Little Jays’ Preschool
Half Day Preschool & Full Day Preschool
600 S. Nebraska Street
Rock Port, MO 64482
660-744-6294 Full Day Classroom Ext. 5
Half Day Classroom Ext. 239
littlejayspreschool.weebly.com
littlejaysprek twitter.com/msroup
Dear Families,
Welcome! I hope that this will be a great school year and that it will provide a positive foundation in education for your child. My goal is to help your child begin to become a self-motivated, independent thinker who will become a lifelong learner.
It is not unusual for both children and families to experience mixed feelings such as excitement to apprehension at the beginning of the year. It has been my experience, however, that preschool students adjust within the first month of school; with some students doing so more quickly than others. It is hard to let go. I have discovered thatquick, “Good bye, it’s time for you to go to school,” is the least painful for all those concerned.
I certainly understand how precious your child is to you and that you want to do everything possible to help your child have a positive school experience. As a result I have written this handbook to help you understand how our preschool program is organized. I have tried to answer the most often asked questions, from what time school starts, to what things will be taught. I believe when everyone knows what is going on and what is expected, things go more smoothly for the child, the family and the teachers!
Many of your questions about preschool are answered in this handbook. Please take your time to read the information. You might want to keep it in a safe place to refer to throughout the school year, especially for suggestions about procedures (ex: sending money to school, transportation, birthdays, etc.) If you have other questions, please ask…we are always willing and eager to help. We have your child’s best interest at heart, and want him or her to have a wonderful preschool experience.
Sincerely,
Ms. Roup
Preschool Director/Lead Teacher
PROGRAM DESIGN
The Little Jays’ Preschool was established in 2001. Throughout the years, many changes and a lot of growth have occurred.
We now offer two types of programs available for families; a full day program and a half-day program. The full day program was previously funded by the Missouri Preschool Project (MPP) grant and is now funded by our district. It is a five-day a week program for children ages 3 thru 5. The half day program was designed to meet the needs of the younger children and children who are looking for a part-time program. It is also funded by our district. The half day program will consist of 1 AM session. The preschool will follow the Rock Port R-II district calendar.
Children attending the full day program may choose to have the lunch that is provided by the school. Families will need to pay for lunch in the elementary office. Snack will be served during each program and is included in the tuition. Little Jays’ Preschool participates in the Missouri Child and Adult Food Program. Snack will be served according the program’s nutritional guidelines. Lunch prices are $2.05/day and reduced price is .40/day.
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
To enroll a child in Little Jays’ Preschool, you will need to fill out and submit an enrollment form as well as a $35.00 registration/activity fee. Appropriate health forms, birth certificate, lead testing, and shot records will also need to be turned in and kept on file. Income eligibility forms to help with the cost of tuition as well as lunch (full-day) may be filled out and brought back to school. Immunization records will need to be turned in prior to the first day of preschool. Your child may not attend until all immunization records are given to the teacher or school nurse. Preschool Open House and Pre-K Round-up are held each spring and Back to School Night is held the night before the first day of school.
PRESCHOOL TUITION POLICIES AND RATES
The half-day and full day preschool programs will have tuition during the school year. They will charge a monthly tuition. Tuition will be based on income eligibility and will be considered in three levels. Those in level one will be full pay; level two and three will be reduced. This will be determined according to household income based on the table provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Full Day Preschool Levels/Prices Half Day Preschool Level/Prices
Level I…………..$220.00 Level I…………..$120.00
Level II………….$140.00 Level II…………..$95.00
Level III…………$95.00 Level III…………..$70.00
Tuition is to be paid by the 5th of each month according to the school calendar. There will be a $5.00 late fee if tuition is not collected by the 10th of the month. If families have not paid tuition by the 12th of the month, your child may not attend until payment has been received. We appreciate your cooperation on this policy.
The purpose of the preschool tuition is to help provide a long-term quality program in our community. Financial obligations for operating a preschool continue to be ongoing. The monthly tuition paid is considered non-refundable and only under extenuating circumstances would a refund be considered.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ATTENDANCE
Preschool (full-day) 8:00 – 3:00 PM Preschool (half-day) 8:00 – 11:00 AM
*Please send your child to the session he/she is enrolled in.
Your child may not arrive at school earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of the session. Children must wash hands when coming into the classroom. This is required by the Missouri Department of Health.
*It is important that children develop the habit of regular school attendance. In the event of an absence, please notify the preschool 744-6294 ext.. 239.
All staff members are mandated reporters. If there is any suspected child abuse or neglect, staff members are mandated to report it.
FAMILY VISITATION
Families are welcome to visit and take part in our day. If your child wishes to bring another child as a visitor for the day, the same guidelines must apply for that child. This means he/she would be considered a student and must have the appropriate enrollment and health forms filled out and on file as well as pay a daily rated tuition fee. We must abide by these regulations that have been set up by the Department of Health because of receiving state grant funds.
DROP OFF / PICK UP PROCEDURES
There is bus service available for preschool children that have turned 4 years old to come to school in the mornings, but unfortunately at this time we do not offer bus service home after preschool classes. Families or other specified adults are responsible for dropping off and picking up their child(ren). Families should escort their children to/from the classroom. There is designated parking for the preschool on the south side of the building with an entrance directly to the preschool; preschool families need to park here. Please do not park in the staff parking spaces. Please be consistent and on time when bringing and picking up your child(ren). Before school starts each morning, staff is often out of the room preparing before the start of class, therefore the door will not be open until 7:50. After school, staff often have lots of things that they need to get finished up for the day; your child needs to be picked up on time. If you are going to be late picking up, please call us to let us know. In addition, if you are picking up and are more than 10 minutes late, your child will be in the office.
Bus Riders: In order for your child to ride the bus he/she must be 4 years old. I would suggest you have your child wear a nametag that includes his/her name, address, and phone and bus number the first week of school so the driver has pertinent information. In the event that you need to contact the bus driver, please call the elementary office: 744-6294.
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
In the interest of safety we request a note indicating any transportation changes.
*If your child’s schedule warrants different transportation on various days, please pin a note on the outside of the child’s school bag to alert the teacher of changes. For example, if the child goes to day care 3 days a week and home 2, pin a note on the child’s bag daily indicating how the child is going home that day. Perhaps if the note is a shape the child can identify as day care or home it will alleviate any confusion your child has as to where they go and on what day.
HALF-DAY, EARLY DISMISSAL, LATE STARTS
In case of a late start due to bad weather, the half day morning preschool session will be cancelled completely. The full day class will be in session. In the case of an early dismissal, please make sure to receive Blue Jay Alerts, watch channel 60 or listen to the radio. The decision to cancel school or have a late start is normally reached between 5:30-6:00 AM. Notices of school closings or dismissal will be given as soon as possible to radio stations KFEQ (680 AM), KMA (960 AM), KSJQ (92.7 FM) AND KMBZ (99.3 FM) AND KQTV television station.
SNACK
Half day preschool will be served a morning snack around 10 AM.. The full day preschool class will receive a morning snack and an afternoon snack. The morning snack will be served at 8:30 each morning and will be cleaned up by 9. The morning snack will typically be breakfast foods including cereal, poptarts, toast, granola bars, fruit, etc. Little Jays’ Preschool participates in the Missouri Child and Adult Food Program regulated by the state. Those eligible for the free and reduced rate will need to have an application filled out and on file. This must be renewed every year of enrollment. Snack will be served according the program guidelines for health nutrition appropriate for the preschool child. We ask that you do not send your child with breakfast or snacks from home; this will eliminate conflicts with the other children. Please notify us of any food allergies.
* In the operation of the child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin. If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in receiving food services for any of these reasons, write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.
BIRTHDAY TREATS
A child’s birthday is very important to us and we believe that it is a time for celebration. Birthday treats are always welcome! Simple treats are the best. We ask that you refrain from sending chewing gum, suckers or any hard candies. Please notify the teacher that you will be sending treats. *Children with summer birthdays are welcome to bring a treat on their half birthday. If possible on the day of your child’s birthday we will give them a birthday certificate and have a special time designated to them. All snacks must be pre-packaged, store bought.
ROOM PARTIES
We have several parties that are planned throughout the year. Please contact us if you would like to help. We will have a sign-up sheet that you can add your name to as well.
FIELD TRIPS
We are currently working on planning field trips for throughout the year to enrich the topics we are learning about. We welcome families to attend as chaperones. Students will be transported on field trips by school bus.
FAMILY PARTICIPATION
Families are welcome in the preschool classroom at any time. If you and your child would like to share something special, please let the teacher know and we can plan for a convenient time. Family involvement and participation is encouraged. There will be certain times throughout the year that we will ask families to help with projects, trips, parties, etc. There will be signup sheets for planned events. We encourage every family to sign up for at least one. This gives you and your child the opportunity to share in their educational experience.
ILLNESS
Children should not attend school if they have any of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, severe cough, skin rash, red or itching eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, ear discharge, or itching of the body or scalp. A child should be kept home for at least 24 hours after having a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. When a child has a temperature of 100 degrees or more, he/she will not be allowed to remain at school. If the child is displaying illness symptoms, the school nurse will make a decision regarding the dismissal of the child. If the child is to be dismissed, the parent or guardian will be notified. Arrangements should be made for the child to be picked up in the case of dismissal. In the case that the parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact person listed will be contacted. The child will be released to that person. These are policies set up by the Missouri Department of Health.
MEDICATION
If your child needs medication at school, it should be kept in the original container. Medication should be clearly labeled with the child’s name and instructions for administration. Families must fill out a proper form for instructions and times of administering the medication. All medications are to be kept in a locked area up and away from children. It is preferred that medication is given prior to or after school hours. Please speak with Mrs. Roup if you have any questions.
ABSENCES
If your child is going to be absent for illness, vacation, or other reasons, please call and notify the school 744-6294. If you know in advance you may send your child with a letter or notify the teacher. Attendance records will be kept daily on the child, so it is important you notify the school in case of absences.
Accidents/Injuries that occur while at Little Jays’
When children are at Little Jays’ Preschool staff do everything possible to prevent accidents or injuries to children, but unfortunately unexpected accidents/injuries do occur. When accidents or injuries occur, the following steps are taken. First, the staff will evaluate the situation; does the child need to go the school nurse or is it something that classroom staff can take care of. If the classroom staff can take care of it the following necessary steps are taken; first staff will wear gloves to protect themselves and the child; second, the spot is cleaned with soap and water; third a bandage and first aid cream is applied; last a accident/injury form is filled out and all necessary people sign and date it; one copy is sent home with the child, the original is kept in the child’s file. If the injury needs to be seen by the school nurse, she then takes care of the injury, fills out the accident form, and calls the family if necessary.
Little Jays’ Preschool is licensed by the state of Missouri and Accredited through Missouri Accreditation
Little Jays’ Preschool is proud to say that they are licensed by the state of Missouri and Accredited through Missouri Accreditation. As a licensed child care center in the state of Missouri, Little Jays’ has annual inspections by the state fire marshall, the Sanitation department and Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Facility Specialist. Each of these inspectors creates a report that is kept on file at the preschool. These may be requested to be seen at any time by families that are enrolled or interested in the program. The licensing regulation handbook is kept at the preschool, but can also be accessed online at http://health.mo.gov/safety/childcare/lawsregs.php and clicking on Licensing Rules for Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers. The following is a direct link to the rules: http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/19csr/19c30-62.pdf
Access to a Child’s File
A child’s personal file can be accessed at any time by parents or legal guardians of the enrolled child, the classroom teacher, the elementary principal and the other necessary therapists or special education teachers that are a part of the child’s current educational path.
CLOTHING
Children should dress comfortably and suitable for the weather. We will be going outside when the weather permits. Children often engage in activities using materials that may be messy. Although, we will be wearing paint shirts, sometimes accidents still happen and clothes may get dirty. We do require that an extra set of clothes be sent and left at the preschool in case of accidents.
SHOW AND TELL / OBJECTS FROM HOME-FULL DAY CLASS ONLY
We do not have the customary show and tell. Instead we encourage language on a daily basis. We will once again be using the bucket. Each week one child will receive the bucket to take home. The child is then encouraged to put something in it from home and bring it back to school to share with the other children. Only items that fit in the bucket should come to school. If it does not fit, it can’t come to school. From time to time we will request that children bring specific items from home.
Please do not allow your child to bring toys from home each day. We have lots of toys here at school for the children to play with. This helps to keep and problems from arising or toys getting broken.
If your child has an animal that he/she would like to show, please contact the teacher prior to bringing it in. We will schedule a time for this.
CALENDARS
Breakfast, lunch, snack and classroom calendars will be sent home each month. These will include birthdays, field trips, and payment information for that month. This will also remind you of any days there will be no school or early dismissals.
CLASSROOM NEWS
Each week you will receive a weekly news of highlights from the preschool room. These are a great way for you and your family to know what your child is doing at school. Please use these newsletters as conversation starters at the dinner table, in the car, or wherever to get your child to talk about the fun things he/she did at school. Talking with your child, not only encourages language skills, but also allows the child to develop a sense of worth and importance. Encourage your child to use manners as he/she tells about school…not interrupting and telling positive comments. If your child mentions something that is really bothering him/her, talk to him/her about what happened. Ask the child “How does that make you feel? Did you talk to the other child (ren) that this happened with?” Remind your children to “Use your words!” This is a great way for that school/home relationship to connect. We will encourage the children here at school to talk to the other children about their problems first before coming to the teacher. This is creating and encouraging great communication skills for life!
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN AND STAFF
The classroom will be designed and managed to create positive learning experiences. This will help to decrease behavior conflicts. Children will help to develop behavior guidelines and boundaries. Hitting, kicking, biting and using aggressive behavior will never be acceptable behaviors. Staff will use positive reinforcement as well as natural and logical consequences when dealing with behavior issues. It is our goal to encourage children to become independent decision makers and take responsibility for their behavior choices.
If children are having conflicts with each other over a toy or material in the classroom, the teacher will guide the children to come up with possible solutions. Giving the children a chance to safely solve problems promotes positive developments in the child. Children will be able to sympathize and learn societal rules of cooperation. By the end of the year, most children learn how to positively solve problems and come up with acceptable solutions. This is a valuable skill they can use throughout their life.
There may be a few occasions during group learning time, that if the child is continuously being disruptive, they may be asked to sit away from the rest of the group for a few minutes. The child will then be asked if he/she is ready to come back and participate. If the child is ready he/she may then join us again. If the child answers no, he/she will be given a few minutes longer to get him or herself together so that he/she can join the group as a respectable member of our community.
In our classroom we will be using natural and logical consequences as a guide for misbehavior. Natural and Logical consequences hold the child, not adults, responsible for the child’s behavior. It allows the child to make his/her own decisions about what course of action is appropriate. A natural and logical consequence also permits the child to learn from the (impersonal) natural or social order of events, rather than forcing them to comply with the authority figures.
Examples of Natural Consequences include:
Action Consequence
The child refuses to eat… the child goes hungry
The child insists on not wearing mittens… the child’s hands will be cold when outside
The child loses his baseball glove… the child does not have one to play with
Logical Consequences are used in situations where the natural consequences are a danger to the child. Logical consequences must “fit” the behavior in a logical way. The behavior and consequence must be related.
Examples of Logical Consequences include:
Action Consequence
The child hits another child with a toy… the child has the toy taken away
The child spills her milk… the child helps to clean up the milk
The child throws the play dough… the child is done playing with the play dough
When using Natural/Logical Consequences adults must:
*believe that children are capable of making decisions and changing their behavior
*refrain from becoming personally and emotionally involved
*decide to respond differently to misbehavior
*provide children with limits and expectations
*provide choices appropriate for the child’s development/age and acceptable to you
*make sure the consequence is related to the behavior
*allow the child to own the problem and make a decision
*speak in a respectful, friendly but firm voice
*provide encouragement and assurance that there will be opportunity to try again later
*refrain from “mini-lectures”, nagging, harping, and “I told you so”
*deliver consequences without sarcasm, ridicule, or embarrassment
*be kind and respectful!
HOW TO CONTACT THE TEACHERS
The best way to contact your child’s teacher is through e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] . You may also call the preschool at 660.744.6294 ext. 239. A good time to call is probably in the morning before school, between morning and afternoon preschool, or after school.
EMERGENCIES
In the event of an accident at school, families would be contacted. For this reason, current phone numbers at home and work for all guardians are very important. Also please provide the school with an emergency number of a neighbor, friend or relative who will assume responsibility for your child until you can be reached. Advise both your teacher and the office if your emergency numbers change during the year.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHIES
Rock Port Little Jays’ Preschool is an early childhood program that is designed to meet the individual needs of the children as well as the family. Studies prove that family support and involvement has a positive influence on the development of the child. The family will be included in all aspects of their child’s development.
The program will be based on the Constructivist theory for early childhood learning. Jean Piaget derived this theory in the mid 1900’s. The theory suggests that children learn knowledge as a result of interactions with both physical and social environments. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education introduced the theory into the classroom in 1988. It was deemed as a successful learning style and was named Project Construct. Over 60 public school districts in Missouri are now using Project Construct in the classroom.
Project Construct is based on the theory that children learn best when they are actively and directly involved in experiences that are meaningful to them. Children need adequate time and many opportunities to act on the environment and to reflect on their actions. This means time for experimenting, creating, and imagining. Your child will be surrounded by a wide variety of materials and experiences to enhance all of these concepts. A Project Construct classroom will provide challenges for children of all capabilities and interests. The teacher in the Project Construct classroom will guide the children to create their own knowledge and make predictions about the world according to the information they have learning by experience and application. The teacher will furnish a supportive, collaborative, child-centered environment in which all children flourish in every domain of development. The children’s goal is to achieve autonomy and construct meaningful predictions of the physical and social world.
WRITING
Students will develop writing and reading skills during daily journal activities. Students will be encouraged to develop their writing in development progression that is appropriate for that particular child. Children will (when ready) be encouraged to develop their writing through the use of letter/sound relationships. Students will write the sounds they hear, frequently referred to as temporary or invented spelling. Writing this way improves the child’s understanding and internalization of sound-symbol relationships. Using inventive spelling allows children the freedom to get their thoughts on paper and not worry about spelling like a grown up. Children tend to forget what they want to write or limit them self if they worry about writing and spelling the grown up way. Not all children will be able to do this. That is okay!
When your child brings home their journal, please encourage every effort. When your child asks you to spell words for them encourage them to first try to sound the word out. They might hold up their paper and ask, “Is this right?” Please tell them the letters that you see written on their paper. “I see that you heard and wrote the C and T.”
You need to work with your child’s individual abilities and interests. Some children need more support than others. If your child is still unsure of letter sounds, please help them sound out words so that they are not frustrated. Remember this is the time to encourage your child to write not frustrate and discourage them. As your child progresses through elementary school, they will progress through the “writing process” and have a first draft, second draft and final “polished” copy where spelling, punctuation and grammar will be correct. Preschool is the beginning. Our goal is for children to understand that letters have a meaning and sounds. We want children to experience writing and understand that reading is merely talking written down. The more attempts they make at unlocking words through their story writing, the earlier reading will emerge.
CENTERS
Centers will be set up for your child to learn, explore, experiment, create, and pretend. Each center will have numerous materials to accommodate children in different interests and capabilities. Centers will include science, math, games, puzzles, manipulatives, reading, art, music, writing, blocks and dramatic play. Children are encouraged to be physically and mentally active. They will have their choice of centers until they are considered full by the children.
ART WORK
Your child will be given adequate time and supplies to create and express himself through art. His/her work will be completely their own according to their interpretations. Studies have proven that by specifying to a child exactly what their pictures should look like (projects) could inhibit their long-term creativity and self esteem. Individual children will be encouraged to create from their own interpretations. Remember, the artwork your child brings home is of its own creation and expression!
TEACHERS
The teacher’s role is to design a safe learning environment that will actively involve and challenge children of all abilities. The teacher will promote and encourage autonomy in the child in exploring and problem solving. The teacher will also keep lines of communication with the families open at all times. Teachers in this program must maintain required professional development hours expected for each year. These hours will be through classes and workshops in the areas of early childhood development and education.
ASSESSMENT / PORTFOLIOS / CONFERENCES
Assessment of preschool children will be performed throughout the year using the Project Construct Manual. Assessment is only to recognize where children are developmentally so that we can better relate to their learning needs.
Portfolios are a collection of children’s work that is combined together in an organized way to show what children are doing developmentally. As a member of the class, each child will have their own portfolio created for them. It will include artwork, writing, pictures and assessment forms, as well as anecdotal and running records. It will be divided up into sections based on areas of development that include: Physical Development: large and fine, Representational, Cognitive and Socio-moral.
Conferences will be held twice a year on the same schedule as the elementary. You will be able to sign up for a time that will be most convenient to you. These conferences will allow for teacher/family communication to discuss positive development of your child and any concerns there might be. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or positives that you have at any time throughout the year.
Half Day Preschool Class Schedule
7:50 Arrival/Wash Hands/Table Top Toys
8:15 Group Time
8:30 Journals/Crafts
8:45 Snack
9:15 Centers
10:15 Story/Activity Time
10:30 Large Motor/Outdoor Play
11:00 Dismissal
Full day Classroom Schedule
7:50-8:15 arrival/wash hands/activities at tables
8:15-8:35 morning meeting
8:35-9:00 wash hands/snack (served during center time for those that want to eat)
8:35-10:20 center time
10:45-11:05 recess
11:15-11:55 lunch
11:55-12:25 specials (A: music, B: P.E., C: guidance, D: art, E: library)
12:30-1:30 quiet time
1:30-2:00 recess
2:00-2:20 snack
2:20-2:50 theme time
2:50-3:00 prepare to go home
3:00 dismissal
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name _____________________________________________________
________ I have read and understand the policies for Little Jays’ Preschool
that are stated in this handbook.
__________ My child may have his/her picture or video taken by staff and students to be
used for the school websites, yearbook, display or a presentation.
_________________________ _________________
Signature date
Half Day Preschool & Full Day Preschool
600 S. Nebraska Street
Rock Port, MO 64482
660-744-6294 Full Day Classroom Ext. 5
Half Day Classroom Ext. 239
littlejayspreschool.weebly.com
littlejaysprek twitter.com/msroup
Dear Families,
Welcome! I hope that this will be a great school year and that it will provide a positive foundation in education for your child. My goal is to help your child begin to become a self-motivated, independent thinker who will become a lifelong learner.
It is not unusual for both children and families to experience mixed feelings such as excitement to apprehension at the beginning of the year. It has been my experience, however, that preschool students adjust within the first month of school; with some students doing so more quickly than others. It is hard to let go. I have discovered thatquick, “Good bye, it’s time for you to go to school,” is the least painful for all those concerned.
I certainly understand how precious your child is to you and that you want to do everything possible to help your child have a positive school experience. As a result I have written this handbook to help you understand how our preschool program is organized. I have tried to answer the most often asked questions, from what time school starts, to what things will be taught. I believe when everyone knows what is going on and what is expected, things go more smoothly for the child, the family and the teachers!
Many of your questions about preschool are answered in this handbook. Please take your time to read the information. You might want to keep it in a safe place to refer to throughout the school year, especially for suggestions about procedures (ex: sending money to school, transportation, birthdays, etc.) If you have other questions, please ask…we are always willing and eager to help. We have your child’s best interest at heart, and want him or her to have a wonderful preschool experience.
Sincerely,
Ms. Roup
Preschool Director/Lead Teacher
PROGRAM DESIGN
The Little Jays’ Preschool was established in 2001. Throughout the years, many changes and a lot of growth have occurred.
We now offer two types of programs available for families; a full day program and a half-day program. The full day program was previously funded by the Missouri Preschool Project (MPP) grant and is now funded by our district. It is a five-day a week program for children ages 3 thru 5. The half day program was designed to meet the needs of the younger children and children who are looking for a part-time program. It is also funded by our district. The half day program will consist of 1 AM session. The preschool will follow the Rock Port R-II district calendar.
Children attending the full day program may choose to have the lunch that is provided by the school. Families will need to pay for lunch in the elementary office. Snack will be served during each program and is included in the tuition. Little Jays’ Preschool participates in the Missouri Child and Adult Food Program. Snack will be served according the program’s nutritional guidelines. Lunch prices are $2.05/day and reduced price is .40/day.
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
To enroll a child in Little Jays’ Preschool, you will need to fill out and submit an enrollment form as well as a $35.00 registration/activity fee. Appropriate health forms, birth certificate, lead testing, and shot records will also need to be turned in and kept on file. Income eligibility forms to help with the cost of tuition as well as lunch (full-day) may be filled out and brought back to school. Immunization records will need to be turned in prior to the first day of preschool. Your child may not attend until all immunization records are given to the teacher or school nurse. Preschool Open House and Pre-K Round-up are held each spring and Back to School Night is held the night before the first day of school.
PRESCHOOL TUITION POLICIES AND RATES
The half-day and full day preschool programs will have tuition during the school year. They will charge a monthly tuition. Tuition will be based on income eligibility and will be considered in three levels. Those in level one will be full pay; level two and three will be reduced. This will be determined according to household income based on the table provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Full Day Preschool Levels/Prices Half Day Preschool Level/Prices
Level I…………..$220.00 Level I…………..$120.00
Level II………….$140.00 Level II…………..$95.00
Level III…………$95.00 Level III…………..$70.00
Tuition is to be paid by the 5th of each month according to the school calendar. There will be a $5.00 late fee if tuition is not collected by the 10th of the month. If families have not paid tuition by the 12th of the month, your child may not attend until payment has been received. We appreciate your cooperation on this policy.
The purpose of the preschool tuition is to help provide a long-term quality program in our community. Financial obligations for operating a preschool continue to be ongoing. The monthly tuition paid is considered non-refundable and only under extenuating circumstances would a refund be considered.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ATTENDANCE
Preschool (full-day) 8:00 – 3:00 PM Preschool (half-day) 8:00 – 11:00 AM
*Please send your child to the session he/she is enrolled in.
Your child may not arrive at school earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of the session. Children must wash hands when coming into the classroom. This is required by the Missouri Department of Health.
*It is important that children develop the habit of regular school attendance. In the event of an absence, please notify the preschool 744-6294 ext.. 239.
All staff members are mandated reporters. If there is any suspected child abuse or neglect, staff members are mandated to report it.
FAMILY VISITATION
Families are welcome to visit and take part in our day. If your child wishes to bring another child as a visitor for the day, the same guidelines must apply for that child. This means he/she would be considered a student and must have the appropriate enrollment and health forms filled out and on file as well as pay a daily rated tuition fee. We must abide by these regulations that have been set up by the Department of Health because of receiving state grant funds.
DROP OFF / PICK UP PROCEDURES
There is bus service available for preschool children that have turned 4 years old to come to school in the mornings, but unfortunately at this time we do not offer bus service home after preschool classes. Families or other specified adults are responsible for dropping off and picking up their child(ren). Families should escort their children to/from the classroom. There is designated parking for the preschool on the south side of the building with an entrance directly to the preschool; preschool families need to park here. Please do not park in the staff parking spaces. Please be consistent and on time when bringing and picking up your child(ren). Before school starts each morning, staff is often out of the room preparing before the start of class, therefore the door will not be open until 7:50. After school, staff often have lots of things that they need to get finished up for the day; your child needs to be picked up on time. If you are going to be late picking up, please call us to let us know. In addition, if you are picking up and are more than 10 minutes late, your child will be in the office.
Bus Riders: In order for your child to ride the bus he/she must be 4 years old. I would suggest you have your child wear a nametag that includes his/her name, address, and phone and bus number the first week of school so the driver has pertinent information. In the event that you need to contact the bus driver, please call the elementary office: 744-6294.
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
In the interest of safety we request a note indicating any transportation changes.
*If your child’s schedule warrants different transportation on various days, please pin a note on the outside of the child’s school bag to alert the teacher of changes. For example, if the child goes to day care 3 days a week and home 2, pin a note on the child’s bag daily indicating how the child is going home that day. Perhaps if the note is a shape the child can identify as day care or home it will alleviate any confusion your child has as to where they go and on what day.
HALF-DAY, EARLY DISMISSAL, LATE STARTS
In case of a late start due to bad weather, the half day morning preschool session will be cancelled completely. The full day class will be in session. In the case of an early dismissal, please make sure to receive Blue Jay Alerts, watch channel 60 or listen to the radio. The decision to cancel school or have a late start is normally reached between 5:30-6:00 AM. Notices of school closings or dismissal will be given as soon as possible to radio stations KFEQ (680 AM), KMA (960 AM), KSJQ (92.7 FM) AND KMBZ (99.3 FM) AND KQTV television station.
SNACK
Half day preschool will be served a morning snack around 10 AM.. The full day preschool class will receive a morning snack and an afternoon snack. The morning snack will be served at 8:30 each morning and will be cleaned up by 9. The morning snack will typically be breakfast foods including cereal, poptarts, toast, granola bars, fruit, etc. Little Jays’ Preschool participates in the Missouri Child and Adult Food Program regulated by the state. Those eligible for the free and reduced rate will need to have an application filled out and on file. This must be renewed every year of enrollment. Snack will be served according the program guidelines for health nutrition appropriate for the preschool child. We ask that you do not send your child with breakfast or snacks from home; this will eliminate conflicts with the other children. Please notify us of any food allergies.
* In the operation of the child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin. If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in receiving food services for any of these reasons, write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.
BIRTHDAY TREATS
A child’s birthday is very important to us and we believe that it is a time for celebration. Birthday treats are always welcome! Simple treats are the best. We ask that you refrain from sending chewing gum, suckers or any hard candies. Please notify the teacher that you will be sending treats. *Children with summer birthdays are welcome to bring a treat on their half birthday. If possible on the day of your child’s birthday we will give them a birthday certificate and have a special time designated to them. All snacks must be pre-packaged, store bought.
ROOM PARTIES
We have several parties that are planned throughout the year. Please contact us if you would like to help. We will have a sign-up sheet that you can add your name to as well.
FIELD TRIPS
We are currently working on planning field trips for throughout the year to enrich the topics we are learning about. We welcome families to attend as chaperones. Students will be transported on field trips by school bus.
FAMILY PARTICIPATION
Families are welcome in the preschool classroom at any time. If you and your child would like to share something special, please let the teacher know and we can plan for a convenient time. Family involvement and participation is encouraged. There will be certain times throughout the year that we will ask families to help with projects, trips, parties, etc. There will be signup sheets for planned events. We encourage every family to sign up for at least one. This gives you and your child the opportunity to share in their educational experience.
ILLNESS
Children should not attend school if they have any of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, severe cough, skin rash, red or itching eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, ear discharge, or itching of the body or scalp. A child should be kept home for at least 24 hours after having a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. When a child has a temperature of 100 degrees or more, he/she will not be allowed to remain at school. If the child is displaying illness symptoms, the school nurse will make a decision regarding the dismissal of the child. If the child is to be dismissed, the parent or guardian will be notified. Arrangements should be made for the child to be picked up in the case of dismissal. In the case that the parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact person listed will be contacted. The child will be released to that person. These are policies set up by the Missouri Department of Health.
MEDICATION
If your child needs medication at school, it should be kept in the original container. Medication should be clearly labeled with the child’s name and instructions for administration. Families must fill out a proper form for instructions and times of administering the medication. All medications are to be kept in a locked area up and away from children. It is preferred that medication is given prior to or after school hours. Please speak with Mrs. Roup if you have any questions.
ABSENCES
If your child is going to be absent for illness, vacation, or other reasons, please call and notify the school 744-6294. If you know in advance you may send your child with a letter or notify the teacher. Attendance records will be kept daily on the child, so it is important you notify the school in case of absences.
Accidents/Injuries that occur while at Little Jays’
When children are at Little Jays’ Preschool staff do everything possible to prevent accidents or injuries to children, but unfortunately unexpected accidents/injuries do occur. When accidents or injuries occur, the following steps are taken. First, the staff will evaluate the situation; does the child need to go the school nurse or is it something that classroom staff can take care of. If the classroom staff can take care of it the following necessary steps are taken; first staff will wear gloves to protect themselves and the child; second, the spot is cleaned with soap and water; third a bandage and first aid cream is applied; last a accident/injury form is filled out and all necessary people sign and date it; one copy is sent home with the child, the original is kept in the child’s file. If the injury needs to be seen by the school nurse, she then takes care of the injury, fills out the accident form, and calls the family if necessary.
Little Jays’ Preschool is licensed by the state of Missouri and Accredited through Missouri Accreditation
Little Jays’ Preschool is proud to say that they are licensed by the state of Missouri and Accredited through Missouri Accreditation. As a licensed child care center in the state of Missouri, Little Jays’ has annual inspections by the state fire marshall, the Sanitation department and Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Facility Specialist. Each of these inspectors creates a report that is kept on file at the preschool. These may be requested to be seen at any time by families that are enrolled or interested in the program. The licensing regulation handbook is kept at the preschool, but can also be accessed online at http://health.mo.gov/safety/childcare/lawsregs.php and clicking on Licensing Rules for Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers. The following is a direct link to the rules: http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/19csr/19c30-62.pdf
Access to a Child’s File
A child’s personal file can be accessed at any time by parents or legal guardians of the enrolled child, the classroom teacher, the elementary principal and the other necessary therapists or special education teachers that are a part of the child’s current educational path.
CLOTHING
Children should dress comfortably and suitable for the weather. We will be going outside when the weather permits. Children often engage in activities using materials that may be messy. Although, we will be wearing paint shirts, sometimes accidents still happen and clothes may get dirty. We do require that an extra set of clothes be sent and left at the preschool in case of accidents.
SHOW AND TELL / OBJECTS FROM HOME-FULL DAY CLASS ONLY
We do not have the customary show and tell. Instead we encourage language on a daily basis. We will once again be using the bucket. Each week one child will receive the bucket to take home. The child is then encouraged to put something in it from home and bring it back to school to share with the other children. Only items that fit in the bucket should come to school. If it does not fit, it can’t come to school. From time to time we will request that children bring specific items from home.
Please do not allow your child to bring toys from home each day. We have lots of toys here at school for the children to play with. This helps to keep and problems from arising or toys getting broken.
If your child has an animal that he/she would like to show, please contact the teacher prior to bringing it in. We will schedule a time for this.
CALENDARS
Breakfast, lunch, snack and classroom calendars will be sent home each month. These will include birthdays, field trips, and payment information for that month. This will also remind you of any days there will be no school or early dismissals.
CLASSROOM NEWS
Each week you will receive a weekly news of highlights from the preschool room. These are a great way for you and your family to know what your child is doing at school. Please use these newsletters as conversation starters at the dinner table, in the car, or wherever to get your child to talk about the fun things he/she did at school. Talking with your child, not only encourages language skills, but also allows the child to develop a sense of worth and importance. Encourage your child to use manners as he/she tells about school…not interrupting and telling positive comments. If your child mentions something that is really bothering him/her, talk to him/her about what happened. Ask the child “How does that make you feel? Did you talk to the other child (ren) that this happened with?” Remind your children to “Use your words!” This is a great way for that school/home relationship to connect. We will encourage the children here at school to talk to the other children about their problems first before coming to the teacher. This is creating and encouraging great communication skills for life!
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN AND STAFF
The classroom will be designed and managed to create positive learning experiences. This will help to decrease behavior conflicts. Children will help to develop behavior guidelines and boundaries. Hitting, kicking, biting and using aggressive behavior will never be acceptable behaviors. Staff will use positive reinforcement as well as natural and logical consequences when dealing with behavior issues. It is our goal to encourage children to become independent decision makers and take responsibility for their behavior choices.
If children are having conflicts with each other over a toy or material in the classroom, the teacher will guide the children to come up with possible solutions. Giving the children a chance to safely solve problems promotes positive developments in the child. Children will be able to sympathize and learn societal rules of cooperation. By the end of the year, most children learn how to positively solve problems and come up with acceptable solutions. This is a valuable skill they can use throughout their life.
There may be a few occasions during group learning time, that if the child is continuously being disruptive, they may be asked to sit away from the rest of the group for a few minutes. The child will then be asked if he/she is ready to come back and participate. If the child is ready he/she may then join us again. If the child answers no, he/she will be given a few minutes longer to get him or herself together so that he/she can join the group as a respectable member of our community.
In our classroom we will be using natural and logical consequences as a guide for misbehavior. Natural and Logical consequences hold the child, not adults, responsible for the child’s behavior. It allows the child to make his/her own decisions about what course of action is appropriate. A natural and logical consequence also permits the child to learn from the (impersonal) natural or social order of events, rather than forcing them to comply with the authority figures.
Examples of Natural Consequences include:
Action Consequence
The child refuses to eat… the child goes hungry
The child insists on not wearing mittens… the child’s hands will be cold when outside
The child loses his baseball glove… the child does not have one to play with
Logical Consequences are used in situations where the natural consequences are a danger to the child. Logical consequences must “fit” the behavior in a logical way. The behavior and consequence must be related.
Examples of Logical Consequences include:
Action Consequence
The child hits another child with a toy… the child has the toy taken away
The child spills her milk… the child helps to clean up the milk
The child throws the play dough… the child is done playing with the play dough
When using Natural/Logical Consequences adults must:
*believe that children are capable of making decisions and changing their behavior
*refrain from becoming personally and emotionally involved
*decide to respond differently to misbehavior
*provide children with limits and expectations
*provide choices appropriate for the child’s development/age and acceptable to you
*make sure the consequence is related to the behavior
*allow the child to own the problem and make a decision
*speak in a respectful, friendly but firm voice
*provide encouragement and assurance that there will be opportunity to try again later
*refrain from “mini-lectures”, nagging, harping, and “I told you so”
*deliver consequences without sarcasm, ridicule, or embarrassment
*be kind and respectful!
HOW TO CONTACT THE TEACHERS
The best way to contact your child’s teacher is through e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] . You may also call the preschool at 660.744.6294 ext. 239. A good time to call is probably in the morning before school, between morning and afternoon preschool, or after school.
EMERGENCIES
In the event of an accident at school, families would be contacted. For this reason, current phone numbers at home and work for all guardians are very important. Also please provide the school with an emergency number of a neighbor, friend or relative who will assume responsibility for your child until you can be reached. Advise both your teacher and the office if your emergency numbers change during the year.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHIES
Rock Port Little Jays’ Preschool is an early childhood program that is designed to meet the individual needs of the children as well as the family. Studies prove that family support and involvement has a positive influence on the development of the child. The family will be included in all aspects of their child’s development.
The program will be based on the Constructivist theory for early childhood learning. Jean Piaget derived this theory in the mid 1900’s. The theory suggests that children learn knowledge as a result of interactions with both physical and social environments. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education introduced the theory into the classroom in 1988. It was deemed as a successful learning style and was named Project Construct. Over 60 public school districts in Missouri are now using Project Construct in the classroom.
Project Construct is based on the theory that children learn best when they are actively and directly involved in experiences that are meaningful to them. Children need adequate time and many opportunities to act on the environment and to reflect on their actions. This means time for experimenting, creating, and imagining. Your child will be surrounded by a wide variety of materials and experiences to enhance all of these concepts. A Project Construct classroom will provide challenges for children of all capabilities and interests. The teacher in the Project Construct classroom will guide the children to create their own knowledge and make predictions about the world according to the information they have learning by experience and application. The teacher will furnish a supportive, collaborative, child-centered environment in which all children flourish in every domain of development. The children’s goal is to achieve autonomy and construct meaningful predictions of the physical and social world.
WRITING
Students will develop writing and reading skills during daily journal activities. Students will be encouraged to develop their writing in development progression that is appropriate for that particular child. Children will (when ready) be encouraged to develop their writing through the use of letter/sound relationships. Students will write the sounds they hear, frequently referred to as temporary or invented spelling. Writing this way improves the child’s understanding and internalization of sound-symbol relationships. Using inventive spelling allows children the freedom to get their thoughts on paper and not worry about spelling like a grown up. Children tend to forget what they want to write or limit them self if they worry about writing and spelling the grown up way. Not all children will be able to do this. That is okay!
When your child brings home their journal, please encourage every effort. When your child asks you to spell words for them encourage them to first try to sound the word out. They might hold up their paper and ask, “Is this right?” Please tell them the letters that you see written on their paper. “I see that you heard and wrote the C and T.”
You need to work with your child’s individual abilities and interests. Some children need more support than others. If your child is still unsure of letter sounds, please help them sound out words so that they are not frustrated. Remember this is the time to encourage your child to write not frustrate and discourage them. As your child progresses through elementary school, they will progress through the “writing process” and have a first draft, second draft and final “polished” copy where spelling, punctuation and grammar will be correct. Preschool is the beginning. Our goal is for children to understand that letters have a meaning and sounds. We want children to experience writing and understand that reading is merely talking written down. The more attempts they make at unlocking words through their story writing, the earlier reading will emerge.
CENTERS
Centers will be set up for your child to learn, explore, experiment, create, and pretend. Each center will have numerous materials to accommodate children in different interests and capabilities. Centers will include science, math, games, puzzles, manipulatives, reading, art, music, writing, blocks and dramatic play. Children are encouraged to be physically and mentally active. They will have their choice of centers until they are considered full by the children.
ART WORK
Your child will be given adequate time and supplies to create and express himself through art. His/her work will be completely their own according to their interpretations. Studies have proven that by specifying to a child exactly what their pictures should look like (projects) could inhibit their long-term creativity and self esteem. Individual children will be encouraged to create from their own interpretations. Remember, the artwork your child brings home is of its own creation and expression!
TEACHERS
The teacher’s role is to design a safe learning environment that will actively involve and challenge children of all abilities. The teacher will promote and encourage autonomy in the child in exploring and problem solving. The teacher will also keep lines of communication with the families open at all times. Teachers in this program must maintain required professional development hours expected for each year. These hours will be through classes and workshops in the areas of early childhood development and education.
ASSESSMENT / PORTFOLIOS / CONFERENCES
Assessment of preschool children will be performed throughout the year using the Project Construct Manual. Assessment is only to recognize where children are developmentally so that we can better relate to their learning needs.
Portfolios are a collection of children’s work that is combined together in an organized way to show what children are doing developmentally. As a member of the class, each child will have their own portfolio created for them. It will include artwork, writing, pictures and assessment forms, as well as anecdotal and running records. It will be divided up into sections based on areas of development that include: Physical Development: large and fine, Representational, Cognitive and Socio-moral.
Conferences will be held twice a year on the same schedule as the elementary. You will be able to sign up for a time that will be most convenient to you. These conferences will allow for teacher/family communication to discuss positive development of your child and any concerns there might be. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or positives that you have at any time throughout the year.
Half Day Preschool Class Schedule
7:50 Arrival/Wash Hands/Table Top Toys
8:15 Group Time
8:30 Journals/Crafts
8:45 Snack
9:15 Centers
10:15 Story/Activity Time
10:30 Large Motor/Outdoor Play
11:00 Dismissal
Full day Classroom Schedule
7:50-8:15 arrival/wash hands/activities at tables
8:15-8:35 morning meeting
8:35-9:00 wash hands/snack (served during center time for those that want to eat)
8:35-10:20 center time
10:45-11:05 recess
11:15-11:55 lunch
11:55-12:25 specials (A: music, B: P.E., C: guidance, D: art, E: library)
12:30-1:30 quiet time
1:30-2:00 recess
2:00-2:20 snack
2:20-2:50 theme time
2:50-3:00 prepare to go home
3:00 dismissal
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Name _____________________________________________________
________ I have read and understand the policies for Little Jays’ Preschool
that are stated in this handbook.
__________ My child may have his/her picture or video taken by staff and students to be
used for the school websites, yearbook, display or a presentation.
_________________________ _________________
Signature date