Helpful Information for Families
Sunday mornings are a wonderful family experience at First Unitarian Church of Des Moines! Here’s some information you will find especially helpful.
- All children attending religious education classes (not in childcare) start the morning with their family in the service and walk down to the classrooms together after the children's story/message.
- A designated responsible adult for children 14 years and younger must be on the church premises on Sunday mornings or at events.
- Children in 3rd grade and under must be picked up from their classroom by their designated adult at the end of class. Older children will be released on their own. If your child attends both RE class times, your child must join you during coffee hour.
- ALL families must complete an RE registration form and return it to the RE mailbox to enroll children in RE and/or childcare. Click here to download a registration form, or pick one up in the church office.
- Families are encouraged to participate in the RE program through multiple volunteer opportunities. Contact Tracy Beck at 244-8603 ext. 104 or via email at dre@ucdsm.org.
A Safe Community
- All teachers sign a Code of Ethics at the beginning of the year.
- Background checks for all teachers and childcare workers will be conducted every five years, unless circumstances change.
- Two teachers will be present in the classroom at all times.
- The Director of Religious Education is a mandatory reporter of any suspected child abuse or neglect.
Visitors
- Visitors are encouraged to have the Director of Religious Education or Religious Education Facilitator give them a tour of classrooms.
- Visiting families should complete a Child Visitor form available at the Visitor Table or in classrooms.
- Any parent or guardian is welcome to attend and observe classes on Sunday mornings.
A once a month gathering (September - May), facilitated by the Director of Religious Education for children and youth on a variety of topics - all related to our children and youth, parenting them, and raising them as Unitarian Universalists. Sessions will be a time to gather, read and discuss, as well as offer a meaningful chance to get to know some of your fellow travelers in the parenting journey. The book, “Tending the Flame: the Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting” by Michelle Richards, will be used, as well as other resources, provided by the facilitator. “Tending the Flame; the Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting” is available in A Good Book, First Unitarian Church of Des Moines’ bookstore.
Contact Info: Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth, Tracy Beck, dre@ucdsm.org or 515-244-8603, ext. 104.