Noah's Ark
Preschool
Parent Handbook
302 NE 2nd Street
Buffalo, MN 55313
Phone number: 763-682-1368
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Table of Contents
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WELCOME LETTER……………………………………………………………………..3
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY……………………………..4
OBJECTIVES………………………………………………………………………………..4
DAILY SCHEDULE………………………………………………………………………..5
CLASSES AND TUITION……………………………………………………………….5
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES………………………………………………………6
PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN…………………………6
DROP OFF AND PICK UP FROM PRESCHOOL……………………………….6
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN PRIOR TO AND AFTER PRESCHOOL…7
PARENT/ TEACHER COMMUNICATION………………………………………7
DISCIPLINE………………………………………………………………………………….8
CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS……………………………………………………………8
INSURANCE…………………………………………………………………………………8
SCHOOL CLOSINGS……………………………………………………………………..8
ADMINISTRATIVE & PARENT GRIEVANCES………………………………….8
STANDARDS………………………………………………………………………………..9
HEALTH CONCERNS…………………………………………………………………….9
ILL CHILDREN………………………………………………………………………………9
EMERGENCIES/ ACCIDENTS……………………………………………………….10
MEDICAL EMERGENCY……………………………………………………………….11
FIRE PREVENTION………………………………………………………………………11
TORNADOES………………………………………………………………………………11
BLIZZARDS………………………………………………………………………………….12
MISSING CHILDREN…………………………………………………………………….12
SNACK…………………………………………………………………………………………12
PERSONAL BELONGINGS…………………………………………………………….12
TRANSPORTATION………………………………………………………………………13
REPORTING POLICY…………………………………………………………………….13
MALTREATMENT OF MINORS ACT………………………………………………14
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Welcome to Preschool!
Dear Parents,
On behalf of our teachers, school board and church family here at St. John’s
and Hosanna, we welcome you to a new school year! We are so excited to have
the privilege to lead and guide your child in learning. We pray that this year will
be full of new experiences, milestones and growth in mind and heart.
As this year unfolds, please feel free to ask any questions or share any
concerns you may have. As a preschool and church we hope to be of service to
you and to partner with your family.
Mrs. Nicky Haskins, Director and Teacher
Mrs. Emily Mueller, Teacher
Noah’s Ark Preschool
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302 NE 2 Street, Buffalo, MN 55313
#763-684-1368
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY
The purpose of Noah's Ark Preschool is to provide the children of our congregation and
community with a quality Christian education in a safe and caring environment.
We strive to provide an education that builds and nurtures the whole child, including his
or her spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and physical development. We believe that each
student is a unique and special child of God.
We seek to build a partnership with parents and families in hope that we can work
together to build a strong foundation of faith and knowledge in each student.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old
he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6
OBJECTIVES
To provide:
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A safe, caring climate where children can grow and learn
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Technology experiences in the classroom, including use of a SMART board
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Play with a purpose in which fun, planned activities promote learning
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Theme-based learning and a strong Christian curriculum; we also offer handwriting,
math, language and literacy curricula
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An environment culturally based on the child's individuality, with indoor and outdoor
activities and materials to meet the various developmental levels
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Areas of activity, including construction, dramatic play, art, science, music, literature,
and physical development
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Opportunities to play and learn with other children and form positive relationships
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A partnership between teachers and parents or the child’s family, which is crucial in the
growth of the student.
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Social skills, self-help skills, listening skills, and group interactions, areas of learning
identified by the teacher as helpful in the preparation for kindergarten.
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DAILY SCHEDULE
Children will participate in a number of activities throughout the school day, including:
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Social/Free Play
Opening/Calendar/ Weather
Large-group Bible Story/Daily Lesson
Bathroom/Clean Tables/Snack
Large Muscle
Small Group
Art
Story Time/Music/Sharing
Clean-up/Dismissal
CLASSES & TUITION
Requirements: Children who are 3 years old as of September 1st and toilet trained are eligible
to attend NOAH'S ARK PRESCHOOL. Definition of a preschooler: A child who is at least 33
months old but has not yet attended the first day of kindergarten.
3 & 4 year olds – Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 – 11:30 am — $115.00 per month
4 & 5 year olds – Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 9:00 – 11:30 am — $130.00 per month
$50.00 nonrefundable registration fee due with registration
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NOAH'S ARK PRESCHOOL does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, or
national origin.
Each class is limited to 20 pupils by our license.
Tuition is due on the first attendance day of each month for that month.
Parents are asked to review and sign a Tuition Agreement form. This form is available
in the registration packet.
Noah’s Ark reserves the right to cancel classes based upon enrollment. In event of
cancellation, registration fees will be returned to families.
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ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES
To enroll your child in preschool, call NOAH'S ARK PRESCHOOL at (763) 682-1368 between the
hours of 9:00 am and 11:30am to speak with someone directly. After these hours you may
leave a detailed message on the voicemail, or check out the church website at
stjohnsbuffalo.org.
If a child is being enrolled after the school year has started, a
pre-enrollment interview will be required for the child and parents.
PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN
If a child having special needs is enrolled, procedures stipulated by the Rule #3 Statute will be
followed:
1. An individualized child care plan (ICCP) will be developed to meet the child's individual needs.
2. The plan will be coordinated with either the service plan, education plan, and/or with a
physician, psychiatrist, psychologist and/or health consultant.
3. It is the preschool's responsibility to inform the health consultant of a child with special
needs and to obtain a plan of care, preferably before enrollment. The ICCP should be consistent
with the child's healthcare summary and should be updated every six months.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP FROM PRESCHOOL
Preschool drop off:
Students MUST NOT be left at the door, nor should they be left loitering in the halls prior to
class time. We ask that a parent or responsible adult bring the child into the building and
supervise the removal and hanging of their belongings.
Be sure you or your adult provider signs your child in for the day in the daily log. Note in the
blank space any new information you wish the teacher to know, especially if someone other
than the parent is picking up your child.
The parent or adult should remain with the student until he or she enters the classroom at the
beginning of each class session
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Preschool pick up:
Children will only be released to authorized persons indicated on the child’s registration form.
Teenagers designated as authorized persons must be at least 16 years old and must be
introduced to staff members by a parent.
Please indicate when signing your child in if someone other than those individuals previously
designated will be picking up your child. We must have written authorization before releasing a
child. Our staff reserves the right to retain a child if we feel the child would be placed in an
unsafe situation.
Please check your child’s mailbox and take personal items home with you. Teachers will dismiss
children as their parent arrives at the door. If you wish to speak to the teacher at this time,
please wait until all children have been dismissed. We will be happy to talk with you at this
time.
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN PRIOR TO AND AFTER PRESCHOOL
You are responsible for your child prior to signing in at the beginning of the session (9:00) and
after your child has been dismissed and you have signed out (11:30).
You are also responsible for any other children that accompany you into the building. Please do
not allow your child(ren) to run in the church building or activate the handicap access doors, for
safety reasons.
PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION
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Newsletters will be sent home once a month to highlight upcoming lessons, events or
other exciting news.
Student evaluations will be conducted twice each year.
It is very special for both you and your child when you are able to share the preschool
experience together. Parents are always welcome to observe or join us in our activities.
Parents may help with a special project, class parties or as a classroom volunteer.
Having a parent at school makes a child feel very special. Parents' daily contact with
preschool staff is encouraged, and written communication welcomed. If you are helping
in the classroom, we encourage you to do this after the first month of school.
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DISCIPLINE
A loving and Christian discipline will be used in the classroom to establish a routine that
provides the optimal learning environment.
CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS
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Please provide clothing that is free from complicated fastenings. Also consider messy art
projects, paint, and other grime-producing activities, and provide washable clothing
THAT YOU WILL NOT MIND GETTING DIRTY OR STAINED. Please refrain from dressing
children in body suits and encourage them to zip their own pants.
Dress your children in STURDY SHOES that will stay on their feet and allow them to play
actively. Tennis shoes or other laced or buckled shoes are best. NO FLIP-FLOPS, PLEASE!
Please clearly label all belongings with your child’s name.
INSURANCE
Liability insurance coverage for bodily injury is carried by NOAH'S ARK PRESCHOOL through
Church Mutual Insurance, as required by the State Department of Child Welfare and Education.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
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We follow District #877; if Buffalo area schools are closed, Noah’s Ark Preschool is
closed.
If there is a 2-hour-late start, Noah’s Ark is closed for the entire day.
ADMINISTRATION & PARENT GRIEVANCES
NOAH'S ARK PRESCHOOL is a nonprofit organization. Members from St. John’s Lutheran Church
and Hosanna Lutheran Church serve on the Board of Directors.
Any parent concerns should first be discussed with your child’s teacher. If additional
information is needed or concerns are not met, speak with the Director of Children and Family
Ministry, Kelly Thole.
We will discuss with you any problems and/or concerns regarding your child, and we ask the
same of you. We will investigate your concern(s) and respond accordingly. All concerns and
issues will be handled confidentially. If unresolved, further questions may be brought to the
Noah’s Ark Board of Directors.
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STANDARDS
NOAH'S ARK PRESCHOOL is licensed by the Minnesota State Department of Child Welfare and
Education and complies with the standards set forth by these departments.
HEALTH CONCERNS
To protect the attendance of all our children we ask that parents keep their children home if
they have an infectious disease. We ask that you inform the preschool immediately if your child
has been exposed to or has contracted a contagious disease. You may have unknowingly
exposed the other children and families. The school will inform the other parents in your child's
class.
If the student has any allergy, please let the teacher know what it is so it is not mistaken for
another symptom. Only in emergency situations and when permission has been obtained
through the permission agreement will epi pens be administered; otherwise, no medication will
be administered by the teacher or staff members.
ILL CHILDREN
Children should be kept home if they have any of the following symptoms or illnesses:
✓Any reportable illness or condition as specified by the health department that is contagious
and a physician determines has not had sufficient treatment to reduce the health risk to others
✓Chicken pox until all of the lesions are crusted over
✓Vomiting within the last 24 hours
✓Diarrhea within the last 24 hours
✓Undiagnosed rash or rash attributable to a contagious illness or condition
✓Undiagnosed drainage from eyes and/or excessive ear drainage that cannot be contained
✓100 degree temperature (axillary) or higher without fever-reducing medication
✓Bacterial infection such as strep or impetigo and has not completed at least 24 hours of
antibiotic therapy
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✓Lice, ringworm, or scabies that is untreated and contagious to others
✓Significant respiratory distress (fast, difficult, or abnormal breathing)
✓Unexplained lethargy
✓Any condition making the child unable to participate in program activities with reasonable
comfort or who requires more care than the staff can provide without compromising the health
and safety of the other children.
If a child becomes ill at school, the parents will be notified to come and pick up their child; if
parents cannot be reached, the person specified on the Emergency Information Form will be
contacted. The child's physician will be notified if necessary. The ill child will rest in a designated
area under the direct supervision of a staff member until picked up.
The parents are asked to notify the center within 24 hours if their child contracts a
communicable (contagious) illness. Such illnesses will be reported to all parents the same day
the information is received. The staff will post a notice in a prominent place stating the illness,
incubation period, early signs to watch for, and exclusion recommendations. These postings will
be updated with each new case of the illness. Noah's Ark Preschool will notify the Public Health
Department and their health consultant within 24 hours should an occurrence of a "reportable
disease" take place.
EMERGENCIES/ACCIDENTS
In the event of a minor accident, first aid will be administered and the parents will be notified.
In the event of a major accident, requiring immediate medical attention, first aid will be
administered and 911 will be called. The child will be transported to the nearest available
hospital as determined by 911. After calling 911, the parents and physician will be contacted
immediately.
Parents will sign a parent permission form for emergency medical care. The parents are
responsible for keeping the information on the emergency form current. This includes office
and home phone numbers of at least two people authorized to act on the parents' behalf
should Noah's Ark Preschool be unable to reach the parents. The emergency contacts also need
to be authorized to pick up the child.
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IN THE EVENT OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY
The preschool will follow these steps:
A. Administer the necessary first aid.
B. Make the child as comfortable as possible.
C. Stay with the child.
D. Make the necessary phone contact to parent; if no one answers, use the information from
the Emergency Form.
IF SEVERE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED:
A. Administer the necessary first aid.
B. 911 will be called for assistance; a staff member will accompany the student to the
facility.
C. Parent or emergency contact will be notified.
D. If hospitalization or injury results in death, the State Department of Child Welfare and
Education will be notified. Department of Human Resources: 651-296-3791.
FIRE PREVENTION
In case of a fire, exit will be through the exits designated on the Evacuation Maps. The staff
member in charge will check that all children are out and doors are closed. Monthly fire drills
will be practiced and recorded. The preschool is equipped with fire extinguishers, as required
by the State Fire Marshall, and the staff is instructed in their use and proper fire prevention.
TORNADOES
Tornado drills are practiced every month, April through September. They are documented in a
log. In the event of a tornado warning, all children will be taken to the tornado shelter. The
staff will obtain attendance sheets and take attendance once their class reaches the shelter.
The director will take the battery operated radio, flashlight, first aid kit, blanket, and activities
for the children. No one will leave the shelter until the all clear is given.
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BLIZZARDS
In the event of a blizzard occurring during child-care hours, parents will be called and asked to
pick up their children early. Children will be kept inside and staff will remain with them until
everyone has been picked up. Adequate food is available for the children.
MISSING CHILDREN
If a child is missing, the staff will conduct a thorough search of the area (buildings and grounds).
If unable to find the child within 5-15 minutes, the police will be notified, and then the parents.
ACCIDENT LOG
Every precaution will be taken to prevent accidents at the center. Children will be instructed in
the proper use and care of equipment with an emphasis on concern for others. A log will be
kept on file and an accident report filed in the child's folder. Attached is a copy of the form we
use. The accident log will be reviewed semi-annually. Modifications for the center will be made
on the basis of the analysis.
SNACK
Snack time is scheduled once during each class session. State law requires that snacks must be
purchased in a store and in their original packing when brought to school.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Please label all of the student's belongings. We are not responsible for personal items if they
are lost or damaged.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation will NOT be provided by the preschool.
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REPORTING POLICY FOR PROGRAMS PROVIDING SERVICES TO CHILDREN
Who should report child abuse or neglect:
✓ Any person may voluntarily report abuse or neglect.
✓ If you work with children in a licensed facility, you are legally required or mandated to report
and cannot shift the responsibility of reporting to your supervisor or to anyone else at your
licensed facility. If you know or have reason to believe that a child is being or has been
neglected or physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years, you must
immediately (within 24 house) make a report to an outside agency.
Where to report:
✓ If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
✓ All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring in a licensed facility
should be made to the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division's Maltreatment
Intake line at (651) 297-4123.
✓ Reports regarding incidents of suspected abuse or neglect of children within a family or in
the community should be made to the Wright County Child Protection Services at (763) 6827400.
✓ If your report does not involve possible abuse or neglect, but does involve possible violations
of Minnesota Statutes or Rules governing the facility, you should call the Department of Human
Services, Licensing Division at (652) 296-3971.
What to report:
✓ Definitions of maltreatment are contained in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act
(Minnesota Statutes, section 626.556), which is attached to this policy.
✓ A report to any of the above agencies should contain enough information to identify the
child involved, any persons responsible for the abuse or neglect (if known), and the nature and
extent of the maltreatment and/or possible licensing violations. For reports concerning
suspected abuse or neglect occurring within a licensed facility, the report should include any
actions taken by the facility in response to the incident.
✓ An oral report of suspected abuse or neglect made to one of the above agencies by a
mandated reporter must be followed by a written report to the same agency within 72 hours,
exclusive of weekends and holidays.
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Retaliation is prohibited:
✓ An employer of any mandated reporter shall not retaliate against the mandated reporter for
reports made in good faith or against a child with respect to whom the report is made.
✓The Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act contains specific provisions regarding civil
actions that can be initiated by mandated reporters who believe that retaliation has occurred.
Failure to report:
✓ A mandated reporter who knows of or has reason to believe a child is or has been neglected
or physically or sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor.
✓ A mandated reporter who fails to report maltreatment that is found to be serious or
recurring maltreatment may be disqualified from employment in positions allowing direct
contact with persons receiving services from programs licensed by the Department of Human
Services and by the Minnesota Department of Health, as well as unlicensed Personal Care
Provider organizations.
Policy and procedures availability:
✓ The reporting policies and procedures must be provided to parents of all children at the time
of enrollment in the child care program and must be made available upon request.
✓ The Division of Licensing recommends that parents with children currently enrolled in a child
care program are informed of the development of the reporting policies and procedures, and
are provided with an opportunity to request information.
MALTREATMENT OF MINORS ACT
Under the Maltreatment of Minors Act, Minnesota Statutes, Section 626.556, any person may
report suspected abuse or neglect of a child. However, persons providing services to children
are required to make a report when they suspect a child is being abused or neglected. The
purpose of this memorandum is to clarify who is mandated to report suspected abuse or
neglect, with a focus on reporting requirements for child care centers licensed under Minnesota
Rules, part 9503.0005 to part 9503.0170 (Rule 3), residential treatment programs for children
with severe emotional disturbance licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9545.095 to
9545.1125 (Rule 5), and group homes for adolescents licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts
9545.1400 to 9545.1480 (Rule 8).
This memorandum explains the reporting requirements that providers such as child care
centers (Rule 3), residential treatment programs for children with severe emotional disturbance
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(Rule 5), and group homes for adolescents (Rule 8), must comply with when they suspect a child
has been neglected or abused or is being neglected or abused. In addition, the consequences
for failure to report are explained.
✓ This law strives to protect children by defining what constitutes abuse and neglect, who is
mandated to report, and the responsibilities of local social service agencies and law
enforcement in conducting investigations once a report of maltreatment is made.
✓ Any person who provides services to children must know the definitions of abuse and
neglect, and must know the steps to take to make a maltreatment report. The law requires
mandated reporters to make a report if they know or have reason to believe a child is being
abused or neglected, or has been abused or neglected in the past three years. If a child is in
immediate danger, mandated reporters should call the police.
✓ Persons who work in licensed facilities must be aware that they are mandated to report any
person they have reason to believe is abusing or neglecting a child, including employers or
fellow employees.
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