Learning Community Programs
Preschool – 6th grade
Click Here for Registration Information for our classes.
Please join us for Learning Community Open House on Sunday, September 10 after our Homecoming Worship service. Classes begin September 17, 2023, 10:30a.m.-12p.m.
For the month of July beginning July 9 for four Sundays, we will offer a Time for All Ages in our worship service, after which children have the option of attending a mixed age game room hosted by our vetted Learning Community volunteers. This is a drop-in program but a parent/caregiver must sign child in/out.
Childcare for children age 3 and younger is available during all regular Sunday morning worship services year round.
Our Philosophy
We value children and youth at First Unitarian Church and we work to weave them into the fabric of life here, whether it is during Together Time lighting our Chalice in the Sanctuary or joining adults in celebrations and holidays.
In their classes, children and youth learn about their Unitarian Universalist (UU) roots and study world religions. They explore their values as well as what it means to be a community. We have a strong desire for our children to develop a social conscience and to take action to influence change, thus we provide them with opportunities to work to support various social-service projects. In our Learning Community we don’t neglect fun. We want our children and youth to think of this community as a safe and happy place to be, a place where they feel supported by adults and find friendships with other kids. We want to develop a sustaining community for them.
Visitors & Registration
Visitors are welcome anytime (exception is our Our Whole Lives program), and we understand that you might just be trying it out. Please stop by our Welcome Desk in the Buchan Center (entrance on SW 12th between Salmon and Main) to fill out a visitor card. Once you have visited three times you will be asked to officially register if you’d like to continue. There is no financial obligation. Once you have attended for a year, you’ll be asked to consider making a financial pledge to our First Unitarian community.
Behavior Expectations
Positive behavior, interaction, and participation are the basic principles of a healthy and safe learning environment. Negative behaviors detract from the calm learning setting we strive to create in the Learning Community. Negative behaviors include disruptive activities, refusing to positively participate in activities, disrespect of others in word and deed. Be sure to talk with your children beforehand about what you and we expect.
We practice kindness. (We give one another the benefit of the doubt. We practice the golden rule. No violence in word or deed and no weapons, real or imaginary.)
We pull each other up. (No “put downs.”)
We practice consent and gentleness. (Touch, like hugs, should be consensual. We do not play rough in ways that may inadvertently result in injury.)
It’s OKAY to take space/break when you need it.
Our classes are cell phone-free: The Learning Community at First Unitarian is a relational experience. Therefore, the use of cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted in class. These items encourage isolation and solitary activity rather than relationship and interaction with others. Distractions (electronic or otherwise) will be collected and returned at the end of the session.
Questions? Contact:
Rev. Leah Ongiri, Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries