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TRANSCRIPT
Parent Handbook
2016 – 2017
2
September 2016
Dear Parents:
Welcome to the Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op!
This handbook was designed as a reference for you and your family. While the co-op evolves and changes
each year as new families bring their unique experiences and skills, over the years we’ve created some
basic rules that help us function smoothly and efficiently. We’ve tried to lay them out in this handbook in
an accessible and straightforward way.
Questions that are not answered in the following pages will inevitably come up. When they do, don’t
hesitate to ask another parent, a teacher, or one of us. Among the greatest strengths of a cooperative is that
we are resources for each other. We are in this together.
Whether you are a new parent joining us for the first time or a longtime member, we’re glad your family is
part of our community.
The 2016-2017 Preschool Board
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Table of Contents
2016-2017 PNPC CALENDAR ........................................................................................ 5
2016-2017 PNPC ROSTER .............................................................................................. 7
Board of Directors ..................................................................................................................... 7
All School Positions ................................................................................................................... 7
Teachers ..................................................................................................................................... 8
PNPC Contacts .......................................................................................................................... 8
OUR HISTORY ................................................................................................................ 8
OUR MISSION ................................................................................................................. 9
OUR GOALS .................................................................................................................... 9
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .......................................................................... 9
SPECIAL EVENTS / SOCIALS.................................................................................... 10
PNPC CLASSES ............................................................................................................ 10
PRESCHOOL ORGANIZATION ................................................................................ 11
The Board ................................................................................................................................ 11
Class Jobs ................................................................................................................................. 12
Teachers ................................................................................................................................... 13
Parent Education ..................................................................................................................... 14
GENERAL POLICIES ................................................................................................... 14
Enrolling Your Child .............................................................................................................. 14
Working at Preschool ............................................................................................................. 15
Second Caregiver Policy ......................................................................................................... 15
Absentee Coverage Policy....................................................................................................... 15
Teacher Coverage Policy ........................................................................................................ 16
Monthly Parent Meetings ....................................................................................................... 16
Fundraising .............................................................................................................................. 16
Volunteering ............................................................................................................................ 18
Donations ................................................................................................................................. 18
The PNPC Contract ................................................................................................................ 18
Tuition ...................................................................................................................................... 18
Fees Owed When Joining After School Begins ..................................................................... 19
Financial Assistance ................................................................................................................ 19
PNA Membership .................................................................................................................... 20
Waiting Lists ............................................................................................................................ 20
Age Ranges............................................................................................................................... 21
Criminal Background Checks ................................................................................................ 21
Field Trip Policies ................................................................................................................... 23
Weather-related Closure Policy ............................................................................................. 24
Siblings ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Playgroup/Childcare ............................................................................................................... 24
Promptness .............................................................................................................................. 24
Classrooms ............................................................................................................................... 25
Renting the Dragon Room ...................................................................................................... 25
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Communication ....................................................................................................................... 25
Telephones ............................................................................................................................... 25
Leave of Absence ..................................................................................................................... 25
Withdrawing from the Preschool .......................................................................................... 25
HEALTH AND SAFETY ............................................................................................... 26
Medical Requirements ............................................................................................................ 26
PNPC’s TB Policy ................................................................................................................... 26
When Your Child is Sick ........................................................................................................ 26
Contagious Diseases ................................................................................................................ 27
Head Lice ................................................................................................................................. 28
Allergies and Other Ongoing Medical Issues ....................................................................... 29
Snack Guidelines ..................................................................................................................... 29
General Hygiene: Hand Washing and Gloves ...................................................................... 30
Weekend Classroom Cleaning ............................................................................................... 30
Diapers and Extra Clothing ................................................................................................... 30
Earthquake Preparedness ...................................................................................................... 30
Comfort Kits ............................................................................................................................ 31
Fire Safety ................................................................................................................................ 31
Bed Bug Mitigation Policy ...................................................................................................... 31
Emergency Procedures ........................................................................................................... 32
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ..................................................................................... 33
What It Means to be Part of a Co-op .................................................................................... 33
How You May Feel If You’re New ........................................................................................ 33
Getting Your Child Off to a Good Start ............................................................................... 33
Working in the Classroom...................................................................................................... 33
Area Guidelines ....................................................................................................................... 34
Outside Supervision ................................................................................................................ 36
Cell Phone Use in Class .......................................................................................................... 36
Behavior at Preschool ............................................................................................................. 36
Leaving Your Child at Preschool and Other Separation Issues ......................................... 37
PHINNEY NEIGHBORHOOD PRESCHOOL CO-OP OPERATING
PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................................... 39
PNPC CONTRACT ........................................................................................................ 50
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2016-2017 PNPC CALENDAR
August and September
Wednesday, Aug. 17 PNPC Board Meeting, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Saturday, Aug. 27 PNPC Red Room Work Party 10 am - 2 pm
Tues. - Thurs., Aug. 30 - Sept. 1 PNPC Dragon Room Set Up
Tuesday, Aug. 30 PNPC Welcome Orientation, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wed. - Fri., Sept. 7-9 Red Room Classroom Set Up, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Monday, Sept. 10 PNA Book Exchanges
Monday, Sept. 12 First Day of PNPC Classes
Wednesday, Sept. 21 PNPC Board Meeting, 7:30 pm
October
Wednesday, Oct. 5 Pig Out to Root Out Hunger
Wednesday, Oct. 5 Threes, MA, and Parent/Infant class and individual pictures
Thursday, Oct. 6 Pre-K and Twos class and individual pictures
Friday, Oct. 7 Toddlers class pictures and Retakes
Friday, Oct. 7 PNPC Scholarship Applications Due
Tuesday, Oct. 11 PNPC Teacher In-Service – NO SCHOOL
Saturday, Oct. 15 PNPC Kid’s Sale
Wednesday, Oct. 19 PNPC Board Meeting, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, Oct. 29 PNA Hunger Goblin Trick or Treat
Sunday, Oct. 30 PNPC Family Fun Night, PNA Community Hall, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
November
Tuesday, Nov. 1 Dia de los Muertos
Saturday, Nov. 5 PNPC Work Party Red Room 10:00 am - 2 pm
Friday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day – NO SCHOOL
Saturday, Nov. 12 PNA Winter Beer Taste
Wednesday, Nov. 16 PNPC Board Meeting, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Wed. - Fri., Nov. 24-25 Thanksgiving Break – NO SCHOOL
Thursday, Nov. 25 PNA Thanksgiving Day Potluck
December
Friday, Dec. 2. PNPC Winter Festival Take Down
Sat.-Sun. Dec. 3 – 4 PNA Winter Festival & Craft Fair
Sunday, Dec. 4 PNPC Winter Festival Re-Set
Wednesday, Dec. 14 PNPC Board Meeting, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Mon. - Fri., Dec.19 – 30 PNPC Winter Break – NO SCHOOL
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January
Tuesday, Jan. 3 PNPC Classes Resume
Monday, Jan. 16 PNPC MLK Jr. Birthday – NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, Jan. 18 PNPC Board Meeting, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Thursday, Jan. 19 PNA Member Orientation
Saturday, Jan. 21 PNA Annual Meeting and Pancake Breakfast (To be Confirmed)
Sunday, Jan. 22 PNPC Family Fun Night, PNA Community Hall, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, Jan. 25 PNPC Teacher In-Service – NO SCHOOL
Friday, Jan. 27 PNPC Home Design & Remodel Fair Take Down
Sunday, Jan. 29 PNA Home Design & Remodel Fair
Sunday, Jan. 29 PNPC Home Design & Remodel Fair Re-Set
February
Mon. - Fri., Feb. 20 - 24 President’s Day + Mid-Winter Break – NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, Feb. 15 PNPC Board Meeting, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, Feb. 25 PNA Wine Taste
March
Saturday, Mar. 4 PNPC Spring Work Party Red Room
Saturday, Mar. 11 PNA Book Exchange
Monday, Mar. 13 Teacher In-Service – NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, Mar. 15 PNPC Board Meeting, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 18 PNPC Kid’s Sale
April
Thursday, Apr. 6 PNA Member Orientation
Mon. – Fri., Apr. 10 – 14 PNPC Spring Break – NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, Apr. 19 PNPC Transitional Board Meeting, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
May
Saturday, May 6 PNA Auction
Wednesday, May 10 Early SPS Dismissal – no class in Red Room
Saturday, May 20 PNA Garage Sale Day
Monday, May 29 PNPC Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
June
Friday, June 2 PNA Member Orientation
Saturday, June 10 PNPC Year End Celebration, Community Hall, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Friday, June 16 PNPC Last Day of Classes
Saturday, June 17 PNPC End-of-Year Red Room Classroom Pack Up, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dates are to the best of our knowledge, but are subject to change. For even more great PNPC info, check out our website: http://www.phinneycenter.org/pnpc For more info on PNA events, go to http://www.phinneycenter.org/
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2016-2017 PNPC ROSTER
Board of Directors
All School Positions
Treasurer Elect Chris Wilcynski [email protected]
Facilities Manager/Purchaser Sean Wilkins [email protected]
Health and Safety Coordinator Erin Leischner [email protected]
Playgroup Coordinator Jessica Podhola [email protected]
Rental Fundraising Angie Sterwald [email protected]
Summer Program TBD
All-School Chair Bryna McCool-Kruger [email protected]
Chair Elect Beth Hickey [email protected]
Registrar Leea Brady [email protected]
All-School Fundraiser Malen Maher Musgrave [email protected]
All-School Treasurer Kathryn Wallace [email protected]
All-School Parent Coordinator Frances Coppa [email protected]
All-School Secretary Anna Reeve [email protected]
All-School Social Coordinator 1 Michaela Johnson [email protected]
All-School Social Coordinator 2 Saira Abbasey McDonald [email protected]
Head Teacher Gwen Drolet [email protected]
Parent/Infant Class Chair Julie Lubke [email protected]
Multi-Age Class Chair Ashlee Dahlberg [email protected]
Toddlers Class Chair Becca Ochiltree [email protected]
Twos Class Chair Danielle Poll [email protected]
Threes Class Chair Tyra Heatherington [email protected]
Pre-K Class Chair Jason Medeiros [email protected]
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Teachers
Head Teacher and Threes Gwen Drolet [email protected]
Parent/Infant Jeanne McGrady [email protected]
Toddlers and Multi-Age Wyly Astley [email protected]
Twos Elise Knox [email protected]
Pre-K Sally Cornelson-Watkins [email protected]
PNPC Contacts
PNA Main Desk
PNA Main Desk
206-783-2244
Playgroup (Room 3) Extension 36
Red Room 206-783-2055
Dragon Room 206-706-2963
Registrar/Information [email protected]
OUR HISTORY The Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op (PNPC) was born in the spring of 1981 when several parents, working
with a $10,000 grant from the new Phinney Neighborhood Association, decided to form a cooperative preschool in the
old John B. Allen Elementary School. They cleaned out a room in the basement of one of the school’s two buildings,
furnished it, built a playground, and hired teachers. The PNPC opened its doors that September. For her part in
establishing the preschool, Nancy Allen, its first Chair, received an award in 1987 from Parent Cooperative Preschool
International.
The preschool has grown and evolved in many ways since those first years. The biggest change in recent years is the
creation of the preschool’s Dragon Room. Once the John B. Allen Elementary School gymnasium, the space was
turned into a preschool room by a group of parents during the spring and summer of 1996. Thanks to a $9,600 grant
from the City of Seattle, the strong support of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, and more than three dozen
volunteers from the preschool, a loft was built in the room in the winter of 1999. In the spring of 2005, the upper
playground was renovated with new equipment, including a climbing wall. A new, “Multi-Age” class was added as a
sixth class in Fall 2013 in response to the desire to serve more families on our waiting list.
The preschool, no doubt will continue to grow and evolve in the years ahead. Every year is a little different as new
families bring their talents to the program. But the preschool’s foundation remains unchanged: families and teachers
working together to create an environment where young children can feel safe and supported as they explore, create,
and learn about their world.
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OUR MISSION Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op is dedicated to providing a structured, play-based cooperative program
designed to encourage the social, emotional, physical, and mental development of young children. It is also intended to
be a resource and nucleus of support for families in the Phinney Ridge and surrounding neighborhoods.
OUR GOALS
The families and teachers who make up our preschool community share several goals. These include:
● Creating a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment that encourages the social, emotional, physical, and
mental development of young children through creative play;
● Nurturing each child’s sense of accomplishment and personal growth;
● Encouraging families to share their unique talents, interests, and experiences in ways that enhance their child’s
class as well as the larger preschool community;
● Providing opportunities for parents to work closely with Teachers and to learn about child development and
behavior as well as parenting;
● Developing and strengthening skills in group process, mediation, and leadership;
● Fostering a sense of community, support, and belonging for all those involved in the preschool.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is the Board and what do they do? (See The Board, page 11)
Why do we have to attend monthly meetings? (See Monthly Parent Meetings, page 16)
What should I do if I can’t attend a class meeting? (See Monthly Parent Meetings, page 16)
What about childcare for siblings not in class? (See Playgroup/Childcare, page 24)
What are the responsibilities of my class job? (See Class Jobs, page 12)
Who do I contact if my child will be absent from class? (See Absentee Coverage Policy, page 15)
Will we have fire drills? (See Fire Safety, page 31)
How do I apply for a scholarship? (See Financial Assistance, page 19)
Why do I need to complete a TB Screening Form? (See PNPC’s TB Policy, page 26)
Are there social events for parents? (See Special Events/Socials, page 10)
What is the parent education part of the preschool? (See Parent Education, page 14)
Are there snack guidelines? (See Snack Guidelines, page 29)
Why do I need to join the PNA? (See PNA Membership, page 20)
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What are the fundraising requirements? (See Fundraising, page 17)
Can anyone attend a board meeting? (See The Board, page 11)
What is the PCC Program? (See Fundraising, page 16)
When and how do I pay tuition? (See Tuition, page 18)
Can I rent the Dragon Room for parties or other types of gatherings? (See Renting the Dragon Room, page 25)
SPECIAL EVENTS / SOCIALS
● Class Socials – Each class is encouraged to have parent nights out and/or separate family gatherings outside
school to get to know each other better. Class social coordinators generally ask for ideas at class meetings.
● All-School Socials – There are typically three all-school socials during the school year: one each in the fall, the
winter, and the spring. Each one promises to be full of games, food, and fun for all ages.
● Summer Park Play Dates – Each summer preschool families from every class meet weekly at different Seattle
parks to keep in touch and maintain friendships. The schedule is made in the spring.
●
For a complete listing of scheduled events, see the calendar in this handbook.
PNPC CLASSES
In the 2016-2017 school year, the PNPC will have six classes—Parent/Infant, Multi-Age, Toddlers, Twos, Threes, and
Pre-K—with 102 total children. Although each class has a lead Teacher, an adult from each family works in his or her
child’s classroom one day a week as a teaching assistant. The preschool’s classes include:
The PARENT/INFANT Class
● 16 children
● Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
● The Red Room (in the PNA’s Blue Building)
The MULTI-AGE Class
● 18 children
● Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
● The Red Room (in the PNA’s Blue Building)
The TODDLERS Class
● 16 children
● Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
● The Red Room (in the PNA’s Blue Building)
The TWOS Class
● 18 children
● Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
● The Red Room (in the PNA’s Blue Building)
The THREES Class
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● 18 children
● Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
● The Dragon Room (in the PNA’s Brick Building)
The PRE-K Class
● 16 children
● Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday
mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
● The Dragon Room (in the PNA’s Brick Building)
PRESCHOOL ORGANIZATION
The PNPC is a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association. The All-School Chair and the Executive Director
of the PNA meet periodically to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest.
The preschool’s organization and functioning are governed by its Operating Procedures; changes can be made only by
a two-thirds majority vote of those present at individual class parent meetings.
Volunteering has been an integral part to making PNPC successful for over 30 years. With the exception of our
teachers, our school is run entirely by volunteers, and as such it is imperative everyone contributes to the smooth
functioning of the preschool. The volunteer positions listed below are IN ADDITION to the 3-4 hours per child of
volunteer time we ask each family to contribute to the school during the course of the academic year. The positions range in their time commitment from 2 – 3 hours per month to 20 – 40 hours per month for many of the
board positions. Some positions are more intensive at certain times of the year while others require a steady
commitment. A description of all PNPC volunteer positions can be found in the School’s Operating Procures, if you
have more questions about any position, additional details can be obtained from the individual currently holding the
position, class chairs or board members.
The Board An independent Advisory Board (referred to as “the Board” in this handbook) runs the preschool. The Board is
comprised of thirteen voting members, including seven All-School Officers and the Class Chair of each of the
preschool’s six classes. The Head Teacher also sits on the Board as a non-voting member. The preschool Board meets monthly. Meeting dates and times are included in the all-school calendar, a copy of which
appears in this handbook. They are open to all co-op members, although the agenda is set by the All-School Chair and
items to be included on it must be submitted in writing to the Chair at least one week in advance of any given meeting.
The minutes of each meeting are posted on the PNPC website. All-School Officers are selected annually in January, prior to the transitional Board meeting that takes place in April of
each year. These positions are open to the entire preschool membership. Notification of all-school position openings is
made by the Chair-Elect in January. The board will review all candidates and vote to decide on the final appointee.
Board terms typically begin and end in late April or early May with the transitional meeting that includes both outgoing
and incoming members. People interested in serving as an All-School Officer or Class Chair should talk with the
Chair-Elect and/or the person currently holding the position of interest, as early as possible. All-School Board Officers
may hold a position on the board for no more than five years consecutively without taking a minimum of a one-year
hiatus unless an exception is approved by the outgoing board members from the prior year
The Board and All-School positions and their responsibilities are outlined in detail in the preschool’s Operating
Procedures.
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Class Jobs
Class Chair Plans and conducts monthly parent meetings and represents the class at monthly preschool Board meetings. Works with
the Parent Coordinator to fill class jobs, and with the Chair-Elect to fill all-school jobs. Works throughout the year
with the Parent Coordinator and the Teacher to make sure that the expectations and needs of families are met and that
the class is running smoothly. Along with the Health & Safety Coordinator, is responsible for coordinating “comfort
kits” at the beginning of the school year; notifying families of contagious disease outbreaks; and developing and
communicating emergency plans.
Class Parent Coordinator Helps orient new families in the classroom and PNPC program. Works with Class Chair and Teacher to be sure the
expectations and needs of families are met and grievances are being addressed. Coordinates a meeting in early winter
between teacher, parent educator, class chair and self to review preschool class evaluations and implement changes if
needed. Summarizes evaluation results to the class. Coordinates classroom visits by prospective families. Attends
Board meetings in absence of Class Chair. January/February: Remind class to complete class evaluations; Coordinate
meeting to review class evaluations prior to February Meeting; Reports evaluation feedback from review meeting to
class during February Meeting. Periodically: Assists Class Chair in welcoming new families to the co-op who join after
the start of school. Rarely: Personally contacts families who may be consistently tardy or absent to help find a solution,
in conjunction with teacher and Class Chair.
Class Fundraiser Works with the All-School Fundraiser to coordinate class involvement in preschool activities and events. Responsible
for conveying important information about PNPC fundraising events to class members. Assists in coordinating wreath
sales and orders. Coordinates the class donation(s) and individual donations to the PNA Auction. October/November:
Communicate wreath sale information from All-School Fundraiser to class, collects forms and money and turns in to
All-School Fundraiser. February/March/April: Communicate PNA auction information from All School Fundraiser to
class, collect forms and auction items, coordinate all class PNA donation.
Class Secretary Works with the All-School Secretary to create and maintain class files of required registration, medical, and insurance
forms. Keeps minutes of business transacted at monthly parent meetings and emails a copy of those minutes to the class
and to the All- School Web-Master within 7 days of the meeting. Keeps a record of attendance at parent meetings and
notifies the Class Chair of absences. August/September: Prior to first class meeting, notify class of necessary forms to
bring to the first meeting, all forms are available on the PNPC website. A hard copy of each document (except the
registration form) are available in the Class Secretary notebook. Reviews class files and makes sure all documents are
present and current, contact families who have missing forms prior to the start of school. Periodically: collects forms
from new families that join after the start of school.
Arts and Teaching Aide Works with the Teacher to develop and prepare art materials. This job varies from class to class and teacher to teacher.
Individual teachers may have special art and class projects with which they would like help. This job could entail
making play dough at home to extensive cutting projects. Occasional minor sewing projects may be requested, but are
not necessary.
Curriculum Aide/Librarian Works with the Teacher and parents to enhance curriculum and plan enrichment activities, such as outside guests,
parent presentations, and special projects. Works with the teacher to identify books needed in the classroom and may
visit the public library to pick up and drop off books. Learns about the special skills and resources of class families and
finds ways for them to share those skills and resources in class.
Field Trip Coordinator Works with the Teacher and parents to organize and coordinate field trips. Responsible for making sure all children
have nametags and emergency information as well as giving advance notice of field trips and any special requirements
to all class families. In the older classes, distributes and collects permission slips, organizes carpools and ensures that
every child has an age-appropriate car seat or booster seat, provides drivers with emergency contact information for
each child. Parent-Infant, Multi-Age & Toddler Class: one-three per year, Twos Class: five-six per year, Threes: seven
per year, Pre-K: approximately one per week.
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Photographer/Yearbook Takes pictures in class throughout the year, shares those photos with the class via a photo-sharing website, and works
with the Teacher to create photo displays in the classroom. Responsible for creating, collecting money for, and
distributing a class yearbook or other keepsake at the end of the school year. Reference Student Photo Release Forms to
determine use of photos. Throughout the year: Work to capture one good close-up photo of each child in class. Bi-
weekly: Photograph class activities and post to photo sharing website for class members to view. September: Create
photo-sharing account and share link and password with class. Take a group photo of the class. September/October:
Help facilitate class picture day. April/May: Take group photo of class. May: Submit 50 photos to Chair Elect for end
year Celebration Brunch; Coordinate with class on year-end photo documentation; Coordinate photo document (i.e.
placemat, photo book etc.), and collect funds from class. June: Distribute end product to class. Tip: Utilize Shutterfly
Yearbook for cost efficient class yearbooks.
Scheduler Works with the Teacher, the Parent Coordinator, and the Class Chair to create and distribute a schedule of parent
workdays, workstation staffing, snack preparation, and upcoming events. For older classes, maintains a substitute list
for parents unable to come on their workday and, depending on the wishes of the class, may be the contact person for
parent or child absences. Weekly: Send reminders to class about assigned jobs that require extra time or outside of class
preparation, such as snack, outdoor set-up, and subs. August/September: Contact class teacher to identify classroom
jobs and snack protocol; develop initial schedule for September-December for distribution at first class meeting;
Finalize class schedule and post in classroom. Coordinate with teacher on location to post schedule; Create Google
Calendar of assigned jobs that require extra time and distribute to class. December/January: Update class schedule for
January-March and distribute. Post printed copy in classroom; Create Google Calendar of assigned jobs that require
extra time and distribute to class. March: Update class schedule for April-June and distribute. Post printed copy in
classroom; Create Google Calendar of assigned jobs that require extra time and distribute to class
Social Coordinator Plans class social events throughout the school year, gathering parent ideas and input from parent meeting discussions
or social surveys or questionnaires. Assists the All-School Chair-Elect with organization and execution of all-school
social events—three during the school year; during the fall, winter, and spring. Coordinates class gifts for the Teacher
and the Parent Educator, including collection of money, if necessary. (If the class so chooses, the Social Coordinator
may also collect money for a social “fund,” which can then be used to pay for gifts, class parties, or other social
items/events.) Organizes meal deliveries and other helpful services for class families with new babies, serious illnesses
or during times of bereavement. Once a year: Coordinate with All-School Chair Elect and help organize class and class
contribution to assigned class event; Monthly: Coordinates social outings after parent meetings; Sends email reminders
to those responsible for snack prior to monthly class meeting. August/September: Coordinates a class social gathering
prior to first meeting/first class; creates sign-up sheet for parent meeting snacks and brings to first class meeting.
December: Coordinates a class social gathering during or just following the holiday season; Coordinates Holiday class
gift for Teacher and Parent Educator. Collects donations from class, purchases gift, presents gift to Teacher and Parent
Educator before the holiday break. June: Coordinates end of year social gathering for class; Coordinates end of year
gift for Teacher (all classes), Class Chair (all classes) and Parent Educator (P/I, Multi-Age, Toddler). Collects
donations from class, purchases gift, presents gift to recipients prior to final day of school, or at final social of the
school year.
Class Parent Education Coordinator (Threes & PreK classes only): Works with the All-School Parent Coordinator to identify parent education resources for the class and determine
parenting topics of interest to the class. August/September: Work with assigned Parent Educator to define Parent Ed
Format, and Surveys class Parents on topics of interest for discussion during the year. Monthly: Coordinate with Parent
Educator on relevant Parent Ed topics. Periodically: Coordinate with Parent Educator on feedback from class.
Teachers The preschool has several class teachers as well as a Head Teacher. They are responsible for developing and
implementing a program that will encourage each child’s social, emotional, physical, and mental development. They
are also responsible for modeling for parents various ways of teaching, nurturing, and responding to preschool children.
In addition to classroom duties, the Head Teacher also works with the Board and other teachers to create and maintain a
positive professional environment in which teachers are respected and supported and parent input is invited and valued.
The preschool’s teachers are employees of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, but their performance is reviewed
annually by the preschool following the parent evaluation process each winter. The All-School Chair forms a hiring
committee consisting of preschool parents and the preschool’s Head Teacher whenever a teaching vacancy occurs.
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Parent Education Parent Education provides support and encouragement to families through a variety of initiatives and activities
overseen by the All-School Parent Coordinator and the class Parent Education Coordinators. The Parent Education
component of PNPC is designed to enhance core elements of our school: developing curriculum, building community,
sharing talents, and strengthening families.
Each class has its own model for classroom parent education, sensitive to the needs of the children, parents, and
teachers. PNPC contracts with North Seattle College, Child and Family Education Division, to provide parent
educators for each of our classes. Most parent educators are in class on a weekly basis and facilitate a portion of the
class monthly meetings. The preschool pays a per-person registration fee to enroll its parents as students, eligible for
credits, with NSC.
All-school aspects of Parent Education include lending libraries and communication bulletin boards located in each
preschool room and all-school speakers and workshops. A list of speakers, special events, and parent education
professionals in the community is available through the All-School Parent Coordinator.
Contributions to or suggestions for the media libraries are encouraged. They can be given directly to any class Parent
Education Coordinator, or brought to the attention of the All-School Parent Coordinator. Checkout procedures are
clearly described and posted in each room. All events open to the preschool community will be publicized via email, as
well as posted on the bulletin boards in both classrooms.
GENERAL POLICIES
Enrolling Your Child To enroll your child in the preschool, your family must first be a member of the Phinney Neighborhood Association. If
you are enrolling your child before the school year begins, you must also pay a non-refundable preschool registration
fee as well as your first month’s tuition. If you are enrolling your child after the year has begun, you must pay the
registration fee (half of it if you are enrolling after January 1), tuition for the month in which your child will start (half
of it if your child will start after the 15th of the month), and your last month’s tuition (see “Tuition” for further
discussion of this topic).
All paperwork provided by your Class Secretary must be completed before you and your child can attend preschool.
By state law, families are required to show proof of their child’s immunization, those with religious or personal
objections are exempted. Upon joining the preschool, adults who will be working in the classroom are required to
complete the TB screening form or present a valid PPD test (valid for two years). Exceptions for nursing or pregnant
mothers are available if accompanied by a note from a health care professional. Additional forms may also be required
(see “PNPC’s TB Policy” for further discussion of this topic).
All adults working in the classroom more than once must have a background check. Upon enrolling in the PNPC, both
parents (even if one will not be involved in the classroom) will be required to submit the PNA NATIONAL
background check. Additional adults who will be working in the classroom more than once will also be required to
submit the PNA NATIONAL background check. For all subsequent years, a WA WATCH background check will be
completed prior to the start of each school year for the parents, as well as each additional adult that has previously
submitted the PNA NATIONAL background check and will again work in the classroom. If an adult working in the
classroom has moved outside of Western Washington, then the PNA National background check will be required. A
list verifying the completion of Background Checks (both National and WA WATCH Check) will be given to the class
teacher and All-School Secretary.
Enrolling in the preschool requires your commitment to attending class on a regular basis and fulfilling the other
requirements of all preschool families.
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Working at Preschool In the Parent/Infant and Toddlers classes, parents attend class with their children. In the Twos, Threes, Pre-K and
Multi-age classes, parents are assigned a “workday” but are free to leave their child on other days if they meet the class
age requirements for leaving their child (see “Leaving Your Child at Preschool and Other Separation Issues” for further
discussion of this topic).
In every class, the working parents have rotating jobs designed in consultation with the Teacher to make the classroom
and activities as accessible as possible to the children. These jobs include snack preparation, monitoring activities in
various areas, and cleaning up the room at the end of class. Job descriptions and a schedule of job assignments are
posted in the classroom and distributed to parents on a regular basis by the Class Scheduler.
Teachers will distribute specific classroom policies and information for parents working in the classroom at the
beginning of the year. Guidelines for parents working in specific areas are posted in the classroom throughout the year
as well. If you have questions about specific areas or general policies, however, do not hesitate to ask the Teacher.
Other parents are also great resources.
In addition to working in the classroom, all families with children enrolled in the preschool must hold either an all-
school job or a class job. These jobs are described in the Preschool Organization section of this handbook. All-School
Jobs are chosen in the winter, and Class Jobs typically are chosen in the spring or summer before a year begins.
Families who join the preschool after the school year has begun usually are assigned the job of the family they are
replacing.
Second Caregiver Policy The PNPC strives to build community among our families. Working alongside one another in our children’s classrooms
creates bonds that strengthen our ties to each other and the school. To that end, when a family enrolls in the PNPC for
an upcoming school year, a primary family member must be prepared to personally fulfill at least 75% of his or her
work days in the classroom. (Both parents may work alternately in the classroom to meet this responsibility.) Another
caregiver may be present in the classroom in lieu of a primary family member no more than 25% of the time. It is the
PNPC’s goal to support all families in our community. Thus, families with multiple children enrolled in the same class
may utilize an alternate caregiver to work in the classroom no more than 50% of their assigned work days. A parent or
alternate caregiver must work one day per each enrolled child. The family member who attends class must be able to
fulfill all classroom duties as specified in the handbook, including attending the monthly parent meetings and holding
an All School or class job.
If a special circumstance arises, and the family member is no longer able to work in the classroom regularly, he or she
may petition to have another caregiver work in the classroom in his or her place until the end of that school year. The
family should contact the class chair, who will convene a panel to determine if this exception will be granted. The panel
may include the class chair, the class teacher, the class parent coordinator, the head teacher, and another PNPC board
member. If an exception is granted, the second caregiver must agree to and sign the PNPC contract, complete the TB screening
form or provide a valid PPD test, and submit information for the PNA National background check before beginning
work in the classroom. In the interest of family cohesion both the second caregiver and a primary family member are
expected to attend the monthly parent meetings. At the end of the school year, if the family’s circumstance has not
changed, the panel will re-examine the situation with regards to enrollment for the following year. Families who are already members of the PNPC and have a different caregiver structure can petition the board to
continue in the school with the existing caregiver. These requests will be evaluated and decided on a case-by-case
basis.
Absentee Coverage Policy Because the structure and functioning of each preschool class depends on parents being in the classroom, any parent in
the Multi-age, Twos, Threes, or Pre-K class who is unable to attend a class on his or her workday is responsible for
finding a substitute and reciprocating for that substitution as soon as possible. Depending on the arrangements made by
parents at the beginning of the year, those who are going to be absent also may be required to notify the Class
Scheduler and Teacher. Parents in the Parent/Infant and Toddlers classes should notify their Class Scheduler and
Teacher of any absences to be sure that their job is covered. Absentee coverage is important regardless of whether your
child is attending class.
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Teacher Coverage Policy Teachers are given a certain number of personal leave and professional days in addition to sick days depending on their
length of service. A Teacher who takes a sick day should notify the Head Teacher and the Class Chair as soon as
possible (but no later than the morning of the class) so they can work together to arrange coverage or cancel the class.
Teachers taking personal days should notify the Head Teacher and the Class Chair as far in advance as possible (but no
later than the morning of the class) so they can arrange coverage or cancel the class. If the class is cancelled, the
Teacher should make it up at a time convenient for the class. Teachers taking professional days should notify the Head
Teacher and the Class Chair as much as a month in advance but no later than a week in advance. When taking a
professional day, the Teacher is responsible for arranging coverage and preparing a general class plan.
Monthly Parent Meetings Each preschool class has monthly parent meetings during which class and preschool business is discussed. All classes
hold their parent meetings at night without children. Parent meetings typically last for two hours; class and school
business is discussed, and include a parent education component. The class secretary takes minutes during the class
and school business portion of these meetings and distributes them to the class via email.
Every effort is made to schedule parent meetings at a time that all families with a child enrolled in the class can attend.
Attendance by one parent or primary family member is mandatory, and parents are expected to stay until the meeting
is over. These meetings are an opportunity for the Teacher to give his or her opinion on how the class is running and to
share ideas on how to enhance the experience for all in the class. Therefore, it is recommended that the parent who
works in the classroom attend the parent meeting. Future dates for meetings, social gatherings, and field trips are
discussed. There is time allowed for any parent to voice a concern or comment on what is going particularly well for
their family.
When co-op members miss these meetings, communication can break down and the class runs less smoothly. Families
are required to notify their Class Chair if they are unable to attend a meeting and are responsible for learning any
business discussed at the meeting from the minutes. If a family misses a meeting, the class Parent Coordinator will
check in with them and relay information. The Class Secretary will take attendance at each parent meeting. Families
are allowed to miss up to 2 meetings. Upon the 2nd missed meeting, the class chair will send a letter stating they have
missed 2 meetings. If a 3rd meeting is missed, families are required to write a letter to a Board committee (composed
of the All School Chair, the All School Parent Coordinator, and the relevant Class Chair) explaining their absences.
The Board Committee will recommend to the Board one of the various actions, such as making up the time by assisting
in end of the year cleaning or, in severe cases, dismissal from the preschool.
If a particular night absolutely will not work for your family, you must speak up when your class is scheduling the
parent meetings at the beginning of the year. Notify your Class Chair as soon as possible if you know that your family
will have trouble attending a particular meeting because of childcare or other issues. The Class Chair will be helpful in
brainstorming solutions.
Parents are asked not to bring children, with the exception of infants under 6 months, to the monthly parent meetings so
that all parents can fully attend the meeting without distraction.
What happens if I miss a meeting?
First missed meeting The Class Chair will speak with you to determine how you
can avoid missing any future meetings.
Second missed meeting You will receive an official letter from the Class Chair.
Third missed meeting You must explain to the Board your reasons for being absent
and your plan for ensuring attendance in the future.
Fundraising In addition to holding a Board position, all-school job, or class job, each family in the preschool must contribute
towards the preschool’s fundraising efforts. This is a critical component of preschool co-op participation since the
money we bring in from tuition does not cover all of our operating expenses.
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A fundraising goal is set by the Board every year to provide the additional funds to pay for the school’s operating
expenses not covered by tuition. The PNPC typically has four to five major fundraisers each year:
MANDATORY FUNDRAISERS
Holiday Wreath Sale: Every fall, PNPC parents sell holiday wreaths as our main fundraiser for the year. Each family
has a quota based on how many students they have enrolled at the school. Families may choose to opt out for a fee.
Wreath pre-sales are due in November. More wreath info will follow in the fall. For wreath questions, please contact
PNA Auction: As a program of the PNA, we participate in their annual spring auction. Each class works together to
create a donation package for the auction with an approximate total value determined at the beginning of the academic
year based on enrollment. In return for our donations to the auction, the PNPC gets 50% of the proceeds from all our
donations, plus 2% of the overall proceeds from the auction. Classes begin organizing their items in the late winter and
the auction is in early May. Attendance at the auction is optional.
OPTIONAL FUNDRAISERS
Fall and Spring Kids Sales: The Kids Sales happens twice during the academic year, in both the fall and spring.
Participation by PNPC families is optional. The Kids Sales are held in the Community Hall and include a variety of
kids clothing, toys, gear, and shoes. Current PNPC families get to shop a half an hour before the general
public. Families that choose to sell kids clothing, gear, or toys help to fundraise for the school and take home up to
80% of their proceeds.
Custom Label Wine Sale: A unique, and completely optional wine fundraiser offered by Northwest Cellars (in
Kirkland, WA) gives parents the opportunity to order bottles of wine featuring their child’s artwork or photograph on
the label. Ordering will occur in the fall and wine will be available for pickup along with the wreaths. More info will
follow in the fall. You’ll have an opportunity to sample the wine before making your selection.
PASSIVE FUNDRAISERS
Amazon Smile: AmazonSmile is an easy and automatic way for you to support PNPC every time you shop, at no cost
to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same prices, selection and shopping experience as
Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to our school. Tens of millions
of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for
AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription
renewals are not currently eligible. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding
shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. To enroll, select the “Phinney Neighborhood
Association” as your charitable organization on your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) before you begin
shopping. AmazonSmile will remember your selection. If you’ve enrolled correctly, it will show "Supporting: Phinney
Neighborhood Association" at the top of your AmazonSmile home page. Always begin your Amazon shopping at
smile.amazon.com and the PNA/PNPC will continue to receive the donation. Please email questions to the All-School
Fundraiser.
Fred Meyer Community Rewards: If you shop at Fred Meyer, please consider signing up for the Fred Meyer
Community Rewards program. When you link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to your favorite nonprofit—Phinney
Neighborhood Association (organization #84135)—you are helping PNPC earn a donation from Fred Meyer every time
you use your card at checkout. (If you do not have a Rewards Card, you can sign up for one at the Customer Service
Desk of any Fred Meyer store.) You can link your Rewards Card to the Phinney Neighborhood Association by logging
in to your online account. If you do not have an online account, you can create one at FredMeyer.com. Rewards
Customers continue to receive Rewards Points, Fuel Points and Rebates. Please email questions to the All-School
Fundraiser.
PCC Natural Markets Program: PCC cards are available and pre-loaded in $5 and $20 amounts that can be used like
a gift card when shopping at PCC. The cards are reloadable as you check out at PCC in whatever amount is needed.
PCC donates 5% of your purchase back to PNPC. The PCC cards will be available at the first class meeting and the
New Family Orientation in the Fall, or at any time during the year by emailing your Class Chair, or All-School
Fundraiser.
Ballard Market Receipts: PNPC participates in the Ballard Market Donation Program. Currently, Ballard Market
donates 1% of sales back to PNPC. The percentage may change over time. PNPC members collect Ballard Market
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receipts and turn them in to the blue boxes located in the Red Room and Dragon Room. Contact PNPC Assistant
Treasurer with questions.
Volunteering
Volunteering has been an integral part to making PNPC successful for over 30 years. With the exception of our
teachers, our school is run entirely by volunteers. As such, it is imperative everyone contributes to the smooth
functioning of the preschool. Single co-op families are asked to fulfill 3 ‘credits’ (roughly equivalent to 3-4 hours) of
volunteer time during the course of the academic year. Double and triple co-op families are asked to fulfill 4.5 'credits'
(roughly equivalent to 5-6 hours) during the course of the academic year. You are responsible for these credits no
matter when your child(ren) started the PNPC academic year.
In an effort to make volunteering as easy as possible, we have developed a comprehensive list of all the volunteer
opportunities during the course of the school year. Each family should identify a volunteer event you are interested in
and fits in your schedule. These volunteer spots are available on a first come first served basis, and all families must be
signed up by late September. If you do not signup, a volunteer event will be assigned to you. (Families joining mid year
sign up, or take the event of the family they are replacing once they join their class.)
If you need to change your commitment (due to illness, scheduling conflict, etc.), please contact the All School
Fundraiser in advance of your volunteer event. It is up to you to find a substitute PNPC parent for your obligation and
notify the All School Fundraiser of the change. Families that fail to fulfill their volunteer obligation will be charged $25
for each volunteer hour not completed (to a maximum of $75), plus a “no show” charge of an additional $25 if they are
absent to their event without prior arrangement. These fees will be invoiced through the All School Fundraiser. Please
note all fees will need to be paid within 30 days of invoice.
All unpaid fees must be paid in full before registration can take place for the next year.
Donations
There are various ways families can donate to PNPC:
● Donate to the Kids Sales. Twice a year, donations of gently used children’s clothing, toys, books, games,
maternity clothes, and children’s gear are collected to sell at the Kids Sales. For more information about
donating, email [email protected]
● Donate to the PNA Auction. Another great way to donate is to donate an item or event to the annual PNA
Spring Auction. In the past, PNPC members have donated items such as trips to Mexico, Vashon, and
Whidbey Island; wine tasting; jewelry; and much more! It is through these generous auction donations that
we raise over $5,000 each year for PNPC.
● Donate directly to PNPC. As a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, a tax-exempt non-profit
organization, your gift to PNPC is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowable by U.S. law.
● Utilize your employer’s matching gift program. If you or your spouse’s employer offers a matching
donations program, you can double the impact of your contribution. For questions about donating and
matching donations programs, please contact your class fundraiser or the All-School Fundraiser.
The PNPC Contract The responsibilities of each preschool family are spelled out in detail in the PNPC contract. Each family is asked to
sign this contract at the first class meeting prior to the start of school. By doing so, families acknowledge and accept
their general responsibility to participate as contributing, active members of the preschool, as well as the specific
responsibilities of their respective class(es). A copy of the PNPC contract is included in the back of this handbook. A
family can be asked to leave the preschool for failing to meet the responsibilities in the contract.
Tuition As part of the annual budget process, the Board reviews and sets class tuition in the summer. It may vary from the
Prepaid Tuition amount (i.e., the amount families pay toward first month’s tuition) paid at registration. Any Prepaid
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Tuition Shortfall (i.e., the difference between Prepaid Tuition and the tuition rate for the new school year) is due in
September. Current monthly tuition for each PNPC class can be found on the PNPC website.
Tuition Payment Schedule
Payment Dates What’s Due
At registration (if prior to start of school) Registration fee + first month’s tuition (September; “Prepaid
Tuition”)
First class meeting (if prior to start of school) Last month’s tuition (June) + Prepaid Tuition Shortfall
1st of each month (October through May) Monthly tuition
LATE PAYMENT – After the 5th of each month $5 late fee in addition to monthly tuition
LATE PAYMENT – After the 15th of each month $25 late fee in addition to monthly tuition
Payments by check should be made payable to “PNPC” and given to your Class Treasurer, unless other arrangements
have been made.
If payment of tuition poses a hardship, a payment schedule may be arranged with the All-School Treasurer and/or an
application may be made for scholarship or emergency assistance. A confidential financial statement will be required
for all such applications. Scholarship and Emergency Aid applications can be found in the All-School Treasurer’s box
in both the Dragon Room and Red Room.
Under the preschool’s Operating Procedures, tuition one month in arrears may constitute reason for suspension from
the preschool if no payment schedule has been arranged. All unpaid fees must be paid in full before registration can
take place for the next school year.
Fees Owed When Joining After School Begins
New members are expected to pay the following fees prior to their first day of class:
1. Registration fee (if not already collected by the Registrar). Registration fees are non-refundable.
Before January 1: 100% of the Registration Fee
On or after January 1: 50% of the Registration Fee
2. Current month’s tuition
Before the 15th of the month: 100% of monthly tuition
On or after the 15th of the month: 50% of monthly tuition
3. Last month’s tuition (June)
Financial Assistance
PNPC strives to provide financial assistance in the form of partial tuition waivers where the need exists and when funds
are available. Applicants for financial aid must be currently enrolled and in good standing with PNPC. Some personal
financial information and/or tax records may be requested or required. A committee consisting of the All-School
Treasurer, the All-School Treasurer Elect and/or two Board members will review applications. All information will be
treated as strictly confidential. Applications for scholarship and emergency assistance are available online or in the All-
School Treasurer’s mailbox.
Scholarships PNPC offers a limited amount of scholarship assistance. Scholarships may be awarded for up to 75% of monthly tuition
for the months of November through May. Scholarships are awarded based on availability of funds; financial need
using City of Seattle Child Care Payment Assistance Income Guidelines; and any special circumstances described on
the application. Scholarship applications must be submitted on or before the deadline, typically in early October.
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Emergency Aid In cases of sudden hardship, a maximum 50% tuition waiver may be granted for up to six months under most
circumstances. A 90% waiver may be granted under circumstances of extreme hardship (e.g. prolonged illness not
covered by medical insurance; loss of major income source; a separation/divorce leaving the custodial parent on a very
reduced income, etc.). Applications for emergency aid must be submitted by the 15th of the preceding month.
PNA Membership Because the preschool is a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, preschool families are required to
become members of the PNA before registering for the preschool. This membership entitles you to a monthly PNA
newsletter and an award-winning community newspaper (The Phinney Review), as well as access to the rich and varied
classes and programs available through the PNA. In most cases, PNA members also receive a discount to those classes
and programs.
The PNA annual membership fee is $60 a year. It is non-refundable.
There are many benefits to being a PNA program, including federal non-profit status that makes the PNPC eligible for
foundation, corporate, and government grants. The PNPC receives reduced rent on the Red Room. Can sublet the
Dragon Room with full retention of rental income, and can publish free articles/advertising in the Association
newsletter.
Waiting Lists Waiting lists are maintained for each class by the Registrar according to the eight classifications described in the
Operating Procedures. Priority is assigned to children on the waiting lists by date of contact within the classification of
current students, siblings of current and former students, and residence in our “catchment area”. The PNPC catchment
area differs from the PNA catchment area and is defined by the Lake Washington Ship Canal to the south, N/NW 85th
Street to the north, Wallingford Avenue to the east, and 15th Avenue NW to the west. If a child is currently enrolled in a
class, but will not be enrolled next year, their younger sibling still receives sibling priority rather than alumni priority.
Openings during the year will be filled from the waiting lists. Families who are offered a spot may decline once before
having their child’s name moved to the bottom of the appropriate waiting list classification. Families declining a spot
will not be offered a spot again for at least six months.
Opening during the school year will be filled based on the following waitlist priority:
1. Families returning from a Leave of Absence
2. Siblings of students currently enrolled in the preschool
3. Siblings of alumni* students
4. New enrollees who live inside the catchment area
5. New enrollees who live outside the catchment area
* An alumni student is one who has had continuous enrollment in the PNPC program (regardless of start date) and
graduated from the Pre-K class.
In the spring, the following policy is used for filling the next year’s classes:
1. Current students promoting into the next class
2. Students repeating a class
3. Students transferring from the MA class into an age appropriate class (students not continuing in the MA
class receive priority enrollment until 6/30) 4.
5. Students of families returning from a Leave of Absence
6. Siblings of students currently enrolled in the preschool; If a child is currently enrolled in a class, but will not
be enrolled next year, their younger sibling still receives sibling priority rather than alumni priority
7. Siblings of alumni* students
8. New enrollees who live inside the catchment area
9. New enrollees who live outside the catchment area
* An alumni student is one who has had continuous enrollment in the PNPC program (regardless of start date) and graduated from the Pre-K class.
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Please contact the Registrar if you or someone you know is concerned about waiting list status. If you know families
who may be interested in joining the preschool in the future, encourage them to contact the Registrar, and add their
name to the waiting list. The Registrar can be reached at [email protected].
Age Ranges Placement in a given preschool class will be determined by a child’s age as of August 31. For placement in the
Parent/Infant class, a child must be born before August 31 of the year he or she is enrolling in the class. For placement
in the Multi-Age class, a child must be 2 years old by August 31 of the year he or she is enrolling in the class and up to
the age of Pre-K. For placement in the Toddlers class, a child must be one; for placement in the Twos class, a child
must be two; for placement in the Threes class, a child must be three; and for placement in the Pre-K class, a child must
be four by August 31 of the year he or she is enrolling in the class.
These age ranges were designed to insure that children would be eligible for kindergarten after they have completed the
Pre-K class. While there are procedures that may allow children to be admitted to kindergarten if their birthdays fall
after the cut-off date, August 31 is the established cut-off used by the Seattle Public School District and most area
independent schools.
Criminal Background Checks When enrolling in the PNPC, both parents must submit the PNA National Background check. Both parents, if they
reside in Washington State, must complete this form, even if only one will be volunteering in the classroom. If another
adult will work in the classroom in lieu of the parent (i.e. nanny, grandparent, or another relative) for more than one
day, then they must fill out the form as well and pay the processing fee by check made payable to the PNA. All
employees of the PNA, including our teachers and parent educators complete the PNA National background check.
For families that are currently enrolled and returning for the new school year, each parent will fill out the WA WATCH
background check. Other caregivers that have already submitted a PNA National background check the previous school
year and will again be working in the classroom more than one day will also need to fill out the WA WATCH
background check. If a parent, or another caregiving adult that will work more than one day in class, has moved outside
of Western Washington, then a PNA National background check will be required in lieu of the WA WATCH. These
background checks will be done by the Chair Elect. Visiting family members who will be in the classroom in addition
to the working parent will not be required to have a background check. However, if a visiting family member attends
class regularly with the working parent, then a background check may be required upon the discretion of the Teacher.
In the case that an individual who will work in the classroom does not have a Social Security number, and is a WA
resident, then a WA WATCH check will be conducted in lieu of the PNA National Background check. In addition, the
individual will need to provide a copy of their driving record for review by the All-School Chair. Driving records can
be obtained from the Department of Licensing; all fees will be the responsibility of the applicant. Individuals who are
from an international location and do not have local/US residency, a background check should be provided by their
local international authority.
If any adult who has submitted for either a PNA National background check or WA WATCH background check
appears to have a criminal record, he or she will be notified immediately and asked to stay out of the classroom until
the matter is addressed. A confidential subcommittee will review criminal records on a case-by-case basis. The
subcommittee’s recommendation will be presented to the Board for approval. If that person believes a mistake has been
made regarding their criminal background, a fingerprint match can be requested.
Adults working in the classroom understand that their position is conditional upon the PNA or PNPC receiving no
inappropriate information on their background check.
If No Criminal History is Found If the PNA background check indicates no criminal history, the background check consent form is destroyed, and a
copy of the completed clear background check is made and stored with the PNA volunteer files. The PNA will provide
the parent or caregiver a copy of the results of their background check if requested. The completed WA WATCH
background check forms will be retained by the All School Chair for the duration of the school year and then
destroyed.
If Results Indicate Criminal History If the PNA background check or WA WATCH background check returns information on a parent or caregiver that
indicates criminal history, the PNPC All School Chair will be notified and will first work to verify that the results
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match the parent or caregiver. If the match is likely, the PNPC has a number of options, and it will be necessary for All
School Chair and subcommittee to inquire further about the nature of the criminal history. The decision will include
consideration of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:
Considerations:
Prior Disclosure It is important that any criminal history be indicated upfront when completing the disclosure piece of the PNA
background check form or WA WATCH background check form. Failure to disclose criminal history up front may be
considered negligent or an intentional effort to conceal information.
Type of offense The type of criminal offense matters with regard to the level of risk the person poses to the children at school. Some
offenses automatically disqualify the parent or caregiver from working in the classroom at the PNPC (see below), while
other offenses may allow for limited and/or supervised involvement at the PNPC.
Context of Offense Sometimes specific information about the criminal history, such as timing, cause and effect, multiple offenses, progress
since the crime, etc. may affect the decision process.
Options for Volunteers with Criminal History
Option A - Full Access If upon review it is determined the parent or caregiver with criminal history poses no greater threat to our students than
other parents, full access to working in the classroom may be given. Normal levels of supervision will be provided.
Option B - Limited Access If the risk level of a parent or caregiver with criminal history is low, but still questionable, the PNPC may find a limited
role for the individual. Involvement may be on a short-term or trial basis, with an appropriate and defined role, and
should be limited to only those roles with significant levels of supervision.
Option C - Denial of Access Some types of offenses will automatically disqualify a parent or caregiver from working in the classroom and/or being
involved at the school (see below list of bolded offenses). In addition, other offenses may disqualify a person
depending upon the judgment of the All School Chair, subcommittee, PNA Director, and PNA HR consultant, the
information PNPC is able to gather from the parent or caregiver in question, and the PNA background check.
The PNA background check, checks for the following offenses:
Crime against children or other persons:
Aggravated murder
First or second degree murder
First or second degree kidnapping
First, second, or third degree assault
First, second, or third degree assault of a child
First, second, or third degree rape
First, second, or third degree rape of a child
First or second degree robbery
First degree arson
First degree burglary
First or second degree manslaughter
First, second or third degree extortion
Indecent liberties
Incest
Vehicular homicide
First degree promoting prostitution
Communication with a minor
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Unlawful imprisonment
Simple assault
Sexual exploitation of minors
First or second degree criminal mistreatment
Endangerment with a controlled substance
Child abuse or neglect as defined in RCW 26.44.020
First or second degree custodial interference
First or second degree custodial sexual misconduct
Malicious harassment
First, second or third degree child molestation
First or second degree sexual misconduct with a minor
Patronizing a juvenile prostitute
Child abandonment; promoting pornography
Selling or distributing erotic material to a minor
Custodial assault
Violation of child abuse restraining order
Child buying or selling; prostitution
Felony indecent exposure
Criminal abandonment
Manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance
First, second, or third degree theft
Forgery
Or any of these crimes as they may be renamed in the future
Based on practice, not policy, bolded offenses suggest automatic disqualification of a parent or caregiver from working
in the classroom.
Qualifications Currently, the PNPC does not have a policy that specifically establishes the types of criminal history that will
automatically disqualify a person from working in the classroom. The offenses bolded above are based on the judgment
of the PNPC, in consultation with other qualified PNA staff and other youth serving agencies that use volunteers.
Those crimes that are not bolded include types of offenses that may or may not disqualify a person from working in the
classroom. In addition, there may be circumstances involved with bolded crimes that would allow exceptions to be
made for classroom involvement.
These suggestions have been established as a guide.
The PNPC recognizes the overall priority of providing a safe environment for all of our students and families, and
seeks to involve those adults who can contribute positively to our school.
Field Trip Policies All of the preschool’s classes go on field trips throughout the year. Parents are given advance notice of these trips, and
every effort is made to insure the safety of children during them. Nametags with emergency contact information
should be filled out by parents at the beginning of the school year and worn by children on field trips, even when their
parents are with them.
Parents in the Multi-Age, Twos, Threes, and Pre-K classes will sometimes be expected to drive other children on field
trips. For that reason, each parent in these classes is required to provide a copy of his or her driver’s license as well as
proof of car insurance at the beginning of the school year. This applies to any caregiver participating in daily class
functions.
If you are driving children on a preschool field trip, you MUST have a car seat or booster seat for each child. In
addition, no child can ride in the front seat of your car, even if you do not have an airbag in the front passenger seat
(exceptions can be made for your child only). Each parent is responsible for making sure his or her child’s car or
booster seat is securely fastened in the car the child is riding in and that the driver is familiar with the seat’s use.
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Weather-related Closure Policy The PNPC will be closed when Seattle Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. When Seattle Public
Schools open late, however, the decision as to whether the preschool will run according to its regular schedule will be
made by the Teacher, the Class Chair, and the All-School Chair. Families will be informed of the decision via email.
Unless four or more days have been canceled due to inclement weather, they will not be made up.
Siblings Infants under six months are welcome in the classroom as long as their presence is not disruptive. Siblings over six
months should not be brought to class except when prior arrangements have been made with the class Teacher. Onsite
care is available for siblings of preschool members; see “Playgroup/Childcare” for more information.
Playgroup/Childcare Playgroup is a drop-off childcare service run by our dedicated sitters, whom are current PNPC parents. Its purpose is to
provide preschool parents/caregivers the opportunity to attend classes with siblings, tend to preschool business, run
errands or have personal time. Playgroup provides a safe, reliable and affordable option for siblings while you are
working in the co-op classroom. This is a service that is unique to our preschool and its success depends on parents
utilizing the playgroup.
Children who are one year old or older are eligible to participate. Playgroup generally lasts for a 3-hour block of time,
although some sessions run a bit longer (see the Playgroup schedule for details). The playgroup schedule, including the
name and phone numbers of sitters, is regularly sent to the preschool members via e-mail and is posted on the PNPC
website. Playgroup is held in Room #3 in the Phinney Neighborhood Association’s Blue Building.
Sitters can schedule up to 8 children, including their own. Two sitters working together may schedule up to 15 children.
No more than two children can be under 15 months in a single playgroup session. Sitters may schedule fewer children
depending on the ages of the children in attendance and the sitter’s comfort level.
A flat fee is charged for per session, regardless if the full number of hours is used or not. Parents that are more than 5
minutes late picking up their child(ren) may be charged for an additional ½ hour at the discretion of the sitter. Parents
are responsible for bringing diapers, a change of clothes, a drink, a snack and any comforting item from home the child
may need. All parents using Playgroup are responsible for filling out an emergency information form, paying a one-
time $20 annual registration fee to cover the purchase of supplies, and donating one package of wipes, a box of tissues
and a box of snacks (crackers, etc.).
Reservations are required for “regular” and “drop-in” service. “Regulars”, or those using playgroup at a particular time
every week, must register with the sitter to reserve a space on an ongoing basis. If a “regular” is going to be absent,
they must inform the sitter at least 24 hours in advance or pay for the reserved space. “Drop-ins” must call or email
the sitter in advance to inquire about availability and reserve a spot. Space priority is given first to parents who are
working or subbing in the preschool room.
Leading a playgroup is a great way to earn money and meet other preschool families. If you are interested in being a
playgroup sitter or a substitute, contact the All-School Playgroup Coordinator (see roster in this handbook).
Promptness Parents are expected to make arrangements for their child to arrive at school on time for the beginning of class. They
are also expected to arrange for their child to be picked up from school immediately following the conclusion of class.
Even a five-minute delay on either end can be disruptive to the class and difficult for the Teacher.
If a child is going to be late for school, the parent should notify the Teacher and class via the class Google group. In the
event of an unavoidable delay in arriving to pick a child up from school, the parent should call the classroom and make
arrangements with a parent working in the classroom to bring the child home or stay with him or her until the parent
arrives.
Ongoing issues with class attendance and promptness at both drop-off and pick-up may require review by the Board
and can impact a child’s enrollment for the following year.
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Classrooms The Preschool currently holds classes in two rooms. The Red Room is located in the PNA’s Blue building and holds
the Parent/Infant, Multi-age, Toddlers, and Two’s classes. The other classroom is the Dragon Room, which holds the
Three’s class and the Pre-K class. The Dragon Room is located in the PNA’s Brick building.
Renting the Dragon Room The Dragon Room is perfect for birthday, Halloween, or other types of parties. Seating is available for up to 24
children, and the tables adjust to accommodate kids as well as adults. Tiled floors are great for eating and doing art
projects, while others enjoy the large carpeted floor space for games, dancing, and playtime. We also have an indoor
slide—fun for all ages! Lots of convenient parking is available for your guests, and the room is handicapped accessible
from the Dayton Street entrance. This is a great way to have fun while raising funds for PNPC! For more information,
contact the Rental Fundraising Coordinator (see roster in this handbook).
Communication The All-School Registrar has created a Google group for each of the classes to make communication between PNPC
members easier. These email groups are used to send information about preschool events or major issues during the
school year. If you are using these groups for non-preschool business, please note this in the subject line.
Each child in the preschool will be assigned a cubicle (or “cubby”) in his/her classroom. Be sure to clean that cubby
out each week. A roster of Board members and those people holding all-school jobs is available on the PNPC website,
and in this handbook. Other sources of information about what is happening in the preschool are monthly parent
meetings, PNPC’s website (www.phinneycenter.org/pnpc), and class bulletin boards in both classrooms.
Telephones Telephones are located in each classroom and the playgroup room. Except in an emergency, they are to be used for
preschool business only. If you answer the telephone and someone requests information about the preschool, refer that
person to the Registrar at [email protected]. Please leave your cell phone turned off during class time to avoid
disrupting the class. Talking on your cell phone during class is only appropriate in the case of an emergency!
Leave of Absence The preschool Board may grant a leave of absence for up to three months. The child’s name will be placed at the top of
the waiting list and he/she will be given priority to re-enroll when a vacancy occurs. The vacancy created by your leave
of absence will be filled from the waiting list.
A request for a leave of absence must be submitted in writing to the preschool Board. Class Chairs and Parent
Coordinators can assist with the request process.
Withdrawing from the Preschool Withdrawal notice must be provided in writing (email is acceptable) one month prior to withdrawal date and be given
to both the All-School Registrar, Class Chair, and the Class Parent Coordinator. The Registration Fee and cost of PNA
Membership are not refundable.
Withdrawal Date What is Refundable
On or before June 30th of previous school year Prepaid tuition refunded if spot is filled prior to the start of
school
After June 30th Prepaid tuition is non-refundable
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After commencement of classes “Last month’s” (June) tuition refunded if written notice is
given 30 days prior to withdrawal
Advance tuition (excl. first and last month’s tuition) Fully refundable
During a regular school month No partial-month refunds will be given.
Moving outside Seattle within 90 days
Doctor recommendation
Preschool Teacher recommendation
First and last month’s tuition
After commencement of fall enrollment First month’s tuition * priority enrollment status is forfeited
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Medical Requirements Families must show proof of a child’s immunizations for his or her preschool file, as required by Washington State law,
prior to the first day of school. Those with religious or personal objections will be excused, but failure by others to do
so will be reason for dismissal from the preschool.
Families must also turn in an emergency information form and a medical release prior to the first day of school. A child
will not be allowed to stay at preschool without a parent or guardian until those forms have been submitted.
Upon first joining the preschool, adults who will be working in the classroom are required to complete the TB
screening form or provide proof of a negative PPD (valid for 2 years).
PNPC’s TB Policy All adults working in the classroom one or more times a year must complete the TB screening form yearly OR provide
proof of a negative PPD (valid for 2 years). If a person completes the form and answers "yes" to any of the questions
they must provide proof of a negative PPD (valid for 2 years) OR take the form to be completed by their health care
provider. Class Secretaries will initially review forms and will contact the Health and Safety Coordinator with any
concerns or for referrals.
When Your Child is Sick
When to Keep Your Child at Home Please keep your child home from preschool if he or she has any of the following illnesses or symptoms:
● Fever. Your child has a temperature of 100°F or higher. Your child must be fever-free for 24 hours (without
medicine) before returning to school.
● Sore Throat. Your child has a sore throat, especially with fever or swollen glands in the neck. A minor sore
throat is usually not a problem, but a severe sore throat could be strep throat even if there is no fever. Other
symptoms of strep throat in children are headache and stomach upset. Keep your child home from school and
contact a doctor. Your child needs a special test to determine if it is strep throat. If strep throat is diagnosed, your
child can return to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.
● Severe Cough. Children with bad coughs need to stay home and possibly see a doctor. It could be a severe cold
or possibly bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia. When the cough improves and the child is feeling better, he or she can
return to school.
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● Eye Infection. There is thick mucus or pus draining from the eye or pink coloring on the white of the eye. With
pink eye (conjunctivitis) you may see a white or yellow discharge, matted eyelids after sleep, and redness. Your
child may complain of eye pain and/or feeling scratchy. A medical evaluation is needed. If contagious, your child
must be treated with prescriptive medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
● Rash. A child with a body rash, especially with a fever or itching, should stay home. If the cause of the rash is
unknown and/or the rash makes the child uncomfortable, a medical evaluation is warranted. Heat rashes and
allergic reactions are not contagious.
● Vomiting. Your child has vomited during the night, in the morning before school, or two or more times within
the past 24 hours.
● Diarrhea. Your child has had diarrhea during the night, in the morning before school, or three or more times in a
24-hour period. A child with any bloody stool, especially if the child acts or looks ill, must stay home.
● Lice, Scabies, or Ringworm. These are very contagious. Children may not return to school until they have been
treated (and are nit free in the case of lice). Please refer to PNPC’s Head Lice Policy below.
● Chicken Pox. Children with chicken pox must stay at home for five days after the onset of blisters, or until all pox
scab over and dry.
● Just Not Feeling So Well. If your child is unusually tired or pale, lacks appetite, is difficult to wake, or is
confused or irritable, this is sufficient reason to keep your child at home.
Bringing a child to school with any of the above symptoms puts other children, parents, and teachers at risk of
getting sick.
“WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT”
When to Bring Your Child to School If your child has any of the following symptoms, it is probably fine for him or her to go to school:
● Sniffles, a runny nose, and/or a mild cough without a fever.
● Ear infection without a fever.
If you have any questions about these guidelines or you are not sure whether you should bring your child to school,
please contact the All-School Health and Safety Coordinator (see roster in this handbook). Please notify the Teacher when you will not be in class. If it is your workday, it is your responsibility to find a
substitute.
If a child becomes ill at school, he or she will be removed from the classroom immediately and a parent will be called.
In the event that a parent or other emergency contact cannot be reached and medical attention is necessary, the child
will be taken to the doctor listed on his or her registration form. Any expenses incurred will be the responsibility of the
child’s family.
Contagious Diseases If a child contracts a potentially contagious disease such as chicken pox, Hand-Foot-and Mouth or Norovirus, his or her
parent should immediately notify the Class Chair. The Class Chair will contact the All-School Health and Safety
Coordinator to determine how the King County Health Department handles the disease and whether/how class parents
should be notified.
Parents should also notify the Class Chair immediately of any outbreak or suspected outbreak of lice. The child’s class
and families of children in other classes sharing the space will be notified and instructed in proper prevention and
detection methods.
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Health Patrol 1. You are responsible for helping to clean and sanitize the room or rooms (determined at the discretion of the All
School Health and Safety Coordinator) should an outbreak of lice or infectious disease occur in either the Red
Room or Dragon Room during your assigned month. If you are unable to attend, you are responsible for finding a
replacement.
2. Follow the Lice and Infectious Disease Cleaning Protocol. Return room keys to Dragon Room rental coordinator.
Head Lice
Head lice infestation is a common public health nuisance in the United States among children between the ages of 3-12
years. It is not considered a disease and for the most part does not cause illness.
Head lice appear as an infestation on the head, eyebrows, or eyelids. Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation
include: 1. Itching
2. A tickling feeling of something moving in the hair
3. Detection of live lice and/or nits
4. Sores or scratch marks on the head caused by scratching
Parent Responsibility If lice is detected during class: If a child is found to have a head lice infestation while in class:
1. Teacher to notify parent/guardian of the suspected case and ask them to pick up child.
2. Move all children out of room and either call parents to pick up or move to outside play. Bike helmets are not to
be worn.
3. Place a sign closing the room until room thoroughly cleaned per PNPC Lice Cleaning Protocol.
4. Teacher to notify All School Health and Safety Coordinator, Head Teacher and Class Chair.
If lice is detected when not in class: If a head lice infestation is found outside of school with possible exposure to Red Room, Dragon Room or PNA Room
#3 (playgroup room):
1. Notify All School Health and Safety Coordinator, Head Teacher, Class Chair and Teacher, and/or Playgroup
Coordinator.
All School Health and Safety Coordinator Responsibility 1. Notify Class Chairs, Head Teacher and Teachers of the classes where the infestation occurred (Red Room or
Dragon Room). Inform them of which child was exposed.
2. Notify the All School Chair and let them know which child was exposed.
3. Coordinate cleaning time of room with the Class Chairs of Multi-Age, P/I, Toddler and 2’s for Red Room and 3’s
and Pre-K for Dragon Room).
4. Arrange for pick-up of room keys with All School Chair.
5. Notify infected child's parent/guardian and provide list of care options.
6. Notify Playgroup Coordinator (if in playgroup) and Date Night Coordinator (if in Dragon Room) of lice outbreak.
7. Send lice outbreak notification email to all classes.
Class Chair Responsibility 1. Contact the teacher if the infestation was detected outside of class.
2. Notify families assigned for room cleaning (per class Health Patrol documents) of cleaning time.
NOTE: Some families may wish to keep their child’s identity confidential. Please minimize the number of individuals
who are aware to those specifically stated above.
Post Exposure 1. The All School Health and Safety Coordinator, Class Chairs and the teachers will determine when the in-school
head checks can stop. The nits hatch in 7-10 days. In-school checks will most likely continue for 2 weeks.
2. Parents are encouraged to continue home checks during this time as well.
3. The Health Patrol must acquire the bagged items and restore them to their locations within the classroom (timing
outlined in Lice Cleaning Protocol document).
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DRAGON ROOM OUTBREAK
TELEPHONE CALL
To: Class Chair, Playgroup Coordinator
From: Family
Re: My child has lice
E-mail to: Playgroup Coordinator, All Dragon Room Teachers and Class Chairs, Head Teacher, AS Chair, H&S
Coordinator
From: Class Chair
Re: This child has lice
TELEPHONE CALLS
To: Health Patrol, H&S Coordinator, Head Teacher, Playgroup Coordinator
From: Class Chair
Re: Must clean Dragon Room
RED ROOM OUTBREAK
TELEPHONE CALLS
To: Class Chair, Playgroup Coordinator
From: Family
Re: My child has lice
E-mail to: Playgroup Coordinator, all Red Room Teachers and Class Chairs, Head Teacher, AS Chair, H&S
Coordinator
From: Class Chair
Re: This child has lice
TELEPHONE CALLS
To: Playgroup Coordinator, H&S Coordinator, Health Patrol
From: Class Chair
Re: Must clean Red Room
Allergies and Other Ongoing Medical Issues A child’s Teacher, the Class Chair, and the Class Parent Coordinator should be informed about a child’s allergies or
any other longstanding medical conditions. Those people should also be informed about any medication the child is
taking or may require.
All child allergies/medical conditions must be posted on the inside cupboard where snack plates are kept in the Dragon
Room, and on the inside of the cupboard where placemats and cups are kept in the Red Room so all parents can view
when preparing snack.
Medications, such as inhalers and epi-pens, need to be available when a child's parent is not in class. All medications
should be unexpired and in original/labeled containers with signed paperwork from the doctor stating when the
medication is indicated. Medications will be kept in the child's cubby or in the first aid kit. Medical devices (such as
insulin pumps) will require orders from the child's doctor if the child is to be left without a parent for any amount of
time. Parents must notify the class teacher of their child’s medical needs prior to their child’s first day in class.
Snack Guidelines Parents are encouraged to bring fruits, vegetables, cheese, and other healthy food to class when it is their turn to
provide snack. Parents should decide on any special snack rules at the first class parent meeting of the school year. For
example, the group may decide whether to allow cupcakes for birthdays or whether to ban any food groups (wheat,
dairy, etc.) due to sensitivities among the children. The PNPC Board will review yearly whether there is a need to
establish the “no nuts” policy school-wide. If you have any questions about the policy or other snack guidelines, please
contact your Class Chair.
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General Hygiene: Hand Washing and Gloves Hand washing is the very best way to minimize the spread of germs, and it is part of the routine in every PNPC class.
Children and adults should wash hands at the beginning of school, after coming in from outside, and before eating
snack.
Disposable rubber gloves are available in each classroom for parents. We strongly encourage you to use them when
you are changing the diaper of someone else’s child. Dirty diapers should be wrapped in a plastic bag and taken home
by the parents. Do not leave dirty diapers in the classroom!
High traffic areas in pre-school classrooms will be cleaned with a fresh bleach solution every day (1/4 tsp bleach per
32oz H2O). These high traffic areas include: Tables, counter tops, door knobs, faucet handles, sign-in pen, and
changing pad/area. The time this cleaning occurs will vary depending on the class/room:
Red room classes (P/I, Multi-age, Toddlers, 2's)- Before class by teachers (to include changing pad/area)
Dragon Room 3's- Before class by teacher and after snack by parents
Dragon Room Pre-K- After snack by parent
Playgroup rooms- Daily. After playgroup (to include changing area). Potty seats to remain out of classroom.
Diaper Genie or similar to be used for all diapers and to be taken out by sitter daily.
Simple Green will be used for all other routine cleaning during class. The PNA will include bleach solution in their
cleaning of classroom bathrooms (including small potty chair) every day Monday thru Friday.
Weekend Classroom Cleaning Both of our classrooms are cleaned and sanitized each weekend by a paid classroom cleaner. Our cleaners are
current co-op parents/caregivers who are trained to clean our classrooms following our PNPC classroom cleaning
guidelines and using cleaning supplies provided by the co-op. To sign up to become a cleaner please contact the
All-School Secretary (see roster in this handbook).
Diapers and Extra Clothing Families are encouraged to bring an ample supply of diapers and wipes for those children who need them, as well as
bags for disposing of them and a change of clothing. They should be clearly labeled and can be stored in the child’s
cubby or brought to and from school every day.
A diaper changing area is located outside the bathrooms in the Red Room. If a parent is not available to change a
child’s diaper, another adult should do so. Disposable rubber gloves are available. Soiled diapers should be wrapped
in a plastic bag and taken home. Do not leave dirty diapers in the classroom!
Earthquake Preparedness Particularly given their age, both of the PNA’s buildings are remarkably well prepared to withstand an earthquake. The
materials and methods used in the construction of the Blue Building (where the Red Room is located) are among the
safest in the event of an earthquake. The Brick Building, where the Dragon Room is located, was actually closed
several years ago so it could be retrofitted for earthquakes. Large fixtures and furniture in both preschool rooms are
bolted to the walls. All that said, a major earthquake could come at any time and it is important to be prepared for the
potential damage and disruption it could cause.
Each year, the All-School Health and Safety Coordinator works with Class Chairs to coordinate emergency
preparedness efforts in each class. While the possibility of an earthquake may seem remote (preschool was in session
when an earthquake hit Seattle in 2001), these preparedness efforts are critically important and everyone is expected to
take them seriously and participate. In addition, each class has access to some basic emergency supplies, including
water and first aid equipment.
General guidelines to follow in the event of an earthquake include:
● Stay inside if you are inside, outside if you are outside.
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● “Drop, cover, and hold”—get under a table or desk—and stay away from glass windows or mirrors if you are
inside.
● Move away from buildings, overhead wires, and utility poles if you are outside.
● Remember the emergency broadcast station is AM 710.
● Expect aftershocks.
Keep in mind that children have even less understanding of what is happening than we do. Chances are they are going
to be scared, and they will be looking to you for comfort.
Comfort Kits In addition to participating in your class’s emergency preparedness efforts, the most important thing you can do to
prepare for an earthquake or other natural disaster is to assemble a comfort kit for your child at the beginning of the
school year. These kits are typically prepared only by parents of children in the Twos, Threes, and Pre-K classes, and
are designed to provide children with some physical comfort and emotional support if the unexpected happens while
they are at school. They are stored at school in an easily accessible place.
Comfort kits should include such things as:
● Diapers and wipes or an extra pair of underwear
● A change of clothes
● A small blanket or emergency blanket
● A favorite book or small toy
● Warm socks and a hat
● A comforting letter from parents
● A family photograph
● A small flashlight and batteries
● Nutritious snacks that can last all year
● Any medication that your child may need (in the original bottle with directions)
● Emergency information
● Anything else that might help your child
Fire Safety Fire drills are held regularly in both the Red Room and the Dragon Room. Emergency escape routes and procedures
are posted in each preschool room. In the event of a fire, all parents working that day would be responsible for helping
the Teacher lead all the children calmly out of whatever building they are in, escort them to a safe area, and accompany
them for as long as it takes to ensure their safety and to contact all parents.
Bed Bug Mitigation Policy The PNPC has drafted protocols to follow in the event that bed bugs are found on campus or at the home of a PNPC
family. Personal belongings should be kept to a minimum, and we encourage families to run backpacks and soft lunch boxes in
the dryer for at least 20 minutes on a regular basis. We do not recommend bringing blankets or stuffed animals to
class.
Protocol for when bed bugs are found in the classroom Upon the discovery of bed bugs in the classroom the teacher will report finding them to the All-School Health and
Safety Coordinator and the All School Chair. The All School Health and Safety Coordinator will arrange for a dog
inspection of the room to verify presence and location. Additionally, the All-School Health and Safety Coordinator
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will notify all co-op members and work with the PNA to arrange a professional pest cleaning/removal service to clear
the room. During this time, we ask for all families who use the affected rooms to seal all personal items in a zip lock bag or leave
at home or in your car. A subsequent dog inspection will be used to verify that no bed bugs are present. Once the
threat of bed bugs has been reduced, the All School Health and Safety Coordinator will notify all co-op members and
the use of sealed zip locks will be discontinued.
Protocol for when a co-op family reports a bed bug infestation in their home Once a family reports a bed bug infestation in their home to the All-School Health and Safety Coordinator, he/she will
notify the other members of the co-op of the increased bed bug activity in our community. Self-reporting is voluntary
and the family’s name will not be shared, however we strongly encourage notifying the preschool in order to help us
take steps to prevent our classrooms from being affected. The family will be provided with educational materials on
bed bug removal and the child will not be excluded from school. Families living in a home with a bed bug infestation will be asked to run clothes through the dryer on high for at least
20 minutes directly prior to coming to school, and to bring lunches and/or backpacks in a sealed zip lock bag. Comfort
items (like blankets or stuffed animals) should not be brought to school. Additionally, parents are asked not to bring
their diaper bags, backpacks or purses (unless sealed in a zip lock bag) into the classroom. The All-School Health and
Safety Coordinator will arrange for a dog inspection of the child’s classroom.
Emergency Procedures
Lockdown A lockdown is the process of protecting students and staff from external and internal dangers. A Lockdown is used
when there is an immediate threat of violence in, or immediately around, the school.
The Lockdown signal should be sounded to alert all staff and students to implement Lockdown procedures.
"Lockdown, lockdown. This is not a drill."
Direct all students, parents and visitors to the nearest room. Secure exterior doors if safe. Lock classroom
door, close windows and provide maximum concealment (close blinds/drapes, cover windows to obscure
visibility).
Call 911 and then PNA 206-783-2244.
Provide maximum cover by positioning students/staff/parents against the wall that provides the most
protection, keep everyone seated as low as possible and remain quiet.
A lockdown continues until Police or a PNA representative unlocks the door and gives the “All Clear”
signal.
Students/staff and visitors who are outside the building must implement the safest approach for their particular
circumstances. This may include Reverse Evacuation, Relocation or searching for cover and concealment.
Shelter-In-Place
Shelter-In-Place is the process of keeping students and staff safe from dangers within the community. Shelter-In-Place
in events such as a hazardous material incident, radiation incident, snowstorm, vague threats, or violence in the
community that is not directed at the school. Continue class as usual.
Alert and implement the Shelter-in-Place process with this signal: "Shelter-In- Place. This is not a drill."
If students are outside line them up and bring them in.
If appropriate, call 911 and notify PNA at 206-783-2244.
Lock exterior doors when possible. One door should be designated as the ingress/egress door. This door
should be monitored at all times (i.e. Lower parking lot doors/ Red room playground door).
Signs should be put on all doors notifying outsiders of which door is left open for entrance into the school.
Shelter-in-Place continues until the threat is no longer an issue and the PNPC teacher gives the "All Clear."
Students may remain in existing classroom for extended class periods. In order to decrease anxiety, attempt to keep to a
normal schedule as much as possible. When possible, students may be released from the classroom to go to the bathroom. Additional hallway supervision will be necessary.
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PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
What It Means to be Part of a Co-op The word cooperative, of course, comes from the word co-operate, “to work together toward a common end or
purpose.” In our case, the common purpose is the health and welfare of our children and our families. We’re working
together to create the best possible experience for our children and ourselves.
By choosing to join a cooperative preschool, you’ve chosen to take responsibility for helping to shape your child’s
classroom environment and the experience he or she has in these first years of school. You’ve chosen to join a
community of people who want to share their talents and learn from each other.
How You May Feel If You’re New If you are new in the preschool, welcome! We’re glad you’re with us.
If you are new and you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, please know that’s normal. It is also normal to feel a little
isolated and more than a little intimidated. You may not know where things are, who everybody is, or what you are
supposed to be doing. That’s normal, too! There’s a lot to learn, and you can’t learn it all at once.
For what it’s worth, we were all new once. Here are some strategies that worked for us:
● Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Reaching out is an excellent way to lose that feeling of isolation.
● Do activities you enjoy. It you feel uncomfortable in a particular area, feel free to switch assignments with
someone. Bring ideas and activities of your own (after conferring with the Teacher, of course).
● Remember that the Teacher and the Parent Educator are resource people. If you don’t know how to handle a
situation or what you’re supposed to be doing in a given area, ASK! There are no judgments here—we are all
working together to create the best possible learning environment for our children and parents.
● Get involved! Volunteer in class or on committees. Pick something that interests you and jump in!
Getting Your Child Off to a Good Start Whether or not this year is your child’s first one in preschool, he or she may jump right in from the start or take a
couple of weeks to get comfortable. Each year may be different for the same child, and parental expectations often turn
out to be wrong! However, there are some general things you can do to help get your child off to a good start. They
include:
● Casually telling your child what school will be like and perhaps visiting the classroom before school begins.
● Arranging opportunities in the summer and throughout the year for your child to play with children in his or her
class. Come to the park play dates and meet others in the preschool. (The schedule is posted on the PNPC
website.)
● Getting to know other parents in your class and working with them to support your child.
● Ensuring your child that you will stay until he or she feels comfortable with the class.
● Avoiding building expectations too high, for your child or yourself.
● Expecting your child to be exhausted during the first weeks of school and creating a schedule that can
accommodate that feeling.
Working in the Classroom Every parent in the preschool is a Teacher’s assistant. Some of the techniques and approaches that may help you be as
effective as possible in that role include:
● Talking to children with positives rather than negatives (as in, “Use two hands” rather than “Don’t fall”).
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● Giving children choices only when they really can choose.
● Using your voice and your body as teaching tools. Speaking directly to children at their level with a low,
confident voice is much more effective than talking down to them with a loud or shrill voice.
● Avoiding competitive remarks.
● Always watching the children and being responsive to them rather than talking with other adults.
● Noticing and noting positive behavior and successes.
● Redirecting dangerous activity.
● Engineering the environment so children can be safe and can succeed in whatever they’re doing.
● No tickling or roughhousing in the classroom
Area Guidelines Although each class has a different schedule and a slightly different arrangement of areas to insure age-appropriate
activities, each class offers some basic “work areas” or “stations.” They include the sensory table, home center, table
toys area, block area, art area, and library. When you’re working in one of these areas, it may help to know a little
about why they exist and what you should be thinking about when you’re working there. These guidelines are also
posted in each classroom near the relevant area. If you have any questions about them, don’t hesitate to ask the
Teacher.
Sensory Table
What are we doing here?
● Fulfilling a child’s need for tactile experiences.
● Reinforcing such concepts as full/empty and liquid/solid.
● Creating an outlet for both dramatic and imaginary play.
● Simply offering relaxation.
What should adults working here be doing/thinking about?
● Encouraging activities like filling and pouring.
● Using language to describe what children are doing and the sensory experiences they’re having.
● Encouraging cooperative play.
● Protecting the emotional and physical space of children who want solitary play.
● Keeping materials in the sensory table rather than around the room.
● Keeping the floor relatively clean.
Home Center/Family Center
What are we doing here?
● Providing resources for dramatic, social, and imaginary play.
● Demonstrating life experiences and situations.
● “Trying on” different roles and feelings.
What should adults working here be doing/thinking about?
● Helping children think about what different people wear, do, think, and feel.
● Encouraging cooperative play.
● Creating a safe environment for kids to try out all sorts of different roles and personas.
● Discouraging sex stereotypes.
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● Encouraging children to “try on” different roles, feelings, and situations.
● Using language to describe what you see children doing.
● Joining in the play: put on a hat or high heels and be part of the fun!
Table Toys
What are we doing here?
● Offering opportunities for the development of fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, spatial relations, and
manual dexterity.
● Offering opportunities for the development of problem-solving skills and early math concepts.
What should adults working here be doing/thinking about?
● Using language to describe what children are doing.
● Helping children think about problems, how to define and describe them, and how to solve them by themselves.
● Helping children count, describe, and categorize things.
● Encouraging persistence.
● Encouraging co-operation.
Art
What are we doing here?
● Nurturing creativity.
● Creating a safe environment for children to explore different media in their own ways.
● Encouraging fine motor control.
● Offering children a way to express feelings and ideas.
● Fostering an appreciation of such things as color, texture, and design.
What should adults working here be doing/thinking about?
● Focusing on the process not the product.
● Using language to describe what children are doing and helping them to notice such things as texture, color, and
design in their own work and the work of others.
● Making sure children always have access to appropriate supplies.
● Writing a child’s name on his or her work or helping the child write his or her name.
● Never limiting children who want to paint or draw to whatever the day’s art activity is.
Library
What are we doing here?
● Helping children develop their vocabulary.
● Exploring print.
● Learning about stories and storytelling.
● Creating a safe space for listening and relaxing.
What should adults working here be doing/thinking about?
● Letting children take the lead: read what they choose.
● Talking about what children see in the pictures and letting them help you tell the story if they’re interested.
● Talking about a story after you’re done reading it: What did they think about it? What characters did they like?
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● Making stories fun and accessible by using your voice and even your body to animate what you’re reading.
Blocks
What are we doing here?
● Creating opportunities for dramatic and imaginary play.
● Learning about basic principles of space, structure, and balance.
What should adults working here be doing/thinking about?
● Encouraging children to build away from the block cabinets so other people can have access to the blocks.
● Helping children get started if they’re having trouble: “What shall we build?”
● Using language to describe what children are doing and helping them notice such things as the length of a block,
the number of blocks used to build something, and what happens when you take blocks away (or add them).
● Encouraging cooperative play.
● Enforcing the “you can only knock down what you built” rule.
Outside Supervision The PNPC has access to two playgrounds, and every class includes outside time in its daily schedule. Whether on the
upper playground with younger children or on the lower one with older children, all working parents should be
supervising the children during outside playtime. In fact, as a class, you should mentally “divide up” the playground
and make sure someone is watching every area.
Some general rules for supervising outside play include:
● Anyone riding a scooter, tricycle, or riding toy must wear a helmet.
● Only go down the slides, not up.
● Hillside slide use must be approved by the entire class for the Threes and Pre-K classes.
● The sand toys and sand in the upper playground must stay in the sandbox.
● No throwing sand, rocks, or other materials.
● No running with sticks.
Cell Phone Use in Class Cell phone use is not permitted in the classroom. Working parents may carry one, but it must be on vibrate at all times
in class and parents should only answer a call in the event of an emergency. Texting, emailing and web browsing are
not allowed during class at any time. This is a time to be with your child and we as parent-teachers expect to have your
full attention to the education of all children in the class.
Behavior at Preschool It is important that all parents in the preschool understand our basic philosophy on behavior and are comfortable
handling situations that may arise. While different families have different approaches at home, it is very important that
children consistently get the same clear message from the adults working with them at school.
Our basic philosophy involves a belief that discipline is teaching children about developing inner controls, working
with others, and understanding the rules of the adult world. Young children learn to be in charge of their actions by
learning how to cope, think, reason, and solve problems. We believe that being consistent will help the child develop
and nurture self-esteem by giving him or her the tools and the confidence to understand and solve problems.
The most basic rules for children in the classroom are “You can’t say you can’t play.” In addition, such physical actions
as biting, hitting, and pushing should be stopped immediately. Biting in particular should be reported immediately to
the Teacher, no matter how insignificant it seems. The victim of aggression should always be helped by an adult and,
when possible, by the aggressor.
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Other general guidelines for behavior at preschool include:
● Encourage cooperation rather than competition.
● Make eye contact when speaking with children and make sure they understand you.
● Use positives instead of negatives (as in “The sand stays on the ground” instead of “Don’t throw sand”).
● Offer alternatives when you’re asking a child not to do something (“Instead of throwing sand, let’s make a
volcano with it!”).
● Don’t give children a choice if one doesn’t really exist.
● Help children define and solve their own problems.
● Encourage children to play with others and actively intervene if play becomes exclusive.
● For children who lack verbal skills, help them attach words to their feelings (as in “I can see you’re really angry
because he took your truck away. I would be angry too. Let’s tell him that you’re angry: ‘Don’t take my truck
away! I don’t like that!’”).
There is absolutely no tickling or roughhousing between children, or between children and adults, at PNPC or at
PNPC sponsored events without the consent of the child and/or parent
Sometimes a child becomes so angry and out of control that it is impossible for that child to resume normal play. If
that happens, a few minutes of withdrawal may be appropriate. Use a matter-of-fact voice and tell the child something
like, “I think you need a quiet time to calm down a bit.” Find a quiet, removed spot and stay near the child.
As a general rule, try not to get caught in a power struggle with a child. Have a sense of humor and be flexible. The
underlying message of any discipline ought to be “I like you but I don’t like your behavior.” Don’t forget to comment
on good behavior as well. And don’t ever hesitate to ask for help from the Teacher or another parent.
If a child’s behavior becomes repeatedly aggressive and/or disruptive the class teacher will discuss these issues with the
family and create a plan to mitigate the issues. In the event that your child shows continued aggressive and/or
disruptive behavior, the parent will meet with the class teacher and the Head Teacher to continue to work on a plan of
action. If after that the child's behavior does not improve, the Board will review the situation with the family and class
teacher and make a recommendation, possibly including dismissal from the school.
The PNPC strives to create an inclusive, open culture that supports children with various development and emotional
needs as well as parents with varying styles and backgrounds. If a child’s needs specific support, behavior
modifications or developmental aides the class teacher will discuss the needs with the family and create a plan. In the
event that the child’s needs still cannot be met the parent will meet with the class teacher, the Head Teacher and the
assigned Parent Educator to continue to work on a plan of action. As other parents are co-teachers in the classroom
these plans must be appropriately communicated by the Parent Educator or Teacher at a Monthly Parent Meeting. If the
situation does not improve and it is determined that the class environment is not meeting the child’s needs or the
situation is having an extremely adverse impact on the other children and parents in the class, the Board will review the
case with the family, class teacher, head teacher, and parent educator. This group will make a recommendation which
could include requesting the family to leave the PNPC.
In circumstances where a child or family member working in the classroom poses harm, or threat of harm, to the safety
or learning ability of the community, the PNPC reserves the right to bypass any of the above steps to take more
immediate action and/or to request that the child be removed from PNPC for a specific period of time. Prior to the child
or family member returning to school, a meeting between the child/family member, and the teacher will be required. In
certain circumstances, the child may not be readmitted to the school.
Leaving Your Child at Preschool and Other Separation Issues During the once-a-week Parent/Infant and Toddlers classes, parents remain in the classroom with their children.
Starting in the Twos and Multi-Age classes, parents begin leaving their children at preschool one day a week and
staying with them on the other. By the time children are in the Pre-K class, parents still stay one day a week but leave
them at preschool on the three remaining class days each week. This transition from constant parent attendance to
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increased independence is designed to be gradual and developmentally appropriate. That does not mean, however, that
it is always easy—for children or parents.
If separation is an issue for you or your child, these general guidelines may help:
● Never feel that you need to begin leaving the classroom before you and your child are ready.
● When you and your child are ready for you to begin leaving the classroom, work with your child’s Teacher and
other parents to develop a strategy. For some families, leaving for 15 minutes the first time and building up to an
entire class gradually is successful. For others, it works better to leave for the entire class from the beginning.
Whatever strategy you choose, however, stick with it for at least a couple of weeks.
● Help your child’s Teacher and other parents learn what will comfort your child. Does your child have a favorite
activity? A favorite toy? A favorite story? Something from home that may help? Is it comforting for your child
to be held or sit in someone’s lap or would your child rather be given some space?
● Identify one adult—preferably the Teacher or a parent your child already knows—who is going to take the lead
helping your child. Make sure your child and that adult make a connection before you leave, even if it’s as simple
as saying, “This is Anne. You remember her from the park. She can help you if you have a sad time.”
● Help your child form connections and relationships with other children and adults in the class. Play dates, trips to
the park, and other out-of-class visits can be particularly valuable. Carpools are also successful for some families.
● When you do leave the classroom, don’t sneak out. Even if your child is happily engaged in something and won’t
notice your absence right away, your child will eventually and it may be very upsetting to your child that you just
left. Say goodbye, remind your child that you will be back, and then leave.
● Once you have said goodbye, don’t hesitate or hang around. Leave.
● Don’t be embarrassed if it seems that your child is the only one having trouble. And don’t be embarrassed either
if you’re having trouble. Separation is a big step for everyone!
● Lastly, don’t assume that an easy transition for your child in one class or at one time of the year guarantees an
easy transition for the next class or a different time of the year. Separation anxiety comes and goes with different
ages and stages.
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PHINNEY NEIGHBORHOOD PRESCHOOL CO-OP
OPERATING PROCEDURES Revised August 2016
Article I. NAME The name of the organization shall be the Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op (PNPC). It is affiliated with the
Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA), located in the city of Seattle, King County, Washington.
Article II. PURPOSE
A. The purpose of the preschool is to provide a structured cooperative program designed to encourage the social,
emotional, physical, and mental development of young children. It is intended to be a resource and a nucleus of support
for at least one hundred families in the Phinney Ridge and surrounding neighborhoods. The cooperative structure of the
preschool requires the active and ongoing participation of the parents or guardians of each child involved.
B. This PNPC is organized exclusively for educational purposes, as required by Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision in any future United States Internal Revenue Law). No part of the net
earnings of the organization shall benefit or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or private persons, except
that the preschool may pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and purchases made for the pursuit of its
educational purposes.
Article III. MEMBERSHIP
A. The PNPC shall be composed of classes, the size and number of which will be determined by the Board in the spring of
each year. Placement in these classes will be determined by a child’s age as of August 31. Age-group classification for
individual children may be waived using established age-range exception procedures involving the Head Teacher,
Class Teacher, parents of the child in question, the Class Parent Coordinator, and the Registrar.
B. Any parent or guardian with a child or children of preschool age, living within the boundaries of the catchment area
described below, is eligible to enroll the child(ren) in the preschool. Children living outside the catchment area are also
eligible to enroll in the preschool, but priority is given to students within the catchment in order to ensure a community-
based membership.
The catchment area for the PNPC is defined by the Lake Washington Ship Canal to the south, N/NW 85th Street to the
north, Wallingford Avenue to the east, and 15th Avenue NW to the west.
C. All-school registration for the following school year will be held each spring. At the time of registration, current
students promoting into the next class will be given first priority for enrollment. Vacancies that exist after registration
will be filled by students repeating a class, by students transferring from the Multi-Age class into an age appropriate
class, by families returning from a Leave of Absence, and from the group waiting list according to its priority
classifications and date of contact.
D. Throughout the year it is the job of the Registrar to provide information to prospective PNPC families. When class
enrollment is full, the Registrar will maintain a waiting list of children who would like to join the class if an opening
occurs.
The waiting list will be organized using the classifications listed below. The classifications are listed in the order of
enrollment priority. Each child’s name will be placed in the single classification that provides him or her the highest
priority and, within that classification, by date of contact with the Registrar.
Opening during the school year will be filled based on the following waitlist priority:
1. Families returning from a Leave of Absence
2. Siblings of students currently enrolled in the preschool
3. Siblings of alumni* students
4. New enrollees who live inside the catchment area
5. New enrollees who live outside the catchment area
* An alumni student is one who has had continuous enrollment in the PNPC program (regardless of start date) and
graduated from the Pre-K class.
In the spring, the following policy is used for filling the next year’s classes:
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1. Current students promoting into the next class
2. Students repeating a class
3. Students transferring from the MA class into an age appropriate class
4. Students of families returning from a Leave of Absence
5. Siblings of students currently enrolled in the preschool; If a child is currently enrolled in a class, but will not
be enrolled next year, their younger sibling still receives sibling priority rather than alumni priority
6. Siblings of alumni* students
7. New enrollees who live inside the catchment area 8. New enrollees who live outside the catchment area
* An alumni student is one who has had continuous enrollment in the PNPC program (regardless of start date) and graduated from the Pre-K class.
When openings occur during the school year, children from the waiting list should fill them. Children in the highest
enrollment classification will be offered, by date of contact, an opportunity to fill vacancies. The Registrar will
continue down the waiting list according to priority classifications and date of contact until any vacancies are filled.
The PNPC will strive to maintain a 50:50 ratio between boys and girls, with a ratio of no more than 60:40 between
boys and girls within each class. In order to maintain this ratio, some applicants with higher priority on the waiting list
may be passed over until the target ratio is reached.
In recognition of scheduling conflicts or family circumstances, if a family is offered a position in the preschool and
chooses to decline, they will maintain their status on the waiting list. They will not be offered a position again for at
least 6 months. If a family is offered a position a second time and chooses to decline again, they will be assigned a new
contact date based on the day they declined the second position and moved down the waiting list to the in-catchment or
out-of-catchment category, as appropriate.
In the winter of each year, the Registrar will contact all families remaining on the waiting list for their class to
determine if those families are interested in enrolling in the PNPC the next fall. The waiting lists then will be updated
to show only families currently interested in enrollment. The updated waiting lists will be used to fill vacancies after
the all-school registration and during the next school year.
The purpose for this system of categorizing waiting list students is to support families already in the PNPC while
giving fair treatment to each family desiring entrance into the preschool. Families who feel their situation is exceptional
and is not addressed by this system should bring this to the attention of the Board.
E. The PNPC Board may grant a leave of absence up to three months. The child’s name will be placed at the top of the
waiting list and he or she will be given priority to re-enroll as a vacancy occurs. Members who are absent without a
leave, or for longer than the time specified in their leave of absence, will be classified as “new enrollee” for waiting list
purposes. Their new date of contact will correspond to the date they called to be put back on the waiting list.
F. Each family represented at the monthly parent meeting is considered to be a voting member of the PNPC.
G. Member families will be required to sign the PNPC Contract when enrolling their child(ren) in the PNPC. By signing
the contract, families acknowledge and accept their general responsibility to participate as contributing, active members
of the Co-op as well as the specific responsibilities of their respective class(es).
H. The PNPC will not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin,
disability, or sexual orientation.
Article IV. OFFICERS, VOTING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, AND ELECTIONS
A. The All-School Officers of the preschool shall consist of a Chairperson, Chair-Elect, Registrar, Secretary, Treasurer,
Fundraiser, and Parent Coordinator. If an All-School Officer has more than one child in the preschool, that officer shall
be exempt from the “one-job-per-child” rule and shall not be required to assume a second job assignment.
B. The voting members of the Board shall consist of the All-School Officers and one representative of each preschool
class.
The Board shall have such powers as are reasonable and necessary to manage and administer the preschool. Decisions
of the Board will be by vote and recorded in the minutes of its meetings. Decisions and discussion regarding parents,
teachers, and children are to remain confidential.
Board meetings will be held once a month. The All-School Chairperson must be notified in advance of the need for
placement of an item on the Board’s agenda. The Board meetings are open to all member families.
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C. Each class in the preschool shall pick a Chairperson, Parent Coordinator, and Secretary. Each class will select its
Chairperson and Parent Coordinator following registration in the spring for the next preschool year. The Secretary
position for each class shall be filled as soon as possible thereafter.
D. Any vacancy in an All-School Office will be appointed by the Board as soon as possible after it occurs. Any vacancy in
a class office shall be filled by the class as soon as possible after it occurs.
E. Nominations for All-School Officers shall be taken at class meetings. The new Officers slate is approved by a 2/3
majority vote of the preschool during the March class meeting. All School officers serve on the Board for a term of one
year.
F. If the question of dismissal of an All-School Officer arises, a committee of five participating parents, excluding Board
members, shall be chosen by lot to investigate the situation and make recommendations to the general membership.
G. Voting may be by a show of hands or by secret ballot. A 2/3 majority is required for approval.
Article V. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS, BOARD MEMBERS, ALL- SCHOOL
POSITIONS, AND OTHER KEY JOB HOLDERS
A. All-School Chair
1. Is responsible for all business details needed to operate the preschool;
2. Schedules and conducts Board meetings;
3. Arranges for preschool committees and oversees their functioning;
4. Oversees Class Chairs;
5. Informs members and staff of preschool issues and events through notices;
6. Develops budget with the All-School Treasurer;
7. Decides when school is to be canceled due to inclement weather and emergencies;
8. Meets regularly with PNA, Head Teacher, and members to assure program coordination;
9. Receives a 100% tuition break for one participating child and is exempt from the “one job per child” rule.
B. All-School Chair-Elect
1. Assists the All-School Chair with business details and projects;
2. Conducts meetings in absence of the All-School Chair;
Organizes and coordinates all-school events, and social events
3. Is responsible for communicating information about the preschool to the PNA community through the
Phinney Ridge Review and the PNA newsletter;
4. Coordinates school pictures;
5. Coordinates assignment of all-school positions;
6. Develops and distributes the all-school summer park schedule;
7. Works with Teachers and members to prepare facilities at the beginning of the year;
8. Receives a 50% tuition break for one participating child in Threes and Pre-K, or a 100% break for P/I, Multi-
age, Toddlers, and Twos, and is exempt from the “one job per child” rule.
C. All-School Secretary
1. Keeps minutes of business transacted at Board meetings;
2. Posts the minutes on the PNPC website once they are approved by the Board;
3. Takes care of necessary correspondence for the preschool;
4. Updates, prints, and distributes, with the assistance of each class’s secretary, the preschool handbook;
5. Maintains the weekend cleaning schedule and a roster of paid cleaners;
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6. Sets up cubbies at the beginning of the school year;
7. Communicates cleaning procedures to all paid cleaners;
8. Coordinates and conducts background checks for the school with the assistance of the Class Chairs;
9. Maintains school forms, and coordinates paperwork for the school, with the assistance of each Class
Secretary;
10. Receives a 50% tuition break for one participating child in Threes and Pre-K, or a 100% break for P/I, Multi-
age, Toddlers, and Twos, and is exempt from the “one job per child” rule.
D. All-School Treasurer
1. Receives and banks all non-tuition income:
2. Approves teacher pay on a monthly basis;
3. Promptly pays all bills and/or approves and submits bills to PNA for payment;
4. Submits a monthly financial statement to the board;
5. Completes a monthly Variance Report for the PNA;
6. Prepares the annual budget with the All-School Chair;
7. Attends the monthly board meeting or arranges a substitute
8. Manages petty cash distribution and reconciliation;
9. Chairs the Scholarship Committee;
10. Tracks the cash reserve fund balance held by the PNA with the help of the All School Chair;
11. Trains the Treasurer-Elect throughout the year; and
12. Receives a 100% tuition break for one participating child and is exempt from the “one job per child” rule.
E. All-School Fundraiser
1. Works with the Board to establish preschool fundraising goals and develops a plan to raise money to meet
those goals;
2. Oversees and coordinates fundraising events;
3. Oversees and coordinates school volunteer opportunities;
4. Oversees class fundraisers and coordination of their help in volunteer events;
5. Reports to the Board on the status of fundraising and conduct of fundraising events;
6. Oversees Kids Sale Coordinators.
7. Receives a 50% tuition break for one participating child in Threes and Pre-K, or a 100% break for P/I, Multi-
age, Toddlers, and Twos, and is exempt from the “one job per child” rule.
F. All-School Parent Coordinator
1. Works with Class Parent Coordinators to keep open lines of communication between the Board, various
classes, and Teachers;
2. Coordinates at least one preschool evaluation each year and works with Class Parent Coordinators to report
the results to the Board and the preschool members;
3. Serves as a mediator if problems arise between Teachers and parents, including overseeing implementation of
grievance procedures;
4. Oversees the Parent Education component of the preschool program and chairs the Parent Educator hiring
committee as needed;
5. Serves as a link between preschool Parent Educators; North Seattle College, Child and Family Education
Division; and the Board. Coordinates evaluation process, registration, and payment with NSC;
6. Acts as a mentor and supervisor for Class Parent Education position holders.
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7. Maintains a list of available speakers, special events, and parenting resource professionals in the community;
8. Maintains Parent Education Libraries, one in each preschool room;
9. Plans All-School Parent Education events;
10. Receives a 50% tuition break for one participating child in Threes and Pre-K, or a 100% break for P/I, Multi-
age, Toddlers, and Twos, and is exempt from the “one job per child” rule.
G. Registrar
1. Is responsible for school enrollment;
2. Responds to inquiries about the preschool by interested families;
3. Maintains waiting lists for each class;
4. Oversees registration for new school year and filling vacancies during the year;
5. Organizes and distributes an all-school roster at the beginning of the year and updates it as needed;
6. Maintains email groups for each class;
7. Receives a 50% tuition break for one participating child in Threes and Pre-K, or a 100% break for P/I, Multi-
age, Toddlers, and Twos, and is exempt from the “one job per child” rule.
H. Class Chair
1. Communicates the business details and concerns of his or her class to the All-School Chair;
2. Attends monthly Board meetings or arranges for a representative to do so;
3. Plans and conducts class parent meetings;
4. Assists the All-School Chair in arranging for preschool committees and overseeing their functioning;
5. Receives a 25% tuition break for the child who is in the class they are chairing; and is exempt from the “one
job per child” rule
I. All-School Treasurer-Elect
1. Receives and banks tuition and registration income:
2. Assists and supports Class Treasurers as necessary;
3. Oversees the Ballard Market receipts donation program;
4. Serves on the Scholarship Committee;
5. Assists the All-School Treasurer;
6. Receives a 50% tuition break for one participating child in the Threes and Pre-K, or a 100% break for P/I,
Multi-Age, Toddlers and Twos, and is exempt from the “one job per child” rule.
J. Book Orderer
1. Distributes, collects, and processes book order forms from various book clubs four times a year;
2. Distributes books when they arrive.
3. Exempt from class job.
K. Facilities Manager/Purchaser
1. Works with Teachers, the paid cleaners, and others to identify and coordinate necessary maintenance, repairs,
and replacement of items in the classrooms;
2. Communicates with the All-School Health and Safety Coordinator regarding any safety concerns in the
rooms;
3. Works with the Head Teacher and classroom Teachers to keep the preschool rooms stocked with consumable
supplies and the equipment in safe and good condition;
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4. At the request of the Teachers and/or the Board, organizes and supervises one or more preschool “work
parties” during the school year, coordinating parent volunteers to tackle larger preschool projects and
improvements.
5. Is exempt from the “one job per child” rule, is exempt from the volunteer hours rule, and receives a 25%
tuition break for a Red Room class and a 15% tuition break for a Dragon Room class.
L. Health and Safety Coordinator
1. Maintains and updates first aid boxes and traveling first aid kits for both preschool rooms;
2. Works with Class Chairs to get families to make “comfort kits” for children, to be housed at school;
3. Works with Class Chairs to notify families of contagious disease outbreaks as well as emergency plans;
4. Coordinates with the PNA about PNA safety issues and emergency plans. Also coordinates earthquake and
fire drill practices with the Teachers and Class Chairs, once in the spring and once in the fall;
5. Updates school emergency plan, if necessary.
6. Is exempt from the “one job per child” rule and receives one free 3-hour Dragon Room party rental.
M. Playgroup Coordinator
1. Oversees the general functioning of the playgroup;
2. Oversees and schedules the playgroup sitters;
3. Interprets the playgroup program to the membership;
4. Is responsible for purchasing playgroup supplies and equipment;
5. Works with the All-School Treasurer to manage the playgroup budget;
6. When requested, attends monthly Board meetings and reports to the Board as to the functioning of the
playgroup and its sitters;
7. Receives a 25% tuition break for one participating child in the Pre-K or Threes class; and a 50% tuition break
for one participating child in P/I, Toddlers, Twos and Multi-Age, and is exempt from the “one job per child”
rule.
N. Rental Fundraising Coordinator
1. Actively pursues and manages renters of the Dragon room, and coordinates with teachers on Dragon Room
door codes;
2. When requested, attends monthly Board meetings and reports to the Board as to the functioning of the renters
and their agreements;
3. Works with the All-School Treasurer to meet fundraising goals;
4. Receives a 25% tuition break for one participating child in the Pre-K or Threes class; and a 50% tuition break
for one participating child in P/I, Toddlers, Twos and Multi-Age, and is exempt from the “one job per child”
rule.
O. Assistant All School Fundraiser
1. Organizes and oversees the PCC Program for the preschool, including distribution of PCC fobs;
2. Organizes and oversees the preschool t-shirt program, including ordering children’s t-shirts, distributing
existing t-shirts;
3. Other Fundraising duties, as assigned;
4. Reports to the All-School Fundraiser;
5. Is exempt from the “one job per child” rule and receives one free 3-hour Dragon Room rental.
P. Summer Program Coordinator
1. Organizes and oversees the preschool summer program;
2. Recruits teachers, collects tuition, and creates rosters for each class;
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3. Creates and distributes an online site regarding the program and posts program information on the PNPC
website;
4. The job begins in February and ends at the completion of the program in September;
5. Receives $300 reimbursement towards their child’s summer camp tuition and is exempt from the “one job per
child” rule.
Q. Webmaster
1. Organizes and oversees the PNPC website;
2. Develops pages and performs updates to content; maintains a “members only” section containing the all-
school calendar, Board meeting minutes, class meeting minutes, handbook, and Board roster;
3. Is exempt from the “one job per child” rule.
R. Class Parent Coordinator-Class Vice Chair
1. Notifies the Registrar of any changes in class membership;
2. Arranges for prospective members to visit and observe the class;
3. Works with the All-School Parent Coordinator to plan and coordinate Teacher and program evaluations;
4. Coordinates and leads the evaluation review meeting with the Head Teacher, Class Teacher, Class Parent
Educator, and, Class Chair. Reports review meeting summary to the class at the February class meeting;
5. Orients families who join the class during the course of the year;
6. Acts as a liaison between the class’s Teacher and parents, and works closely with the All-School Parent
Coordinator;
7. May serve as class representative at monthly Board meetings, if class Chair is not available.
S. Class Secretary
1. Keeps minutes of business transacted at class meetings and relays them to the Webmaster;
2. Emails the minutes to the class within one week after each meeting;
3. Keeps a record of attendance at class meetings and relays this to the Class Chair;
4. maintains a current file of all required registration, medical, and insurance forms for each member of the
class.
T. Kids’ Sale Coordinators (2 Positions)
1. Works two sales. First, as apprentice. Second, as lead;
2. Promotes the sale, manages sellers and donations, manages Friday’s drop-off, Saturday’s sale, & clean-up;
3. Receives 100% of personal sale proceeds at one Kids Sale, and must be utilized within two kids sales
following the sale organized as lead
Article VI. PRESCHOOL TEACHERS
A. The PNPC’s Teachers will develop and implement a developmentally appropriate educational program for the children
in their class(es) based on recognized research and philosophy in the field of early childhood education. That program
will incorporate parent input and be presented to each class as a general curriculum plan. The curriculum plan will be
posted prior to its implementation and made available to the Head Teacher.
B. Each PNPC Teacher also is responsible for:
1. Supervising children’s activities with the assistance of the parents;
2. Supervising parent participation in the classroom;
3. Attending meetings and workshops scheduled for his or her professional development;
4. Administering the school supply fund;
5. Attending respective class meetings, and encouraged to attend all-school functions;
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6. Communicating openly with families about the development of their children;
7. Making every possible effort to meet the goals of the preschool as set out in his or her job description (a copy
of which shall be posted and made available to the membership);
8. Giving a minimum of one week’s notice prior to foreseeable changes in class routine, such as family nights
and field trips.
C. In the case of a grievance against a PNPC adult by a teacher, the teacher shall contact the Head Teacher, the All
School Chair, and the All School Chair Elect. If necessary, this grievance will be taken to the Director of the PNA
and the PNA HR consultant.
In the case of a grievance against a Teacher by an adult, the adult shall contact the relevant Class Chair within
seven days of the incident and submit a written account of the grievance. The Class Chair will contact the Head
Teacher and Board Chair and work together to find a solution. If this solution is still not acceptable to the adult,
the matter shall be referred to the Board. The Board will then take it up at its next meeting. The Board will come
to a final solution, by vote, as soon as possible. The decision of the Board shall be binding. A copy of all
grievances, and all written solutions to them, whether approved or not approved, shall be forwarded to the All-
School Parent Coordinator for filing.
In the case of a grievance between adults working in the classroom, the Class Chair and the relevant teacher will
be contacted in writing within seven days of the incident. All parties will work together to find a solution as
quickly as possible.
An adult or family can be asked to leave PNPC for not following these guidelines.
Article VII. PRESCHOOL TEACHERS’ EMPLOYMENT
A. Teachers shall be employees of the PNA and subject to its personnel policies and procedures. A copy of the preschool-
teacher job description shall be posted in each classroom.
B. A survey will be prepared annually in the winter with an additional evaluation possibly in the spring and distributed to
the membership by the All-School Parent Coordinator. An informal survey may also be prepared in the fall. The
survey(s) will contain questions that contribute to the evaluation of the school’s Teachers and Parent Educators as well
as the evaluation of the preschool’s overall program and operation. The All-School Parent Coordinator is responsible
for developing and revising all such surveys.
The Survey will be distributed to the membership and the results collected will be reviewed by the All-School Parent
Coordinator. They will provide class specific survey results to each Class Parent Coordinator; who will lead and
coordinate a review meeting to discuss the survey results. The review meeting will be attended by the Head Teacher,
Class Teacher, Class Parent Educator and Class Chair, and will be held prior to each class’s February meeting. The
outcome of the survey and review meeting will be presented to each class by the Class Parent Coordinator at the
February Class meeting. The All-School Parent Coordinator will report the results of the surveys to the Board.
In addition to the Survey, each teacher is reviewed by the Head Teacher and by a peer each winter. The Results of these
evaluations are provided to the All-School Parent Coordinator and Class Parent Coordinator for evaluation at the
review meeting.
The Board will use the survey results, Head Teacher review and peer review as a basis for evaluating each Teacher’s
performance. Any decisions regarding a Teacher’s employment status shall be made privately by the Board, the Head
Teacher, and the relevant class’s Parent Coordinator.
C. In the event that a Teacher vacancy occurs, a hiring committee shall be formed by the All-School Chair and will strive
to fill the position as soon as possible.
D. The Board reserves the right to terminate a Teacher’s employment with one month’s notice by a 2/3 majority vote of
the members. However, when, in the opinion of the Board, the continuing employment of a Teacher is detrimental to
the safety and welfare of the students, parents and guardians, or Teacher, employment may be terminated immediately
upon notice to the Teacher.
E. A preschool Teacher may be hired by the Board to serve as Head Teacher to fulfill such duties as specified by the
Board. These duties would typically include supervision of other Teachers, assisting in the hiring and evaluation of
Teachers, participating in Board meetings, and assisting the All-School Chair and other Board members with the
administrative work of the preschool.
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Article VIII. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTICIPATING FAMILIES
A. A parent or primary family member of each child enrolled in the preschool shall work in one session of preschool per
child, per week, under the direction of a preschool Teacher. A parent or primary family member must personally fulfill
at least 75% of his or her work days in the classroom. Another caregiver may be present in the classroom in lieu of a
parent or primary family member no more than 25% of the time. Families with multiple children enrolled in the same
class may utilize an alternate caregiver to work in the classroom no more than 50% of their assigned work days. A
parent or alternate caregiver must work one day per each enrolled child.
Each family is expected to hold one preschool job in each class in which they have a child enrolled or serve as an
Officer of the Board (see Article IV (A) for potential exceptions). Triple co-opers will follow the requirements of a
double co-oper (regarding fundraising, volunteer hours, school jobs); however, they still must work in one session of
preschool per enrolled child per week (for Multi-Age, Twos, Threes, and Pre-K Classes - P/I, and Toddler classes only
meet once a week and would not be included). Lack of full participation as detailed in the PNPC family contract, or inappropriate actions or communications is
grounds for review and possible dismissal from the preschool by the Board.
B. If the parent or primary family member scheduled to work in the classroom on a given day finds absence on that day
unavoidable, he or she is responsible for finding a substitute and promptly reciprocates by assuming his or her
alternate’s duties on another day.
C. One parent or primary family member from each family is required to attend the monthly parent meetings. It is
recommended that the parent or primary family member who works in the classroom attend the parent meeting. Any
family that is unable to attend a group parent meeting should notify their Class Chair. Families are responsible for
finding out about the business conducted at any missed meeting and any responsibilities assigned.
D. Families are responsible for arranging the transportation of their child to and from school. Children whose parent or
primary family member is not staying in class should be dropped off and picked up from school promptly.
E. Families must show proof of their child’s immunizations for his or her preschool file, as required by state law, by the
first day of school. Those with religious or personal objections shall be exempted, but failure by others to do so will be
reason for dismissal from the PNPC. Families must also turn in a medical release form by the first day of school or
their child will not be permitted to remain at school without a parent or primary family member.
F. All adults working in the classroom one or more times a year must complete the TB screening form yearly OR provide
proof of a negative PPD (valid for 2 years). If a person completes the form and answers "yes" to any of the questions
they must provide proof of a negative PPD (valid for 2 years) OR take the form to be completed by their health care
provider. Class Secretaries will initially review forms and will contact the Health and Safety Coordinator with any
concerns or for referrals.
G. Families shall provide transportation for class excursions when those excursions fall on their assigned work day.
Families who are not working on the day of a given class excursion have the option of accompanying their child on
excursions. All drivers shall provide copies of their current driver’s license and proof of auto insurance to their Class
Secretary by the first day of school.
H. Families are obliged to support the fundraising goal of the preschool set annually by the Board.
I. Siblings, with the exception of infants under the age of six months, shall not accompany parents or guardians on their
work days. If the presence of infants becomes disruptive to the class, those involved will explore acceptable
alternatives. In an extreme situation when a non-enrolled child must attend class, previous permission of the Teacher
must be obtained.
J. Each family is responsible for having their child in good health when attending school and must notify their Class
Chair if the child contracts a contagious disease or ailment. See “When Your Child Is Sick,” on page 28, for guidelines
on when to keep your child home.
Article IX. PRESCHOOL SESSIONS
A. The preschool year shall approximate that of the public schools, and most regular school holidays will be observed.
Mid-Winter break will be one week in duration.
B. The preschool will be closed when Seattle Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. When Seattle Public
Schools open late, however, the decision as to whether the preschool will run according to its regular schedule will be
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made by the Teacher, the Class Chair, and the All-School Chair. In the event of any other emergency, the All-School
Chair will decide if school is to be canceled and will notify Teachers and Class Chairs.
Article X. FEES AND FINANCES
A. Finances will be handled by the All-School Treasurer with the assistance of the All-School Chair and All-School
Treasurer-Elect.
B. The Board will develop an annual budget, a copy of which shall be available upon request to any co-op member who
requests it. Any expenditure in excess of $3,000 not included in the annual budget must be approved by a majority of
PNPC members.
C. A registration fee intended to cover costs associated with registration or enrollment will be charged upon registration.
That registration fee shall be set by the Board prior to registration, according to the financial condition of the PNPC.
The registration fee is non-refundable and must be paid no later than the first day of attendance.
For those who register up to January 1, the full registration fee will be due. After January 1, registration will be one-
half the full amount. For those who are registered on or before the 15th of a month, 100% of tuition will be due; for
those who are registered after the 15th, 50% of monthly tuition will be due.
D. PNA membership is required for enrollment in the PNPC. This fee is non-refundable.
E. As part of the annual budget process, the Board reviews and sets class tuition in the summer. Tuition rates are
announced at or before the first class meeting. The tuition cost will be based upon the minimum enrollment figures for
each group. A set tuition will be established for the year.
Payment of the registration fee and one month’s tuition (“first month”) will be made during registration, typically in the
spring. The first month’s tuition will be deposited but is refundable if a family informs the Registrar and their Class
Parent Coordinator by June 30 that they are withdrawing from the PNPC. The registration fee is non-refundable. An
additional month’s tuition (“last month”) will be paid at the first class meeting prior to the start of school.
Tuition is to be paid on the first of each month and shall cover the period from the first day to the last day of that
month. A $5 penalty will be added to any tuition not received by the 5th of the month unless prior arrangements have
been made with the All-School Treasurer. If tuition has not been paid by the 15th of the month, the penalty increases to
$25. Tuition one month in arrears shall constitute reason for suspension from the preschool. The All-School Treasurer
will make a recommendation to the Board regarding appropriate action.
During the period of enrollment, full tuition must be paid each month whether or not the child attends every session.
One month’s written prior notice shall be given to the Registrar and Class Parent Coordinator when a child is
withdrawing from the PNPC. Withdrawing students may use their prepaid last month’s tuition only by giving notice 30
days prior to withdrawal. No refunds will be given for unused portions of a calendar month.
If payment of tuition poses a hardship, a payment schedule may be arranged with the All-School Treasurer and/or an
application may be made for scholarship or emergency assistance. A confidential financial statement will be required
for all such applications.
All unpaid fees must be paid in full before registration can take place for the next year.
Parents will pay their own way on field trips unless other arrangements are made in advance.
Article XI. MONTHLY PARENT MEETINGS
A. Monthly parent meetings shall be scheduled by each group. Because meetings are mandatory, every effort shall be
made to choose a date that accommodates the maximum number of members.
C. Attendance at class parent meetings is mandatory. Class Secretaries are responsible for taking attendance at parent
meetings and for notifying the Class Parent Coordinator and Class Chair when a family has missed two such meetings.
The Chair is then responsible for bringing the issue to the family’s attention.
A family that misses three class meetings will be required to present an explanation to the Board and risks dismissal
from the PNPC. The decision to dismiss will be made by the Board. The Board will consider information from the
family, the Class Chair, and the Class Parent Coordinator when making the decision.
Because meetings are mandatory, officers shall respect the commitment required of the members and make every effort
to conduct meeting business in a timely manner.
D. A 2/3 majority of PNPC’s member families present at a monthly parent meeting shall be considered binding.
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Article XII. COMMITTEES
A. The All-School Chair will work closely with the Class Chairs to establish and fill positions and committees according
to the needs of the preschool.
Class Chairs shall notify the All-School Chair and committee chairs of any changes in jobs or committee assignments.
B. Committee chairs shall report to the All-School Chair, prior to the monthly Board meeting, if they have any business to
be handled at either the Board meeting or the monthly class parent meeting.
Article XIII. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF OPERATING PROCEDURES
A. The Operating Procedures shall be reviewed periodically by the Board or a committee appointed by the Board. A
committee report will be passed on to the membership prior to voting on any proposed amendments or revisions.
B. The Operating Procedures may be amended by a two-thirds majority combined vote from the class meetings. Three
days’ notice of any amendments or revisions must be given to the membership before such a vote.
Article XIV. DISSOLUTION OF THE COOPERATIVE
In the event that the PNPC dissolves, its Board shall be responsible for liquidating and disposing of all assets, in
accordance with the Agency Service Agreement signed with the City of Seattle, Department of Community
Development in July 1981.
Revised: 8/10/94, 6/19/98, 3/18/99, 9/21/99, 8/10/00, 8/18/02, 4/30/04, 9/09/04, 8/05, 8/06, 8/07, 8/08, 8/09, 8/10, 3/11,
8/11, 8/12, 8/13, 4/14,8/14, 8/15, 8/16
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primary in-class working parent
PNPC CONTRACT
As a member of the Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op, I AGREE:
Attendance at Preschool: To participate in the classroom once a week per child on a scheduled workday. A parent or primary family
member must personally fulfill at least 75% of his or her work days in the classroom. Another caregiver may be present in the classroom in
lieu of a primary family member no more than 25% of the time. Families with multiple children enrolled in the same class may utilize an
alternate caregiver to work in the classroom no more than 50% of their assigned work days. A parent or alternate caregiver must work one
day per each enrolled child.
Classroom Substitute: To arrange for a substitute to assume my responsibilities when I cannot be there on my work day, even if my child is
not in school, and to reciprocate by assuming my substitute’s duties at another time.
Cell Phone Use in Class: To keep my cell phone on vibrate at all times in class and to only answer a call in the event of an emergency. Texting,
emailing and web browsing are not allowed during class at any time.
Attendance at Monthly Meetings: To attend mandatory class parent meetings held on a regularly scheduled date agreed to by the entire class. If I
cannot attend a meeting, I will notify my Class Chair in advance and take responsibility for finding out what business was conducted at the meeting.
Meetings run approximately two hours and parents are expected to stay until they are over. I understand that I am allowed to miss two meetings per
school year (resulting in a letter from my class chair notifying me of my absences). I further understand that upon my third missed meeting I am
required by the PNPC Operating Procedures to present an explanation to the Board and risk dismissal from the PNPC. For details, see the section on
Monthly Parent Meetings and Article XI of the PNPC Operating Procedures found in the Handbook.
Volunteering / Fundraising: To participate with additional volunteer time for PNPC/PNA events and fundraising efforts to benefit the preschool. I
understand that I am required to volunteer each school year (unless my school job exempts me from volunteer hours). I will commit/sign up to
volunteer at a specific event/s by September 20. In the event that I do not fulfill my volunteer obligation, I will be charged a fee by default (for fee
details see the Volunteering section in the PNPC’s General Policies).
Tuition and Fees: To keep current on all tuition due in accordance with PNPC Operating Procedures found in the handbook. Late fees will apply.
Any refunds made will be in accordance with PNPC Operating Procedures. For details, see the section on Tuition and Article X of the PNPC
Operating Procedures found in the Handbook. All unpaid fees must be paid in full before registration can take place for the next year.
Class and/or Board Positions: To hold at least one class, all-school, or Board position per enrolled child (some all-school jobs are exempt from the
one-job-per-enrolled-child rule). I understand that not fulfilling my obligations for my class, all-school or Board position is grounds for review and
possible dismissal from the preschool by the Board. For details, see the section on Preschool Organization and Article VIII, section A, of the PNPC
Operating Procedures found in the Handbook.
Transportation: To be responsible for transporting my child to and from school and to provide a car seat or booster seat for my child appropriate to
his/her age and size for field trips.
Immunization: To show proof of my child’s immunizations as required by State Law (exempting those with religious or personal objections) and to
must complete the TB screening form yearly OR provide proof of a negative PPD (valid for 2 years).
Criminal History Background Check: To complete the PNA background check form when first registering for the PNPC for both parents and
anyone who will work more than once in my child's classroom. Complete a WA WATCH background check form for each subsequent year of
registration for each family member or caregiver who has completed a PNA background check.
Siblings: Not to bring siblings, except infants under 6 months, on my work day or to parent meetings except in case of emergency and with prior
consent of the Teacher.
General Health: To be responsible to have my child and myself in good health when attending school and to notify my class chair if my child has a
medical condition, allergy, or contracts a contagious disease.
General Behavior of Parent: To conduct myself in an appropriate and responsible manner while involved in the preschool.
Grievances: To take any grievances to my Class Chair, the All-School Chair or Chair-Elect as appropriate. If grievances are not met, I will follow
the prescribed procedure according to the PNPC Operating Procedures and detailed in the PNPC Handbook.
PNA Membership: To maintain membership in the Phinney Neighborhood Association.
Withdrawal: To give one month’s written notice to my Class Parent Coordinator and the PNPC Registrar if I withdraw.
Handbook: To remain in good standing by reading and abiding by all policies outlined in the PNPC Handbook and Operating Procedures.
I understand that by not meeting any one of the above requirements, my family is subject to being dismissed from the preschool.
Signature: ______________________________________________________________Date:____________________
Revised 8/2016