Children and Youth Programs

GENERAL INFORMATION

Schedule of Classes: The faith development program for children and youth will begin on September 16, 2012 and run through May 26, 2013. Classes are offered concurrent with both worship services as listed. Please be considerate of our teachers and pick up your child promptly at the end of the service. Middle School and High School youth will be free to leave class on their own at the conclusion of their morning program. Any program holidays will be announced in the newsletter and the Order of Service announcements.

Registration: All families of the church are asked to complete a registration form annually. These forms give permission for your child to participate in the program and provide valuable information which allow us to best meet the needs of your child, whether it be particular medical concerns or allergies, special programs in which your child wishes to participate, or special mailings. There is no registration fee; however a vital congregation and program requires parental support and money. Please provide strong financial support to the church through your annual pledge, and support our programs with your time and talents.

Visitors: We welcome Visitors. Please introduce yourself and your child to the teacher, and complete a visitor form.

Teachers: We consider the development of a vital faith to be a lifelong learning process, and who better to guide our youngsters than the adult members and friends of the church. Our teachers are dedicated and creative volunteers who maintain the best interests of the children in their classrooms. The teachers can best minister to the needs of the children in their class when they are kept informed of each child’s particular needs and concerns. We encourage you, the parent, to become acquainted with the teachers in your child’s class.

Volunteers: Our program is a cooperative one, taught and led by volunteers. We depend on your participation in our ministry to children and youth. Many of our parents serve as teachers or committee members. Please consider what our congregation and program means to you and your family and what you can do to help. CYP Committee members and staff will be available to discuss this with you.

Snacks: Classes for our youngest children provide snacks provided by the church. During Social Hour, we also host a Kids Corner with snacks and child-friendly activities in the Social Hall. Please consider hosting or contributing to our morning fellowship opportunity for children.

Behavioral Expectations: We strive to make our program a lively, interactive learning environment with a focus on care and respect. Each class formulates guidelines for behavior during the first few classes, and violations are few. However, should behavior come into issue, gentle redirection or time away from the group may be needed. Parents are expected

to supervise their own children unless in a class or signed into childcare. Encourage your child to show respect for our community and behave appropriately in church. If concerns arise, please contact your child’s teacher, or the DLFD. If your child has allergies, medical conditions, or other special needs, please be sure to inform the teaches and DLFD and complete the requested forms so we can work with you to best meet your child’s needs.

Tips to Make Programs More Fun!

Attend regularly. Consistent attendance allows your child the opportunity to develop friendships, become better acquainted with the teachers, and develop continuity and increased understanding of the material. Parents who possess an attitude of cheerful expectancy about weekly church attendance have less difficulty keeping children involved.

Dress for active participation. Our classes are creative, active places with glue, paint, games, etc.

Familiarize yourself with the regular activities of the program. Talk with your child and the teachers about the activities in the class. Keep informed through the newsletter, and participate in church events together.

Share your own religious beliefs with your children. We encourage you to learn along with your child as you take a spiritual journey together. Support and encourage your child, wherever he/she is on the religious journey. Recognize that your child’s religious needs may differ from your own. Many children have a need for ritual, structure, and definitive answers to difficult questions. Seek out the answers and support you need. Although youare your children’s primary religious educator, you are not alone!

Share some of your time and talents. Parental involvement is a key ingredient to your child’s positive experience at church and the success of our program. When you are connected and having fun, so will your child.

Always feel free to call the teacher, DLFD, minister, or committee member with your questions, comments, or concerns.