Is this legal or illegal ??
MY 4 yr old daughter is enrolled at a private preschool/daycare center. The center is NOT affiliated with any church and does NOT claim to be a Christian School or anything of the sort.
However, I find out from my daughter that she is being taught bits about Christianity at her preschool. They even pray over food at lunch. I feel this is something that should be told to the parents BEFORE the child is enrolled.
Is it legal for the preschool to teach religion without informing the parents of their intent ??
Since its a private center, it wouldn't fall under the same laws as the public schools, regarding the separation of church and state. But shouldn't they be required to inform parents of any religious teachings ?? Logic and common sense says they should, but what does the law say ?? Anybody know ??
Answers:
I doubt there is any law against it, particularly in a private school, but that's definitely something that they should tell you since it relates to how your child is being raised and what she's being taught when you're not around. As far as I know, there isn't any law that requires the school to tell you about religious teachings in school unless the school is public -- I've never heard of a case where students at a Christian private school didn't know it was a Christian private school.
But I agree - especially with preschoolers, they need to inform you about what they're teaching.
First, I would go back and re-read all of the information you got when you first enrolled her in this school, and make sure you didn't (inadvertently, maybe?) sign something agreeing to religious education, or that there isn't something in the description of the school or its mission statement or something that has a Christian bent to it. Maybe it's something that was slipped in there and you didn't notice -- not to say you're inattentive, but it happens.
If it's not anywhere in the school info or contracts, then speak to the director or principal of the school. Maybe it's just one teacher who is instigating these teachings, and he or she needs to be reprimanded by the school. They might not be aware of it.
You should be happy that your child is learning about God. Maybe she won't end up being one of the sad statistics of school shootings!
Jeeezus christ. You people make a big deal ot this. Does it make you mad that our money says in God we trust ??
I don't know if it's illegal or not but the parents do have the right to know. Anything concerning your kids is your business. And to the person who said they should be glad that their kid is learning about God, I don't think that was the point they were making. Everybody's religion is different, and if my child was being taught something I want to know about it. I want to know exactly what's being taught to my kids at all times.
The answer is that it depends on local law. You do have a right to know what curriculum and content will be taught to your daughter and that should have been provided in any literature you were provided when she was enrolled. If you cannot find such reference, you should talk to the person in charge regarding the matter. It could be as simple as the teacher is adding her personal "flavor" to the class without the administration's knowledge. I would bet that they know something of it though.
I agree with the first person. You really should be glad that your child is learning about God and Jesus. Even if you are non-religious, at least she is becoming well rounded and cultured. And, it IS a private school. Honestly, they can teach and do whatever they want. When you sign the paperwork at enrollment, you are agreeing to the school's teachings and philosophies. And if you are truly concerned about religion in general, you should have asked at the get-go.
Since this is a private organization and you have a choice to attend or not attend their are no laws or rules that determine what they can or can not teach.
It is up to you, the individual to make the intelligent choice. If you failed to ask the right questions when you applied, if you failed to sit in on a few lessons before making your decision, if you failed to learn the mission statement and philosophy of this organization and their owners than you have no one to blame but yourself.
Now it would be different if you asked and they mislead you, but it's obvious that you never asked.
This is a contractual matter. Many day cares engage in some non-denominational prayer. Apparently this not so non-denominational. If you are that concerned about unwanted exposure to religion (or to a particular religion) you should have inquired before you enrolled your child. You can always remove your child from the school. Whether you are entitled to a refund depends upon your enrollment contract with the school. You don't say whether you've pre-paid tuition or pay monthly or whether the school is willing to make some other accommodation. Suggest you speak to the school & if you cannot work things out to your satisfaction, speak to a lawyer to whom you can show the contract.
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