Childcare and Religious Education
We offer weekly childcare for ages 0-12 with the help of a group of teens and adults from our Meeting and the local community. Childcare is available during Meeting for Worship, Meeting for Worship for Business, and 11th Hours and other events that are held at the Meetinghouse. All childcare providers receive a background screening through New England Yearly Meeting.
In addition to weekly childcare, Religious Education offers mini-lessons for ages 5-12 on the Second and Fourth Sundays. Lesson focus includes Bible stories, Quaker stories, and Quaker concerns such as caring for our Earth and helping our neighbors.
Health and Safety: The childcare room and classrooms are equipped with air purifiers and hand sanitizer. All childcare helpers and teachers are vaccinated against COVID-19. Teachers, helpers, and children over the age of 2 wear masks when together.
Special Events
On the months when there are 5 Sundays, there will be Family worship with an intergenerational program. There will also be kid-friendly snacks during Social Hour. The next date is: October 29, 2023.
General information
Infants and Young Children
Hartford Meeting offers childcare in the downstairs childcare room for children ages 0-5 during Meeting for Worship and other scheduled Meeting events . The childcare room features a changing table, rocking chair, pack and play, and age appropriate toys and books. Families are welcome to use it to care for their infants and children as needed during their time at the Meetinghouse. Breastfeeding parents are welcome to use the childcare room or one of the small rooms upstairs as needed.
Families should sign their child in for Meeting for Worship and events so that care providers know where to find them if needed. They should sign out their children after the Rise of Meeting. All care providers (whether paid or volunteer) complete a background screening through the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends. Per Hartford Meeting policy, two care providers are scheduled for all events.
Children and Teens
Hartford Meeting provides regular programming during Meeting for Worship for children in elementary (Grades K-5) and middle and high school (Grades 6-12). Programming is offered on a set schedule in September through June each year. Childcare is offered in the summer. The 5th Sunday of the month is intergenerational Family Worship.
First Day School for elementary students may feature Quaker stories, Bible stories, or Quaker concerns. Lessons can include storytelling, songs, games, arts and crafts, or discussion. Middle school and high school student gatherings arise from student interests. Gatherings may include sharing, discussion, crafts, or service work. On Sundays when there is no program planned for that age group, MS/HS students may join Meeting for Worship, help with or participate in elementary student activities, assist in the nursery, or engage in quiet activities in our monitored Teen Room.
New England Yearly Meeting Youth Programs
New England Yearly Meeting of Friends provides online and in-person youth programs for elementary, junior high, and high school aged children throughout the year. Events include monthly gatherings, quarterly retreats, and New England Yearly Meeting Sessions (held annually in August), along with special events at Friends Camp in Maine and around New England. These programs allow young Friends from across New England to connect with each other and grow in the Society of Friends. More information is available at neym.org/organization/youth-programs.