Our First Day School, “Quaker Kids,” is held every Sunday during the school year, including infant and toddler care. In the summer we may also have informal supervision for children during Meeting for Worship. Typically, children spend the first 10-15 minutes in Meeting for Worship with their families. The program staff and volunteers then lead the children out for supervision and activities, either on the Meetinghouse grounds or in the Bassett House. The Bassett House entrance is across the driveway from the Meeting House. The First Day School program concludes just after the rise (ending) of Meeting, when the children rejoin their families at the Meeting House. Parents or caretakers should feel free to join the group for some or all of the hour, particularly if young children need support for transitioning. We do aim to support parents to attend Meeting for Worship if they are so inclined.
The children’s program activities lay the foundation for understanding the basic Quaker values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Earth-care, through stories, conversations, exploratory projects, and play. Older children also study Quaker history and teachings with activities tailored to their level of curiosity and understanding.
Some weeks the children may share a snack or help prepare a dish to share for meeting potlucks which may be scheduled after Meeting for Worship. If your child has food allergies, dietary restrictions, or other particular health or safety needs, please alert us!
If you have questions or suggestions, or would like to be added to the family mailing list, please contact the Children’s Religious Education Committee via first_day_school@burlingtonquakers.org
For our child safety policy, click here.
New England Year Meeting, of which we are a part, also has great resources and activities for children, parents, and families.