If my daycare, that is very strict with state rules, does prayer before meals, is that inappropriate/illegal?

Question

I don't mind my son being around religion, however, it is very important to me, as a picky parent, to introduce him to this when he is older and more able to really comprehend. If they end up doing prayer can they get in trouble? Do I have reason without penalty to withdraw him? Could I even get a refund? Just curious!

Answer 1

yes, as long as it's a regular daycare, not one based on religion.

Answer 2

You defintely could unless its a cristian/catholic type daycare.

If not, they have no right to introduce religion to your children without consent first.

Hope i helped<3

Answer 3

Your are one of those. Sure mom, protect your kid from knowing God loves them and they can go to him when they need to. Why don't you protect him from real threats like child molesters, or homosexuals pushing their agenda on him, that lifestyle would leave him depressed with AIDS.

It is sad to with hold the knowledge from him that there is a God that loves him and wont let him down when other will in life. Why the fear of a simple sweet prayer? Prayers bring peace to children, they make you feel safe at night. Prayer lets you feel a spiritual connection that builds confidence. Prayer over food teaches gratefulness and humbleness. Qualities I guess you don't want your son to have.

Answer 4

ALL daycares have to follow state rules very carefully as far as food, caregivers and licenses are concerned. If you go to a private daycare however, it is up to the person running it to decide what they want to do with the kids once there. I do not believe there are laws against a prayer before meals at a private daycare.

If you don't agree with what they are doing, take your children out. Its really simple actually. And no, you can't get a refund. If you kept your kids there knowing that they do a prayer why should you get money back? You're being rediculous there.

Answer 5

i think its fine

Answer 6

Hello,

I can understand your concern about introducing your child when he is older.  Do you think it damages your child to learn to pray at that young age?  I think children, from very  young age, are very open to prayer and the younger they learn, the better.  

I introduced my children to Christian Meditation when they were 3-4 years old.  They loved it.  Prayer gives the child another dimension in their spiritual life and if they can share this with their little friends it is easier for him - and also with you.

I suggest that you talk to the teachers and find out what type of prayer do they learn, if you could join in one of their prayer moments.  Maybe this gives you the opportunity to integrate with this part of his spiritual life and that he can also see you sharing this as part of his education.

Agua

Answer 7

You are the one paying for the daycare and you are the one that should have checked it out before enrolling him. If you don't like that they pray before meals, then withdraw him. But since you are breaking a contract you will have to pay the penalties.

But really, what's wrong with praying before meals? Even if you don't believe in the God they are praying to, it will teach him gratitude for what he has, and acceptance for others who do believe in God.

Answer 8

A daycare is a private business and they can do whatever they want. Just because he prays at lunch doesn't mean he has to at home. Usually it's something like, "Thank you for our food and friends. Amen." Sweet, simple, and easy for them to learn. It's not specifying one religion over another or being all anal about it.

Answer 9

I do not think it's illegal, but you would have valid reason to withdraw him ... i highly doubt you would get a refund though.

Edit: For anyone who doesn't see the problem with praying before meals, what religion you are is the problem (or would be mine) ... I'm Jewish, so thanking the father and son (just an example) would go against my beliefs ... and if a child was a religion that didn't agree with Jewish beliefs would be opposed to our prayer ... like Hindu's who have more than one god. In Judaism, we have TONS of prayers different of different foods, but in our prayer we specifically state our lord our god ... ONE GOD.

Answer 10

Yes it is illegal and inappropriate because there are families with many different beliefs. They should've informed you of this when you enrolled your child. I don't know how your current child care center is, but at my center if you withdraw your child, you won't have to pay the next week's tuition, but you wouldn't get a refund.

Answer 11

IF it is a privately owned daycare then it is not illegal and if you withdraw you will have to pay any penalties and you will not get a refund.  IF it is a state run daycare that is a different story.

Answer 12

It would depend on what state you guys are in, because the daycare laws are different. You should ask your provider to stop soing prayer before meals with your son, and if she refuses, politely withdraw him and ask for a refund.

Answer 13

It's good to introduce prayer to children young.Anyways, it depends where you live exactly, you'll have to talk to your town about it.

Answer 14

The answer is : if it is a private daycare, i.e. lisenced home daycare, privately owned, the absolutely not. You can talk to them, explain your discontent and withdraw him. If you are under contract, most likely you''ll have to pay out the terms. That is something you should have found out before hand.

If its a state run daycare, you could probably get your contract revoked and withdraw him.

Answer 15

If they daycare is privately owned no one can force them not to pray. I would be glad to find a DC that had prayer. If all they are doing is praying and not having bible study I wouldn't make a big deal about it. Maybe now is the time to start teaching him this. You can not force them refund you if it's not a clause in the contract. Maybe you should talk to them about you conserns.

Answer 16

Yes it's common every where

Answer 17

I would say you definitely have a foot to stand on.  Did you enroll your child knowing this?  Is it at a school of any particular religion? If that is the case I would say no, you cannot do anything. But if it is not the case it violates your/and your childs rights.