Children and Youth

Friends Meeting of Austin joyfully welcomes children. Children are welcome to participate in meeting for worship and can remain in meeting as long as they and their parents are comfortable

We also offer First Day School (religious instruction and activities) to the children of all members, attenders and visitors for children aged 5 and older. Regular attendance is encouraged, but one-time or irregular attenders are also welcome.

We offer children up to approximately age 4 childcare and a brief period of guided activity.

Child care and First Day School take place in our Garden House which adjoins the Meeting House. Children engage in age-appropriate activities and lessons with teams of volunteer teachers. Lower Elementary (approximately pre-k to 2nd grade), Upper Elementary (3rd to 5th grades), Junior Young Friends (6th to 8th grades) and Young Friends (9th to 12th grades) comprise our First Day age groupings. 

Children are encouraged to attend Meeting for Worship with their families as their maturation level permits. Childcare is available for the youngest and any children who may find the entire hour of stillness difficult. We ask that children begin in Meeting and only leave to participate in childcare once, rather than coming in and out of the Meeting room.

 

Friends Meeting of Austin Practices and Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth