Prayer in daycare, okay?

Question

Our daycare is not owned or run by a church. They have decided to teach the children a prayer and have them recite it together before meals. I spoke to the director to voice my concerns and she said that it's really common to have prayer at daycare centers. I really do not want our daycare center teaching my daughter religion. Any religious or spiritual lessons will be taught at home by our family. I know that this would never be permissible in a public school, but what about a privately owned daycare? I really do not want to move her to another center. She is only 4 and she really likes it there. Does DCFS have any regulations? We live in Illinois.

Answer 1

If it's a privately run daycare, the state won't get involved.  It's like prayer being allowed at private schools.

Honestly, your 4yo won't learn much in the way of "religion" by saying a little prayer with other preschoolers.  The most she'll learn is to be thankful for what she's given.  It's not like she's sitting through a Bible study or anything; I've taught 4/5yo's for several years, and at that age they don't get deeply into religious beliefs.

If your daughter comes home saying things that openly contradict what you teach her at home (for example, you're Muslim and she's learning Christian or Jewish theology), I would have a talk with the owner about respecting your family's beliefs.  Otherwise, I would really let it go.

JMHO...

Answer 2

If the program participates in CACFP, the food program administered by the state the prayer is not allowed.  Nor is it allowed if the center enrolls kids paid for by Social Services. If it is truly private with no government money involved they may do as they wish. The more serious question is whether you want your child in a program that did not consult parents before making this change and that seems unconcerned about your values and feelings. They have materially changed the program and you would be well within your rights to withdraw, contract or not. In any case, make it quite plain that you do not want your child to participate and that they had better find a way to make that happen without embarrassing her and make sure that all the parents are aware of this policy change.

Answer 3

I don't think you can do anything since it is privately owned. You can only take your kid out of that daycare. Also, the reason it can be disputed at public schools is because they are supported by tax money and are state run.

Answer 4

I have worked in day care for 7 years and in every one I have worked at all of them have taut the kids some kind of Prayer in one why or another. I think it is good to do.

I  live in PA and have an Early child hood Education Degree and in PA there is no law agents it. I like it in facade.

I would look more at your self and why you do not want to have your child ex-post to any kind of Regulations stuff.

Answer 5

They're private and can do whatever they want when it comes to religion.  If you don't like it you're going to have to move your child.  It won't hurt your child to learn to pray.

Answer 6

I think that this is a good idea. First, you might want to ask parents if they're okay with this though

Answer 7

i don't see anything wrong with reciting a little prayer... at least they don't teach them how to fight or something:)

Answer 8

The key word is 'privately owned'.  Even if it is not run by a church, it is still privately owned.  There are no DCFS regulations forbiding prayer in a privately owned facility.  If it was within a public school, it would not be allowed.

Answer 9

my daycare is family owned and operated and the kids recite a little prayer before there meals as long as its not to over the top then it should be straight.

Answer 10

Yes teach them a prayer know> Because in a year when they get into the public scholl system he willn't learn anything like that again.

Answer 11

It's a private business, and I doubt there is any regulation that would interfere with them teaching a prayer.

I would recommend getting together with other parents who might feel the same way you do.

If enough parents threaten to pull their children because of the praying, they might change their policy.

Answer 12

Since the daycare is privately owned, not funded by the state, and you are paying for your child to attend there is really nothing you can do other than express your concerns or have her start at a new center that does not do this.  Legally...there is nothing that can be done.  They are private and decide what they teach whether they are affiliated with a church or not.