PROGRAM POLICIES
HOME VISIT
Each August, our teachers schedule a “home visit” with enrolled children for a specific day during the first week of September. Home visits are our way of making contact with children on their turf. We have found that this contact helps with the adjustment process. Your child’s teacher will enjoy meeting with the family and your child.
CLASSROOM SIZE
Classroom sizes are limited to:
• Pre-K 4 classes have a maximum of 18 students, with a 9:1 ratio
• Pre-K 3 classes have a maximum of 14 students, with a 7:1 ratio
• The only exceptions to these maximum’s is in when an employee’s child is added and takes a class over the maximum, this addition becomes the new maximum – but only as long as that child is enrolled in that class, it then returns to the previous maximum
The down payment, and any/all monies paid to Little Saints are non-refundable.
CHILD PICK-UP POLICY
Our staff must have written authorization from a parent for anyone, other than the parent, to pick-up a child. We may not put a child in any car other than their parent’s car without dated/written permission from the parent. Each written permission slip must be taken out to the car line on the given day for verification. The permission slip list is in your child’s classroom each morning.
EXCEPTION: If a child rides home with the same carpool everyday, we will accept that in writing (once) at the beginning of the routine. If the routine is going to change on any given day, we must have the change in writing, dated and signed by the parent.
For lunch bunch pick-up, you must bring your car sign when picking up your child. We will verify that this is your sign – and that the carrier is the appropriate person to release your child to, in order to sign your child out.
DRESS CODE
Children like to be independent, and often this independence manifests itself in the outfits they choose to wear. Their clothing should be appropriate for the weather, yet not constrictive or elaborate. Children enjoy the ability to fasten, button, and snap their own clothes. Make sure clothing is washable; we well have many messy “hands on” projects. Also it is helpful if the outfits are such that children can handle themselves for bathroom purposes.
An extra set of clothing is required (pants, shirt, underwear/panties, and socks), and will be kept until the end of the year. Please mark all clothing and personal belongings with the first and last name of your child.
SHOES are an important part of your child’s clothing and should be chosen carefully. Playground time invites the use of comfortable, well-fitting tennis or closed-toe shoes only. SANDALS and FLIP-FLOPS are not permitted and SOCKS are always a must!
In the cold winter months, please send clothing that will allow your child to play outdoors. We will go outdoors as often as possible and use the safety guideline of >20◦ F as the requirement to play outdoors. PLEASE send the appropriate apparel and label ALL mittens/gloves, boots, hats, and scarves.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The preschool years are very important in the development of personality and self-esteem. Because each child is testing his/her own methods of behavior, no definite or absolute set of rules can be established at this age level. Children will be taught that all children are special to God and in-turn, will learn to love and to respect one another. Teachers will work individually with their class and parents to set guidelines for age appropriate behavior. This is in addition to the statement/code that you signed during registration and is included in your student’s file.
Parents will be informed if problems of behavior arise. For each offense an “OOPS Note” will be sent home that describes the incidence and also outlines future consequences if the undesired behavior continues. Teacher and parents will work together on necessary behavior modification, asking the Lord’s guidance in all that is said and done.
The director will be notified of any persistent misbehavior, and parents will be asked to meet with the teacher and director if necessary. Continued misbehavior or class disruption will be documented and may result in expulsion. Please note that any child needing a disproportionate amount of the teacher’s time may be asked to leave our school. Also, any child who is harming and/or injuring other children may be asked to leave our school. An uncooperative spirit from the parents of a child may also result in a decision to withdraw a child from our school.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Twice during the school year we ask all families to attend a designated worship service to sing a song that they learned during weekly chapel services. These services are typically in late October and then in early March.
Evening Celebration Programs
During the season of Christmas we have an evening program where the children have an opportunity to share with their families some of the songs and even a dance that they have prepared in celebration of the birth of Jesus. This event has proven to be a "standing room" only as families crowd to hear what their children have learned.
At the conclusion of the school year there is a closing program that includes a graduation ceremony for the four-year-old students. This program is celebrated with song and is enjoyed by families of both age groups.
CLASS PARTIES
Several parties are scheduled during the school year, and parents will be asked to plan and implement them, giving the teacher a break. Games, activities, snacks, and decorations are all part of a successful party. Be creative, and have fun! Please keep in mind that siblings are not allowed to attend these class parties.
With experience, we have learned that parties run much smoother and are abundantly more enjoyable for your preschooler when siblings do not attend. Here are a few reasons:
• When siblings attend a party, the younger child (simply by virtue of his/her age) demands some of the mother’s attention. Therefore your preschooler misses out on this very special opportunity to have your undivided attention. Also, as a “helping” parent, you can be much more helpful when undivided.
• When a classroom is filled with lots of children, 2 teachers, several helping parents and enough party excitement to put “Times Square” in its place, that classroom is filled to the brim. Strollers, car seats and toddlers could be tripped over or stepped on.
• When siblings are attending parties, it has been reported that the planning parents never know how many party favors, treats or activity supplies are needed for the event. (Also, some toddlers have been known to eat the treats of preschool children, causing much unhappiness).
• When siblings attend parties, the teacher’s ability to explain anything becomes almost impossible due to the increased number of children who do not understand the classroom’s cue for silence. And, there is inevitable an unhappy sibling who is loudly making his/her unhappiness known to everyone.
Please understand that we strive to be a family oriented place where “All are Welcome”, but our first concern is and always will be for your preschooler who is enrolled in our program. We will do everything we can to ensure security, comfort and enjoyment for them while they are here.
