PRESCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK - KING GEORGE FAMILY YMCA 10545 Kings Hwy King George, Virginia 22485 - Rappahannock ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
PRESCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK KING GEORGE FAMILY YMCA 10545 Kings Hwy King George, Virginia 22485 2015-2016
RAPPAHANNOCK AREA YMCA MISSION STATEMENT OUR MISSION To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. OUR VISION Is to be recognized for fostering personal growth and development and serving community needs by providing quality fitness and recreation programs in an atmosphere of fellowship and caring. OUR VALUES Regarding Personal Growth and Development We help each individual strive for health and fitness in mind, body and spirit. Our programs are designed for fun, and recognize the varying needs and abilities of all participants to help them reach their full potential. Regarding Service to the Community We accept the responsibility to provide opportunities to all community members, including those with special needs. We seek to identify areas of need and respond with quality programs, recreational facilities and services in a safe and positive environment. Regarding Fellowship and Caring We celebrate the dignity and value of each person and provide an atmosphere that welcomes and accepts everyone in our diverse community. We strive to strengthen families of all kinds--from the “Family” at the “Y” to the important family in our homes. We encourage the participation of all age groups and abilities in our programs and services. 2 2
Ideas And Suggestions
We want parents to have a good first experience with
PROCEDURES their child. Therefore, your opinions matter. We send out
parent evaluation of our program. We appreciate your
To assist parents on making the most of our daily honesty and the administration will review all evaluations.
program, we have included the following We will do our best to make any suggested changes. If
information on our procedures to help develop an there are concerns at any time during the school year,
environment of mutual caring and acceptance please speak with the teacher and then the Preschool
essential for positive development in each child’s Manager to resolve the problems.
social and academic endeavor.
Children Arriving Late
Eligibility And Enrollment Each class has a designated sign in/health assessment
The child must be toilet trained before school time to avoid overcrowding and mixing of classes/
begins and their birth date must fall on or before families. PLEASE BE ON TIME! If you or your child has an
September 30 of the year to be enrolled. Enrollment appointment scheduled during class time, we ask that
is on a first-come, first-serve basis. A waiting list they not come to school that day.
will be maintained in the event of a cancellation.
Attendance
The YMCA Preschool maintains non-discrimination Children are expected to arrive at the preschool on time
policy in regard to its students and staff. and be prepared to participate in all activities. Parents
should encourage the students with the positive aspects
Program of being in preschool. Parents are encouraged to notify
Classroom activities are designed to foster the the school if a student is going to be absent, especially
following skills at developmentally appropriate for extended periods of time.
stages:
Withdrawing A Child
Social, emotional and language development
We recommend continuing children in the program for the
Positive self-awareness and group relationships; full school year. However, there are many reasons that
parents may need to leave the program. If this occurs,
Safety and health standards; we ask that parents make the request in writing 30 days
in advance of leaving the program. If requests are made
Reading, writing and math readiness as appropriate.
30 days prior to leaving the program, a refund will be
issued for any unused tuition months. This allows the
Storytelling, poetry, music and arts & crafts develop
Preschool administration time to fill the vacant space in
creative skills. Readiness skills deal with early basic
the program. Any emergency situations are left at the
number concepts; fine motor development and
discretion of the administration concerning refunds.
visual recognition skills necessary for kindergarten.
Carefully planned field trips and special guests
enrich the curriculum. A daily snack, provided by the
parents, allows for further development of self-
esteem and socialization skills.
3Parent-Teacher Communication
Conferences are scheduled at the middle of the year. The ILLNESS
teacher or parents can call special conferences at any time. Children who show signs of illness should stay at home. Guidelines for
Progress reports or written letters are also given out once a keeping your child at home include but are not limited to:
year.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye): displaying symptoms of pink eye including
but not limited to yellow/green eye drainage. Cannot return until
Monthly newsletters provide classroom and cooperative symptom-free and have been on antibiotic treatment for at least 24
information. This format is used to promote a constant open hours.
communication with parents to insure a successful program for
Impetigo: skin lesions draining a yellow discharge
the students and a general understanding of school procedures
for parents. Chicken Pox: the child is contagious and may not return to school
until all lesions have dried and scabbed over (7-20 days)
Snacks ( PEANUT SAFE ZONE!)
Each student brings their own healthy snack and a bottle Strep throat: Must be on antibiotic for at least 24 hours before
returning
water. Snacks should be transported in an appropriate snack/
lunch container labeled with child’s first and last name. Cough: if the child has a cough that is producing yellow or green
sputum
Special Education
We encourage the participation of all abilities in our programs. Please remember that if your child or anyone in your household has a
We will work to best meet the child and families needs. If we communicable disease, we ask that you contact the preschool within
are unable to meet the child’s needs in our program 24 hours so that we can post an exposure notice. Student must have
information will be given to the family regarding available a doctor’s note upon returning to school.
resources in the community.
If a child becomes ill at school, parents will be notified as quickly as
Payment Of Tuition
possible to pick up their child. If parents cannot be reached,
Preschool tuition will be paid on the first of the month for
emergency contacts will be called. Please notify the preschool of any
the following month. Therefore, your September payment
telephone number changes during the school year or changes in
is due August 1st. A $10.00 late fee will be added if
emergency contacts.
payment is not made by the seventh of the month. We ask
that all preschool parents set up automatic draft from a
If your child is prescribed medication that needs to be administered
checking account or credit card to pay tuition each month.
at school, a Written Medication Consent form and action plan must
Setting-up the automatic draft ensures that all payments
be completed. We only administer life-saving medications such as Epi
are on time, which eliminates late charges. We have found
-pens and inhalers. All medication must have a form completed and
that many of our parents like having this convenience.
will stay in a locked box at preschool.
Clothing
*COVID-19 Screening information is explained on the last page of
Students should be dressed appropriately for the active
this handbook. Signature of acknowledgment is required for your
schedule of preschool, including art activities and outdoor play. child to participate in the program.
Parents are asked to provide a change of clothes in a labeled
Ziploc bag and should be placed in his or her book bag. We
ask that any soiled items be cleaned and returned as soon as
possible. All removable clothing and loose items should be
labeled with the child’s name for easy identification.
4Discipline ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
It is necessary to promote a positive and orderly Parents, guardians and designated substitutes are
environment. If self-control fails, disciplinary action urged to have children at the preschool on time.
must be taken to protect and preserve the rights of
everyone in the class. The general discipline policy Late Pick-Up
4 If you are late picking up your child, please call the
of the YMCA Preschool follows the standards set
forth by the Virginia Code. (Standard 7.22-7.32). YMCA. The teacher or aide will stay with your child
until you arrive. Parents, who are late, will be
Positive reinforcement by the teacher and peers charged late fees.
builds self-esteem. We use this approach to
help children learn and ex-hibit appropriate Late fees are assessed as follows:
classroom behavior..
up to 15 minutes late: $20.00
Children are expected to adhere to the 15- 30 minutes late: $35.00
classroom guidelines including sharing, listening,
following directions, and helping to clean-up. 30-45 minutes late $50.00
Proper manners are encouraged including sitting After 45 minutes if no contact has been made with
at tables or in a group, leaving others’ personal the family or emergency contacts, the YMCA
belongings alone, bathroom privacy, and reserves the right to contact the local Police and
acceptable eating habits. Child Protective Services.
For most classroom disruptions, children are Class Activities
given redirection. If the inappropriate behavior Each month is filled with fun and creative activities
continues the child maybe given a “reflection designed for the developmental level of the
time.”. The teacher and the student will discuss students. Units are planned for 1-3 day sessions to
how the student should act differently before give children appropriate opportunity to grasp the
the child returns to the group. objectives. Objectives include areas of social,
science, motor, language and math readiness skills.
For physical abuse to fellow classmates, children are Weekly swimming is provided to the 5 day class.
immediately separated from the group. The teacher will And a 8 week session is provided for the 3 day 4
discuss the situation individually with all parties. fours class.
If improper behavior persists to interrupt the class,
parents will be notified. If improper behavior persists All children are encouraged to demonstrate
after parents are notified, the YMCA reserves the right to
responsible classroom habits. Following an activity
dismiss the child immediately.
students are expected to help pick up toys, clear
If the improper behavior persists after away papers and other items used during different
parents are notified, the YMCA reserves activities. Hands are to be washed at the beginning
the right to dismiss the child immediately. of class, before and after Snack Time and other
times of the day.
Having the children follow a daily routine develops a
sense of personal belonging and stresses the
individual self-esteem by giving a positive approach
to success. 5SWIM LESSONS
The 4-Day, 4-year old class participates in swim KINDERCAMP
lessons once a week.
Each summer the King George YMCA Preschool offers a ten—
Children should arrive at school on swim days with week Kindercamp experience. Our day is filled with a variety of
their swim suit under their clothing and with a activities for children based on a weekly theme. Kindercamp ru
towel. We recommend two piece “tankinis” for girls Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30-12:30 each we
to facilitate easier bathroom breaks. Dismissal on Each themed week allows the children to explore new topics an
swim days will take place on the pool deck. The to continue building social and academic skills. In addition, the
table below illustrates the progression used by the program is enriched with water play, outdoor play, and gross-
swim instructors for the lessons. motor activities. Children may be enrolled in the weeks
individually, or may be enrolled in all ten weeks. Below is a sam
Important Information: of the themed sessions:
Students must come dressed in a swim suit Dinosaur Expedition
(worn under their regular clothing). For girls,
we do recommend a two piece “tankini” style Safari Adventure
swimsuit to facilitate easier bathroom breaks
Making A Masterpiece
during the school day.
Students will need to bring a towel and flip- Under the Sea
flops or shoes that easily slip on and off.
A Bugs Life
Googles are optional, but please do not send
scuba type masks that cover the nose. Patriotic Pride
Students will be dismissed directly from Space Adventures
swimming lessons. There are locker rooms that
Superheroes
you may use to shower
Olympic Games
*Swim lessons are tentative and dependent on State
Licensing mandates. If swim lessons are not allowed
at any time during the school year, an alternate
Registration for Kindercamp begins April 2021
activity will be planned.
6Outside Activities LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT, READINESS SKILLS,
Classes are taken outside when the weather and MUSIC & MOTION
f permits. Children experience fine and gross motor Activities are teacher directed to develop listening,
uns skill development through using various pieces of thinking and reasoning skills. Participation in group
eek. equipment including age appropriate playground discussions, songs and finger plays increases
nd equipment, balance beam, balls, parachute, etc. communication skills. Language development,
Games are also introduced to promote group play. reading and math readiness skills are enhanced by
activities in which each child takes an active part.
Special Classroom Activities
mple Art
BIRTHDAYS--Children are encouraged to celebrate
their birthday with their classmates. The class helps At least one art activity and one oral reading are a
to celebrate the day with special items prepared by part of the daily class activity. These varied
the teacher. activities include coloring, cutting, gluing and
designing skills. Creativity is encouraged for
FIELD TRIPS—We ask that parents drive their individual success and interpretation. Various
children to field trip locations and accompany their
materials are incorporated for tasks to give a wide
child with activities.
scope of opportunity for expression.
Parents are responsible for arranging transportation
for their child to and from a destination. Projects include puppets, mobiles, models, hats and
3-dimensional displays. Various media include
All passengers must have and use a seatbelt. paper, clay, nature items and many others.
Teachers are not permitted to transport students in
their own personal vehicles. Circle Time
This activity may include discussions about
Some trips may require additional fees. Calendar, Weather, Pledge of Allegiance, and other
related topics. A story is read or told with visual
SPECIAL EVENTS-During the course of the year the aids and is followed by a discussion.
teacher may incorporate special events for
classmates to celebrate time together as a part of
the class schedule. These may include birthdays,
Christmas or Thanksgiving.
Choice Time / Center Time
The largest block of time is titled “Centers”. This is
It a multi-dimensional activity time. Children are
encouraged to paint, role-play & develop motor
skills through blocks, vehicle play, puzzles, cutting,
tracing, & play dough. Skills are introduced and
enhanced in different approaches.
7Classroom Structure .
Class Hours Days
The YMCA Preschool Education
3 yr old class 2 Day AM 8:30-11:00 TUES & THURS
3 yr old class 2 Day PM 12:00-2:00 TUES & THURS
Department seeks to help your child
4 yr old class 3 Day 9:30-1:00 TUE. WED, THU develop a healthy mind, body and
4 yr half day 4 Day 8:45-1:45 TUES– FRI spirit through the promotion of
Closing Time And Changes Christian values.
Holiday schedules follow the King George County
Public School system calendar. Due to inclement
weather conditions, school may open late or close The Rappahannock Area YMCA is a
early. County announcements will be aired on local non-profit organization committed to
radio and television. When County schools are
closed because of weather YMCA Preschool is also serving people of all ages, races,
closed. When school is delayed for 2 hours, the religions, abilities and income levels.
YMCA Preschool will be delayed as well. Delayed
opening times TBA. A day that school is closed due
to inclement weather, the day is not made up nor is The Rappahannock Area YMCA will
tuition refunded.
report suspected child abuse under
Identifying Where Children Are Virginia Code Section 63.1-248.3.
When the class is on a field trip, the teacher will
have a list of children attending and all emergency
numbers needed. When the class is at the gym or
King George Family YMCA
playground, the teacher or aide will supervise and 10545 Kings Highway
have the attendance list with them. When a natural
disaster happens, the teacher will follow all King George, VA 22485
procedures as set forth in our emergency manual. 540-775-9622 x3023
www.family-ymca.org
The YMCA will do everything to assume the safety
of your child. In the case of an emergency (missing, Preschool Manager: Tracy Damron
ill or injured child), the YMCA will notify the parents
and the necessary emergency network immediately. tdamron@family-ymca.org
8Rappahannock Area YMCA Preschool Special The YMCA’s Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
Educational Needs Policy Standards for our Early Childhood Education
Program
The Rappahannock Area YMCA welcomes the inclusion of Below is a list of standards and the action we are taking to
children with individual needs. Children have the right to be
help promote healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA) with
educated and to develop their full potential. We believe that
having an inclusive policy benefits all children, and is a both our preschool participants and their families.
positive experience that reflects the diversity of our society. Standard Action
Parent Engagement Engage parents/care givers using
YMCA Goals informational materials and/or
activities focused on healthy
To value all children equally and to provide opportunities eating and physical activity a
for equal access to the curriculum minimum of once a quarter (four
times per year).
To plan our curriculum to meet the needs of individual
children
Physical Activity Active play will take place out-
doors whenever possible. Physi-
To recognize that some children will need additional cal Activity will be provided for
at least 30 minutes per day.
support to ensure access to the whole curriculum This time can be continuous or
broken down into smaller incre-
ments.
To work in true partnership with parents, valuing their
views and keeping them fully involved in their child’s The Y staff will model active
living related to physical activity
education by participating in physical activ-
ities with the children.
To work collaboratively with other agencies to meet the
child’s individual needs, for example the local authority,
health officials, and voluntary groups where necessary
The Rappahannock Area YMCA will accept children with
special needs into the Preschool Program and will make
reasonable effort to accommodate the child without
fundamentally altering the program. Screen Time There will be no screen time
unless it pertains to the lesson
and under 3 minutes.
The Preschool Program recognizes the needs of the
individual child as well as the needs of the group of children.
The Rappahannock Area YMCA is not able to provide
personal assistants for children with special needs. The
family is responsible if a child needs a personal assistant.
Food Parents of the children in our
program are encouraged to bring
The Rappahannock Area YMCA recognizes the partnership healthy foods.
between the parents and the preschool staff. The Preschool The children are encouraged to
Manager will meet with the family of the special needs child serve themselves with staff as-
sistance.
before the child is placed in the program. The Preschool
Manager will determine the best support for the child, The staff will sit with children
during mealtimes and model
monitor and review the program for the child and coordinate healthy eating behaviors at all
any special assistance that may be required. times.
Beverages Water is an excellent option.
9Parent Acknowledgement of Handbook This is to certify that I have received, read, and understood the King George Family YMCA Preschool program parent information packet and Outdoor Play Policy for the 2021-2022 school year. I agree to and will abide by all policies and procedures set forth in the parent packet and understand that this form will be made part of my child’s registration packet and placed in their file. Child’s Name: _________________________________________________________ DOB: _______________________ Class: ____________________________________ Teacher’s Name: ______________________________________ Parent’s Name: _______________________________________________________ Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: _______________________
You can also read
