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2016-2017 Parent Handbook

Aurora Borealis Cooperative Preschool

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABC PRESCHOOL HISTORY 3

OUR PHILOSOPHY 5

ORGANIZATION 5

Admission 5

Registration/Class Placement 5

Tuition and Fees 6

School Schedule 6

Equipment and Clothing 6

Supplies 6

Executive Board 6

REGULATIONS 8

Health Regulations 8

Disaster Preparedness 8

Safety and Transportation 9

Carpools 9

Insurance 9

School Arrival 9

School Dismissal 9

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES 10

Administration and Volunteering 10

Meetings 10

Communication with ABC 10

Field Trips and Parties 10

Birthdays 10

Fund Raisers 10

Snacks 10

Use of Building 11

BEHAVIOR POLICY 11

GUIDELINES FOR PARENT AIDES 11

TEACHER’S DISCIPLINE PLAN 13

TEACHER’S JOB DESCRIPTION 13

ABC PRESCHOOL PROGRAM GOALS 15

DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES 17

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THE FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL 20

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ABC PRESCHOOL HISTORY

1983 St. Anne’s Preschool was organized by a small group of parents who wanted to be directly

involved with their children’s first schooling experience. St. Anne’s began operation from the basement of Sacred Heart Church, under the direction of a certified teacher. Parents acted as teacher aides in the classroom. Bazaars and bake sales helped pay the bills.

1985 St. Anne’s moved to the Education Building of the University Community Presbyterian Church on

College Road. (2 classes: MWF and TTH) 1987 A parent handbook was published and a written curriculum was adapted. Bake sales and a

children’s fashion show balanced our books. (2 classes: MWF and TTH) 1988 The preschool name was changed to ABC Preschool: Aurora Borealis Cooperative. A quilt raffle

helped the school raise money. (Combined class MWF only). 1989 Bake sales and a spring garage sale paid back rent which was due. (2 classes: MWF and TTH) 1990 ABC officially established its federal nonprofit status. This was our first year without a fund-raiser!

(2 classes: MWF and TTH) 1991 ABC acquired state certification as a private preschool. We moved to a new location in the

Energy Building at the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds. We enjoyed bimonthly dance classes at the school.

1992 A fall book fair provided funds for classroom equipment as well as quality literature for our

children and families. 1993 ABC expanded our program by adding an afternoon MWF class for 4 and 5 year olds. Our

Parent Handbook was revised and updated. A teacher handbook and curriculum handbook were developed and published by our teachers. (3 classes: MWF a.m., MWF p.m. and TTH)

1994 A highly successful silent auction was held which allowed us to purchase more outdoor play

equipment. Parents produced a yearbook which was given to each student the last day of class. 1995 The 2nd annual preschool auction was held and deemed a great success. The preschool

enrollment continues to be strong and the school enjoys a positive reputation. 1996 A Family Job List was started to spread the necessary duties amongst the parents. The 3rd

annual auction was held and new tables and a school camera were purchased with the proceeds. 1997 Two teachers were on staff – one for MWF, one for TTH. Fundraising done through book orders,

held a successful spring Open House, and produced three separate yearbooks. Voted to pursue adding a TTH p.m. class.

1998 TTH p.m. class added on a trial basis. Four classes and three teachers shared the school space.

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1999 Scaled back to three classes and held a variety of fundraising events. 2001 Sign placed at College intersection and new sign for building installed. Birdhouse installed

outside school. 2002 Classes remained full all year. School participated in Kidfest by having a successful activity

booth. 2003 Classes remained full again this year. A new table and chairs were acquired for the school. 2004 New Purchase Committee formed. New playground equipment, kitchen and supplies

purchased. ABC Handbook revised. 2005 Cookie dough fund raiser helped purchase new circle carpet and manipulative. 2006 New Board of Director’s Handbook was written. Family Job Files were created for certain family

jobs, a Bowl-a-Thon fundraiser provided a fun day for families as well as raising funds for the school.

2007 Finance/Purchasing Committee was formed and added as a yearly family job. 2008 A silent auction at the holiday party, cookie dough and candle sales raised funds for new

shelving. ABC has its own website. 2009 Rallied community support to save ABC from state shutdown. 2010 The kitchen was remodeled to include an extra sink and cabinets. 2011 Great year with great families 2013 New requirement with the State of Alaska mandates that ABC preschool has two adults who have

been background checked present with children at all times. To meet this requirement, a pool of 15 background checked parents has been established.

2015 ABC was awarded a GVEA Good ¢ents grant in the amount of $3200 to purchase a laptop, color

printer, backup hard drive, and projector.

ABC Preschool has been providing the Fairbanks community with a parent directed educational alternative since 1983. Student graduates leave the program with skills and confidence for the challenge of kindergarten. Parents move into elementary schools with an understanding of educational needs and a commitment to active participation in their child’s classroom.

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OUR PHILOSOPHY

ABC Preschool is a non-profit parent cooperative based on the belief that the school should be owned and operated by the parents of the enrolled children. Children need a cheerful, stimulating setting in which to further their social development, learn about self-sufficiency, and develop moral values. Our program is structured to enhance and extend the nurturing begun by parents during the formative years of early childhood. It is designed to prepare children for a smooth transition into the world of elementary school by offering a curriculum of emerging literacy skills and kindergarten preparation. The cooperative nature of the school requires committed parental involvement in the classroom and in the general functioning of the school.

ORGANIZATION

Admission

ABC Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin or religious belief. Depending on their class, the child must be three or four years old on or before September 1st Children may be refused admission or dismissed for any of the following:

1. Having a contagious disease. The child will be readmitted after treatment and a note from the family doctor.

2. Parent’s failure to participate in preschool work. 3. Parent’s failure to pay tuition and fees as verified by the Treasurer. 4. Incorrigible behavior of a disruptive nature that can not be resolved. 5. Parent’s failure to adhere to policies and procedures outlined in the Handbook.

For insurance purposes, maximum class size is 15 children per class.

Registration/Class Placement

Families who have attended ABC Preschool in the past for at least one semester, will have first priority in admissions and/or waiting list placement over families that are new to the school, provided they completed their family job from any previous year (See section on Parent Responsibilities). Families who do not complete their family job will not be eligible for future priority admission. The board, in consultation with the family in question and relevant parties, if needed, will determine if a family has neglected its responsibility. Returning families must place their child’s name on the waiting list prior to March 15th in the year school starts in order to qualify for returning family priority status. Every attempt will be made to place your child in the class you’ve requested.

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If there are unexpected vacancies throughout the year, for the good of the school and child, switching classes (ex. from p.m. to a.m.) is strongly discouraged.

During the registration process, or whenever spots open during the school year, should one gender reach nine in that class, whenever possible, the remaining spots in that classroom shall be filled to maintain a gender balance of no more than nine of one gender. This policy does not apply to returning families. If by Nov. 1 spots are unfilled but there are children of the other gender on the waitlist, the board may choose to admit the waitlisted children.

Tuition and Fees

A tuition schedule is set each school year. Monthly tuition is due on the first of each month. If the tuition has not been paid by the tenth of the month, a $25.00 late fee will be assessed. Non-payment of over a month will prevent the child from being allowed to attend Preschool. Only checks or money orders will be accepted, no cash. The teacher cannot accept monthly tuition payments. Any family with more than one check returned for non sufficient funds, will be charged a $30.00 fee for each returned check after the first one. Additional activity fees occasionally may be required for field trips. In order to provide effective, continuous instruction to all pupils, ABC Preschool needs to be guaranteed a stable economy. We expect pupils, once enrolled, to remain throughout the school year. A non-refundable registration fee, plus the last month’s tuition is due at the time of enrollment. No refunds on registration or other school fees will be made. If you have NOT fulfilled your parent aide duties, you will be required to complete this obligation before your last day of school OR pay the school $25.00 for each non-worked parent aide day.

School Schedule

The first day of preschool is usually during the first or second week in September. ABC will then follow the school calendar of the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) School District, unless otherwise decided by the Board, including FNSB emergency school closures due to inclement weather. In the event that there is a problem with our building such that school has to be cancelled each effected family will be contacted by the teacher or a board member.

Equipment and Clothing

Please mark all coats, hats, boots, mittens, etc. with the child’s name. During the winter months outdoor footwear will be removed at the door, so please provide indoor shoes (not slippers), in accordance with state regulations. Dress your child for active

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play. We will be using lots of glue, paint, etc., and these sometimes end up on clothing. It is recommended that an extra outfit of clothes be kept in the child’s backpack (in case of mishaps). Indoor shoes may be stored at the preschool. We will play outdoors almost every day, including “snow days”, so please send appropriate outerwear to accommodate a fresh air break. We do not go outside if it is -20F or colder.

Supplies

A list of school supply needs will be sent home with each student throughout the school year.

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Executive Board

ABC Preschool Executive Board officers are nominated and elected at a Parent meeting in the spring. The Executive Board consists of the following officers and representatives: President Organize and conduct orientation at the beginning of the school year, monthly parent meetings, and board meetings; maintain contact with Fairground personnel and other outside entities; administer the preschool program to maintain Board policies and solve problems that may arise. Vice President Answer the preschool voicemail as a representative of the preschool; check ABC email on a regular basis, register new students, make copies of registration forms for teachers for emergency info, and give shot records to Health Secretary; maintain and distribute school roster at least twice a year, updating as needed; maintain Fact Sheet to send to prospective families. Party Key holder. Minutes Secretary Attend and record minutes at both board and parent meetings, email board minutes to board members, and post minutes of parent meeting on ABC Facebook page within one week of meeting; maintain board and parent handbooks, Family Job List documents, and the Parent-Aide Duty lists. Keep all forms up to date. Health Secretary/Background Check Secretary Collect immunization records or exemptions from all preschool families via the Vice-President. Maintain the state SelfImmage computer program to insure that ABC stays in compliance with regulations of the State of Alaska. Secretary meets with the state immunization inspector in the spring for records audit. Maintains, updates, and implements pandemic policy. Alerts ABC families of a contagious disease outbreak at the school (lice, pink eye etc.) and provides information for prevention and treatment.

Maintain active list of background checked parents for biennial certification requirements using the myalaska.gov and HSS Background Check system. Treasurer Keep the accounting books for the school; pay taxes, rent, insurance, phone bill, etc. and teacher and substitute teacher salaries. Collect and keep track of the monthly tuition and possible late fees. The treasurer arranges for the liability insurance policy and presents projected budget at the preschool meeting in the fall of each school year. Collect, execute and distribute mail as appropriate. Class Representatives

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One parent representative from each class volunteers to attend monthly board meetings and report on class happenings. Provide input on all preschool business matters, orient mid-year entry families; class cheerleader. Monitor parent-aide sign-up sheets making sure all spots are equally divided and filled among parents, substitutions are noted, and parent-aides have arrived for the day. Make sure every family has signed up for a family job. Serve as a contact person within each class for questions and concerns. Must have e-mail to communicate with families reminding them or informing them of important dates and information.

See Board Member Handbook for more information on these positions.

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REGULATIONS

Health Regulations

The State of Alaska requires that preschools have verification of up-to-date immunization records of enrolled children. Therefore, each child is required to provide a copy of his/her Alaska Immunization Record prior to the start of school each year as per the public school policy. No child will be allowed to attend school without documentation that his/her immunizations are up-to-date. This applies to immunizations that come due during the school year. An Immunization Exemption Form will be accepted if the child cannot receive his/her immunizations for medical reasons or if immunization conflicts with the tenets and practices of the church or religious denomination of which the child is a member. A Medical Exemption Form must be completed and signed by an Alaska-licensed MD, DO, ANP, or PA. A Religious Exemption Form must be signed by a parent or guardian in the presence of a notary public and must be notarized. Personal or philosophical exemptions are NOT accepted. These forms are available on the State of Alaska website. A list will be kept of all exempt children, including those children in a waiting period. In the event of an outbreak, these children will be quickly identified and encouraged to contact their health provider to receive appropriate vaccinations or to keep their child at home. A current TB test for all students and parent aides is also recommended, but not required, prior to or on the first day of school. A full copy of the school’s infectious disease protocol is available on request. If a child becomes ill during the course of a school day, or if an emergency arises, the teacher will assume the responsibility of the care of the child and will notify the parents. Appropriate consent forms will be submitted to parents for signature. If a potty accident occurs, the child’s parents will be called and asked to come to school immediately. For this, and other emergencies, please keep current the phone numbers listed on your registration form and the roster.

1. Children with sore throats, fever, running nose, persistent cough, diarrhea, rash, nausea or upset stomach within the past 24 hours should be kept at home.

2. The teacher should be notified if your child has a contagious disease so that parents of the other children may be notified of the possible exposure.

3. A child will be sent home by the teacher if signs of illness are detected. 4. No parent with a cold or other infectious disease may serve as parent aide, but

must instead provide a substitute. 5. Please give your child a chance to convalesce at home after an illness. Do not

send the child to school unless they can participate fully in school activities. 6. If a child requires medication, it is the parents responsibility to administer that

medication, unless in the case of an emergency. In addition, please let the teacher know of any changes in the child’s usual routine (shots, visitors, illness or death in the family, etc.). If your child has an allergy or any other medical condition, please advise the teacher.

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Disaster Preparedness

ABC Preschool is equipped with a disaster kit. Emergency equipment and non-perishable food supplies are stored in the blue Rubbermaid container located in the metal shelving unit in the bathroom. Eighteen gallons of water are stored in the same shelving unit. Supplies include a first aid kit, radio, flashlights, batteries, emergency blankets, family emergency contact information and other items.

In the event that the building is evacuated (i.e. fire or burst water pipe), children will be evacuated to the Totem building; the Tanana Valley Fair winter offices located on the fairgrounds. The fair office phone number is 451-5555. When parents arrive to pick up their child, they will be asked to fill out a dismissal form. Children will only be released to people authorized to collect the child as listed on the ABC Preschool registration form.

Safety and Transportation

When parents’ cars are used for carpools or field trips, each driver should meet the following requirements:

1. Drivers must be licensed, have liability insurance and cars in safe condition. 2. Always pick up and unload children from the curb side of the road. 3. Never leave your car unattended with children in it. 4. Children MUST use approved car seats or booster seats and safety belts. 5. Please observe safety rules and extreme care in driving. 6. Please refrain from smoking or cell phone use while transporting children.

Carpools

The preschool does not take responsibility for arranging carpools. Carpools can be arranged by participating parents. Please notify the teacher if your child will be going home with someone other than you or the person who usually drives the child.

Insurance

The preschool has made provisions for accident liability coverage for all school-sponsored activities, with the exception of liability involved in parent-chauffeured field trips. All field trip drivers will be required to verify that they have liability insurance on their vehicles.

School Arrival

Prompt arrival will help children develop a good habit of arriving on time that will carry over into elementary school. Parents should make sure the child hangs up outdoor clothing and changes into shoes. Early drop off is not allowed. Do not plan to enter the

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building until five (5) minutes before class begins, unless you are the designated parent aide.

School Dismissal

Promptness in picking up your child is required. If a parent is more than 10 minutes late to pick up their child a fee of $1.00 per minute after the first ten minutes will be paid to the parent aide at that time. The preschool clock will serve as the official time piece. Cooperation is essential to the overall functioning of a parent cooperative program.

Classroom Pets

The school has had class pets. These pets may include insects in terrariums and/or small mammals, such as a guinea pig. If your child has allergies, please notify the teacher before the school year begins.

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PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration and Volunteering

All families are required to sign up to parent-aide on a rotating basis and to fulfill this obligation. In addition, parents are required to serve on the Executive Board or accomplish items on the Family Job List. Areas of service include cleaning, field trip coordination, pet care, equipment maintenance, parties, fundraising, and many more. Failure to meet the family job requirement will result in forfeiting priority in future admission and waitlist placement. A Family Job List will be sent out in August to get families thinking about what jobs they might like to do. Families will sign up for one or more jobs during the fall school Orientation. The Class Representatives will double check to see that all of the families have signed up and will help insure that all of the jobs are accomplished.

Meetings

Parents are encouraged to attend all preschool meetings. Children under two are welcome to accompany their parents to the meeting. Parents who attend will vote on issues of importance to the school and discuss concerns and questions that parents have.

Communication with ABC

Parents are encouraged to voice their concerns! Do not hesitate to contact the teacher or a board member if there is a problem. Drop off/pick up times are hectic at the preschool and are not appropriate times to have thoughtful conversation. Please call or email the teacher and/or board members at home.

Field Trips and Parties

All parents will help with field trips throughout the year. We need drivers and adults to help with the children. Also, parents will be asked to offer suggestions and make arrangements for specific field trips. The teacher may schedule informal holiday parties during school hours. Traditionally, parents plan a Christmas party, an Easter party and a graduation picnic to which the whole family is invited.

Birthdays

Children are welcome to bring a special snack on a school day near their birthday. If your child has a summer birthday, you are welcome to bring a snack any day you choose to celebrate.

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Fund Raisers

During the school year, parents might be asked to help with fundraisers by serving on a special committee, supplying or selling items. The money from these activities will go towards purchasing equipment or curriculum materials as determined by the board.

Snacks

Parents are responsible for providing a healthy snack for their child each school day. Water will be provided by the school. Candy, cookies, sodas, and other sweet treats are not allowed, and will be taken away by the teacher and sent home. The microwave will not be available. All snacks should be ready to eat and packed in such a way as to be accessible by the child with minimal assistance.

Use of Building

As a benefit of the cooperative, current ABC families may use the preschool building for personal (not business) events; for example, to hold a child’s birthday party. The request to use the building should be made to the Treasurer, who will consult the calendar, then issue a special “party” key. A $25.00 fee given to the Treasurer is required for each use.

BEHAVIOR POLICY

A child’s parents will be contacted if their child’s behavior is not appropriate for the classroom. Any time a student deliberately inflicts physical harm on another person, parents will be informed. The teacher will also contact parents if she notices a pattern of aggressive or disruptive behavior (eg. Shouting, pushing, bullying, emotional outbursts, etc.) The teacher and parents will determine a plan to deal with the disruptive behavior. The teacher will start a journal to document the child’s progress. If another incident occurs, or the pattern continues, the teacher will meet with the parents and a board member to come up with a formal plan for the student. This may include recommendations of skills to work on at home, asking the family to provide an extra parent aide in the classroom, special seating plans in the classroom, recommendations for developmental or health screenings, and/or a list of behaviors that require the student to be removed from school for the day or longer. The parent, teacher, and board member will continue to meet as needed to make sure progress is being made. If behavior does not improve, and/or the teacher or board feels that the safety of the class is threatened, the student will be asked to leave permanently.

GUIDELINES FOR PARENT AIDES

All parents are required to attend the Orientation session before the school year begins. At Orientation, the philosophy, practical operations, parent-aide duties, procedures, safety issues and regulations of the school will be further explained.

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On your parent aide day, arrive 30 minutes early to set-up the classroom for the day, and review your responsibilities with the teacher. Expect to remain at least 25 minutes after class to clean up. Parent aides CANNOT leave before all the preschoolers are picked up. There are several housekeeping chores which are the parent aide’s responsibility, for example, light dishwashing, vacuuming carpets, putting toys away, washing tables and cleaning the bathroom with bleach and water solution. Parent aide duties are specifically listed on the Parent Aide Duty sheet posted in the classroom and distributed at the beginning of the school year. Relax and plan to give full attention to the children. Ask questions if you do not understand a situation or procedure. Observe the teacher’s methods of guidance and let the teacher take care of serious discipline matters. Alert the teacher to any inappropriate behavior you can not easily redirect or that otherwise needs more attention. Dress appropriately to accompany the class outdoors for 20 minutes of play time. This is potentially the most dangerous time of the day with possibilities of frostbite, “runaways”, stranger or vehicle encounters and injuries. No siblings may attend while parent-aiding. We must maintain our 1:5, adult to child ratio. If you are told something specific about a child in order to work with the child in class, please respect confidentiality. It is the teacher’s responsibility to notify another parent of a problem with a child. Respect the half hour before and after school as two very important 30 minute planning periods for the teacher. The teacher will be happy to socialize at other times. Arranging for a parent aide substitute or an exchange of days is YOUR responsibility. An address and telephone roster of preschool families is published for this purpose. If you cannot find a preschool parent or a reliable adult friend or relative who knows the routine and is approved by the teacher to take your place, you may call the Emergency Parent-Aide substitute noted on the Family Job List. You will need to switch parent aide days with them. This policy guarantees that your child will always be well supervised, in accordance with our bylaws and insurance policy. In the classroom: 1. Safety and cleanliness (but not necessarily tidiness) comes first. 2. Respect for each child and his/her needs is essential. 3. Children are to be supervised at all times. 4. Concerns about specific children or situations are not to be discussed when children

are present. 5. Help children to help themselves. 6. Encourage children to try new things.

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7. Get down to the children’s eye level when working with or assisting them. 8. When helping with projects remember that the children are in the process of

learning. Do not do the project for them, instead assist them when needed. 9. Know the rules of the room. Children are expected to:

a. keep from causing physical or verbal injury to another b. walk when moving around the room c. cooperate and share when playing d. respect the choice of another to play alone e. use all equipment and toys appropriately f. follow specific instructions for supplies g. respect others h. pick up toys when finished

10. Keep in mind that parenting and teaching are different. The teacher is a professional, trained to do a specific job. If you have questions, please ask the teacher at an appropriate time. Review these guidelines frequently, especially before you come in to parent-aide.

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TEACHER’S DISCIPLINE PLAN

I (the teacher) will guide the preschoolers’ unacceptable behavior in the following manner: 1. Make eye contact and keep it. I will be sure I have the child’s attention. 2. In a calm firm voice, I will give positive, specific instructions that tell the child what

they must do. Example: “Use walking feet...Use indoor voices...Keep your hands/feet to yourself...Use kind words...”

3. I will ask the child if they understand. 4. I will have the child say my instructions back to me in their own words to check for

comprehension. 5. I will make a positive comment to the child. 6. If the child rebels, a short time-out may be in order. 7. I never plead with, threaten or strike a child. Example sequence: “Edith, you need to look at me. You need to keep your teddy bear off of Herbert’s face because he doesn’t like it and it’s not a safe thing to do. Do you understand what I’m saying? Now, you tell me what you need to do... (listen). Good for you. Maybe you can take your teddy bear to the playhouse for a tea party instead.” When a child has received three time-outs, the teacher will contact the parent to problem solve and to determine effective strategies for dealing with their child’s disruptive behavior. If frequent time-outs continue to be necessary, the teacher will contact the preschool board for further problem solving.

TEACHER’S JOB DESCRIPTION

The following are the basic instructional skills the preschool teacher will demonstrate and be evaluated on: Content 1. The teacher will choose appropriate content. 2. The teacher will demonstrate mastery of the content. Climate 1. The teacher will create a desirable learning environment. 2. The teacher will communicate high expectations of students and parents. 3. The teacher will use class time efficiently. Instruction 1. The teacher will provide the organizing structure of the lesson. 2. The teacher will use appropriate learning activities. 3. The teacher will encourage participation of both students and parent aides. Assessment and Communication

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1. The teacher will monitor learning. 2. The teacher will explain, question, and respond effectively. The teacher will plan learning themes that will be developed into daily lesson plans. These will follow the goals of the preschool curriculum. In case of absence, the teacher will have clearly labeled emergency lesson plans for the substitute available at school. The teacher will participate in an orientation for all parents to explain their roles in the classroom, specifically outlining the steps of the discipline plan, daily school routines, and the duties of the parent aides. The teacher will deal directly with discipline issues and discuss these with the parents. Teacher will report continuing issues to the Board for further assistance. The teacher will create an interesting, stimulating preschool environment that reflects the current unit of study. The teacher will attend all preschool meetings to present a report of school progress and plans. The teacher will coordinate preschool activities with the Parent Board. The teacher will also maintain an inventory of school supplies and present any supply needs to the Board. The teacher will open the building and prepare the classroom for the children. The teacher will lock the classroom and building at the end of the day. The teacher will act as the preschool’s representative with others when Board members are not present. If the teacher must be absent from class, the teacher will call a substitute from the approved list. If unable to find a substitute, the teacher will notify the president. Parents will have an opportunity to evaluate the preschool program in late November and April.

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ABC PRESCHOOL PROGRAM GOALS

Social Development Skills

Children will learn to: 1. assume responsibility for own actions 2. use self discipline 3. interactive appropriately with peers

Motor Control Skills

Children will learn to:

1. control gross motor locomotion (balance, coordination, agility, rhythm) 2. direct fine motor coordination (manual dexterity, rhythm)

Emerging Literacy Skills

Children will learn to:

Math

1. count by rote, count objects 2. sort and sequence 3. compare shape, size, weight 4. recognize numerals Oral Language

1. speak in sentences 2. use new words 3. speak in front of group 4. repeat songs and poems Writing

1. trace and draw 2. dictate ideas Reading

1. control eye tracking and focus 2. orient left to right 3. recognize letters of the alphabet 4. remember what is seen and heard

Critical Thinking Skills

1. ask questions 2. assimilate new content

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3. make observations and draw conclusions 4. solve problems

General Learning Skills

Children will learn to:

1. be responsible for personal needs 2. function in group processes 3. try new things 4. spend time with books Detailed semester goals may be obtained from the teacher on request. Sample of daily class schedule with approximate times: Tuesday/Thursday Monday/Wednesday/Friday

45 minute free play/centers 45 minute free play 25 minute songs, stories, skills 25 minute circle time

20 minute snack 20 minute snack

20 minute book/puzzle time 20 minute book/puzzle time

20 minute project 20 minute project 20 minute gross motor activity 20 minute gross motor activity

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DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES

Children are growing and maturing continuously. Every child has his/her own pattern of growth, but some characteristics are common to children at various ages. To know these gives teachers and parents a better understanding of the child and results in better guidance.

Three Year Olds

Dawdle over any routine, don’t like to be hurried

Are in good equilibrium with the people and things around them

Can judge how far to climb and return safely

Like to swing but cannot pump

Enjoy simple house play and dressing up

Learn to move with the group

Use simple sentences Like short picture stories about familiar things

Play parallel to others

Quarrel frequently

Like to make friends

Like to conform

Can learn to wait for turns

Go forward positively to meet each new adventure

Can be controlled by language

Have cooperative, easy going attitudes

Can undress themselves but need help in dressing

Find security in routines they can physically manage themselves

Paint crude designs, occasionally over the whole paper with one color Have more imaginary fears than specific fears

Classify and compare constantly

Three and One-half Year Olds

Stumble, fall, develop a fear of heights

Stutter May not listen well Exaggerate tensional outlets

Have difficulties in their relationships with others

Are emotionally insecure. They ask mother, “Do you love me?” Cry, whine, demand, complain and are jealous

Do things in an ordered way

Like certain children and refuse to play with others

Are capable of forming strong friendships

Use physical force against enemies

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Often have imaginary companions

Four Year Olds

Are bundles of energy

Are out of bounds in all directions

Have good motor control Have unlimited imagination, tell great detailed stories

Sometimes become frightened by their own imaginations

Are direct, outspoken and overly secure and self-confident Have delightful sense of humor Can repeat familiar stories

Like stories about trains, boats, cars, airplanes, and the world

Can have some understanding of fair play, but will not abide by the rules willingly if his own interests are at stake

Begin to form special friendships

Are often bossy, boastful, bold and indulge in name calling

Defy parental commands

Use bathroom words to get attention

Resist responsibility

Hit, kick, throw things and run away

Are interested in rhyming words

Are really creative

Experience and test everyone and everything

Are independent because they are confident of good adult relationships

Are eager to help

Can cooperate in groups but prefer small groups

Use language for communication and interchange of ideas

Are overgenerous

Like exaggerations

Play realistically

Are interested in money

Four and One-half Year Olds

Exaggerate less and make some distinction between fantasy and reality

Start a job and stay on track

Accept frustration better Play less wildly

Are great discussers, like details, like to be shown why

Have a marked interest in drawing, letters and numbers

Relate to others in a more positive way

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Five Year Olds

Are at a stable, reliable, easy stage of growth

Are secure, satisfied with themselves and want to cooperate

Are content to stay on or near home base

Try what they can accomplish and therefore accomplish what they try

Get the cooperative idea, they are calm, friendly and not too demanding in their relationships

Like tiny, miniature things

Thirst for details

Have established right or left handedness

Want to keep their products

Are very active outside

Often have a best friend to the exclusion of all others

Can put toys away in an orderly manner, brush teeth, finish what they start, tell their age, and count ten objects

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THE FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL

The day we have all been waiting for is finally here. It is an important one for the children. They are approaching a new situation, new people, new activities. For these children who are coming to the preschool for the first time the location is new as well. One of the most important things your child learns in preschool is how to depart from you and enter into the preschool group. This is something you learn, too. Every child is his/her own special person. As a parent, you know how your child behaves in new situations. Something you should remember, though, is that children can surprise us. We have found some of the following suggestions helpful for the first few days of preschool: DO take your child to the teacher so that they can welcome them to the school. She is the only adult who will be there day after day and whom the children will come to identify with at school. DO let your child have the opportunity to look around the school with you. Help them find their cubby and put backpacks away. DO let your child linger near you if they wish. Children need the opportunity to observe and size up the situation. Don’t push them to join in. DO expect your child to stay near you on your work days at school. DO reassure your child that you will return at the close of school. You might try leaving something of yours with your youngster, reassuring them that you will be back. DO leave quickly when you see that your child is settled and willing to say good-bye. Don’t linger. DO consult with the teacher if your child continues to have difficulty in departing from you. She will have more suggestions. DO NOT discuss your child in their presence. If possible, write down the questions you wish to ask the teacher and consult with her later. DO NOT be disturbed if your child acts shy, stays with you, whines, refuses to take turns, or cries during the first few days of school. Most children show their anxiety in a new situation by behaving in unusual ways. ABC Preschool’s goal is to make your child’s first school experience a positive one!