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TRINITY PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE
PARENT HANDBOOK
4535 KIMBALL AVE. WATERLOO, IA 50701 (319) 232-4714
Trinity Preschool & Childcare Parent Handbook
Welcome to all of you parents who have made the important decision to enroll your child in our preschool & childcare program here at Trinity! We hope that this handbook will assist in answering questions you may have or questions that may arise concerning the operation of our preschool. This booklet is only to assist and not to eliminate person to person communication. Please feel free to contact us if any questions or concerns do arise. Hopefully this handbook will help you understand what to expect of us and what, in turn, we will expect from you. Thank You!
Our Purpose and Mission Statement
Our purpose of having a preschool & childcare is to aid parents in early child rearing and education. We are committed to working closely with parents toward the welfare of the whole family. Parents are welcome to visit the school at any time. Both prior to enrolling their child and during the child’s time at Trinity. Our mission is to build a faithful community where children can experience companionship with God and each other in Christ, through the Spirit, and to provide exceptional educational preparation for Kindergarten.
Our Vision
Trinity’s Preschool & Childcare is a ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church serving children ages 6 weeks to kindergarten and their families from varying backgrounds within the community.
Trinity’s Preschool & Childcare strives to promote a balance of intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, and social growth of children.
Godly Play offers a hands-on method of storytelling using tangible objects to teach about the Bible and Christian values.
Our Philosophy
We believe children learn through play and they are like little sponges, soaking up the world around them. We believe that if you place a child in a safe Christian environment full of rich experiences, they will become willing and eager learners. We will also encourage the children to lead a Christian life and to develop a positive self-image and a growing sense of responsibility for self and as a member of a group. We want your child’s first learning experience to be fun, exciting, and to set the stage for further education.
Curriculum
Our preschool & childcare program and our professional staff will provide the children with the opportunities they need to expand their thinking skills, language development, small and large motor, and problem solving.
Children will participate in classroom centers including, but not limited to: art, drama, music, science, pre-reading, cooking, math, writing, and much more.
Objectives: Days are planned so that children will: - be safe - feel secure - receive individual attention and affection - develop satisfying relationships with other children and adults - develop self-discipline - experience successes in order to develop a positive self-image - develop intellectual and physical skills
Our program will include Godly Play- the goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using language of the Christian tradition to encounter God and find direction for their lives. There are four objectives that help to meet that goal.
1. To model how to wonder in religious education, so children can “enter religious language rather than merely repeating it or talking about it.” 2. To show children how to create meaning with the language of the Christian tradition and how this can involve then in the experience of the Creator. 3. To show children how to choose their own work, so they can confront their own existential limits, and depth issues rather than 4. work on other kinds of problems dictated by others, including adults. 5. To show children how to work together as a community by supporting and respecting each other and one another’s quest We will visit the Godly Play classroom once a week. The lessons that we learned in the Godly Play classroom will extend into our everyday learning environment through activities, stories and prayers.
Parent / Center Communication
Parent-Teacher Conversations: Parents and teachers need to communicate! Please feel free to talk to your child’s teacher at school or drop a note to the teachers or director. The preschool & childcare will schedule parent-teacher conferences twice a year.
Parent Bulletin Board
A bulletin board is available with announcements for you to view and read.
Center Evaluation
Parents will be given the opportunity on an annual basis to evaluate the preschool & childcare, its program and our ability to meet your special needs. These are very important to us. Please take the time to fill it our when it is received.
Arrival
Our early childcare/wrap around program will open at _____A.M. All children MUST be escorted to and from the early childcare classroom by an adult. Parents need to allow time to assist their child in hanging up belonging’s and bringing the child to the classroom.
Our preschool programs will begin at _______A.m. and will end at ______A.M. Please try to have your child here on time, so they may take full advantage of the entire preschool program.
Our teachers or Rector will escort the children from parent’s car to their classroom at arrival time and they will escort the children back to the car at departure time from preschool.
Departure
The wrap around & childcare program will close at _______P.M. Children are to be picked up at the agreed time. Parents should make staff aware that the child is leaving. It is best to notify the staff at Trinity if the parent is running late so that the child does not feel abandoned.
If someone other then the persons on the “Authorized Pick-Up List” is to pick up the child, a written, signed note should be given to the teachers at the child’s arrival. That person should be prepared to show proof of identity.
Clothing
Children should dress comfortably, simply, and suitable for the weather. We do engage in a number of “messy” activities that, despite smocks, can get clothes dirty. We do not want to inhibit the children unnecessarily, so we ask you to send them in something that you are comfortable having them play in and possibly get “dirty” in. Please remember that we will be playing outside and our Iowa weather changes with little warning. Please dress your child or send clothing to accommodate these weather changes.
A change of clothing should always be in your child’s backpack in case of a spill or accident. We are unable to have clothing of every size on hand and we want your child to be comfortable. Spills and accidents are embarrassing for children and having their own change of clothing (including underwear & socks) will help the change go unnoticed. The clothing should be placed in a large plastic bag marked with your child’s name and the soiled clothing will be placed back in a plastic bag in their backpack. We will send home a notice, so you are aware of the soiled clothing. Thank you for the cooperation!
Backpacks
All children will be asked to have a backpack or bag large enough to contain a regular size folder and extra change of clothing. We ask that the backpack is labeled with your child’s name. We also ask that you attach a heavy duty clear pencil bag to the outside of the backpack. The pencil bag will be used to transports notes, payments and any other important items that teachers need to see right away.
Possessions from Home
Toys from home are your child’s link between home and school. Children may want and need the security of something of their own to help the transition from home to school. We will allow your child to have that item during arrival time and free morning play, once we begin our morning, we will ask the child to place the item in their cubby for safe keeping. Please limit it to one small cuddly item. If the child attends wrap around they will be allowed to have the item again when it’s appropriate.
Play guns, weapons and other toys that encourage aggressive play are never welcome in our classrooms. We are trying to build cooperation and concern for one another in our preschool: these items promote aggression, competition and hostile feelings. Please leave them at home!
Birthdays
Birthday treats are optional and do not need to follow the healthy food guidelines. We will try to work our snack schedule around birthdays, so you will be assigned your snack day for your child’s birthday celebration.
The class will sing Happy Birthday to your child and they will be allowed to wear a birthday crown, unless you ask us not to celebrate your child’s birthday.
If you are planning a party away from school and the entire class is invited we will gladly place the invites in the children’s cubbies. If you are not inviting the entire class we ask that you mail the invitations.
Enrollment
Preschool & Childcare enrollment will be open to Trinity Episcopal Parish member’s first and then to the public on a first come first serve basis.
Trinity Preschool & Childcare welcomes enrollment to all children regardless of race, creed, national origin or sex.
Trinity Episcopal Parish Discount
If you are an active Parish member, you will receive a 10% discount on your tuition. Please see the preschool Director for the definition of being an active Parish member.
Preschool Tuition
Tuition will be due the first of every month. Tuition can be paid by check or cash. Checks need to be made out Trinity Preschool. Tuition can be sent in your child’s pencil bag attached to their backpacks or you may hand payment to teacher’s during arrival or dismissal. We also have a payment box in the hallway by the parent bulletin board. If you need a receipt, please let the Director know and one will be sent home. · A $10.00 late fee will be applied after the 10th of every month. If you are suffering a hardship of any kind and are in need of assistance, please talk to the Director.
Childcare Tuition
We understand that parents do not always pick their payday, so we will set up childcare tuition payment schedule that fits you best. You may pay weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly to coordinate with your paydays. The Director will calculate tuition on a weekly basis (every Friday) and a bill will be sent home on the following Tuesday for the previous weeks childcare. Payment will be due five days following your arranged billing due date. · $10.00 late fee will be applied five days after your due date. If you are suffering a hardship of any kind and are in need of assistance, please talk to the Director.
Daily Schedule
We offer three and five day preschool programming. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and Monday-Friday programs are available. Morning preschool runs from 9:00 to 11:30. All programs are subject to enrollment. 8:50-9:00 Children Arrival 9:00-9:10 Free Play in limited Centers 9:10-9:20 Clean-up 9:20-9:40 Circle Time 9:40-10:05 Outdoor Play/ Large Motor 10:05-10:15 Hand Washing 10:15-10:30 Snack 10:30-11:00 Learning Centers 11:00-11:10 Clean-up 11:10-11:20 Sharing 11:20-11:30 Get ready for dismissal Our preschool year will begin after Labor Day and will end before Memorial weekend. Childcare will be provided year round. Extended Day Schedule
7:00-8:00 Free Play 8:00-8:10 Wash Hands 8:10-8:30 Breakfast 8:30-9:00 Free Play 9:00-11:30 Please see Preschool Schedule on page 7 11:45-12:00 Wash hands for lunch 12:00-12:20 Eat Lunch 12:20-12:30 Bathroom Breaks 12:30-2:30 Nap/Quiet Rest Time 2:30-3:00 Clean-up Rest Area & Bathroom Breaks 3:00-3:15 Snack 3:15-3:45 Outdoor/Large Motor Play 3:45-5:30 Free Play
Transportation
We will not provide transportation, unless it is for a fieldtrip. We will then need volunteers to help with our transportation or we may use school/public buses.
Discipline
It is our policy of our preschool & childcare that children are taught and cared for in a loving, safe and nurturing environment where they may learn to respect the rights of others and grow in self-control.
The children are encouraged to act courteously toward their teachers and classmates. They are taught the rules of good decision making behavior and the limits of misbehavior.
All children will make mistakes and will misbehave from time to time. When this arises we will: · redirect the child to a different activity. · We will redirect the children three different times for the same misbehavior · if they continue to misbehave, we will then have the child take a time- out. Time-outs are limited to: one minute per year of the age of the child. For example: if the child is four years old, they will sit in time-out up to four minutes. · Time-outs will always be in a supervised room or area. If more drastic behavior occurs such as and not limited to: biting, hitting, kicking, swearing or hurting others, an instant time-out may be applied.
If a child has repeated drastic behaviors a conference will scheduled with the parents/guardians to work out a plan that benefits the child and all the preschool children.
We want all the preschool children to feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings!
Note: No corporal punishment will be allowed. This is defined as the use of negative physical touching. (Spanking, slapping, pinching, ect.) No unusual punishment will be allowed, such as humiliation, ridicule, threat, or coercion.
Discharge Policy
Trinity Preschool and Childcare reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of a child for the following reasons: · non-payment or excessive late payments · not observing the rules of the preschool as outlined in the parent agreement · child has special needs which we are cannot adequately meet with our current staffing patterns. · Physical and/or verbal abuse to our staff or children by parent or child.
Illness
You are the best judge of your child’s health and we trust you will not bring a sick child to the center. However, if in the opinion of the teaching staff your child is sick, we will call you to come and pick-up your child. The following criteria will be considered in determining if your child must go home: · Fever of 100 degrees or more · Inflammation of the eyes · Vomiting · More than one incidence of diarrhea · Communicable disease · Unknown rash · Persistent pain or discomfort If your child has been sent home due to illness or is ill, he/she cannot return to preschool or wrap around until he/she has been symptom free for 24 hours. This is to allow ample time to recover and stop the spread of illness to the other children.
It is your responsibility to notify us if your child had a communicable disease, such as: measles, mumps, chicken pox, head lice, strep throat, ect.
All parents will be notified by a letter and a notice will be posted on the parent bulletin board when a communicable disease is going around. On occasion, if health concern persists, the preschool Director may request that a child be seen by a physician prior to returning to school.
Hand Washing
Frequent hand washing with soap and running water is necessary to prevent the spread of disease. Children and adults need to wash hand before preparing or eating any food item, before and after water play, after handling animals, toileting, coughing and wiping noses. Please set a good example and teach children how to clean their hands.
Medications
Medications can be given when parents/guardians have signed a written consent form. Medications have to be in original containers marked with the child’s name, dosage and directions.
Emergency Procedures
We have regular fire and disaster drills at school. The children are taught to listen to the teachers’ directions. We will assemble and count everyone and give aid and comfort as needed. We will stay with your children until you or someone of your choice can get here. All of our teachers are trained in first aid and CPR.
Snacks and Lunch
Trinity will furnish nutritious snacks and lunches for the children in our programming. We will follow the food program requirements and monthly lunch menus will be sent home with the children that will be eating lunch.
Infants
Parents are asked to provide formula/breast milk, bottles, baby food, diapers, wet wipes, diaper rash medicine, sunscreen, teething medication or anything else your child may need on a daily basis. A note will be sent home letting you know when we are running low. Please mark all item with your child’s name.
Late Starts and Early Dismissals
In case of severe weather, we may need to start our days late or dismiss early and even possibly close all together.
In these cases please watch for school delays or closings on KWWL News.
Nap Time
We are required to provide a quiet rest or nap time to children that are with us all day. Some children may need sleep and others may only need rest. We will try to accommodate to each child’s sleep needs. Each child enrolled in our wrap around program will need to bring the following: · a blanket, towel or nap mat to lay on · a blanket to cover-up with The following are optional: · a snuggly toy to comfort them · a pillow We will keep these items for the week and sent them home for cleaning on weekends.
Toilet Training
Teachers will begin working on toilet training with children when they are 18 months of age. We do not expect instant success, however; we want the children to gain toilet training time awareness in using the toilet. We will always be patient and understanding when accidents do occur. During our toilet training period we ask that your child wears pull-ups training pant or something similar to it.
Videos During Preschool Hours
Videos are not regularly used in our preschool program. Exceptions are made for very short films that relate directly to a topic that has been discussed with the children. On the rare occasion when there is extremely inclement weather for a long period of time, the teachers may choose to show a video from our library of quality movies for children.
Videos During Childcare
Age appropriate videos will be used during rest/quiet time to help provide quite time for the children that do not nap.
Holidays
The following legal holidays will be observed and the Preschool and Childcare will be closed: Labor Day Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday Christmas & New Year’s Break- check the schedule for the yearly dates of Christmas & New Year’s break Martin Luther King Jr. Day Good Friday Memorial Day Independence Day (July 4th) - A short summer break may apply
-Other days off may occur through-out the school year. Your monthly newsletters will announce any closures or day’s off.
Roster
We will provide a class roster so you may know how to locate your child’s friends and to form carpools if you wish. Upon request a complete school roster is available for viewing in the preschool office.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Staff members are required by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.
Parental Involvement
We encourage parental/guardian involvement when ever you desire to do so. We have an open door policy so parents can come and go as they please. We do ask for you to check-in with a teacher, so we are aware of someone else being in our school. Sometimes it is difficult for children to let go of their parents as much as it is for parents to let go of their children. Children do need some time to adjust to their new environment, so try to limit visits when your child first starts school, until they are comfortable here at Trinity.
There will be times through-out the year that parent’s may be asked to help out at the school, for things like: fieldtrips, when we have visitors, or days that we are going to be extra messy. We will send notes home asking for help and we appreciate any help we can get. We also understand that parents have other commitments and are not always able to help, so please feel no remorse.
Preschool: What To Expect
Based on our experience and the advice of experts, (all, some, none) of the children in our preschool will experience (none, some, all) of the following. All are normal behaviors. 1. Your child may become overly tired and irritable on preschool days. This may cause them to overact and be noisy. The new experience is very stimulating. Give them a snack or lunch and a quiet time or nap. 2. Your child may act very differently on days you help at school. They may exhibit negative behavior. Don’t be embarrassed or push them away. Give them the attention they need. It is hard for them to share you with so many other children. 3. Your normal outgoing child may be very quiet at school or vice versa. Accept this and let them entire at their own pace. Many young children prefer to watch first before entering play or a group. 4. Your child may pick up behavior or language that you dislike. This can happen anywhere, not just at school. Relax and do not make an issue of it. 5. Your child may do things at home for themselves that they will not do at school or vice versa, like dressing themselves. 6. Your child may not play with the other children. They may play alone, or beside someone else. They may go form one activity to another, spending little time in any area. 7. Your child may come home spotted with paint or grass stains, but glowing with wonder of their own experiences. Don’t scold, threaten or bribe them to stay clean. 8. Your child may suddenly not want to come to school or will want you to stay. Look for the reasons. Talk with the teachers. Again, do not bribe, scold or threaten. 9. Don’t expect your child to be happy everyday. We all have our ups and downs. Part of preschool is learning about life and to accept its ups and downs. 10. Do not always expect your child to learn facts or complete songs, or bring finished product suitable for framing. They are learning skills, developing coordination and developing happy. Well-adjusted attitudes towards others and life. 11. Parents- - expect to watch your own child and be mostly concerned for them first. But learn to look at and be interested and concerned for the other children and their growth and development.
Trinity Preschool 4535 Kimball Avenue Waterloo, Iowa 50701 319-232-4714
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