guardians, you play a significant role in the religious education of young people. Your active participation is encouraged as we in our community of faith share this important responsibility. In addition to volunteering, contributing financially, and attending regularly, we encourage you to contribute in these additional ways:

Communicate with your child’s teachers: Introduce yourself and take the opportunity to get to know the teachers. If you bring a visitor to attend with your child, please introduce the newcomer to the teacher before class begins. Continue to check in with the teachers periodically through the year. Show interest and provide feedback. Teachers are volunteers, so let them know that you appreciate their time and effort.

Share with your child: Talk with your child about what he/she did in class. Reinforce our desire to provide a “safe classroom” where ideas and information are welcomed, but unkindness and anti-social behavior are not. Share with your child why you come and what needs of yours are met in our faith community. Let your child know your thoughts, opinions, and values, and encourage them to share theirs as well.

Remember, as important as it is, our RE Program is only a small part of your children’s religious education. YOU are the primary religious educators in their lives!