COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
The Committee for Children and Families (CCF) supervises the First Day School program, which includes children from infancy through the high school years. The Committee oversees planning the curriculum, acquiring materials, securing teachers, supervising and coordinating the teaching program, and encouraging service projects. The Committee works to nourish and support First Day School teachers and coordinators, helping them to make the experience of teaching an enriching part of their spiritual life. The Committee also supervises the nursery care program on Sunday mornings. On request, the Committee facilitates childcare during other Meeting events.
FIRST DAY SCHOOL
During the school year (September 13, 2026 through June 13, 2027) we provide a structured First Day School (Sunday School) program, as well as nursery care for children ages three and younger. Our program focuses on personal spiritual and ethical development, gaining an understanding of the principles and practices of Quakerism, and youth community building.
Nursery care is available from 9:45 – 11:15 am every Sunday. This covers the 10am worship hour. Please bring your baby or toddler directly to the nursery before joining Meeting for Worship.
10 – 10:15 am. Children are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of worship with their families. Children and families are welcome to worship in whatever format they feel called to – either the in-person only worship or the hybrid worship hour.
10:15 – 11:00 am. Children will be escorted out of worship spaces to attend First Day School. Location of lessons depend upon a child’s age. Preschool lessons occur in the Quaker House Living Room. Lower Elementary lessons take place in the downstairs Children’s Room, and Upper Elementary and Middle Schoolers gather in the downstairs Fellowship Room.
11 – 11:15 am. Following the rise of worship, parents should retrieve their children from their First Day School class. Everyone, children included, is then invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship.
Please see Molly Tinkerhess (mollymalc@gmail.com) if you have questions or concerns, or wish to volunteer your loving presence, stories, and/or activities to our First Day School program.
Ann Arbor Friends Meeting policy on the protection and safety of children and youth is available here: Child Safety Policy.
Registration
To enroll your children in First Day School, there is a simple registration form that must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Please see Molly Tinkerhess (mollymalc@gmail.com) for a copy of the form. Forms are also available on the main table outside the Meeting Room.
We look forward to creating a safe, warm, and inviting First Day School environment where our kids can experience the spiritual community of peers and adults within the meeting.