Prayer in daycare, okay?

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Little Prayers Daycare

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.