Religious Education FAQ
What time should we arrive?
Religious education classes begin at 11:00 AM. Classes end at 12:30 PM. Parents of children first grade and younger are expected to bring their children to class and pick them up afterwards. On intergenerational Sundays (usually the first Sunday of the month) children will attend the first part of the worship service with their parents.
What about visitors?
Visitors are always welcome. Visiting families should pick up a visitor form from the greeters at the desk in the RE Lobby. One of the greeters will be happy to show you to your children's classes and introduce you to their teachers.
How should the children dress?
Children should come dressed for active learning and hands-on arts experiences. Children may go outside for class or for recess. Appropriate outerwear is needed.
What about Sunday morning childcare?
The nursery opens at 9:45 AM, and is staffed until 1:00 PM. Childcare is also available for congregational meetings and for special events. We suggest that parents begin bringing their children when they have had their proscribed inoculations.
Do I need to be there, too?
Yes. For safety considerations and in case of emergencies we expect that at least one parent will be present somewhere on the premises. Children may be brought by adults other than parents if those adults will identify themselves to the greeters at the desk in the RE Lobby.
When should we register?
Every family should register each year by completing a registration form. New families should register as soon as they make the decision to attend regularly. Registration forms are available at the desk in the RE Lobby on Sunday mornings and on line.
Is there a charge for the program?
There is a materials fee of $50.00 for the first child and $35.00 for each additional child, with a maximum of $100.00 per family. This fee may be paid by check or credit card when you register your children for the program.
What if my child has a special condition?
Parents are responsible for noting any allergies, food restrictions or other special conditions on the registration form, as well as alerting the teachers or caregivers. Allergies or special needs must also be noted BOTH on the registration form and the permission slip in the case of a field trip.
What kind of parent involvement is expected?
All parents are asked to help out in some way. A variety of opportunities are available, with varying time and commitment levels. A full list is on the "Parent Participation" portion of the registration form. Parents are responsible for their children's safety on the playgrounds and before and after RE classes.
What happens with field trips?
Some of our classes travel on Sunday morning field trips. Transportation is provided in the congregation's van, or by parents in their private cars. Seatbelts are required to be in use for all passengers. A field trip permission/medical release must be in our possession for any child to leave the Shelter Rock grounds on a field trip. Notice of field trips is sent out, either by letters or email.
What kind of security measures are taken?
Paid staff and members of the Religious Education Committee are present on Sunday mornings. If you need to pick up a child during class time, please notify the greeters at the desk in the RE Lobby. Only parents and staff are allowed in the nurseries. Children should never be left alone in any room or allowed to roam the building unattended.
What will happen with the children in the event of an emergency?
There are emergency evacuation procedures posted in each classroom. In case of illness or accident parents will be sought for. All parents of infants and toddlers will be given a paging devise for use during the worship service.
Where can I get more information?
On Sunday mornings, greeters, RE Committee members and paid staff are always availble to answer questions and to help parents and children locate classrooms.
