The Early Childhood
Development Center: Joyfully Teaching and Forming Children in the Faith
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s Pope Francis once stated to a general audience, “Children are the joy of the family and of society.” At St. Francis Xavier’s Early Childhood Development Center, we take the formation of our children seriously. Young children bring life into our church and watching our children grow in faith and knowledge is a joy for our teachers. Years ago, before the new church was built, Amy Crawford’s children attended St. Francis Xavier’s preschool program. Now, Mrs. Crawford is back for her fourth year teaching in the 2-year-old classroom. While she also has experience working in public school, Mrs. Crawford has found that teaching in a Catholic school brings a particular joy to her work. “I love being able to get a few reminders every day of why we are all really here,” Mrs. Crawford says. “I love being able
Amy Crawford with her class of 2-year-olds
to pray with the kids.” While many of the families who send their children to the program aren’t Catholic, Mrs. Crawford says that they are all incredibly respectful and it is understood that the teachers will be praying, teaching the faith, and talking about Jesus. “For parents, it might be their
first time in a church setting,” Mrs. Crawford says. “I realized that the way I behave and the things I say are observed. It’s made me want to be better and do better so I can help those children and families.” As Mrs. Crawford teaches the 2-year-olds to pray and make the Sign of the Cross, she also continued on back cover
“I love hearing their prayers. They’re showing that they realize people need to be prayed for. Hopefully we are setting a foundation for these children that they’re going to continue to grow on to become their own disciples of Christ.” — Amy Crawford
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