CovenantCommunityPreschool

onthecampusofChristChurch3415UnionRoadGastonia,NC28054

704-616-9253-directorcell704-864-5321-churchoffice

website-covenantcommunitypreschool.com

email-lyndawilliamsccp@gmail.com

BlessingOurCommunity…BuildingGod’sKingdom

HANDBOOK

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TableofContents

ALETTERTOOURFAMILIES.............................................................................................................................4

CCPMISSIONSTATEMENT..................................................................................................................................4CCPVISIONSTATEMENT.....................................................................................................................................5

NON-DISCRIMINATIONCLAUSE........................................................................................................................5BESTPRACTICES....................................................................................................................................................5

PHILOSOPHY-GOALS...........................................................................................................................................5

POSITIONONDISCIPLINE...................................................................................................................................6PRESCHOOLCURRICULUM.................................................................................................................................7

PROGRAMSCHEDULE..........................................................................................................................................8TEACHER:CHILDRATIO.....................................................................................................................................8

STAFF........................................................................................................................................................................8

GRIEVANCEPROCEDURE....................................................................................................................................9PARENTACCESS.....................................................................................................................................................9

PARENT/TEACHERPARTNERSHIP................................................................................................................9

CHILDASSESSMENT...........................................................................................................................................10PARENTCONFERENCES....................................................................................................................................10

ARRIVALPROCEDURES....................................................................................................................................11SEPARATIONANXIETY.....................................................................................................................................11

PICKUPPROCEDURES......................................................................................................................................12

TUITIONPAYMENTS..........................................................................................................................................12WITHDRAWALS..................................................................................................................................................13

FUNDRAISING......................................................................................................................................................13PARENTS’RESPONSIBILITIES........................................................................................................................13

ATTENDANCE.......................................................................................................................................................14

HOLIDAYSANDINCLEMENTWEATHER.....................................................................................................14NOTIFYTHETEACHERS..................................................................................................................................14

SAFETYINFORMATION....................................................................................................................................14

CHILDABUSEANDNEGLECT..........................................................................................................................14HEALTHINFORMATION...................................................................................................................................15

MEDICATION........................................................................................................................................................15INJUREDCHILDRENANDMEDICALEMERGENCIES.................................................................................16

AVAILABLECOMMUNITYSUPPORT.............................................................................................................16

PHOTOGRAPHS...................................................................................................................................................17

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CONFIDENTIALITY.............................................................................................................................................17

TOILETPOLICY....................................................................................................................................................17SNACKTIME.........................................................................................................................................................17

BIRTHDAYCELEBRATIONS.............................................................................................................................18CLOTHING.............................................................................................................................................................19

WHATTOBRINGTOSCHOOL.........................................................................................................................19

PLAYDOUGHRECIPE........................................................................................................................................19NURSERYRHYMES.............................................................................................................................................19

BIBLEVERSES......................................................................................................................................................20

MONTHLYCONCEPTS........................................................................................................................................21

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ALETTERTOOURFAMILIESDearFamilies,AtCovenantCommunitySchool,wearepassionateaboutprovidingchildrenadevelopmentallyappropriateexperiencethroughahigh-quality,Christ-centeredearlychildhoodprogram.WeimplementtheCreativeCurriculum,basingourapproachontheoryandresearchusingtheworksofPiaget,Vygotsky,andGardneraswellascurrentstudiesabouthowchildrenlearnandbraindevelopment.ThroughChristianvalues,wefocusonthesocialandemotionalskillschildrenneedtosucceedinschoolandlife.Spiritualguidanceisaconstantcomponentofthechild’sschoolexperience.Itisourdesiretohelpshapecreative,diligentandresponsiblechildrenthroughlove,biblestoriesandteachablemoments.Thereisnotimelikethepresenttobuildchildrenforthekingdomofheaven.Ouraspirationistogivechildrenthetoolstobecome“contributingcaringcitizens”firstintheirclassroomandalifetimeinthecommunity,learninghowtoworktogetherforcommongoals.Theacademiccontentliteracy,math,science,socialstudies,thearts,andtechnology,ispresentedtochildrenthroughhands-onactivities.Arangeofinstructionalstrategiesfromchildinitiatedandteacherdirectedlearningareusedtoaccomplishabalancedenvironmentoflearning.Ourschoolstaffpartnerswithparentsthroughthesecriticalyearsoflearning.Familiesenjoyfrequentinteractionswiththeteachingstaffalongwiththreeplannedparentconferencesannually.Thechild’saccomplishmentsarecelebratedattheconferences.CovenantCommunityPreschoolisnotamoneymakingventurebuthasitsfocusoncommunityandprovidingabetterfutureforourchildren.CovenantCommunityisakingdom-buildingministrytoglorifyGod.PeaceandGrace,LyndaWilliamsDirectorJesussaid,“Letthelittlechildrencometome,anddonothinderthem,forthekingdomofheavenbelongstosuchasthese.”Matthew19:14ChristChurchwelcomesyou.Preschoolfamiliesareinvitedtoparticipateinchurchactivities(adultandchildren's)familysocialsandareinvitedtoworshipservices.ServicesareheldeachSundayat9:30.ChristChurchoffersSundayschoolclassesservingchildrenagesbirththroughadulthoodonSunday’sat10:30am.Ifyouareinterestedinlearningmore,comeandvisit!

CCPMISSIONSTATEMENTToprovideahigh-qualityChrist-centeredpreschoolexperienceministeringtochildrenandtheirfamilies.

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CCPVISIONSTATEMENTOurvisionisthatallfamiliesdesiringahigh-qualityChrist-centeredpreschoolexperiencewillhaveaccesstoit.

NON-DISCRIMINATIONCLAUSEWeshallnotparticipateinpracticesthatdiscriminateagainstchildrenbydenyingbenefits,givingspecialadvantages,orexcludingthemfromprogramsoractivitiesbytheirrace,religion,sex,nationalorigin,orthestatus,behavior,orbeliefsoftheirparents.

BESTPRACTICESToofferthemostexcellentcareintheeducationofyoungchildrenCCPvoluntarilypledgestoimplementNorthCarolinaStateChildcareLicensingguidelines,NAEYC2006standards,andNACCPaccreditationstandards.Pleasereadthishandbookinitsentirety.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecalltheschooloffice,704-616-9253.Theinformationinthisguideissubjecttochangewithoutnotification.

PHILOSOPHY-GOALSDevelopmentallyAppropriateProgramWhatdoes“developmentallyappropriate”mean?A“developmentallyappropriate”schoolenvironmentiswherethespiritual,physical,social,emotional,andintellectualdevelopmentofeachchildisconsideredwhenplanningtheprogram.Developmentalappropriatenessisdefinedbytwoguidelines:1.Ageappropriateness-theuniversal,predictablesequencesofgrowthinchildren(e.g.childrenscribblebeforetheydraw).2.Individualappropriateness—theuniquesequenceofgrowthofeachchildtakesintoaccountthepersonality,learningstyleandbackgroundofeachchild.(onechildlearnstoreadattheageofthree,whileanotherchildlearnstoreadattheageofsix.)Whatisexpectedofateacherinadevelopmentallyappropriateprogram?•Understandingthestagesofdevelopmentofchildren.•Assessingtheindividualdevelopmentofeachchild.•Planningaprogramthatisfunandexcitingtoeachchild.•Providingappropriatespace,materialsandopportunityforexploration.•Observingthechildrenandencouragingthemtoextendaparticularlyinterestingactivity.•Implementinganenvironmentthatissafe,bothphysicallyandemotionally.•Settingandenforcingreasonablelimitsforchildren’sbehavior.Whatdothechildrendoinadevelopmentallyappropriateprogram?Childrenwillspendmostoftheirtimeinadevelopmentalprogramengagedinplay.Aswewatchthem,wemustrememberthat“play”ischildren’s“work.”Thelearningenvironmentisdesignedbytheteachertoensurethat,astheyplay,theyarelearningvitalskills.Playprovideschildrenwithopportunitiestoexplore,experimentandmanipulatematerialsintheirworld.Throughplay,the

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childisanactiveparticipantinthelearningprocess.Thegoalofadevelopmentalprogramisnottoteachchildrenthroughmemorydrills,buttoenablethemtobecomelife-longlearners.Whatdoesadevelopmentallyappropriateprogramlooklike?Adevelopmentallyappropriateprogramisbalanced.Therewillbeloud,boisterousactivitiesandquiet,calmactivities.Therewillbeopportunitiesforthechildrentoworkinlargegroups,smallgroupsandindividually.Therewillbeindoorandoutdooractivities.Adevelopmentalprogramisculturallysensitive;respectfulandappreciativeofthedifferencesandsimilaritiesamongindividuals.Theclassroomisarrangedinlearningcenters.Whiletheentireclassroomisdesignedtoencouragethedevelopmentofskills,concepts,andsocialinteractions,learningcentersfocusonparticularareas.Learningcentersarefrequentlycoordinatedtoreinforceaparticularideaorthemewiththechildren.Generallearningcentersinclude:Block,DramaticPlay,Worship,SandandWater,Art,Library,ScienceandDiscovery,ToysandGames,MusicandMovementandComputer.Inadevelopmentalprogram,youshouldsee:•Childrenareexperimentingwithavarietyofartmaterialsandconstructingtheircreations.•Somechildrenworkinginlargegroupswhileothersworkinasmallgrouporindividually.•Theteacherisbendingdowntothechild’sleveltotalktohimorher.•Adailyschedulethatiswellplanned,yetflexible.•Ateacherisreadingtoachildoragroupofchildren.•Childrenarepretendingtobepoliceofficers,pizzadeliverypeople,moms,anddads.•Childrenarehelpingpreparefortheirsnacktimes.

POSITIONONDISCIPLINEResearchindicatesthatpositivestrategiesmustbeusedtomaintaindisciplinewhilepunishmentisineffectiveinteachingnewbehaviors.Inourclassrooms,weusevarioustechniquestoguideeachchildtouse(andbeawareof)appropriatebehavior.Positiveencouragementandreinforcementareusedtohelpchildrenmanagebehavior.Wemakeaconsciousefforttopreventpotentialconflictsby:

• Providingaverballyandphysicallysafeenvironmentforthechildren.• Respectfullyaddressingyoungchildrenoneonone,attheireyelevelwhenthereisa

concern.• Providingadultmodelingofappropriatebehaviorsandexpectations.Childrenarenotjust

toldbutshownandguidedtothedesiredbehavior.• Utilizingredirectionwhennecessary.• Providingavarietyofmaterialsandchoicestoappealtothewiderangeofneedsand

interestsofthechildren.• Maintainingaconsistentdailyroutine.• Establishingclear,conciserulesthatremindchildrenofwhattheymaydoasopposedto

whattheymaynotdo.• Arrangingtheclassroomtopromoteagoodtrafficflow.• Provideareasthatencouragebothsmallgroupandindividualplay.

Whenconflictdoesoccur,theteacherswillintervenebyhelpingchildrentounderstanddesirablebehaviorthroughbothverbalandnon-verbalstrategies.Whenpossible,theappropriateactionswillbedemonstratedbytheteachers.

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Youngchildrenarenaturallyveryegocentricandarejustbeginningtolearntoconsideranotherperson’sperspective.Forthisreason,bothchildrenwhoareinvolvedinaconfrontation,whetherphysicalorverbal,areencouragedtoexpresstheirfeelings.Itiseverychild’srighttobesafe,tobesupportedandtostandupforthemselvesandusewordstotelltheotherchildtheirfeelings,“Idon’tlikethat,”“Youcan’tdothattome.”Withyoungerchildren,teacherswillempathizeandmakestatementslike“Joe,youwantedtoplaywiththattoy,butitisnoto.k.totakeitawayfromyourfriendSue.Let’saskSueifyoucanhaveitwhensheisfinishedplayingwithit”.“Sue,IcanseethatmadeyoumadwhenJoetookthetoyfromyou.Wouldyoulethimknowwhenyouarefinishedplayingwithitsothathecanhaveitnext?”Iftheseusualtechniquesareineffective,ateachermaysuggestthatthechildtakessometimeawayfromthegroup,childoractivitycausingthedisturbance.Ourteacherswillusethistechniqueforspecificchallengingbehaviorsorwhenapatternofsuchbehaviorisdeveloping.“TimeAway”isusedonlywhen:•otherstrategiesarenoteffective•itispairedwithadiscussionwiththechild,whichincludeshelpingthatchildfindappropriatealternativestothechallengingbehavior.Thereisneveraset“TimeOut”chairinourclassrooms.Childrenmaysitatatableorinthelibrarycentertoregaincomposureandreflection.Communicationbetweenparentsandteachersisvital,especiallywhentherearebehaviorconcerns.Aggressivebehaviorsuchasbitingorhittingisnotunusualbehaviorduringtheearlydevelopmentyears.Theycanalsobeindicativeofasignificantchangeinachild’slife,suchasanewbaby,orrecent/impendingmove.Whenparentsandteachersworktogethertohelpachildgaincontrolandself-confidence,positivebehaviorscanbeachievedmorequickly.Itistheteacher'sjobtokeepthechildrensafe,anditisthechildren'sjobtohelptheteacherkeepthemsafe.GeneralSchoolRules1.Weusewalkingfeet,forthesafetyofallchildren.2.Weusegentlehandswithourfriendsandtoys.3.Weuselisteningearswhenothersaretalking.4.Showrespectforall5.Obeyadultleaders6.Cleanupafteryourself7.Knowthatyouareloved

PRESCHOOLCURRICULUMTheCovenantCommunityPreschoolbasesit’slearningprogramontherecommendationsofdevelopmentallyappropriatepractice(DAP)asdefinedbyNAEYC.Foryoungchildren,meaningfulandlong-lastinglearningrequiresactivethinkingandexperimentingtofindouthowthingswork.Weaccomplishthisthroughpurposefulplayfacilitatedbyhighlyintentionalteachingpractices.TheCreativeCurriculum,byDianeTristerDodge,isbasedonPiagetianprinciplesoflearningthroughhands-onexperiencesthatareappropriatefortheyoungchild.Thisapproachemphasizesthatallareasofdevelopment.ChristianEducationisintegratedthroughouteachdayandisanaturalandintentionalpartofourcurriculum.

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PROGRAMSCHEDULEPHASEINDAYS:arrival8:30,dismissal12:00.(dismissal11:45toddlerclass)Thefirstdayofclass:halftheclassattends.Theseconddayofclass:theotherhalfoftheclassattends.ThenourregularschedulethenbeginsRegularSchedule:Arrival8:30,Dismissal12:00(dismissal11:45toddlerclass)DailySchedule:Thedailyactivitieswillconsistofsmallgroupwork,snacktime,outdoorplay,games,dramaticplay,groupdiscussions,faithdevelopment,songs,storytime,sharing,groupactivities,reading,writingandmath,rhythms,etc.

TEACHER:CHILDRATIOToddler1:4Two-year-oldprogram1:7Three-year-oldprogram1:9Four-year-oldprogram1:10

STAFFThestaffofCovenantCommunityPreschoolisexpectedtofollowtheCodeofEthicsoftheNationalAssociationfortheEducationofYoungChildrenwhendealingwithchildren,families,andotherstaffmembers.StatementofCommitmentAsanindividualwhoworkswithyoungchildren,IcommitmyselftofurtheringthevaluesofearlychildhoodeducationastheyarereflectedintheidealsandprinciplesofNAEYCCodeofEthicalConduct.Tothebestofmyability,Iwill•Neverharmchildren•Ensurethatprogramsforyoungchildrenarebasedoncurrentknowledgeandresearchofchilddevelopmentandearlychildhoodeducation.•Respectandsupportfamiliesintheirtaskofnurturingchildren.•RespectcolleaguesinearlychildhoodcareandeducationandsupporttheminmaintainingNAEYCCodeofEthicalConduct.•Serveasanadvocateforchildren,theirfamilies,andtheirteachersincommunityandsociety.•Stayinformedofandmaintainhighstandardsofprofessionalconduct.•Engageinanongoingprocessofself-reflection,realizingthatpersonalcharacteristics,biases,andbeliefshaveanimpactonchildrenandfamilies.•Beopentonewideasandbewillingtolearnfromthesuggestionsofothers.•Continuetolearn,grow,andcontributeasaprofessional.•HonortheidealsandprincipalsoftheNAEYCCodeofEthicalConductProfessionalDevelopment-Greatclassroomsandprogramsbeginwithawell-trainedstaffthatisenthusiasticaboutteaching.Tobuildaqualityprogram,itiscrucialtoofferlearningopportunitiesforthestaff.CCPschedulesprofessionaldevelopmentthroughouttheschoolyearandsetsonefulldayeachschoolyearforstafflearning.Aminimumof12continuingeducationhoursisrequiredannually.

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Whydoesprofessionaldevelopmentmatter?Higherquality,moresatisfiedteachers,improvedoutcomesforchildrenandmeaningfullearning.Teacherworkdaysarestrategicallyplacedonthecalendartoaccommodatecriticalneedsofthestaffthroughouttheyear.Teacherworkdaysarescheduledtoprovidetimefortheteamandindividualplanning,reviewofstudentsuccessdata,todocumentinstructionalneeds,goalsetting,andorientationtonewprocedures.WorkdaysarenecessarytocompileandassessongoingstudentobservationsandrequiredpaperworkforParentTeacherconferences.Studentsdonotattendschoolonthesedays.

GRIEVANCEPROCEDUREIfanyparenthasagrievanceconcerningschoolpolicyoractionsofastaffmember:First,theparentwilltalktothestaffmemberinvolved.Ifaresolutioncannotbemade,thedirectorisconsulted.Thedirectorwillmediateandwillmakeafinaldecision.Schoolboardmembersandchurchleaderswillnotunderanycircumstance,accommodatequestionsorgrievancesiftheabovechannelsarenotfollowed.ThispolicyisbasedupontheprinciplesofMatthew18.Allindividualsarecautionedtoworkoutallproblemsatthefirststep—“Ifyourbrothersinsagainstyou,goandshowhimhisfault,justbetweenthetwoofyou”sothattheadditionalstepsarenotneeded,andwecanwalkinunityandlove.

PARENTACCESSDuringschoolhoursallschool/churchdoorsarelockedforthesafetyofthechildren,families,andstaffserved.Thechurchfrontdoormaybeusedtoentertheschoolifnecessary.Parentsarepermittedaccesstotheschoolatanytimetheirchildisinattendance.Whencomingtocampusafter8:45amorbefore11:45am,ringthedoorbellorcallLyndaWilliams’cell704-616-9253.Weaskthatparentsbringonecanoffoodforneedyfamiliesinourcommunityforeachlatearrival(after8:45am).CrisesAssistanceMinistrydistributesthefooddonations.

PARENT/TEACHERPARTNERSHIPStudiesshowthatthemoreparentsareinvolvedwiththeirchild'sschool,thebetterthechilddoesinschool.Whenparentsareinvolved,itshowstheirchildrenthatwhattheydoisimportantandincreasesself-esteem.Staffmembersrecognizetheimportanceofeffectiveparent-teacherpartnerships.Effectivepartnershipsincludehonestandongoingcommunicationwithfamiliesandrespectforindividualdifferences.Themoreopen,honest,andfrequentthecommunication,themoreeffectivethepartnershipwillbebetweenparentandteacher.Parentswillgainvaluableinformationbyregularlyreadingparentbulletinboards.

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Parentsareprovidedwithmanyoptionstobeinvolved!Weencourageparentinvolvement,andwealsofeelthatparentsshouldfeelfreetochooseforthemselvesthetypeofparticipationthatismeaningfulandthatfitsintotheirbusyschedules.Eachfamilyisrequiredtovolunteeraminimumof5hourseachschoolyear.Aparentvolunteercoordinatorwillrecordeachfamily'shours.Thevolunteeringactivitiesmightinclude:•Helpingtoorganizeclassevents,snackandplaydoughvolunteers.•Beingaguestreader.•Prepareclassroommaterialsathome,suchascutting,coloringandgluing.•Workingatfundraisers-ConsignmentSales-FundraisingDinners,Bookfairs-andtheCommunityFoundationRun-etc.AllfamiliesareinvitedtovolunteerasthePlaydoughandSnackParentsthroughtheschoolyear.Suggestions-Thestaffisavailableforcommentsandquestionseveryday.Webenefitfromyourideasandconcernsandconsideritaprivilegetolisten.Youmaycallorstopthedirectorinthehallwayanytime.CCPalsooffersthetuitiondropboxasasuggestionbox.Weaskthatyousharecontactinformationwithyourcomments/suggestionssothatwecandiscussorclarifyyourconcern.OrientationOpportunities-CCPoffersseveralopportunitiestolearnabouttheschool,theParentTeacherVisitbeforeschoolbeginsandtheeveningParentOrientationincludesmeetingwithyouchild’steacherintheclassroomsetting.Duringthevariousorientationopportunities,ourstaffsharestheprogramphilosophy,goals,procedures,andpoliciesalongwiththefirststepsofbuildingrelationshipswiththechildrenandtheirfamilies.

CHILDASSESSMENTThepurposeofassessmentistoguidecurriculumplanningandinstruction.Teachersfindoutwhereachildisalongthelearningpathandthenprovidesappropriateactivitiestohelpachildprogress.Assessmentsincludeobservationsandworksamples,examplesofchildren’swriting,artworkandphotographscollectedaspartofeverydayexperiencesoverthecourseoftheschoolyear.Thisdata,alongwithinputfromfamilies,helpteachersevaluatechildren’sprogressduringtheschoolyear.

PARENTCONFERENCESDailycasualconversationsbetweenteachersandparentsareimportant.However,parent-teacherconferencesofferadditionalopportunitiesforparentsandteacherstoworktogetheraspartners.Aparentconferenceisatimeforparentsandteacherstoexchangethoughtsandideas,aswellasachildprogressreport.Parentscanasktheteachersaboutchilddevelopmentinoroutoftheschoolandshareanyinformationthatwouldbehelpfultotheteachers.CCPschedulesthreeconferencedaysforourfamilies:inthefall,winterandspringoftheyear.Pleasemakearrangementsforchildcareduringyourconference.Parentsmayrequestadditionalconferencetimesasneeded.

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ARRIVALPROCEDURESPLEASEMAKEEVERYEFFORTTOHAVEYOURCHILDARRIVETOSCHOOLONTIME.FamiliesenterthroughtheChildren’sbuildingentrance(thedoorbesidetheplayground).Doorsopenat8:30andlockedat8:45.Adultsmusttakecarethatchildrenaresafelybyyoursidewhilewalkingthroughtheparkinglotandintheschoolhallways.Anadultisrequiredtosignchildreninandoutattheclassroomdoor.Pleasedonotleavechildrenunattendedinyourvehicle.Pleasenote-thechildwhoconsistentlyarriveslatehasamoredifficulttimeadjustingtoschool.Ifyouarriveafter8:45weaskthatyoubringadonationofone"canfood"itemeachtimeyouarelate.ThecollectedcansaredonatedtoCrisesAssistanceMinistryNoadmittancetoschoolafter9amunlessarrangementsaremadewiththedirectorthedaybeforeforplannedadoctor,dentist,etc.appointmentsthatwilldelayarrivalafter9am.

SEPARATIONANXIETYWerealizethatsometimeschildrenhavedifficultyseparatingfromtheirparents.Theymaycryorcling,orbehavedifferentlythanyouareusedto.Beassuredthatthisisatypicalresponseandthatthesebehaviorswillslowlystopaschildren(andtheparents)becomemorecomfortable.Anadjustmentperiodofuptotwoweeksmaybeneededforyourchild.Somesuggestionsfordealingwithseparationanxietyare:•Recognizethatthisisnormalbehaviorforchildren.Acceptandrespectyourchild’stemporaryunhappiness.Saythingslike“IknowyouaresadwhenIleave,butyouwillhaveagoodtime,andsoonwon’tbesad.”•Reassurethechildthatheisinasafe,funplaceandthatyouwillbebacktogethim.•Avoidthetemptationtopressureyourchildnottocry.Learningtocopewithsadnessisessentiallearningforyourchild.•Remindyourchildofthepredictabilityofyourpick-uparrangements.•Makeyourgoodbyeprompt,affectionate,andconfident.Don’tbetemptedtosneakawaywhileyourchildisoccupied.Afteryouhavesaidyourgoodbye,leaveyourchildwiththeteachers.Youmaystayattheschooluntilyouarecomfortable.Toeaseanyanxiety,feelfreetocallandcheckonyourchildanytimeHerearesometipsthat’llhelpreducethatback-to-schoolstress:Setthestageforschool’sbeginningAweekbeforeschoolstarts;startshiftingbedtimesandsummerschedulestogetreadyforschool.Visitthenew(oreventheold)school.Physicallyvisitingthebuildingandclassroomisahugehelpformostkids,asitreducesthefearoftheunknown.Visittheplaygroundoncampus.Donotrushthefirstdayofschool

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Planforeverythingtotaketwiceaslongthefirstdayandgetupearly.Youranxietymayhelpyougetthingsdone,butitwon’thelpyourchild,sotrytorelax.Listentowhatyourchildrenaretellingyouabouttheirworries.Don’tquietthemwithprematurereassurance,becauseyoumaybeoffthemark.Childrenneedtoknowthatyoubelieveinthemandtheirsuccessinschool.

PICKUPPROCEDURESEntertheschoolthroughtheChildren’swingentranceforpreschoolprogramclasses.Doorsopenat11:40.Childrenarepickedattheirchild’sclassroomat12:00andat11:45forthetoddlerclass.Parentsshouldwaitoutsideoftheclassroomdoorforthechildrentobereleasedonechildatatime.Anadultmustsigntheirchildout.Pleasedonotallowchildrentoreenterclassroomsaftertheyhavebeensignedout.PLEASEdonotpermityourchildtorunaheadtotheexitdoors.Alwayswalkwithyourchildintheparkinglot.LatePickUpIfyouarelaterthan12:15forpickupthereis$5.00latechargeforeachten-minuteincrementyouareoverdue.Forexample,ifyourarrivalis12:16thereisa$5.00charge-Ifyourarrivalis12:26therewillbea$10.00chargeandsoon.Pleasepayyourchild’steacherorthedirectoratthetimeyouarelate.Ifyouareunabletopayatthetimeyouarelate,paythisfeewithintwodaysoftheincident,afterthisperiod,thefeeisaddedtoyouraccount.Theatomicclockhungattheschoolentranceistheguideindeterminingthetime.Pleasetakenoteofit,andyoumayliketoadjustyourwatchtomatchthetime.Therearenoexceptions.Ifyouarelateforanyreason(flattire,miscommunicationregardingwhowaspickingupthechild,etc.),alatechargewillbeissued.A"noexceptions"policymakesitlesscomplicatedtoapplythelatepolicyconsistentlyandjustly.Wemustnotgivespecialtreatmentunlessallparentsreceivethesamespecialtreatments-Everyoneistreatedequally.Theobjectofourlatepickuppolicyisnottocollectmoney,buttodiscouragelatepick-ups.Anadultmustpickupchildrenpromptlyatthetimeofdismissal.Itisstressfultothechildwhentheirrideislate.Nochildwillbereleasedtopersonsotherthanaparentorauthorizedadult.WerequireapictureIDwhentheteachingstaffdoesnotknowthepersonwhoispickingupyourchild.

TUITIONPAYMENTSTuitionchecksshouldbemadepayabletoCCP(CovenantCommunityPreschool).CovenantCommunityPreschool3415UnionRoadGastonia,NC28056Weaskthatyounothandtuitioncheckstotheteachersorleavechecksinyourchild’sbag.Checksmaybemailed,droppedinthetuitionboxorgiventotheDirector.Mostparentspaytuitionwithonlinebillpaythroughtheirpersonalbank.Tuitionisanannualfeebrokendownintoninepayments(SeptemberthroughMay).Eachpaymentisduethe1stofeachmonth.

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Theregistrationfeeandtheadvancelastmonthpaymentisdueatthetimethechildisregistered.TheremainingeightpaymentsaredueSeptember1,October1andsoon….thelastpaymentisdueApril1.IFTHETUITIONISNOTPAIDBYTHEFIFTEENTHOFTHEMONTHDUETHEREISA$20.00LATEFEE(UNLESSTHEFAMILYHASMADEOTHERARRANGEMENTSWITHTHEDIRECTOR).THEREISARETURNCHECKFEEOF$25.00.Youmaypayyourtuitioninadvance.Ifafamilybecomestwomonthsbehindinpayment(andtheyhavenotmadeanarrangementwiththeDirector),thestudentmaynotreturntotheschooluntiltuitionispaid.Whenafamilyhasanoutstandingdebtfromthepreviousyear,thechildmaynotattenduntilthedebthasbeenpaidorotherfinancialarrangementsaremade.

WITHDRAWALSTheregistrationfeeandadvanceMaytuitionarenon-refundable.Ifyourchildwithdrawsduringtheschoolyear,CCPrequiresatleasta3-weekwrittennotice.WithdrawalnoticemustbegiveninwritingtotheDirector.Thefamilyisresponsibleforpayingtuitionthroughthe3-weeknotice.

FUNDRAISINGWedependonfundraisingtokeepourschoolagreatlearningenvironment.Allfamiliesarerequestedtovolunteeratfundraisers.

PARENTS’RESPONSIBILITIESParentscanbeagreatassistancetothechildandtheteacherby:•Makesureyourchildiswellrestedbeforecomingtoschool.•Helpingthechildlookforwardtoschoolasaplacewherehewillfindnewandhappyexperiences.•Havingthechildarriveontimebetween8:30and8:45andpickeduppromptly.•Providingarichbackgroundofexperiencesby:Takingtripstoplaygrounds,parks,firestation,zoo,etc.Encouragingmake-believeplayReadingandtellingstoriesAskingandansweringquestionsChoosingconstructivetoysIncludingthechildinfamilyplanningandconversationsEncouragingindependencebypermittingchildto:•Makedecisionsathislevel•Acceptresponsibilityathome•Dosimplechores,suchasputtingawaytoys,hangingupclothes,etc.

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Encouraginggood,clearspeechby:•Speakingclearlywhentalkingwiththechild•Listeningcourteouslytowhatyourchildhastosay•Allowingyourchildtoexpressideas

ATTENDANCERegularattendanceisessential.Everyeffortshouldbemadetohaveyourchildatschooleverydayheorsheisingoodhealth.Pleasecontacttheclassroomteachereachdayyourchildisabsent.

HOLIDAYSANDINCLEMENTWEATHERHolidayssuchasThanksgiving,Christmas,andEasterarepublishedintheschoolcalendar.Whenbadweatherwarrantstheclosingofourschool,CCPwillfollowthesamescheduleasthepublicschoolsforaday’sclosing.•Publicschoolone-hourdelay-CCPwillopenat9:30•Publicschooltwo-hourdelay-CCPwillbeclosedfortheschooldayCCPdoesnotmakeupinclementweatherdays.

NOTIFYTHETEACHERS•Anytimeachildisgoinghomeorridinghomewithanyoneotherthanhisnormalride.•Whenachildisgoingtothehospitalorishavingspecialmedicaltreatment.•Hasnewfears.•Whenyourchildisgoingtobeoutoftownforseveraldays.

SAFETYINFORMATIONThedirectororotherdesignatedpersoncompletesroutinesafetyinspectionsofourfacility.CCPstaffpracticemonthlyfireorbadweatherdrillswitheachgroupofchildren.Emergencyevacuationproceduresarepostedineachclassroom.ThedirectorandteachersmaintaincurrentcertificationinbothAdult/PediatricFirstAidandCPRtrainingalongwithbiannualfireextinguisher,bloodbornepathogenandchildabuseawarenesstraining.Staffmonthlyinspectsouroutsideplayareas.IfwemustevacuatetheChildren’sEducationBuilding,allclasseswillwalktotheScoutBuildingontheoppositesideoftheparkinglot.Familieswillbenotifiedbyphonetopickuptheirchildren.Allemergencycontactnumbersarekeptwiththeclassgroupatalltimes.Pleaseensurethattheschoolhasyourmostcurrentcontactinformation.

CHILDABUSEANDNEGLECTAllstaffmembersarerequiredbystatelawtoreportiftheyknoworhaveareasonforconcernthatachildhasbeenneglectedorharmed.ReportsaremadetoGastonCountySocialServicesincompliancewithstateChildAbuseandNeglectReportinglaws.Speaktoyourchild’steachersifyour

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childhasscrapesorbruisestoeraseanyconcerns.Parentswantingmoreinformationaboutthestatelawandourpolicyonthismatterareencouragedtotalkwithourdirector.

HEALTHINFORMATIONAhealthyenvironmentisessentialatschool.Childrenarehappierandaremoreopentolearningwhentheyfeelwellrestedandhealthy.Muchofthesuccessofthehealthofpreschoolchildrendependsonparents’cooperationinnotsendingachildtoschoolwhoshowssignsofillnessorwhohasbeenexposedtoaninfectiousdisease.Werequestthatparentskeepachildhomeanydaywhen:•Showssymptomsofafreshcold-includingdischargefromnoseoreyesbeinggreenoryellow•Hasanunidentifiedrash•Hasnotbeenfeverfreefor24hours-childmustbefeverfreefor24hourswithoutmedication•Hasthrownuporhaddiarrheawithinthelast24hours•Hassoreordischargingeyesorears•Isintheincubationperiodofacontagiousdisease•Hasheadliceornits.CCPhasanonitpolicy.•Showsdeviationfromtheusualbehaviororappetite•Isunabletoparticipateintheschoolday’sscheduleincludingoutsideplay•Onlyfirst-aidtreatmentofaminornatureisadministeredatschool.Parentswillbeinformedoftreatment.Pleasereporttotheteachersimmediatelywhenyourchildhascontractedacommunicablediseasesuchasmeasles,chickenpox,conjunctivitis,infectiousdiarrhea,impetigo,strepthroat,pinworms,headlice,etc.inorderthatotherparentsmaybeinformedoftheirchild’sexposurethroughwrittennotification(confidential–nonames)willbegiven).Throughsuchcooperation,wehopetoprotecttheotherchildrenintheschoolandyoungersiblings.Childrenwithcommunicablediseaseswillbeexcludedfromparticipationintheprogramuntiltheymeettherequirementsforreadmissionorhavetheirdoctor’swrittenpermissiontoreturn.Childrenwhobecomeillatschoolwillbecomfortedintheoffice,andtheirfamilieswillpromptlybecalledforpickup.Forspecialsituations,consultyourchild'steacherandordirector.ALLCHILDRENAREREQUIREDTOTURNINAHEALTHCERTIFICATECOMPLETEDBYTHECHILD”SDOCTOR.Healthformsareduebeforethefirstdayofschool.Childrenwhoregisterlaterintheschoolyear,thehealthformisduewithinthefirstfourweeksofschoolattendance.

MEDICATIONOurteachersarenotpermittedtoadministeranydrug,includingnon-prescriptionmedicines,toachildunlessthemedicationisrequiredinanemergency.AnAuthorizationtoAdministerMedicationFormsignedbythechild’sparent/guardianisrequiredalongwithaHealthCarePlan.Thewritteninstructionsincludethemedicationname,thedosage,whatsymptomsareshownbeforemedication

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istobeadministered.Itmaybenecessaryforyourhealthcareprovidertogivepropertrainingtoourstaffwhowillberesponsiblefortheadministrationofmedications.Anyemergencymedicationsenttoschoolmustbeinitsoriginaldatedcontainer(noexpiredmedications),labeledwiththechild’sname,thenameofthemedication,dosageinstructionsandphysician’sname.Theinstructionsinthehealthplanmustcomparewiththelabelinstructions.Parentsneedtoadministernecessarymedicationsordesiredproductssuchassunscreenandmosquitorepellentbeforethechildisbroughttoschooleachday.

INJUREDCHILDRENANDMEDICALEMERGENCIESMinorinjuries,suchasbumps,scrapesorsmallcutsaretakencareofbytheteachers.Theywillwashtheareawithsoapandwater,bandageifnecessary,andhelpthechildholdacoldpacktothearea.Staffwillreassureandcomfortchildrenwhenhurtorill.Parentswillbeinformed,anddocumentationoftheinjuryorillnessissharedwiththeparentsatthetimeofpick-up.Sickorinjuredchildrenareremovedfromtheclassroomgroup.Ifachildisinjuredorillduringthedayandmedicalattentionisrequired,astaffmemberwillremainwiththeinjuredorillchildwhiletheothercontactshelptotakeresponsibilityfortherestoftheclass.Iftheinjuryorillnessisnot“severe”,astaffmemberwillfirstcontactthechild’sparents.Iftheparentscannotbereached,the“emergencycontact”personslistedonthechild’senrollmentformwillbecontacted.Iftheinjuryissevere,astaffmemberwillimmediatelytelephone911forarescuesquadandwillaccompanythechildtoGastonMemorialHospital.Astaffmemberwillcontactthechild’sparentorotheremergencycontactpersonassoonaspossibleaftertheemergencyhashappenedandwillbeaskedtomeetthestaffmemberandthechildatthehospitalemergencyroom.Itisvitalforparentstokeeptheemergencyinformationup-to-dateandinformstaffoftemporaryorpermanentchangesofaddress,phonenumbers,emergencycontactpeople.WekeeparecordofinjuriesonanAccidentReport.Thereportincludesthetime,dateanddescriptionoftheinjury,howithappened,andwhattreatmentwasgiven.

AVAILABLECOMMUNITYSUPPORTWebelievethatdevelopmentallyappropriateprogramsaremembersofalargersocietyofearlychildhoodprofessionalswiththesharedgoalofsupportingchildrenandtheirfamilies.Belowisalistoforganizationswithwhomwecurrentlywork.GastonCollegeEarlyChildhoodEducationDepartment704-922-6533PartnershipforChildren704-922-0900GastonCountyDepartmentofSocialServices704-866-6124GastonCountySchools704-866-6175

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GastonCountySchoolsDept.ofExceptionalChildren704-866-6160GastonCountyHealthDepartment704-853-5000GastonCountyPublicLibrary704-868-2164

PHOTOGRAPHSChildrenmaybevideo/audiotaped,andphotographedforeducationalandpromotionalpurposes(e.g.publications,newspaperarticles,posters,presentations).Anonymitywillbemaintained-noidentifyinginformation(suchaschild'sname)willbepresented.CCPprovideslearningexperiencesforcollegeandhighschoolstudentsasaresearchfacility.

CONFIDENTIALITYAsprofessionals,earlychildhoodeducatorswekeepallchildrenandtheirfamilies’informationconfidential.Thisincludeschildren’sbehavior,illnesses,andanyinformationaboutthem.Please,respectthisbynotaskingthestaffaboutanotherenrolledchild.Allrecordsconcerningindividualchildren(enrollmentforms,healthrecords,assessmentsandconferencereports)areconfidential.

TOILETPOLICYChildrenenteringthethreeandfour-year-oldprogrammustbepottytrained.

SNACKTIMESnacktimeisalearningexperience,emphasizinggoodmanners,prayer,propernutrition,andsocialconversationsbyobservingappropriatemodelsandhavingopportunitiestopractice.Drinkingwater(amuch-neededhealthhabit)isstressed.Weencouragedrinkingwaterbyallowingthechildrentopourtheirwaterintocupsatsnacktime.Occasionallythechildrenmaketheirsnacksatthefreechoicetime.CCPisanutfreeschool.Pleasedonotsendfoodproductscontainingnuts.Foodthatcomesfromhomeforsharingamongthechildrenmustbeeitherwholefruitsorvegetablesorcommerciallypreparedpackagedfoodsinfactory-sealed(unopened)containerswithalabelofingredients(foodfactlabel)includedonthebox/bag.Thestaffdonotofferchildrenyoungerthanfouryearsthesefoods:hotdogs,wholeorslicedintorounds;wholegrapes;nuts;popcorn;rawpeasandhardpretzels;orchunksofrawcarrotsormeatlargerthancanbeswallowedwhole.(NAEYCCriteria)

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Childrenwithfoodallergiesareprovidedanacceptablesnackfromschoolorparentsareaskedtoprovideacceptablesnacksfortheirchildren.Theschoolkeepsvariouscrackers;saltine,club,Ritzandvanillawafers,andgrahamcrackersonhandeveryday.Parentsnormallyprovideperishableitemsduringtheirassignedsnackweeks.Parentsmayalsopreparesnacksatschoolwiththeclassroomchildrenorwithoutclassroomparticipation-pleasecontactteacherstoworkoutmutualtimes.Snacksshouldconsistoftwofoodgroups.Afewsuggestedsnacksforparentstobringduringtheirassignedweeks-FreshfruitandmelonsYogurtcupsMilkCheeseCerealFruitsnacksFruitcupsVegetablesFruitpopiciclesRaisinsanddriedfruitSnackscanbepurchasedinexpensivelyattheSam’s,Audi,etc.DailySnackMenusarepostedoneachclassroombulletinboard.Menusareofferedtosharethefooditemschildrenhaveeatenforthesnackandtoaidtothesnackvolunteers.Themenuswillhelpensureavarietyofsnackitemswillbeshared-

BIRTHDAYCELEBRATIONSYourchild’steacherwillcontactyoubeforeyourchild’sbirthdayastowhenyouwouldliketocelebrateyourchild’sspecialday.Itisimportantforallbirthdaypartiesatschooltobesimpleandsimilar.Nohomemadetreatsareallowed;onlyfactorysealedfooditemsmaybeserved.•Nospecialgiftbags,please.•Childreninthe3/4yearoldand4/5year-oldprograms:Parentsareaskedtoattendthebirthdayrecognition.•Childreninthetoddlerand2/3year-oldprograms:Parentsareaskednottoattendtherecognition.Parentsareaskedtobringthetreattoclasswiththechildinthemorning.(Seeingthebirthdaymommyfrequentlymakesmanychildreninthe2/3year-oldprogramswanttheirmommiestoo.)•Ifchildrenareinvitedtopartiesoutsidetheschool,pleasedonotbringinvitationstobedistributedatschoolunlessALLCHILDRENINTHECLASSAREINCLUDED.•Birthdaysnacks...suggestionsminidonuts,minicupcakesoracookieareanappropriatelysizedtreat.Please,nolargeicedcupcakes.(Nohomemadesnacks–onlysnacksinfactorysealpackageswithfoodfactlabelattachedmaybeserved.Nofruitsorvegetablescutupathome.Sendonlywholefruitsorvegetablesortheprepackagedvariety.)

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CLOTHINGPleasedresschildreninwashableplayclothesforschool.Childrenusefunandsometimes-messymaterials,likeclay,paint,waterandsand.Itisadvisablethattheyaredressedcomfortablyinclothesthatdonotcallfor“beingcareful.”Easyon-Easyoffclothingisnecessaryforsuccessfultoiletinganddiaperchanges.Whengirlsweardresses,considerhavingthemwearmodestyshortsunderthedress.Incoldweatheritisadvisableforchildrentowearlongpants.Wewillenjoyoutdoorplayeverydayexceptinverycoldorrainyweather.PLEASElabelallcoats,sweaters,raincoatsandgloveswithyourchild’sname.Ifspareclothesgohome,returnasetofextraclothesthenextschoolday.LacesorVelcrotennisshoeswithrubbersolesarerequiredatalltimes.Shoesmusthaveaclosedtoe.Slicksoledshoes;clogs(crocs),cowboybootsandsandalsaredangerousforchildreninactiveplay.Pleasedonotsendchildrentoschoolwearingclogs(crocs),cowboybootsorsandals.

WHATTOBRINGTOSCHOOLAllchildrenshouldhaveaCHANGEOFCLOTHESkeptatschool.Theextraclothesshouldincludepants/shorts,shirt,underpants,andsocks.Asseasonschange,pleasesendappropriateclothing.Pleaseplaceclothinginaziplockbagandlabelwiththechild’sname.Whenextraclothingisused,bringreplacementclothingtheverynextschoolday.WHATNOTTOBRINGTOSCHOOL•Money-unlessrequestedforaparticularpurpose.•Candy,chewinggum,etc.•Toys-unlessusedforaspecialdayinclass.•Jewelry-necklaces,bracelets,orrings-theyareeasilylost.•Replicasofweapons-noguns,swords,etc.

PLAYDOUGHRECIPEMix3teaspoonscreamoftartar,2cupsflour,1-cupsalt.Addtopan2cupsboilingwater,2tablespoonsoil,foodcoloring.Stiruntilmixturecomesawayfromthepan.Removefromheatandknead.Addmoreflourifnecessary.Storeinacoveredcontainer.

NURSERYRHYMESSeptember–JackBeNimbleOctober-ItsyBitsySpiderNovember-OldKingColeDecember-Twinkle,Twinkle,LittleStarJanuary-ThreeLittleKittensHaveLostTheirMittensFebruary-HereWeGoRoundtheMulberryBushMarch-LittleBoyBlueApril-LittleBoPeepMay-HeyDiddle,DiddleCat,andaFiddle

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BIBLEVERSESSeptemberLOVEONEANOTHER.JOHN13:34“DidYouEverSeeaLassie?”Loveoneanother,oneanother,oneanother,Loveoneanother,John13:34.OctoberTRUSTINTHELORDANDDOGOOD-PSALMS37:30“HereWeGoRoundtheMulberryBush”TrustintheLordanddogood,dogood,dogood.TrustintheLordanddogood,Psalms37:30NovemberGIVETHANKSTOHIM,BLESSHISNAME.Psalm100:4“FrereJacques”Givethanks,Givethanks,toHim,toHim,BlessHisName,BlessHisName,Psalm100:4,Psalm100:4DecemberGODLOVEDUSANDSENTHISSON.IJOHN4:10“LondonBridge”GodlovedusandsentHisSon,sentHisSon,sentHisSon.GodlovedusandsentHisSon.IJohn4:10JanuaryYOUAREJESUS’FRIEND.JOHN15:14“FarmerintheDell”YouareJesus’friend;YouareJesus’friend,John15:14YouareJesus’friend.FebruaryAFRIENDLOVESATALLTIMES.PROVERBS17:17“SkiptoMyLou”Afriendlovesatalltimes;Afriendlovesatalltimes,Afriendlovesatalltime,Proverbs17:17MarchTRUSTINTHELORDWITHALLYOURHEART.PROVERBS3:5“MulberryBush”TrustintheLordwithallyourheart,withallyourheart,withallyourheart.TrustintheLordwithallyourheart,Proverbs3:5AprilIAMWITHYOUALWAYS–MATTHEW28:20“LondonBridge”Iamwithyoualways,always,always,Iamwithyoualways,Matthew28:20MayGODCARESFORYOU.IPETER5:7“FarmerintheDell”Godcaresforyou,Godcaresforyou,IPeter5:7Godcaresforyou.

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MONTHLYCONCEPTS_____________________________________________________________SeptemberConcepts:big/little,day/night____________________________________________________________OctoberConcepts:in/out,over/under____________________________________________________________NovemberConcepts:rough/smooth,hot/cold,hard/soft_____________________________________________________________DecemberConcepts:top/bottom,asleep/awake,happy/sad_____________________________________________________________JanuaryConcepts:stop/go,up/down,around/through_____________________________________________________________FebruaryConcepts:noisy/quiet,inside/outside_____________________________________________________________MarchConcepts:one/many,empty/full_____________________________________________________________AprilConcepts:open/closed,push/pull,sit/stand_____________________________________________________________MayConcepts:above/below,alike/different_____________________________________________________________