Parent Handbook

Welcome to

St. Paul's Christian Preschool and Childcare

Dear Parent:

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing St. Paul’s Christian Preschool and Childcare for you and your child. Our organization is a non-profit preschool and childcare program owned and operated by the St. Paul's United Methodist Church. This will be the thirteenth year that our Preschool program will be in operation, while our infant and toddler program will be in its eleventh year. We are excited to have you as a part of this growing ministry of the church.

Our program’s primary goal is to provide a supportive learning environment that fosters a child’s physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual growth. Our second goal is to provide a support system for the families we serve. We wish to make each family’s experience with our school a positive learning experience for both the parents and the child. Please read the handbook and return the signed page to the office.

To meet our goals, we hire a trained staff that is eager to meet and help you and your child. We plan our curriculum thinking of the whole child, giving time for teacher

guided activities, as well as time for the children to explore and guide their activities. We also integrate Christian subjects and values into all that we do. We strongly urge parents to become involved as much as their time permits. If you would like to become involved, but don’t know how, please speak with the director or one of your child’s teachers.

Should you, at any time, have any questions or concerns about anything, please feel free to contact the director. We all want the best for our children and families and will try our hardest to achieve this goal. Thank you.

Sincerely,

The staff at St. Paul's Christian Preschool and Childcare

Discipline Policy

1. Acceptable behavior is encouraged by positive verbal rewards. This reinforces a child’s good feeling about his/her behavior and serves as an example to the other children to act in such a way as to receive this praise. Asking a child to stop and think about his/her unpleasant behavior enables that child to work on self-control.

2. Christian values such as love, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and self-control are modeled, encouraged, and rewarded.

3. Inappropriate behavior is managed on an individual basis and parents will be notified. If an inappropriate behavior isn’t corrected within a time period that is recommended and it affects the whole group, St. Paul’s reserves the right to ask the parents and child to leave the program.

4. Physical punishment is not an acceptable method of dealing with children’s behavior.

5. All children will be expected to follow rules for all safety purposes. When this is problem an adaptation will be made in order for the whole group to remain safe with the teachers and able to function as a group. For example, if a child won’t or is unable to walk the entire way on a walk, a stroller will be used to assist the child.

Biting:

Biting is a common problem among young children. During early childhood, children are sensory learners and often explore orally. In addition, immature language skills and imperfect impulse control can lead children to bite as a means of making their needs known. We do understand the biting is a concern to parents and we strive to minimize biting at the center. The following strategies help prevent, manage, and/or minimize biting incidents:

· When children bite out of frustration or during confrontation, they will be redirected to some other activity or they will be shown an alternate way to get what they need. We will encourage the use of words to express wants and needs.

· If a child bites frequently, staff members will utilize a more intensive approach that involves carefully observing the child to determine areas and times of heightened frustration levels. Conferences with parents/guardians will also be arranged to discuss possible solutions, outside resources, guidelines and positive action for home.

· You will be notified if your child has been bitten or has bitten another child while at St. Paul’s. However, in order to protect the privacy of all our families, you will not be informed of the identity of the biter.

Preschool Mission Statement

To nurture and expose the children to Christian concepts and positive models of Christian behavior.

Preparation of the children for later success, as healthy whole individuals; including but not limited to academic preparation for kindergarten, social skills, and simple play.

Creation and maintenance of safe, nurturing, stimulating, secure environment.

Acknowledgement, incorporation and communication regarding parental concerns about all aspects of the program.

A level of high quality in all aspects of the preschool.

Philosophy

The philosophy of our Christian Preschool rests upon providing the highest quality and age appropriate care for every child. The spiritual, social, and physical well being of each child forms the centerpiece of all our activities. Working in partnership with families, all preschool policies shall be consistent with the Christian principles of the St. Paul’s UM Church.

Program Description

St. Paul's Christian Preschool and Childcare currently offers three developmentally appropriate programs for our families. Each of these programs utilizes age appropriate educational subjects and activities, as well as Christian values to teach the children.

First, we offer two infant classrooms. These classrooms have a maximum of 8 infants in the classroom with two full time teachers. Children are enrolled in the classroom full time and are under 1 year of age.

Next, we offer two toddler classrooms that consist of 1 and 2 year old children with a 1 adult to 5 children ratio for 1 year olds and a 1 adult to 6 children ratio for 2 year olds. We offer full-time care and limited part-time care is available.

Finally, we offer two Preschool classrooms. These classrooms are for children ages 3 to 5 years of age. These classrooms have a maximum enrollment of 20 children and have at least 2 teachers (depending upon class size). Part-time options are also available on a limited basis.

Please see the fee and schedule chart for these options.

Professional Staff

We hire a highly trained staff of professionals. Job descriptions of personnel are available upon request.

Administrative Policies

Operating Hours and Calendar:

1. The St. Paul's Christian Preschool is open Monday-Friday from 7:30am-5:30pm

2. Parent fee agreements will dictate the hours of attendance for their child.

3. St. Paul's Christian Preschool is open 12 months of the year.

4. The St. Paul's Christian Preschool will be closed on the following holidays and inservice days:

Parents’ Corner

Parent Involvement:

We believe that parents are the best teachers for their children and want you to be a part of your child’s educational experience. Being informed and involved with all programs in the school helps accomplish this goal. Parents are invited and encouraged to actively participate in any of our programs. See the Director or your child’s teacher about how you might become involved at the preschool.

Newsletters:

Since we are partners in your child’s development, newsletters informing you about any issues or concerns, as well as keeping you abreast of upcoming events, activities, and “happenings” will be sent via email to parents. If you would prefer a hard copy, please contact the office.

Parent Conferences:

Parent conferences are scheduled three times during the first year, the first meeting is an “intake” or “get to know you” meeting and then one in the fall and spring to review your child’s development and progress. Parent conferences are then scheduled two times each consecutive year-one in the fall and one in the spring. Either the parent or the teacher may request an additional conference at any time, if a special concern arises.

‘Open’ Door Policy:

We have an ‘open’door policy. Parents are welcome to visit at any time.

Scholarship Fund:

We are trying to establish a scholarship fund for those who may not otherwise be able to attend our program. Parents wishing to contribute to this “Scholarship Fund” are welcome to do so, either through a monthly contribution or a lump sum donation. To receive more information about this opportunity, please see the director.

Diapers, Wipes, Nap Items and Changes of Clothes:

1. We will provide wipes for the children. We use a non-scented, hypoallergenic brand. We provide diapers for all children. A weekly fee is billed with tuition.

2. Once children are old enough to transition to nap mats (generally 1 year of age), we ask parents to provide adequate nap blankets for rest time. We provide a mat, mat cover and a bag to keep all nap items in.

3. All children as asked to lie down and rest during our rest times. Children are not required to sleep, but they must at least rest. We will work with parents of infants to best meet their napping needs.

4. All children MUST have a clean, seasonally appropriate change of clothing at the school. This should include shirt, pants, at least 1 pair of underwear (if applicable) and socks.

Toys from home:

While we recognize the attachment that children form with some of their toys from home, children are not permitted to bring them to school.

Parents that bring toys with the children will be asked to take them home.

Accident Policy:

1. In the event of a medical emergency or accident, we will notify the appropriate emergency persons, as well as the child’s parent or legal guardian.

2. Minor accidents will be handled according to accepted first aid procedures. Parents will be contacted by telephone, if necessary.

Illness:

1. It is at the teacher’s discretion whether a child can participate in activities. If the teacher feels that the child is incapable, due to illness, the parents will be notified.

2. No child will be admitted and will be sent home is he/she exhibits any of the following signs of illness: Please see attached page (adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Caring For Our Children”) A copy of this book is available in the Preschool office if you would like to borrow it.

3. If a child has a communicable disease (i.e. chicken pox, pink eye, etc.) s/he will not be allowed to return until the period of contamination has passed.

4. A child must be fever and symptom free for at least 24 hours before returning to their classroom after an illness.

Administration of Medicine:

It is the parents’ responsibility to administer any medication to their children. The St. Paul’s Christian Preschool and Childcare staff is not permitted to administer any medicines of ANY kind (either non-prescription or over the counter). Any changes to this policy will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect:

Should the staff suspect possible child abuse or neglect, observations and dates must be documented. Staff members are REQUIRED to inform the Director, who in turn is MANDATED to notify Childline and the local Family Services Agency.

Confidentiality:

Children’s records are open only to the child’s teachers, the Director, authorized employees of the licensing agency, and/or the child’s parent or legal guardian. Records may be accessed with written parental permission as necessary.

Safety and Health Concerns:

In addition to providing a happy and stimulating environment for your child(ren), it is important that it is also a safe environment. The following safety and health guidelines are observed.

1. No child is ever left alone or unsupervised. Parents please follow these guidelines. This includes hallways, bathrooms, and the elevator.

2. As a licensed facility, we are required to maintain certain staff and child ratios

(depending upon the ages of the children present). It is our goal to utilize volunteers in each classroom on a daily basis to give us even more adult supervision and care when working with your child(ren).

3. Fire drills are held every 30 days.

4. Parents are expected to maintain their child’s personal hygiene through daily bathing and frequent shampooing. Please no gum chewing in the building. All children should wash their hands when entering the building.

Tuition and Fees:

1. There is a non-refundable one-time registration fee of $50.00 for one child, $75.00 for families.

2. Tuition is based upon 4 weeks (or approximately 20 days) per month.

3. All weeklong breaks (Christmas, Spring, and Summer) are NOT included in your tuition.

4. Invoices will be handed out at the beginning of each month. Tuition for the following month will be due by the 15^th of the month prior. For example, invoices for the month of September will be hand out or mailed on August 1. Tuition will then be due by August 15^th. A 2-week grace period will be granted to families. Beginning on the 1^st of the month, a $5.00 late fee will be assessed for any late tuition. This fee will be charged each week until payment for the month is made in full. Tuition not paid before the 15^th of the “current” month may result in removal from our program until tuition is paid in full.

5. Parents wishing to withdraw their child(ren) for any reason must give the director and staff of St. Paul's Christian Preschool and Childcare a 30 DAY WRITTEN NOTICE OR PAYMENT.

6. Parents are paying for a reserved spot in our program. If your child misses any time because of vacations, illnesses, doctor’s appointments, etc., there is no refund or credit offered. Even though you may not be using it, you are still paying for the guaranteed time slot in our programs.

7. Each family must sign a fee agreement. After the parents and director have signed the form, the parents will retain the original, while a copy will be placed in your child’s files.

8. It is expected that parents pick their child(ren) up by the time LISTED ON THE FEE AGREEMENT. (For example, if the fee agreement says 12:30, it is expected that parents will be here ON OR BEFORE 12:30). If not, a fee of $1.00 per minute will be assessed. This fee doubles to $2.00 per minute after 5:30pm.

9. Parents may reserve extra care if needed. The director reserves the right to deny any reservations based upon enrollment numbers for that day.

10. There is a $7/week diaper/wipe fee which will be invoiced with your tuition.

Snow Policy:

1. We will be closed for the day if the State College Area School District closes due to weather emergencies. In the event of more than 4 weather emergencies resulting in closure, tuition will be credited for any days thereafter.

2. Cancellations of school can be seen on Channel 4 or Channel 10.

3. In the event of a 2-hour delay of the State College Area Schools, we will open at 9:30am.

4. In the event of an early dismissal (due to weather emergencies) we will close at 12:30pm. We will call the appropriate number you have given us on the sign-in sheet that day.

Arrival and Departure:

1. Please try to be punctual when bringing your child. Our morning sessions begin at 9:00am. Those coming late miss important educational opportunities, as well as disrupt those already in morning activities.

2. Please try and be respectful of our curriculum. If you cannot drop off by 9:15am please call the office. The class might be on a walk and we would not want you to miss them.

3. Parents are responsible for their child(ren) in their carpool until the child(ren) are in the classroom and signed in and greeted by their teacher. No child should ever be left alone anywhere in the building.

4. If your child will be absent for the day, parents are responsible for calling to report their absence to the staff.

5. A child shall be released only to the child’s parent or guardian, or an individual designated IN WRITING by the parents. A photo ID will be required from any adult the staff does not recognize.

6. Any custody agreements must be in writing from the court and a copy should be given to the office for the child’s file. Without documentation, preschool staff members cannot legally withhold a child from any parent.

Babysitting List:

We have many wonderful staff and students who are willing to baby sit. We are happy to provide you with an updated babysitting list periodically through out the year however St. Paul’s does not assume any responsibility for any liability during the activity.

Tumble Bus:

The Tumble Bus visits our school weekly and you can make arrangements and payments directly with Mr. Chris regarding your TUMBLE BUS account. St. Paul’s does not assume any responsibility for any liability during the activity.

Transitions:

When it is time for your child to move from one room to another, you will be informed regarding when and how this will happen. We will do everything we can to make this transition go as smoothly as possible.

Emergency Evacuation:

St. Paul’s children and staff practice fire drills once a month at various times through out the day. This will help us all be prepared just in case we ever do have an emergency and need to evacuate. We also have an Emergency Evacuation plan in place. You should have received a copy of this upon enrollment. If you need a copy, please request one in the office.

Transfer of Records:

SPCP will transfer child records, at the request of the parent, when the child transitions to another educational setting.

IEP/IFSP:

If applicable to the child, SPCP requests that parents provide copies of child’s IEP or IFSP, any written plans, and/or special needs assessments completed by professionals so as to inform classroom practices.

Procedure to Refer Parents to Appropriate Services

Teachers make observations of individual children on a daily basis. Teachers then share and discuss such observations with parents at a scheduled conference. At this time, teachers may make a recommendation to parents regarding their child’s social, mental, educational, or physical needs. If necessary, teachers will refer parents to appropriate social, mental health, educational, wellness, and medical services. Such services may be sought out if given parental consent.