The following are steps that you can take to implement a Release Time program in your public school. While it is difficult to get every detail recorded here, please understand that you can contact us if there is something that you do not understand or is unclear. Our ministry is available to assist you in any way we can. Typically pastors and ministry groups (as well as individuals) contact us to schedule meetings and mini instructional seminars in which we teach or give instruction on how to go about getting started. We also provide a curriculum that has been very effective in teaching public school children in this setting.

The Christian Law Association can help you in this area. You can contact them through their web site www.christianlaw.org . Or write them at P.O. Box 4010 Seminole, Florida 33775-4010 or call 727-399-8300, or fax 727-398-3907. Knowing your rights and what the law says about this program will help you not only sound knowledgeable when speaking to the school board, but will also keep you from making costly mistakes.

The more people rallying for the cause, the better your chances are for being heard. Consider calling a meeting together of pastors, church members and parents to discuss the matter. When the school board, or principal see a ‘united front’ they will see and understand that the desire for this program does not just start and end with you alone, but rather many parents of children who go to that particular school.

Once you have the backing and support of others, and you are of the same mind on the matter (1 Cor. 1:10, Phil. 2:2-3) properly address the school board and express your desire to start a Release Time program. If you run into opposition you may want to consider a petition signed by parents and local church members etc.

Remember that Education is the key. You may have to educate the educators. Be prepared to share with them the history of release time, as well as the legal end of it. Some times opposition rises because people just do not understand what the law says. Many still believe the myth of "Separation of Church and State." This ‘myth’ disguised as ‘truth’ appears NOWHERE in our Constitution! For more information about what our Constitution says, and our Country’s Godly Heritage see the web site for Wall Builders at www.wallbuilders.com . Remember also that there are probably several Christian public school teachers in your school who would also support this program. Seek them out as well. They will not be able to promote it in the school when in teaching capacity, but they can outside of the school as a citizen!

Additional Note: If you do have to address the school board, you will have to make an appointment to be heard at their next meeting. Select a few people that will be comfortable speaking in front of the Board. Have those speaking make sure to cover different aspects of the argument. Keep in mind that each one will only have a few minutes to speak so they will have to make their point clear. Choose your words wisely. Practice ahead of time!

Once you get the "green light" to proceed, you can begin organizing. Keep in mind that each individual case will be somewhat different. Some may face hostility and need legal help, while others may only need to go to their principal and bypass the school board, facing no hostility whatsoever. Whatever your situation the following are general steps to take. They are simply the steps that we took and may be adapted to fit your particular situation.

1. A PLACE TO HOLD CLASSES.

We rotate with local area churches in close proximity to the school. Doing this enables the entire community to be involved. Each year we hold classes in a different church. One group in our area has obtained a classroom trailer that they take on site to the various schools they have programs in, park it at the edge of the property (technically off school grounds) and simply have the children walk out to it. Make sure though that you choose a public place to hold classes if a trailer is not an option. For obvious reasons parents will feel more comfortable sending their child to a program that was, say, held at a local church and not someone’s personal residence.

2. TRANSPORTATION.

We utilize the public school busses in our system as well as a bus driver. The funds we raise for the program goes towards the cost of mileage on the bus and to pay the bus driver for their services. Note: Some bus drivers have opted to wave their pay and drive the bus free of charge as their donation to the program! Also, if you are in close walking distance to a public building, you could simply walk the children to the program using volunteers to guide them. In this case you would only need to use a bus in case of rain or snow.

3. FUNDING.

Most of our area churches support Release Time in their giving financially. They also send donations in the form of supplies such as copy paper, pencils, Bibles etc. Before our program begins each year a permission form is sent home that also gives the parents a chance to make a donation as well.

4. OBTAIN A GOOD BIBLICALLY SOUND CURRICULUM.

We operate our program non-denominational. The Bible is the only textbook and no denominational doctrine is introduced. We put together a guideline in notebook fashion that both supports and defends the Bible. We can make it available for your consideration. The guideline is entitled "From Creation To The Cross." This guideline (curriculum) has been tried and proven effective in teaching public school students.

5. ORGANIZE VOLUNTEERS.

Until 6 years ago we taught our students in small groups and that had it’s benefits. We had to rely on several teachers though to be at our disposal each week, which was a hindrance. When someone was sick, or for whatever reason was unable to teach, we had a problem. We also had a hard time getting a good full lesson in because of the precious time lost in breaking up into small classes after our song and prayer time in the Sanctuary. THE REMEDY? We now teach the entire group in the Sanctuary using one teacher. Volunteers and pastors attend each week to sit among the children to help keep the peace. They also help with any disciplinary problems should they arise. This format has worked out well for us for the past five years. Whatever you choose, large group or small classes, it will depend upon your particular situation and pool of volunteers. We have found that both the large group sessions and small class room sessions work equally well, with a few exceptions. Note: If you have trouble finding available teachers, you may want to consider the large group setting. You will come to find that there are more people who are willing to volunteer to sit with the children, but who would otherwise not volunteer to teach because they are uncomfortable with it.

6. DELEGATE.

Depending on your pool of volunteers, it is very helpful to delegate as much of the duties as you can. This will not only make the program run smoother for you, but it will also give more people the chance to be a part of the ministry. For example, we have someone take care of the music each week, and someone to take care of providing treats for the children. If you are blessed with a large pool of volunteers, then use them! And Praise God for them! Give them things to do so that they will not feel unimportant, or not needed. There is a job for everyone. God created us all with unique talents and abilities that can be put to use for His Glory, to further His purpose!

7. DECIDE ON A DAY TO HOLD CLASSES.

You will need to have a meeting with your principal and teachers to decide what day and time would be best to hold the classes. Get with your volunteers before hand and figure out what days and times would work for them as well (construct a list). Then, when meeting in person or over the phone with the school you will be able to bring something to the table to suggest. Keep in mind that choosing a day and time when your volunteers can be there is the best thing to do. You need them. In short, give the school something to pick from to make their decision. Give them your list of possible days and times.

8. KEEP THE COMMUNICATION LINES OPEN.

Thorough communication is the key to a healthy program. It is wise to keep both the school and parents informed about such things as progress, attendance, and disciplinary problems (if any). I often send letters home with my students that keep parents informed. For example: on the first day of Release Time we send home with the children a complete list of lessons and scripture for the entire program. This is a good way for parents to keep up with their child’s progress and also gives them a guideline for discussion at home that will support what their child is learning each week. We also invite parents and church members to pop in any time to see how things are going. They must always be encouraged to come and be a part of what is going on. Always make them feel welcome and never give them the feeling that they cannot be included (especially when dealing with the elementary level students as compared to the middle and high school level students).

9. PERMISSION FORMS, LETTERS TO PARENTS.

Once you have completed the above steps, it is time to get your letter to the parents about the program made up, as well as a permission form for them to sign. You will find examples of both of these on this web site. Your letter should explain what Release Time is, what the legal end of it is, a bit about it’s history and what it can do for their child. Stress that the program is non-denominational and that a Bible based curriculum will be adhered to. Your permission form should include the date and time schedule of classes, deadline for returning the form to school, a place for the child’s name, address and phone; a place for the parent to sign etc. When you get these things together, give it to the principal of your school for approval before printing up copies and handing out to the students. Most principals like to check out what is sent home with the children. This is not only a safe guard for them, but it will show a great amount of courtesy on your part.

10. ATTENDANCE CHART.

When you get the permission forms back from the school, it is time to create your attendance list. In order to play by the rules, you must keep an accurate attendance chart to be presented on demand to school officials should they ask for it. DO NOT BE LAZY IN KEEPING AN UP TO DATE AND ACCURATE ATTENDANCE CHART! Do not throw away the permission forms when they have been filled out and sent back (via the school) to you. Keep them for legal purposes. The school can not release the children unless they have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. So, those forms are VERY important. Each week simply call off the names on the chart and make a check mark for those who are present and a slash mark for those who are not there.

Note: Keep in mind that these students are in your care. You must be able to account for their whereabouts when they are released to you. An accurate attendance chart is a vital part of doing that. Do not allow neglect in this one simple thing to cause your program to fall!

11. MIDDLE AND HIGHSCHOOL LEVEL STUDENTS.

Again, these steps are general and basic. If you need further assistance in getting started just contact our ministry. We’d be more than happy to help you! J

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GUIDELINES & HELPFUL HINTS FOR A RELEASE TIME PROGRAM