|
|
 |
|
|
Teacher: Mrs.
Gourley Assistant Teacher: Mrs. Nikolanci
Unit 5 Children First
Pre-Kindergarten
Parent Handbook
This handbook is intended to be an introduction to the purpose, goals and
policies of the program. Please read it carefully.
We encourage your active interest and participation in your child’s
education.
Mission Statement: The Children First Pre-K Program’s staff is committed
to providing a quality, developmentally appropriate, individualized learning
program for every child eligible for services. The classroom program focuses on
a concern for the child’s total development offering opportunities for exposure
to a large variety of learning experiences-cognitive, social, motor, and
language.
Introduction to the Program
 Children in the classroom grow
through play and through interaction with their peers. The classroom is activity
oriented with the activities ranging from those involving the total class to
those tailored to the individual. We know from documented educational research
that children learn by doing. In the classroom, every activity of every day is a
language experience. Meaningful language emerges through everyday life
experiences.
Classroom activities may include:
Literacy
Art projects
Music and movement
Active play
Problem solving
Circle time
Field trips
Children grow and learn at their own rate. Our role is to accompany children
on their journey by offering encouragement and guidance, not surging to the
forefront to lead the way. The program will be tailored to meet the needs of the
children, rather than expect the children to adjust to the demands of a specific
program. This program responds to individual differences, abilities, and
interests.
The Children First Program Staff
Each classroom’s staff includes an early childhood teacher with a minimum of
a bachelor’s degree in education and a teacher assistant with a minimum of a
bachelor’s degree in education. The program also includes a parent coordinator.
We feel that parents are a vital part of our program and encourage you to keep
in contact with the staff.
School Calendar
 The pre-kindergarten program follows the regular school calendar with the
exception of the beginning and ending date. Parents will be notified in advance
of changes made to the calendar as in the case of a planned early dismissal or
rescheduling. The District Superintendent will also determine school
cancellations for inclement weather. Listen to local radio stations for school
cancellations.
Monday-Thursday (Oakdale, Fairview, Fox Creek)
Monday-Friday (Brigham)
Morning session: 8:30-11:00
Afternoon session: 12:15-2:45
Absences
Regular attendance contributes to your child’s success and development. The
program has waiting lists and therefore, excessive unexcused absences may result
in dismissal from the program.
Family emergencies, such as death in the family and illnesses (including
doctor appointments) are considered excused absences.
Some examples of reasons to keep your child home due to illness are…
Fever of 100 degrees or higher within the last 24 hours
Diarrhea
Recently vomited
Inflamed eyes
A rash where the cause is not known
Live lice
Colored mucus from nose
Excessive coughing
After being ill, the child is to remain at home for 24 hours after the
symptoms. When a child is absent from school, we request that the parents notify
the school by phone by 9:00 am.
If your child becomes ill at school, the teacher will contact you to come and
get him/her. If we are unable to reach you, we will call names given on the
child’s emergency card. Please be sure to keep this information current.
Required Physical Examination/Health
 We are required by State Law to maintain a record of medical examination and
an updated immunization form for each child upon entrance. Any child who does
not have a completed health examination form on file in our office will be
excluded from school. Please take care of this requirement immediately.
Please keep the classroom teacher informed of allergies, medications, health
problems, and/or restrictions.
If medication is to be administered at school, the family physician and
parents must complete a Medications Authorization form.
 Transportation
Transportation is provided free of charge for all pre-k students. A regular
pick-up and drop-off schedule will develop soon after the start of the program.
The drivers request children to be ready, with coats on before they arrive. A
parent or adult is expected to meet your child when dropped off after school.
If your child is not riding the bus on a given day because of any reason
parents are to notify the transportation director at 452-0428 as soon as
possible! Please notify the teacher if anyone other than a parent will pick up
your child from school. If you do not write a note informing the teacher of this
change, he/she will be put on the bus as usual.
Supplies
We ask that a backpack is purchased for your child that he/she can easily get
into and big enough for a two-pocket folder.
Clothing-Name Tags
We recommend that outer garments such as jackets, sweaters, caps, boots,
mittens, etc. be marked with child’s name. Please send a complete change of
clothing for your child to keep at school for those situations where we might
need them, i.e. toileting accidents, spills, etc. Be sure to include socks and
underwear. Please place them in the clear zip-locked bag that has been
provided, clearly marked with the child’s name.
Toilet Training
To enroll in the program your child must be fully potty trained. The program
is not staffed, nor is the building capable of facilitating children in diapers
or pull-ups.
Field Trips
The children may have occasional field trips to enrich their language and
provide new experiences. All field trips that are not within walking distance of
the school are taken on a school bus. Parents will be notified in advance of
trips.
Snacks
A small snack is served each day. Morning students are offered a grain,
fruit, and milk.
Afternoon students are offered a grain and milk. Please be sure
to inform the teacher of any food allergies your child has!
Birthdays
 Please talk with your child’s teacher regarding birthday treats.
If you are planning a birthday party outside of school, invitations may be
distributed through school IF ALL students in the class are invited.
Otherwise please distribute invitations through US mail.
Parents Involvement Opportunities
Home Visits
At the beginning of the school year, the teacher and teacher assistant may
make a home visit to meet their students and parents and allow children to
become familiar with them. Ongoing home visits may be scheduled to discuss your
child’s progress and share goals, and to address any concerns that you may have.
Classroom Involvement
We invite you to participate in your child’s program in whatever way you feel
most comfortable, whether that is preparing materials or being actively involved
with the children. You are the most important people in your child’s world and
their first teacher. We recognize that your child’s school success is increased
when you are a partner with the school.
Pre-Kindergarten Newsletter
Through newsletters, parents are able to learn more about your child’s
program as well as learn new ideas that can help you work more effectively with
your child at home. Please remove and carefully look over papers and projects
daily. Notes floating around in backpacks for extended time tend to get lost and
damaged.
Please keep all toys at home!
Contacts:
Program Director: Donna Lutkehaus 452-4476
Family Coordinator: Anne McDowell 452-0746
Brigham Elementary: 862-5036
Fairview Elementary: 452-4491
Fox Creek Elementary: 452-1143
Oakdale Elementary: 452-4439
Transportation: 452-0428
|
|
|
|
|