For Our Youngest
Children ages 0-4 have a newly redecorated room, full of books, games, and toys. It is a room of possibilities-- just add imagination!
It is a safe space with safe adults. Our youngest children can explore, play with other children and learn together. Giggles are often heard coming from the room, interspersed with moments of intense quiet discovery. We model the UU seven principles as situations arise. Learning to share toys or attention is a good opportunity for staff and volunteers to model and teach being kind in all we do. Nature programs and experiences are an opportunity to model treating nature kindly, too!
"My children absolutely love Jennifer, the Childcare Assistant, and all the volunteers. Sunday mornings are a very special time for them."
--Karen Griffin
The new décor is full of butterflies, dragonflies and frogs, some of which the children have colored. The kids enjoy these creatures. These animals are also symbolic of transformation. No where in our church family is transformation seen so clearly on a week to week basis as within this room. Babies turn into infants, infants into toddlers, toddlers into pre-schoolers!
Our volunteers and staff are conscious of the needs of young children. Parents are welcome to stay in with their children until the children feel comfortable by themselves. Rest time is ok. A bathroom with a changing table is right next door.
Preschool/Early Elementary Nature Class
Our UUCOV YRE program features a once monthly Preschool/Early Elementary nature class. This class is an informal, outdoor opportunity for young children to explore and celebrate nature. They sometimes play games. They may learn about insects, birds (and make bird feeders), the water cycle and more. This is a very uplifting and enjoyable time together in nature.
This class focuses on our seventh UU principal, caring for the earth.
Our Adult Volunteers
Our adult childcare volunteers are a wonderful bunch of people. Most of them have been parents and even grandparents and bring a wealth of first hand childcare experience to their job. A number of them have been early elementary school teachers and they share ideas on how we can provide even better service to those in our care. Our Volunteers are there because they want to be; they really enjoy the children. After their first time of volunteering many will smile and say, “That was really fun!” Our children re-awaken the childlike spirit within our adults!
On any given Sunday, our volunteers may find themselves singing or dancing, playing with puppets, rolling a ball with a small child, reading stories, admiring play dough creations, playing with a myriad of toys, and appreciating the miracle of watching a small child learn.
To find out how to volunteer, you can go to our volunteer section.
