ATONEMENT LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL
Atonement Lutheran Preschool is owned and operated by Atonement Lutheran Church. The Atonement Lutheran Preschool Board under the direction of the Church Council that governs it.
ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
1621 Francisco Road
Columbus, Ohio 43220
Preschool (614) 451-5212
Fax Number (614) 451-9825 Church (614) 451-1880
Pastor………………………………………….………………………………..Rev. Brian Larson
Preschool Director…………….……………...…………………...........................Carmen Fryman
Church Administrative Assistant……………..….………………………………….Sherri Savage
Lead Teachers.………………………………………Jill Shively, Stacy McCoy, Carmen Fryman
Assistant Teachers………..……………………………………….. Mariann Chafin, Jeni Lehman
Classroom Substitute ……. ………………………….…… Jeanne Mueller
President of Church Council...…………….……………………………………….. Scott Rodgers
Chairperson of Preschool…...…………….……………………………………...….Barb Rushley
Board Members……………….………………..Jenn Secrest, Michele Kappeler, Debbie Luttrell, Bonnie Massey, Sherri Savage
Jesus told His disciples,
“I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)
“I have given you an example. Go and do likewise.” (John 13:15)
Jesus also directed His disciples,
“Let the children come to me.” (Luke 18:16)
In response to Jesus' words, Atonement’s congregation has chosen to serve children in a preschool setting in order to provide an environment in which children can experience healthy growth mentally, socially, physically, and spiritually. It is our firm conviction that by serving children in Jesus' name, we will not only contribute to their growth into oaks of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3), but be faithful to Jesus' command to serve.
ATONEMENT LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL IS “A GREAT PLACE TO GROW!”
Christian Care Basics
Christian Care is based on the rationale that it takes a Christian congregation of many families to help raise a Christian child in God’s loving grace.
Christian Care holds to these basic assumptions:
All children are created by God.
Each child’s self-image is one of worth because he or she is God’s blessed child.
Our caring is a response to God’s love and His command that we are to love one another.
Young children need to develop positive social relationships with peers and grown-ups.
Attitudes and life values are formed at an early age.
Children learn through exploration and discovery.
While children are in “educare” their developmental needs are met in a stimulating learning environment.
What does a Christian Childcare center look like?
1 Children are welcomed joyfully and by name. Gentle hugs, warm cuddles, friendly handshakes and sincere praise are given generously to show children our love.
2 Parents are welcomed warmly and invited to stay as long as they like. They are regularly invited to attend worship.
3 Teachers speak daily about our loving Jesus, reminding students to forgive one another as Jesus forgave us. “Jesus” songs and stories are told daily.
4 Children are reminded daily that they are God’s special children and are continually in His loving care.
5 As they play, students are reminded to appreciate God’s beautiful creation.
6 The center provides a warm, safe, comfortable home away from home.
7 Children’s good behavior is affirmed daily.
8 Daily prayers, including prayers of thanks for each child, are said aloud.
A Christian caregiver~
Honors children.
Respects children and their families
Lives in “Christ-esteem”.
Shows Jesus’ love in words and actions.
Demonstrates nurture, patience, and forgiveness.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Alps Mission Statement....................................................................................... 1
cHRISTIAN cARE bASICS............................................................................................ 2
PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE....................................................................................... 4
GOALS................................................................................................................................ 4
LICENSING....................................................................................................................... 4
admissions.................................................................................................................... 4
STAFF / CHILD RATIO.................................................................................................... 5
TUITION/FEES...................................................................................................................5
HOURS OF OPERATION................................................................................................ 6
Inclement weather................................................................................................ 6
DEVELOPMENTAL EMPHASIS.................................................................................... 6
DAILY SCHEDule........................................................................................................... 7
EXTENDED CARE SCHEDULE..................................................................................... 8
THE PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM................................................................................. 8
CURRICULUM INFORMATION SHEET..................................................................... 9
supervision and guidance STATEMENT....................................................... 10
FIELD TRIPS................................................................................................................... 11
OUTDOOR PLAY............................................................................................................ 12
accidents/emergencies...................................................................................... 13
management of illness..................................................................................... 14
MEDICATIONS/SPECIAL DIETS................................................................................ 15
STUDENT ROSTER....................................................................................................... 15
cOMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS................................................................................ 15
VISITATION SECURITY PLAN.................................................................................... 15
PARENT COMMUNICATION/INVOLVEMENT....................................................... 16
FUNDRAISERS............................................................................................................... 17
MEALS AND SNACKS.................................................................................................. 18
BIRTHDAYS.................................................................................................................... 19
TOYS FROM HOME...................................................................................................... 20
SCHOOL BAGS............................................................................................................... 20
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY........................................................................ 21
nOTIFICATION OF CHANGE FORM........................................................................ 22
LICENSING INFORMATION…………………………………………………..........23
PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
Atonement Lutheran Preschool functions as an outreach of the congregation. Our intent is to share the love of Jesus Christ in a preschool setting with the children and families of this community. Our purpose is to provide a Christ-centered environment in which the children are given an opportunity to grow mentally, socially, physically, spiritually, and to develop educational readiness. We are pleased that you have chosen to include us in the growth and development of your children.
GOALS
1. To provide a nurturing, safe, and secure school environment where a positive self-concept is enhanced and independence is encouraged.
2. To develop an interest and joy in learning, as well as a feeling of security, success, acceptance, and responsibility.
3. To provide opportunities which foster self-discipline, self-reliance, and respect for self and others.
4. To provide a curriculum that emphasizes Christian concepts and teachings as well as live language, creative expression, socialization, large and small motor development, and reading and math readiness.
5. To be supportive of parents and encourage parent involvement through frequent activities and home/school communication.
LICENSING
At the end of the handbook you will find an attachment about licensing and other valuable information. Please take the time to read this information.
ADMISSIONS
Atonement Lutheran Preschool is open to three, four, and five-year-old children. The children must be three on or before the first day of school in order to attend. We will enroll children turning three before November 30th after school starts on a space-available basis, however, the child may not attend until after their third birthday. The preschool does not discriminate in the enrollment of children on the basis of race, religion, sex, or national origin. Enrollment priority is first given to currently enrolled students, then to members of Atonement Lutheran Church. All non-members will be enrolled, pending space availability on March 1st, when enrollment is open to the public. When the maximum class size is attained, a waiting list will be maintained. A child is considered enrolled in the center only after the registration fee has been received. An acceptance letter or a letter stating waiting list position will acknowledge enrollment.
Basic enrollment and health information must be on file prior to the first day of class. Any change to this information must be communicated to the office immediately so that current information is always on file. This is for the safety of your child. A medical form signed by a physician or certified nurse practitioner is required to be submitted within 30 days of admission. This medical form must be updated every 13 months.
STAFF / CHILD RATIO
Staff/Child Ratios and Group sizes
State Requirements:
3-year olds 1:12 4-year olds 1:14
In a group 2:24 In a group 2:28
Atonement Enrollment:
Classes with enrolled 3-year olds 1:10
Classes with enrolled 4- and 5-year olds 1:12
When grouped, our classes shall not exceed 2:24
**Assistant teachers will be assisting in all classes as needed and will spend time helping the lead teacher in each classroom on a daily basis.
TUITION FEES
Tuition fees for the 2008-2009 school year are as follows:
$ 100.00 per month - 2 sessions a week part-time (9-11:30 am T, TH)
$ 145.00 per month - 3 sessions a week part-time (9-11:30 am M,W,F)
$ 185.00 per month - 5 sessions a week part-time (9-11:30 am M-F)
$ 200.00 per month - 2 sessions a week full-time (9 am-3 pm T, TH)
$ 290.00 per month - 3 sessions a week full-time (9 am-3 pm M,W,F)
$ 370.00 per month - 5 sessions a week full-time (9 am-3 pm M-F)
EXTENDED CARE FEES
Extended care is available to meet the needs of parents from 7:00 am- 9 am and 3:00 pm- 6 pm for a minimal fee of $4/hour.
Our tax ID number and receipt are available upon request.
In order for registration to be complete:
A $25 registration fee will be required as well as the first month of tuition. In case of the need to cancel a registration, the tuition will be reimbursed, but the supply fee is non-refundable.
· Tuition fees are due the first of each month.
· A one time supply fee is due at the start of the school year.
· Extended care fees are due no later than the first of each week.
· CHECKS, CASH, OR MONEY ORDERS ONLY PLEASE.
· Checks should be made payable to Atonement Lutheran Preschool.
· Checks may be given to the director or director’s designee at the school or mailed to the preschool:
Attention: Preschool Director
Atonement Lutheran Church
1621 Francisco Road
Columbus, OH 43220
· A fee of $5.00, per day, will be charged for each tuition not paid by the first of the month.
· The school reserves the right to terminate enrollment if tuition payments are not paid in a timely manner.
· There is no reduction of tuition for absence due to vacation or illness.
· A two-week notice of withdrawal is required in order to avoid a two-week tuition penalty fee.
· Fines will be charged for late pickup as follows. Fifteen minutes or less beyond pick-up time will be charged a $5.00 fine. Anything beyond 15 minutes will be charged at the hourly extended care rate of $12.00 per hour.
Children may be registered by making an appointment with the Director/Teacher, Mrs. Carmen Fryman. You may reach Mrs. Fryman by calling the preschool phone number, 451-5212. You may also leave a message with the church secretary by calling the church phone number, 451-1880.
HOURS AND DAYS OF OPERATION
HOURS OF OPERATION: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday
CLASSES AVAILABLE:
Preschool (3- and 4-year old children not going to kindergarten)
Pre-Kindergarten (4-year old children eligible to attend kindergarten in their home school district in the fall)
Scheduled school closings:
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve-New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day
Atonement is a polling location. We WILL be closed on election days for the safety of our children. If there is no voting in our precinct, school WILL be in session. Watch monthly calendars!
INCLEMENT WEATHER:
On rare occasions, it may be necessary to close the preschool due to poor weather conditions. We will make every effort to open our doors at the normal time. In the event of necessary closure, you will receive an automated phone message between 6-8 am. In addition, if e-mail is provided, a message will be sent.
DEVELOPMENTAL EMPHASIS:
The daily program provides opportunities for quiet and active activities. The program will emphasize development of the following areas:
· Christian Concepts
· Language and Communication
· Sensory Motor
· Large and Small Muscle Development
· Listening Comprehension
· Social and Cognitive Development
DAILY PRESCHOOL SCHEDULE
The Daily Schedule
We want your child to feel secure and independent, to move from one activity to another as easily and confidently as possible. And we want to provide a variety of learning experiences for a well-rounded education. So we plan a daily schedule with these goals in mind. We follow this same schedule day after day. A picture schedule, posted in each room, helps children feel secure because they know what comes next. This schedule works well for us. After a few months, children are amazingly independent. They tell us what they are supposed to do next!
APPROXIMATE TIME SCHEDULE (SCHEDULES MAY DIFFER FROM CLASS TO CLASS…PLEASE REFER TO SCHEDULES POSTED INSIDE THE INDIVIDUAL CLASSROOMS BY THE TEACHERS)
9:00–9:25 Arrival and greeting by teacher, table games and activities.
9:25–9:45 Group Circle #1 (Daily themes, weather, calendar, etc.)
9:45–10:00 Clean Up/Restroom/Hand washing/Snack
10:00-10:45 Free Choice Centers/Creative Expression/Discovery
10:45-11:00 Group Circle #2 (Story Time, Chapel, Daily Review)
11:00-11:25 Outdoor play (Gross motor in great room if necessary)
11:25-11:30 Dismissal of half-day students
Restroom and hand washing for full-day students
11:30-11:45 Storytime/Music and Movement
11:45-12:30 Lunch rotations/Free choice activities in Great Room
12:30-1:15 Rest period/Quiet Reading Time
1:15-1:30 Group Circle #3 (Introduction to afternoon discovery time)
1:30-2:20 Discovery Time Center Rotations (emphasis on hands-on learning)
2:20-2:55 Outdoor Play
2:55-3:00 Dismissal of full-day students
EXTENDED CARE SCHEDULE
7:00-8:30 Arrival/Breakfast/Great Room free choice time
8:30-9:00 Classroom Table Activities (Greet arriving students)
9:00-3:00 Insert Preschool Schedule from above
3:00-3:15 Storytime/Finger plays
3:15-3:30 Restroom/Handwashing/Snack
3:30-4:30 Free Choice Centers (in classroom)
4:30-5:30 Outdoor Play
5:30-6:00 Daily Closure/Goodbyes/Great room
The Classroom
Our classroom is set up for learning. Children have many opportunities to make choices, come up with ideas, experiment, and take responsibility for their work. Here's what you'll see when you visit.
- Materials are on low shelves, in containers, and on hooks so children can get them independently and put them away.
- Shelves are neat and uncluttered so materials are easy to see, remove, and replace.
- Picture and word labels are on containers and shelves so children know where materials belong and learn to use print.
- There are distinct interest areas, which will include several of the following--blocks, dramatic play, toys and games, art, discovery, library, sand and water, music and movement, cooking, computers, and different play spaces outdoors--so children know what choices are available and make decisions.
- A variety of learning materials are in each area so that no matter where children choose to play, they learn.
- Similar materials are grouped together to teach children to sort and classify--skills that are important to understanding and solving math problems.
- A balance of teacher-led and child-led activities, as well as a balance between large group, small group, and individual activities. Likewise, a variety of active and quiet learning activities should be evident.
CURRICULUM INFORMATION SHEET
Research shows that, during the earliest years, children's brains are making billions of connections as they begin lifelong learning. And that's not all--these connections are also establishing patterns for emotional, social, and physical development! Children are learning every minute of the day. They learn from the way we organize the classroom, from the daily schedule, from activities, and when they play outdoors.
In order to assist our teachers in achieving excellence in each of these above areas, we are using The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. This curriculum is nationally accepted and balances demands by the state for outcomes and accountability with what we know about the role of play in children’s learning. Our teachers tie the tenets of Creative Curriculum, state standards, active and quiet play opportunities, and Christian fundamentals into a thematic curriculum that honors the interests of the children as well as the demands of the education system for kindergarten preparedness.
On the basis of scientific research and state and professional standards, The Creative Curriculum identifies the knowledge, skills, and concepts important for preschool children to acquire in each content area: literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology. We describe the key components of these content areas:
Literacy: vocabulary and language, phonological awareness, letters, words, print, comprehension, books and other texts, and sources of enjoyment
Mathematics: numbers; patterns and relationships; geometry and spatial awareness; measurement; and data collection, organization, and representation
Science: physical science, life science, and earth and the environment
Social Studies: spaces and geography, people and how they live, people and the environment, and people and the past
The Arts: dance, music, drama, and the visual arts
Technology: awareness of technology, basic operations and concepts, technological tools, and people and technology
Most importantly, we explain how to teach these subject areas in ways that respect how preschool children develop and learn.
SUPERVISION AND GUIDANCE STATEMENT
SUPERVISION:
1. A major responsibility of the staff is to ensure the health and safety of each child entrusted in our care. Staff persons are alert to the safety needs of their children, anticipate possible hazards, and take necessary appropriate precautionary and preventative measures. At no time will a child be left unattended.
2. Arrival/Departure: The lead teacher will receive children at the classroom door at 9:00 am. (Extended Care students will be checked in with the Extended Care Lead Teacher in the Great Room upon arrival.) Parents are required to bring their child into the classroom and sign the child in on the clipboard by the door. Children may not be sent inside alone. Staff must be made aware of each child’s presence before the parent departs. Parents of children that are NOT enrolled in extended care are responsible for the supervision of their children in the Great Room before 9:00 a.m. and after children have been released to them at the end of their school day. At the time of pick up parents are asked to make contact with their child’s supervising staff member to ensure that staff is aware that the child has been picked up.
3. Release of a child: Staff will release children only to persons on the release form provided by the parent. If an emergency arises the parent must provide a written, signed note giving the person permission to pick up their child. Staff will check ID’s of anyone they do not recognize. Please let people know about this ahead of time so they bring a picture ID and they are not offended. The children’s safety is our priority!
4. Custody Agreements: If there are custody issues involved with your child, you must provide the center with court papers indicating who has permission to pick up the child. The center may not deny a parent access to their child without proper documentation.
5. There will be immediate access at all times to a working telephone within the building.
6. ALL staff shall follow the guidelines set forth in OAC 5101:2-12-20 guiding the supervision of children for licensed child care centers at all times.
GUIDANCE: Positive guidance and Conflict Resolution
Preschool staff believes that helping the child to learn self-control is very important. Our hope is that each child will learn self-discipline through careful positive guidance. Your child will be treated with love and respect. If children are treated with respect, they in turn learn to respect the teacher and their friends. Our expectations will be kept within the child’s capabilities and the child will be made aware of these expectations. Situations requiring guidance shall be handled in a calm and consistent manner. Conflict resolution practices are taught to equip children to settle disputes amongst themselves with teacher guidance. The teacher will help all children involved to verbalize what's happened, their feelings, and acceptable solutions. Positive reinforcement (commenting on children doing the “right” thing) and positive redirection (removing the child from the situation and giving them an appropriate activity) will be used when necessary. Children will never be isolated or physically harmed. A child may be asked to sit for a period of time (on a chair within the classroom) to give the child a chance to regain control if they are having a difficult time.
If the child demonstrates behavior that requires frequent “extra attention” from the staff member, we may choose to develop and implement a behavior management plan. This plan would be developed in consultation with the parents and would be consistent with the requirements of Rule 5101: 2-12-22 OAC.
If a situation arises where a child is consistently endangering himself, peers, or staff, it may become necessary to disenroll the child. Every attempt will be made to work together with the parents and the child to correct the behavior. The administrator would be in communication with the parents prior to this occurring.
CHILD ABUSE:
The law requires:
1. The staff is to report any suspected cases of child abuse or child neglect to the Franklin County Children Services Department. Phone: 229-7000.
2. That all staff members be trained in the recognition and response to child abuse.
3. Each staff member is to sign a Child Day Care Convictions Statement, which states that the staff member has not been involved in crimes of child abuse and other crimes of violence.
FIELD TRIPS
Our field trip policy at the preschool level is geared toward in-house visits to our school from community helpers: firemen, dentist, doctor, etc. We feel that the preschool child will be more comfortable in meeting "new friends" who are "strangers" in their own comfort and safety zones. However, we do take the occasional “off site” field trip and encourage all parents that want to attend to do so. This will hopefully help the children be more receptive to the experience and prepare them for the field trip experience in Kindergarten and elementary school. We welcome suggestions for additional visits from parents and friends.
Field trip safety requirements from the State Licensing Department are as follows:
1. Each child must have a seatbelt when riding in a car. According to Ohio Law, ALL children enrolled in our program must be in an approved car seat. Parents will be expected to provide a car seat for their child, as required by law, in the event of a field trip.
2. Volunteers will be requested to assist with transportation and supervision, as staff is no longer allowed to transport children in their own personal vehicles.
3. Field trip permission forms must be completed and returned for each trip.
4. Volunteer drivers must show proof of liability insurance.
5. A photocopy of the Declaration Page of the policy showing the policy period must be on file with the director.
6. A staff member that has received training in First Aid/Communicable Disease/ and CPR shall be present on each trip and special outing.
7. A complete first aid kit will be taken on field trips.
8. Each child will wear identification, including the school's name, address, and telephone number. Parents are additionally encouraged to send their child in school shirts.
9. Emergency transportation authorizations and health records of children participating in the field trip will be taken.
Supervision Plans for routine trips and field trips.
Prior to leaving school on field trip day, each child will be assigned to both an ALPS staff member and to a parent driver. Each parent driver is provided emergency contact information for each child in their car in the event that we get separated or an incident or injury occurs.
Prior to loading, staff will take a head count, will account for each student on our field trip checklist, and will check each child in each vehicle to insure proper seat belt/car seat usage.
In route, all cars are encouraged to stay “in caravan” and no car may be fueled or may make unscheduled stops in route unless an emergency situation occurs.
Once we reach the designated destination, students will be recounted, re-checked on our field trip form, and we will immediately regroup into one large group. Each staff member will travel throughout the field trip with his/her assigned students and parent chaperones.
Several times throughout the field trip event, students will be counted and accounted for by name as we transition from one activity to another.
Upon leaving the field trip site, we will follow the same procedure as before, counting children, accounting for them by name on the field trip checklist, and checking each child in each car for seat belt/car seat safety.
We will travel “in caravan” back to school, with no unscheduled stops, and will take a head count, check students off on the field trip checklist, and re-secure all emergency contact information from the parents before children are dismissed from the school for the day.
In the event that a parent wishes to pick up his/her child from the field trip site, written notice of this must be given to ALPS staff prior to the field trip day, and students must be checked off of the field trip checklist prior to leaving the field trip site. This insures that parents speak to staff prior to leaving so that everyone knows who is responsible for all children at all times.
Outdoor Play
Research has shown that children stay healthier when they have daily outdoor play. Based on this information and state requirements, outdoor play will be included in our program on a daily basis. We will limit the amount of time outside when temperatures are very hot or very cold. If the situation requires it we will also adjust outdoor playtime due to rain, threatening weather, ozone warnings, etc. On days that outdoor play is not provided, we will include a time for indoor gross motor activities. Please send your children with proper clothing so they may be comfortable and safe whenever we are outside. This includes pants, hats, mittens and boots in the wintertime and comfortable play shoes in summer. Sandals and dress shoes are to be worn on special occasions only (Christmas Open House, Graduation, etc.) and not on a daily basis.
ACCIDENTS/EMERGENCIES
1. In the event of a fire, or tornado, staff would follow the written instructions posted in each classroom, describing emergency evacuation routes, and the procedures to be followed to assure that children have arrived at the designated spot. In order to prepare children for the unlikely need to evacuate, the center does conduct monthly fire drills, and periodic tornado drills.
2. Should we evacuate due to fire or weather conditions, or the loss of power, heat, or water to the center, our emergency destination is the Upper Arlington Library, Lane Road Branch (Go south of Henderson on Reed, then turn right on Lane Road…Library sits on left a short ways down the street). A sign will be posted on the front door of the preschool indicating that we have been evacuated and the location where you can pick up your child.
3. In the event of an emergency, parents will be contacted as soon as possible to come to pick up your child. If a parent cannot be reached, we will contact the emergency contacts as listed on your child’s enrollment information.
4. In the unlikely event there would be an environmental threat or a threat of violence, the staff will: secure the children in the safest location possible, contact and follow the directions given by the proper authorities and contact the parents as soon as the situation allows.
5. Our entire staff has received training in First Aid/Communicable Diseases and CPR. In the case of a minor accident/injury staff will administer basic first aid and TLC. If the injury would be more serious, first aid would be administered and the parents would be contacted immediately to assist in deciding an appropriate course of action. If any injury is life threatening, the EMS will be contacted, parents will be notified, and a staff member will accompany the child to the hospital with all available health records. Staff may not transport children in their vehicles. Only parents or EMS will transport.
6. An incident/injury report will be completed in all of the following instances:
Illness which requires first aid treatment
Accident which requires first aid treatment
Injury which requires first aid treatment
Any bump or blow to the head
In the event emergency transporting occurs
In the event an unusual or unexpected event jeopardizes the safety of children or staff.
The report will be completed immediately and will be given to the person picking up the child on the day of the incident. Signatures will be obtained from all parties, a copy will be sent home with the child and the original will be kept on file at school. If a child requires emergency transportation or if evacuation procedures occur, staff will make the report available to parents within twenty-four hours after the incident occurs.
MANAGEMENT OF ILLNESSES
Atonement Lutheran Preschool provides children with a clean and healthy environment. However, we realize that children become ill from time to time. If this is your child’s first group care experience, it is possible that they may experience more frequent illnesses at the beginning before their immune system becomes more active. The staff has been trained to recognize signs of communicable disease and other illnesses. A member of the staff shall observe each child as he/she enters the classroom door for signs of communicable disease as required by Rule 2:1231 of the Administrative code. (The Communicable Disease Chart is located above the sink in the classroom.)
We ask that you do not bring your sick child to the center and that you have a back up care plan in place in the event of illness. Please DO NOT SEND your child to school exhibiting any of the following symptoms. A child sent to school exhibiting the following symptoms will be immediately isolated from the other children. The isolated child will be within the sight and hearing of an adult at all times until the child can be discharged to his/her parents.
· Diarrhea (more than three abnormally loose stool within a twenty-four hour period)
· Severe coughing, causing the child to become red or blue in the face or to make a whooping sound
· Difficult or rapid breathing
· Yellowish skin or eyes
· Redness of the eye, obvious discharge, matted eyelashes, burning, or itching
· Temperature of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit taken by auxiliary method when in combination with any other sign of illness
· Untreated infected skin patch(es), unusual spots or rashes
· Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool
· Stiff neck with an elevated temperature
· Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
· Vomiting more than once or accompanied with other signs of illness
· Evidence of untreated lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestations
Staff members exhibiting any of the above symptoms will be sent home, and a substitute staff member will replace them.
The Preschool will promptly notify, by phone or note, any parent whose child has been exposed to a communicable disease. The child will not be readmitted to the center until he/she is symptom-free for a period of 24 hours, or until a physician’s written permission verifies that the child is no longer contagious.
Children who are not feeling well, but are not exhibiting any of the above symptoms, are considered "mildly ill" and will be observed for further signs of illness. We do not have the facilities to care for the "mildly ill" child who cannot participate in the daily activities of the center.
If you know ahead of time that you will be away (out-of-town), please let us know. If your child is ill and will be out of class, please call in so that we will know not to expect your child for class.
Medications:
The Preschool will not administer any medications or vitamins to your child. If there is medicine needed to be on site to be administered during an emergency (example: asthma or allergy mediation), our Preschool must have written permission signed by a doctor, and the instructions must be indicated on a Request for Medication Form (provided by Preschool). All proper sections must be completed and the medication handed to the teacher each day. Medications will be stored in a designated area inaccessible to children. Medications may NOT be stored in a child’s book bag. Prescriptions medications must be in their original container and administered in accordance to instructions on the label. Over the counter medications must also be administered in accordance to label instructions. If parents request any different dosages or uses, a physician must provide written instructions on the Request for Medication form. Over the counter medications will not be administered for more than three days without instructions from a physician.
Food Supplements or Modified Diets:
If your child requires a food supplement or a modified diet, you must secure written information from your physician regarding this. Please speak with the administrator for more details regarding this. Diet modifications for cultural/religious reasons need to be communicated to the director via a written statement from the parents.
STUDENT ROSTER
The law requires the school to prepare a roster for each group of children and distribute it to parents upon request only. The roster can only include the name of each parent or guardian and their phone number. We are not allowed to distribute the names or addresses of the children to each parent. If you desire to invite another child to a birthday party or other event, it is best for you to personally talk to the other parents during drop off or pick up time. Permission must be given to print your name and phone number. You will find this line item on the enrollment forms that you fill out.
COMPLAINTS/CONCERNS
If anyone should have a complaint/concern about ALPS, please see our Director Carmen Fryman. She can be reached at (614) 451-5212. If the issue is not resolved you may contact the President of the Preschool Board, Barb Rushley by leaving a message for her at (614) 451-1880. If the concern is related to state rules, ODJFS- Day Care Licensing may be contacted at (866) 886-3537 option #4.
VISITATION SECURITY PLAN
In order to insure the safety of our children, the front doors will be unlocked for drop off and pick up only. During that time, a preschool staff member will be stationed near the open doors to monitor traffic entering and leaving the facility. ALL center doors shall remain locked during school hours. This said, we have an “open door policy” and ask that you enter through the main (west) doors and use the intercom system to announce your arrival. The church administrative assistant will grant you admittance. You will immediately proceed to the main preschool desk and wait there to sign in and receive a visitors tag. If no one is available at the desk, please ring the bell and someone will be with you immediately. We ask for your cooperation and patience with this system as it helps to provide a safe environment for our children.
PARENT COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT
NEWSLETTERS: Center Newsletters will be published and distributed monthly. You will find classroom information, important reminders, upcoming events, and more.
DROP-OFF & Parents may use the daily drop off and pick up time to touch base with the
PICK UP: teacher about the daily events in the classroom. Please plan to schedule a
conference time with the teacher if topics of a personal or lengthy nature
need to be discussed. We ask that you honor your child and not use that time
as a time to discuss a child’s personal, social, behavioral or academic issues.
VISITATION / There is an open-door visitation policy in effect for the parents during preschool
OBSERVATION: operating hours. Parents must notify the director upon entering the building to receive a visitor name tag. Parents will be encouraged to volunteer time and skills throughout the year on a regular basis.
STUDENT Preschool will provide each child with a “take-home” folder at the beginning
FOLDERS: of the year. Children will be expected to bring the folder daily in order to carry items back and forth from school to home. Parents will need to provide a backpack or school bag for their child to carry (school tote bags are available for a nominal fee.) Please check folders daily and return any needed items.
CLASSROOM Each teacher will provide parents with weekly classroom updates. Each teacher
UPDATES: will have a different style, but all parents will be kept well informed. If at any time you feel uninformed, please contact the director.
PARENT LOG & Parents are provided with a communication log and suggestion box upon
SUGGESTION entrance to the facility. Feel free to write daily suggestions/feedback in the
BOX: communication log. It is wonderful for us to get both positive feedback and constructive criticism on a daily basis. Complaints and/or suggestions that you would like to make anonymously can be made via the suggestion box.
PARENT/TEACHER Mid-year and end-of-the-year conferences will be individually scheduled.
CONFERENCES: The teachers will use notes and phone calls as a regular means of informing parents of their child's needs and progress. If parents have any concerns or questions at any time, please contact the teacher, director, or Board until an answer or solution is found.
SNACKS: Parents will be encouraged to prepare nutritional snacks on a rotational basis. nutritional, small-portioned snacks will be requested that offer nutritional value from two of the four basic food groups (meat/meat substitute, bread/grains, fruits/vegetables, dairy.) The director will provide written snack suggestions to each family. More information will follow.
SPECIAL Parents will be encouraged to attend special school functions which will be
OCCASIONS scheduled throughout the year. A partial list follows:
INCLUDE:
Open House/Parent Orientation Night
Pumpkin Patch Field Trip
School Pictures by Hurt Photography
Fall Open House Celebration
Thanksgiving Feast
Christmas Open House (family & friends invited)
Valentine’s Class Parties
Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt
National Lutheran Schools Week Celebration
Grandparents Month
Graduation and Fun Day
Lunch Bunch (dates to be announced)
FUNDRAISERS: Parents are encouraged and expected to support our ALPS fundraisers. The
preschool is self-supporting and uses fundraisers to help cover expenses when needed and to make improvements when necessary. Fundraiser dates will be set early in the year and will be communicated with you as early as possible.
ALPS is part of the Kroger Cares program. Kroger will donate 5% of all you spend in their store to the preschool. If you spend $100, we get $5 of that. This is such a simple fundraiser. All you have to do is buy a $5 Kroger card from us (it will have a $5 credit on it) and go to any Kroger store, load the card with your own money, and then use the preloaded ALPS bar coded “gift” card to pay for your groceries. You can use the same card again and again. The preschool reaps the benefits of your normal shopping. You MUST use one of our pre “coded” cards in order for us to get the credit. Cards are available immediately. See a staff member.
Paper recycling is another “free” fundraiser for ALPS. You will have noticed the green and yellow recycling dumpster on the parking lot. Simply place your newspapers, school papers, junk mail, office papers, magazines, etc. in the dumpster and we get paid for it based on weight. The more you recycle, the more we make. Some people have even begun to recycle at work and bring the paper once a week. Please do not add cardboard, plastic, phone books, or other non-paper recycling items to the bin.
MEALS AND SNACKS
ALPS will serve a morning snack around 10:00 am. Preschool students will take turns bringing in the AM snack. A snack calendar will accompany the monthly newsletter. The Snack Bucket will be sent home with your child the day prior to your turn to provide the snack. Snacks should provide nutritional value (see guidelines below). Snacks should be kept simple. Small portions are requested. Fruits and vegetables should be prepackaged or whole. Please do not cut fruits and vegetables at home.
If your child is absent when it is his/her turn to provide the snack, please call the school by 8:45 am. The school will have snacks ready for situations like this.
If your child has a special allergy or dietary need, the staff should be made aware of this information prior to the first day of school. The teacher will work with the parents to be sure a safe snack is always available for each child.
APPROPRIATE BUCKET SNACKS
SNACKS MUST CONTAIN ONE FOOD FROM TWO OF THE FOLLOWING MAIN FOOD GROUPS:
FRUITS and VEGETABLES BREADS and GRAINS
Apple wedges (pre-packaged or whole apples) Muffins
Fresh pineapple pre-packaged Crackers
Plums, Peaches or Nectarines Pretzels
Berries washed and served as is Breads: Banana, zucchini
Bananas Goldfish crackers
Oranges or Clementines Whole grain cereals (non-sugared)
Sugar snap peas Granola Bars-whole grain/low sugar
Broccoli and Cauliflower (prepackaged) Trail mix (no peanuts)
Cantaloupe or watermelon cubes (prepackaged)
Applesauce PROTEIN
100% Fruit Juice Cheese cubes or slices (prepackaged)
String Cheese
Cottage Cheese
Yogurt
DAIRY Cream Cheese
Milk Hard Boiled Eggs
(Refrigeration is available) Nut Butters
Beans/Bean dips and spreads
Water will be made available if you do not send a drink.
Sample snack combos: yogurt and berries, cheddar cheese cubes and whole grain crackers, cottage cheese and fresh peaches, whole wheat tortillas and cream cheese for roll-ups, oatmeal cookies and apples, bananas and peanut butter to dip in, sugar snap peas and pretzels, mini pita breads with turkey slices and yogurt, tortilla chips and bean dip
Lunches
Full-time students will eat lunch around noon. Parents will need to provide a healthy lunch that meets USDA nutrition standards.
This meal must consist of nutritional food from each of the following food groups (minimum portion sizes for a 3-6 year old):
- protein (1.5 oz)
- grain (1/2 slice bread, ¼ cup pasta, etc.)
- two foods from the fruit/vegetable group (1/2 cup)
- fluid milk is required by the state and will be provided by the center
All food items must be stored in a lunch box/bag clearly marked with your child’s name. The lunches will be stored in the classroom, please be sure to include ice packs in your child’s lunch if foods need to be kept cold.
If a lunch does not meet the nutritional requirement standards set forth by the state then the center is mandated to provide the additional food(s). These will be provided at a charge of $1.00 per item. PLEASE PACK HEALTHY LUNCHES, WE WILL BE CHECKING THEM DAILY TO INSURE THAT WE FOLLOW ALL REQUIREMENTS OF OAC 5101:2-12-39.
Students needing modified diets for health issues need to have written approval on file by a licensed physician. Modified diets for cultural/religious reasons need to have written approval on file from the parents.
Students in extended care before and after school will be offered breakfast upon arrival at the center. Breakfast will contain one fruit/vegetable, one bread/grain, and milk. Additionally, they will receive a snack around 3:30 pm. This snack will meet the same guidelines as the morning snack and will be provided by the preschool.
BIRTHDAYS
We enjoy celebrating the birthdays of our children at ALPS. We have several special traditions that we use to honor each and every child in our class. Even our summer birthdays will be celebrated on a special day prior to summer vacation. Your child will be snack leader on his/her birthday (or as close to it as we can schedule). You may send in special plates, cups, and napkins for the “party”, but NO CUPCAKES or CAKES allowed. They are wasteful, lack nutritional value, and are very messy. Fun birthday suggestions that we like to see: mini ice cream cups, mini muffins, favorite “student chosen” snacks from the above list, frozen 100% juice pops, cookies and milk. Additionally, if you are having a birthday party and are unable to include the entire class, please give the invitations directly to the parents. DO NOT SEND INVITATIONS WITH YOUR CHILD TO PLACE IN CUBBIES. Someone always gets their feelings hurt.
TOYS FROM HOME
Please do not allow your child to bring toys from home to school. Toys from home are often lost or cause disputes over ownership. Likewise, please keep your child’s backpack free of all items besides their folder. We find that the desire to show what they have brought always far outweighs their good intentions to “keep it in the backpack” until they go home. These toys nearly always become a distraction at pack up time. We will have periodic SHOW AND TELL or SHARE DAYS for the children to participate in. On these days, please allow your child to choose only ONE item to bring. Watch for information from individual teachers and follow their lead for your child’s classroom.
SCHOOL BAGS
School bags are available for purchase ($6) if you prefer a book bag over a backpack. Children’s folders slip right inside and there are no pockets for hidden toys or other goodies. They will be available for purchase at the Parent Orientation Night.