Children’s Programming
Children are an important part of New Haven Friends Meeting, and we value their presence in our community. The First Day School program activities lay the foundation for understanding the basic Quaker values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship, through stories, conversations, exploratory projects, and play. Childcare is also offered for infants and toddlers during this time.
First Day School & Childcare
Quick Facts
Age Groups: Childcare (Infants & Toddlers), First Day School (Preschool–High school)
Time Frame: Sundays during Meeting for Worship (10:30am - 11:30am)
Location: Children gather downstairs with teachers at 10:30am
Who Leads: First Day School and childcare are provided by paid staff who have completed background checks and child safety training.
Cost: Always free
Schedule: First Day School runs from after Labor Day through Father's Day, with breaks for Christmas and New Year holidays. Childcare is year-round.
What We Explore
Quaker Values (SPICES: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Stewardship) through stories, play, community building, and creative expression.
Quaker Principles including the Peace Testimony, nonviolence, and connecting values to life in community and the world.
Quaker faith, practice, and history tailored to each age group's curiosity and understanding.
Community service that connects values to action.
Programming Overview
Infant & Toddler Care (Ages 0-2): Professional childcare is provided throughout the year for our youngest Friends during Meeting for Worship, Meeting for Business, and other Meeting events. Our paid staff creates a safe, nurturing space where babies and toddlers are cared for while parents participate in worship.
First Day School (Preschool through High School): We nurture children's spiritual growth through age-appropriate exploration of Quaker values, traditions, and practices. Our curriculum aims to help young people understand their own place, the Meeting's place, and Quakers' place in the world. Children may also choose to remain in Meeting for Worship if they wish.
Throughout the Year
A Christmas play
Easter egg coloring and hunt
Mixed-age summer activities
A final celebration on Father's Day with tie-dying and ice cream sundae-making
Arrive ~10 minutes before worship
A greeter will guide you downstairs
Older children may opt to stay for worship in the Meeting room
Children rejoin the adults at the close of worship as we gather in the Meeting room, shake hands, and say our names.
Families are invited to stay for coffee, tea, and fellowship time.
If you have questions, please contact nhquakers@gmail.com.
When You Arrive
Safety & Inclusion
We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for all children. Parents and members of the Meeting work together to create a supportive community where every child feels valued and cared for. We welcome children of all abilities, backgrounds, and family configurations. If your child has specific needs, whether related to allergies, accessibility, sensory sensitivities, or anything else, please let us know so we can support them well. Additionally, we take the safety of children and youth seriously. Our Child Safety Policy outlines how we work to ensure the safety of our children and what steps we take if concerns arise. Reach out to our First Day School Clerk at nhquakers@gmail.com with any questions.
Ready to Visit?
For more information, contact our First Day School Clerk at nhquakers@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you.