REDEEMER LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL HANDBOOK
Statement of Purpose
Since the early years of a child’s life are the foundation for his/her entire life, we value bringing up a child in the ways of the Lord, not only in his/her home, but also in the preschool experience. Our Bible-based curriculum is interwoven throughout every aspect of the preschool experience so that our 3-5 year olds have a foundation of growth that is spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional, and physical.
Through our program, we encourage your child to display independence, cooperation, and decision making. Working together with you, the parents, our aim is for a successful transition from home to school and a positive school experience.
Goals:
Help the child to –
Grow spiritually –
1) learn of God’s love so that he/she can grow in trust and faith in Jesus as
his/her personal Friend and Savior
2) instill a respect and appreciation for his/her Creator and of all
creation
Grow socially –
1)learn to play, work and communicate with the other children and adults
2)learn to be kind and considerate of others even though they may be
different from themselves
3)assume responsibility and accept changes
Grow intellectually –
1)develop language skills to aid in better communication and expression
2)increase attention span, develop memory, creativity, recognize symbols,
and be better able to solve problems
3)develop an interest in and love of books
Grow emotionally –
1)develop a sense of security and trust as well as a positive self concept
and growing independence
2)appropriately express feelings and emotions
3)be free to risk failure and be comfortable with mistakes
Grow physically –
1)demonstrate awareness and care of his/her own body
2)develop eye/hand and eye/foot coordination
3)develop gross and fine motor coordination
Admission Policy
Redeemer Christian Preschool admits students of any race, color, or ethnic origin in administration of its education policies and other preschool programs.
Children enrolled in R.C.P. must be at LEAST 3 years old by December 1. The class will be a combined 3 & 4 year old class. If there would be sufficient enrollment, a Friday morning session will be added for 4 year olds only.
Children must be toilet trained.
All (new) students must present a birth certificate, immunization record and medical form before the first day of school. Immunization record must be current (proof of DPT, MMR, Polio, HIB Varicella (chicken pox) and Hepatitis B)
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
After taking off outside clothing upstairs in the church entrance, the children should be brought directly to the basement class room.
Children should arrive no earlier than 8:55 A.M. and no later than 9:10 A.M. Please make every effort to arrive in a timely fashion.
The children will be ready for pickup at 11:30 A.M. and should be gone no later than 11:40 A.M. If you have made arrangements for your to child ride with someone else, a signed note from the child’s parent must be submitted. The person picking up the child will be asked for a photo ID. If you set up a car pool arrangement, please notify your child’s teacher in writing.Forms will be available in the back of the Welcome Book
Attendance
Regular attendance of your child promotes educational growth and a positive attitude for learning. In case of absence, please call 941-5419.
By law, children with communicable diseases are not permitted to attend school.
These communicable diseases require the following procedure before the child returns to school:
a) Chicken Pox – all pox must have scabbed before the child returns to school
b) Impetigo – requires a doctor’s note as proof of the child’s recovery
c) Strep Infection – child must be kept home 7 days from the onset of infection or return with a doctor’s note
d) Pink Eye- child must have been on prescribed drops for at least 24 hours
e) Head Lice- treated and a physician’s note
To prevent the spread of colds and other communicable diseases, it is advisable to keep your child home when he shows any of the following symptoms: sore throat, runny nose, skin rash, excessive fatigue, enlarged glands, fever, vomiting, earache, headache or chills.
Birthdays
Preschool celebrations should be kept simple. Your child’s birthday will be scheduled by the teacher and included on the appropriate monthly snack list. Summer birthdays will be celebrated as designated by the teacher.
Class List
This will be available in the Welcome Booklet. It is imperative that any changes in address or phone number be given to the teacher. Please be sensitive to the privacy of our preschool families and remember these class lists are for car pools and convenience only.
Clothing
Simple, washable, easy to manage clothes should be worn and sneakers are preferred. A SCHOOL BAG is needed for school papers and artwork. An ART SMOCK (oversized shirt or tee shirt) is also needed. Please print child’s name boldly on each. A complete extra set of clothing should be in your child’s school bag in case a change is necessary.
Communication
A monthly newsletter and calendar will be sent home with your child.
We would like to hear your child’s comments about preschool – both the positive and negative are important to us and encourage a growing program.
Mutual communication is a key ingredient in our relationship. If a parent wishes to discuss a problem or a need of the child, they are urged to arrange a conference with the teacher. The teacher also may wish to arrange a conference with the parent.
Discipline
Discipline and guidance will be consistent and based on an understanding of the individual needs and developments of a child. Discipline is directed to the goal of maximizing the growth and development of the children and to the protection of the group and individuals within it. Teachers will establish a warm, caring environment for the children. A low key, but firm voice will be used when disciplining a child.
General rules regarding discipline are:
1) use a firm, calm voice
2) kneel down, maintain contact at the child’s level
3) talk with the child and explain what he/she did was not acceptable
4) go over the rules of the classroom
5) no corporal punishment (including spanking) will be utilized
6) no cruel or severe punishment
The first policy for disciplining your child at the school is to use REDIRECTION. The child will be encouraged to participate in another activity to alleviate his/her anxiety of the situation he/she was in previously, which in turn allows the child to gain self-control.
The second alternative for disciplining your child at the school is referred to as TIME OUT. Time out is a separate place in the classroom away from other children. It is set up so a child can regain control. Time out is used in different ways depending on the age of the child. No child will spend more than three minutes in time out except in the event the child needs additional time to regain control. The parent will be told when TIME OUT is given .
If problems persist then a formal parent/teacher conference will be held and documented. The conference will address observations made regarding behavioral skills.
If a child’s behavior continues to be inappropriate and has become a safety issue for other children or staff, then removal of the child from Redeemer’s program will be considered (see refund policy). A meeting of parent, teacher, and a designate preschool team member will be held to arrive at such final action.
Parties
Class parties will be held at Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter. Parents who volunteer as “Party Planners” will be responsible for assisting the teachers to plan and prepare the snack, paper products, games and other activities. If you can not be at school for the parties, you can still assist by purchasing needed items or by preparing the snack. Sign-up sheets are available form the teacher.
Refunds
If a child leaves the preschool for any reason, the registration fee is nonrefundable and any prepaid tuition will be returned only if the child’s space in the classroom can be filled from a waiting list or new enrollment.
Registration Fee
The registration fee is $35 PLUS the first month’s tuition. (The next month’s tuition is due October 1st, see tuition section.) The registration fee covers the cost of administration and record keeping and will aid in purchasing supplies prior to opening day. Regarding refunds, see refund section.
Registration Date
Registration for both classes will begin for Redeemer church members in early November. Open registration begins in early December. A registration form must be completed and registration fee and first month’s tuition must be paid. Classes are filled in the order that complete registrations are accepted.
School Calendar
Redeemer Christian Preschool will be following the Springville Griffith Institute schedule of holidays and snow days. The specific holidays are listed in the Welcome Booklet. Cancellation listed on TV Channels 2,4, &7 .
Our opening day is Monday, Sept. 8th, 2011.
The last day will be near the end of May with a special picnic in the park. The date will be set early in April
Since we meet in the church fellowship area, at least a two day written notice will be given to each family if a change of location or cancellation needs to be made due to a funeral luncheon.
School Hours
2 Day Program Monday & Wednesday 9 – 11:30 A.M
3 Day Program Monday, Wednesday, & An Additional day 9 – 11:30 A.M
If we have sufficient enrollment, an additional day for 4 year olds only.
Snacks
Proper nutrition is emphasized for the mid-morning snack. Preschool parents will be asked to help provide snacks, as designed on the monthly calendar. A list of suggested snacks is included in the Welcome Booklet. NO NUT PRODUCTS PLEASE!
Transportation
Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from Redeemer Christian Preschool, 8740 Supervisor Ave., Colden, New York. If you have made arrangement for your child to ride with someone else, a signed note from each parent involved must be received. This also applies to a carpool arrangement. Forms will be in the back of the Welcome Booklet.
Tuition
Redeemer Christian Preschool is a non-profit educational outreach of Redeemer Lutheran Church. It is financed by tuition and donation from the church. Monies received will be spent on teacher’s salaries, materials and operation expenses. Each session will have a teacher and assistant.
The class size will be limited to 12.
Tuition Fees
Class Monthly
2 Mornings 65.00
3 Mornings 95.00
Tuition is due the 1st of every month and must be paid by the 10th of the month. You will not receive a bill. After the 1st a $5 late fee will be added until the 10th . If by the 10th the tuition and late fee have not been paid, the child cannot attend preschool. If you choose to pay semi-annually, the first half is due the first week of school and second half the first week in January. You are responsible for FULL tuition regardless of attendance (sickness, vacation, etc). It is the responsibility of the parents to keep the tuition payment current, however, the school does recognize that situations may arise which may cause economic hardship. If such a situation should occur, the parent should immediately contact the teacher.
If we receive a bad check, you will be charged the bank fee in addition to the amount of the check. Both payments MUST be made in cash. The remainder of the year’s tuition will then be a CASH ONLY basis.
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
If a child lives with criticism, he/she learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he/she learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he/she learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he/she learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he/she learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he/she learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he/she learns confidence.
If a child lives with fairness, he/she learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he/she learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he/she learns to like him/herself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he/she learns to find love in the world.
To this we would add…….If a child lives with Jesus in the
family, he/she learns to love with selflessness, and to give his/her life in service to others.
Statement of Purpose
Since the early years of a child’s life are the foundation for his/her entire life, we value bringing up a child in the ways of the Lord, not only in his/her home, but also in the preschool experience. Our Bible-based curriculum is interwoven throughout every aspect of the preschool experience so that our 3-5 year olds have a foundation of growth that is spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional, and physical.
Through our program, we encourage your child to display independence, cooperation, and decision making. Working together with you, the parents, our aim is for a successful transition from home to school and a positive school experience.
Goals:
Help the child to –
Grow spiritually –
1) learn of God’s love so that he/she can grow in trust and faith in Jesus as
his/her personal Friend and Savior
2) instill a respect and appreciation for his/her Creator and of all
creation
Grow socially –
1)learn to play, work and communicate with the other children and adults
2)learn to be kind and considerate of others even though they may be
different from themselves
3)assume responsibility and accept changes
Grow intellectually –
1)develop language skills to aid in better communication and expression
2)increase attention span, develop memory, creativity, recognize symbols,
and be better able to solve problems
3)develop an interest in and love of books
Grow emotionally –
1)develop a sense of security and trust as well as a positive self concept
and growing independence
2)appropriately express feelings and emotions
3)be free to risk failure and be comfortable with mistakes
Grow physically –
1)demonstrate awareness and care of his/her own body
2)develop eye/hand and eye/foot coordination
3)develop gross and fine motor coordination
Admission Policy
Redeemer Christian Preschool admits students of any race, color, or ethnic origin in administration of its education policies and other preschool programs.
Children enrolled in R.C.P. must be at LEAST 3 years old by December 1. The class will be a combined 3 & 4 year old class. If there would be sufficient enrollment, a Friday morning session will be added for 4 year olds only.
Children must be toilet trained.
All (new) students must present a birth certificate, immunization record and medical form before the first day of school. Immunization record must be current (proof of DPT, MMR, Polio, HIB Varicella (chicken pox) and Hepatitis B)
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
After taking off outside clothing upstairs in the church entrance, the children should be brought directly to the basement class room.
Children should arrive no earlier than 8:55 A.M. and no later than 9:10 A.M. Please make every effort to arrive in a timely fashion.
The children will be ready for pickup at 11:30 A.M. and should be gone no later than 11:40 A.M. If you have made arrangements for your to child ride with someone else, a signed note from the child’s parent must be submitted. The person picking up the child will be asked for a photo ID. If you set up a car pool arrangement, please notify your child’s teacher in writing.Forms will be available in the back of the Welcome Book
Attendance
Regular attendance of your child promotes educational growth and a positive attitude for learning. In case of absence, please call 941-5419.
By law, children with communicable diseases are not permitted to attend school.
These communicable diseases require the following procedure before the child returns to school:
a) Chicken Pox – all pox must have scabbed before the child returns to school
b) Impetigo – requires a doctor’s note as proof of the child’s recovery
c) Strep Infection – child must be kept home 7 days from the onset of infection or return with a doctor’s note
d) Pink Eye- child must have been on prescribed drops for at least 24 hours
e) Head Lice- treated and a physician’s note
To prevent the spread of colds and other communicable diseases, it is advisable to keep your child home when he shows any of the following symptoms: sore throat, runny nose, skin rash, excessive fatigue, enlarged glands, fever, vomiting, earache, headache or chills.
Birthdays
Preschool celebrations should be kept simple. Your child’s birthday will be scheduled by the teacher and included on the appropriate monthly snack list. Summer birthdays will be celebrated as designated by the teacher.
Class List
This will be available in the Welcome Booklet. It is imperative that any changes in address or phone number be given to the teacher. Please be sensitive to the privacy of our preschool families and remember these class lists are for car pools and convenience only.
Clothing
Simple, washable, easy to manage clothes should be worn and sneakers are preferred. A SCHOOL BAG is needed for school papers and artwork. An ART SMOCK (oversized shirt or tee shirt) is also needed. Please print child’s name boldly on each. A complete extra set of clothing should be in your child’s school bag in case a change is necessary.
Communication
A monthly newsletter and calendar will be sent home with your child.
We would like to hear your child’s comments about preschool – both the positive and negative are important to us and encourage a growing program.
Mutual communication is a key ingredient in our relationship. If a parent wishes to discuss a problem or a need of the child, they are urged to arrange a conference with the teacher. The teacher also may wish to arrange a conference with the parent.
Discipline
Discipline and guidance will be consistent and based on an understanding of the individual needs and developments of a child. Discipline is directed to the goal of maximizing the growth and development of the children and to the protection of the group and individuals within it. Teachers will establish a warm, caring environment for the children. A low key, but firm voice will be used when disciplining a child.
General rules regarding discipline are:
1) use a firm, calm voice
2) kneel down, maintain contact at the child’s level
3) talk with the child and explain what he/she did was not acceptable
4) go over the rules of the classroom
5) no corporal punishment (including spanking) will be utilized
6) no cruel or severe punishment
The first policy for disciplining your child at the school is to use REDIRECTION. The child will be encouraged to participate in another activity to alleviate his/her anxiety of the situation he/she was in previously, which in turn allows the child to gain self-control.
The second alternative for disciplining your child at the school is referred to as TIME OUT. Time out is a separate place in the classroom away from other children. It is set up so a child can regain control. Time out is used in different ways depending on the age of the child. No child will spend more than three minutes in time out except in the event the child needs additional time to regain control. The parent will be told when TIME OUT is given .
If problems persist then a formal parent/teacher conference will be held and documented. The conference will address observations made regarding behavioral skills.
If a child’s behavior continues to be inappropriate and has become a safety issue for other children or staff, then removal of the child from Redeemer’s program will be considered (see refund policy). A meeting of parent, teacher, and a designate preschool team member will be held to arrive at such final action.
Parties
Class parties will be held at Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter. Parents who volunteer as “Party Planners” will be responsible for assisting the teachers to plan and prepare the snack, paper products, games and other activities. If you can not be at school for the parties, you can still assist by purchasing needed items or by preparing the snack. Sign-up sheets are available form the teacher.
Refunds
If a child leaves the preschool for any reason, the registration fee is nonrefundable and any prepaid tuition will be returned only if the child’s space in the classroom can be filled from a waiting list or new enrollment.
Registration Fee
The registration fee is $35 PLUS the first month’s tuition. (The next month’s tuition is due October 1st, see tuition section.) The registration fee covers the cost of administration and record keeping and will aid in purchasing supplies prior to opening day. Regarding refunds, see refund section.
Registration Date
Registration for both classes will begin for Redeemer church members in early November. Open registration begins in early December. A registration form must be completed and registration fee and first month’s tuition must be paid. Classes are filled in the order that complete registrations are accepted.
School Calendar
Redeemer Christian Preschool will be following the Springville Griffith Institute schedule of holidays and snow days. The specific holidays are listed in the Welcome Booklet. Cancellation listed on TV Channels 2,4, &7 .
Our opening day is Monday, Sept. 8th, 2011.
The last day will be near the end of May with a special picnic in the park. The date will be set early in April
Since we meet in the church fellowship area, at least a two day written notice will be given to each family if a change of location or cancellation needs to be made due to a funeral luncheon.
School Hours
2 Day Program Monday & Wednesday 9 – 11:30 A.M
3 Day Program Monday, Wednesday, & An Additional day 9 – 11:30 A.M
If we have sufficient enrollment, an additional day for 4 year olds only.
Snacks
Proper nutrition is emphasized for the mid-morning snack. Preschool parents will be asked to help provide snacks, as designed on the monthly calendar. A list of suggested snacks is included in the Welcome Booklet. NO NUT PRODUCTS PLEASE!
Transportation
Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from Redeemer Christian Preschool, 8740 Supervisor Ave., Colden, New York. If you have made arrangement for your child to ride with someone else, a signed note from each parent involved must be received. This also applies to a carpool arrangement. Forms will be in the back of the Welcome Booklet.
Tuition
Redeemer Christian Preschool is a non-profit educational outreach of Redeemer Lutheran Church. It is financed by tuition and donation from the church. Monies received will be spent on teacher’s salaries, materials and operation expenses. Each session will have a teacher and assistant.
The class size will be limited to 12.
Tuition Fees
Class Monthly
2 Mornings 65.00
3 Mornings 95.00
Tuition is due the 1st of every month and must be paid by the 10th of the month. You will not receive a bill. After the 1st a $5 late fee will be added until the 10th . If by the 10th the tuition and late fee have not been paid, the child cannot attend preschool. If you choose to pay semi-annually, the first half is due the first week of school and second half the first week in January. You are responsible for FULL tuition regardless of attendance (sickness, vacation, etc). It is the responsibility of the parents to keep the tuition payment current, however, the school does recognize that situations may arise which may cause economic hardship. If such a situation should occur, the parent should immediately contact the teacher.
If we receive a bad check, you will be charged the bank fee in addition to the amount of the check. Both payments MUST be made in cash. The remainder of the year’s tuition will then be a CASH ONLY basis.
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
If a child lives with criticism, he/she learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he/she learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he/she learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he/she learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he/she learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he/she learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he/she learns confidence.
If a child lives with fairness, he/she learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he/she learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he/she learns to like him/herself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he/she learns to find love in the world.
To this we would add…….If a child lives with Jesus in the
family, he/she learns to love with selflessness, and to give his/her life in service to others.