EPWORTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Preschool Handbook
2015 / 16
(Revised)
14511 SYCAMORE ROAD, LAUREL DE. 19956
Table of Contents
Epworth Christian School Vision Statement.............................................................
Page 3
Epworth Christian School Mission Statement…………………………………………………………
Page 3
Statement of Faith………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 3
Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality………………………………………………………
Page 4
Final Authority for Matters of Belief and Conduct………………………………………………….
Page 4
Statement on the Sanctity of Human Life………………………………………………………………
Page 4
Academic Skills……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 4
Social skills……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Page 5
Outside play……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ….
Page 5
Parties & Celebrations…………………………………………………………………………...…………….
Page 5
Potty Time……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Page 6
Dress Code…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 6
Student Release………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Page 6
Arriving & Departing……………………………………………………………………………................
Page 6
Communication…………………………………………………………………………………..................
Page 6
Photographs……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Page 7
Closings……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 7
Early Drop Off & Late Pick Ups……………………………………………………………….............
Page 7
Behavioral Management……………………………………………………………………………………
Page 7
Lunches…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Page 8
Quiet Time………………………………………………………………………………………..................
Page 8
Health Care Procedures…………………………………………………………………………………….
Page 8
Partnership Covenant (Parent Acknowledgement)……………………………………………
Page 10
Partnership Covenant (Teacher Acknowledgement)……………………………………………
Page 11
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EPWORTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL VISION
Epworth Christian School (ECS) is an extension of the Christian home, designed to reinforce the faith and values of
Christian parents. We believe that policies and procedures governing the school should be consistent with the
standards of the Bible, which is God’s inspired Word. We believe that each child is unique, created in God’s image to
live a life of faith and service. We believe that faith in Christ must be applied to all areas of life, that God’s Word has the
answers to individual and world problems.
EPWORTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
To partner with parents in equipping children academically and spiritually
to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives, while reflecting the character of Christ in all we do.
Christian teachers strive to provide a Christ-centered (Titus 2:6-7) atmosphere with curriculum and disciplines that are
Bible-based. (Hebrews 12:13, 13:17) The Preschool program is designed as a continuum to the Christian life being lived
out and taught at home and in the church environment.
(Proverbs 1:8; Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 11:1-7; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 6:4; II Timothy 3:15; II Peter 3:18)
The Bible is clear that we should “Train up a child the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6) Discipline is the guidance given to encourage the children to choose the right path (Proverbs 4:25-27)
We strive to provide a structured environment which promotes self-control. (Proverbs 4:7; Matthew 7:24)
It is our desire to see each student develop a Christ-like character. In reflecting God’s character, we commit to honor
and respect authority placed over us at ECS and honor and respect our fellow classmates. Partnering together, the
parent, teacher and students agree to model unity in all areas – spiritually, emotionally, and academically, always finding
themselves in unity with Christ. Equipping children with a nurturing atmosphere, enabling them to build a solid
foundation, we promise to offer grace to one another; grace that allows for differences; and grace that allows one to
grow.
Each month, we will focus on a positive character trait, as well as one of the fruits of the Spirit. We will use object
lessons, examples taken from the life of Jesus, a Bible character, and a memory verse. Teachers will reinforce these
character traits by helping the children to apply them to everyday situations.
In addition to what is being taught at school, we will be sending home monthly challenges which will include the family.
Your participation is vital to strengthening your child’s understanding of good character.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Epworth Christian School holds the following to be the core values by which all persons associated with ECS ascribe:
 We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matt 28:19; John
14)
 We believe that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man and that it is verbally inspired, authoritative, and
without error in the original manuscripts. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
 We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death on the cross to provide for our
redemption, bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven, and His return to earth in power and glory. (John
1:1-3,14; Matt 1:18-25; Acts 4:33)
 We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, who performs miracles of the new birth for those who
believe, and who indwells believers, enabling them to live godly lives. (John 14)
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We believe that man was created in the image of God but, because of sin, was separated from God. Only
through faith, trusting in Christ alone for salvation, which was made possible by His death and resurrection, can
the separation be removed. (Gen 1:27; John 3:7)
STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and
forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11.)
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke
6:31.) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in
accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Epworth Christian School.
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct,
complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen 1:26-27.) Rejection of one’s biological sex is
a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive
union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen 2:18-25.) We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a
man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4.) We believe that God has commanded
that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct,
bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10.)
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Epworth Christian School as the local Body of Christ,
and to provide a biblical role model to the Epworth Christian School members and the community, it is imperative that
all persons employed by Epworth Christian School in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this
Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality. (Matt 5:16; Phil 2:14-16; 1 Thess 5:22.)
FINAL AUTHORITY ON MATTERS FOR MATTERS OF BELIEF AND CONDUCT
The Statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of
God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final
source of all that we believe. For purposes of Epworth Christian School’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline,
our School Board is Epworth Christian School’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
STATEMENT ON THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its
dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or
condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life.
(Ps 139)
ACADEMIC SKILLS
Teachers are to lovingly and effectively maintain a structured environment which promotes self-control. (II Timothy 2:2:
Titus 2:15) Students are to treat teachers and those in authority with honor and respect. (Matthew 10:24; I Timothy
5:1-2). Teachers structure their routine in a manner that offers a complete range of well-planned activities, alternating
quiet and still activities with those that involve more vocal and physical interaction; allowing 10-20 minutes for each
activity. (Proverbs 16:21; Ecclesiastes 12:10,11) Please partner with your child’s teacher by promptly assisting with
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homework or reinforcement work they recommend. Parents set the standard for the importance of education in a
child’s heart. (Proverbs 17:16)
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Opening Prayer is offered by the teacher and children are also encouraged to be leaders in prayer. Closing
prayer is the Lord’s Prayer. Prayer time is NOT a time of play. The children will learn a monthly memory verse.
As the year progresses, so will the amount of memorization. (Psalms 119:105) Teachers prepare in advance to
offer Bible Story time, and always include time for interaction. Children are encouraged to ask questions, offer
comments, as well as respond to questions from the teacher. (Psalms 119:9) Story time is preceded by a time
of praise and worship, using upbeat songs that involve lots of movement. (Psalms 100:150)
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Children are taught letters and phonics, numbers and counting, through various methods including circle time
activities, stories, art, music, games, worksheets. Children are also taught about the calendar and how to
respectfully pledge the United States Flag, the Christian Flag, and the Bible (Psalms 33:12).
SOCIAL SKILLS
(Proverbs 20:3, Matthew 7:12, Romans 12:17-18, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:17) We practice biblical standards of
being a kind friend by sharing, including others, using words to settle problems, refraining from physically harming
another person, and learning right from wrong. Teachers help children develop problem-solving skills when there is a
conflict.
Children are taught to put things away before going to play with something else. Children are taught to work together in
the clean-up process, putting things away in the right places. Toys are stored in such a way as to promote the ability to
do this.
OUTSIDE PLAY
Please provide weather-appropriate outerwear for your child. When choosing coats, hats, and mittens, please
remember there is an entire classroom of children that need to be zipped, snapped and buttoned. Attire that is simple
to put on works the best. Pre-K4 children are taught to put on their own coats and hats, and taught to zip, snap, and
button. Pre-K3 children are encouraged to try to put on their own coat and hats, with teacher assistance. Mittens work
best for Preschoolers. Gloves can be very difficult for their level of finger coordination.
We will have outside recess every day unless we are inhibited by some sort of precipitation. In cold weather, we may
not be outside for the entire 30 minute recess time, however, we will go outside. If your child is too ill to play outside,
your child is too ill to be at school.
PARTIES & CELEBRATIONS
We have several celebrations during the year. The first one is Grandparents’ Day, held in the fall. Preschoolers perform
a short program of singing, followed by refreshments served at the preschool. Children are then dismissed to spend the
day with their Grandparents or stay until their normal pick-up time.
Individual Classroom Parties include a Harvest Party in the fall, a Birthday Party for Jesus in December, a Valentine’s Day
Party in February, and an Easter celebration.
Children’s birthdays can be celebrated.
Pre-K4 Graduation – To honor those children who will move on to Kindergarten next year, there is a graduation
ceremony held in late May. The ceremony is held in the C.W.C. Sanctuary in the evening.
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POTTY TIME
Children must be completely potty-trained before starting Preschool. They must be able to pull their own pants up and
down, and require minimal assistance. More complicated clothing is best saved for outside of Preschool. We promote
independent use of the potty and more complicated clothing frustrates little ones, who want to quickly get back to what
they were doing with their friends. Children are taught to flush and wash.
Children go to the potty on an as-needed basis with the exception of Group Time and Quiet Time. Children are given
potty breaks every 2 hours. Children with bladder problems are exceptions with a doctor’s note.
DRESS CODE
Children may not wear any clothing with skull & crossbones, offensive slogans or Halloween themed images or sayings
including, but not limited to; jack o lanterns, ghosts, spiders, skeletons, and witches.
OVERALLS MAY BE WORN BY ANY CHILD
Shoes and socks must be worn. (No open toes OR Flip Flops)This rule is set for the safety of your child, and we thank you
for your cooperation with this matter.
Each student must bring a change of clothes in a zip lock bag marked with their name.
STUDENT RELEASE
Children will be released only to parents/guardians or any person listed on their Child Information Card. Please only
include persons to which you will allow your child to be released, even without prior notification. The person picking
your child up must have a valid driver’s license or photo I.D. In the event of an emergency, when you need a person
who is not on your Child Information Card to pick up your child, you may call the school and speak to a staff member
and give verbal authorization for release.
ARRIVING AND DEPARTING ECS PRESCHOOL
Under no circumstance should your child be allowed to find his/her own way in or out of the school.
Parents/guardians must accompany their child to and from the preschool. This provides a smooth transition and allows
for a brief exchange with the teacher to convey information and to learn of the plan for the day.
When departing the early educational building, please do not allow your child to run to the car while the
parent/guardian signs them out for departure. Sticking together is a reasonable safety request. Children may not run
freely in the parking lot.
COMMUNICATION
As a parent/guardian, you have the right to:
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Be kept informed concerning the preschool and your child
Be made aware of opportunities for parental/guardian involvement in the preschool (parties, activities, etc.)
A daily schedule of the preschool programs and activities are available for your review.
See your child’s file
Voice your concerns and praises
To have detailed discussions with teachers, it is best to call and set up an appointment.
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PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs and or videos may be taken of your child; the photographs and or videos may be used on the internet via
Epworth Christian School’s Facebook and web site.
CLOSINGS
Parents do not pay for in-service or miscellaneous holidays such as President’s day Martin Luther King, and half days;
however, if you choose to send your preschool child to school for Christmas and Easter breaks there will be a charge of
30.00 per day or $125.00 for an entire week.
When the school has a weather delay of one or two hours, you may send your child at their normal time. If school
closes for inclement weather, you MAY NOT send your preschooler to school.
EARLY DROP-OFF’S & LATE PICK-UPS
Half-day children may be dropped off as early as 7:00 a.m. and must be picked up at 11:00 am.
Continual earliness/lateness (before 7:00 & past 11:05) for ½ day Preschoolers will result in being charged as a full day
student.
Extended care ends at 5:30 pm. Late fees are assessed at $3 for every minute that you are late, beginning at 5:30 pm.
11:00 Dismissal (half-days) for ECS means that Preschoolers are to be picked up at 11:00 am (half-day for Preschool). On
these days, late fees are assessed at $3 per minute that you are late; starting at 11:05, Late Fees are due within 48
hours.
BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT
Part of the normal development of every child is the need for and understanding of accepted behavior. Each child is
respected as an individual, taught to respect other children, adults, and property with the basic Christian teaching of
faith, hope, and love.
The Preschool staff will:
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Discipline with love, understanding, firmness and consistency
Set simple and understandable rules for the children
Redirect inappropriate behavior
Use means of discipline appropriate for the child’s age and behavior
At no time use physical spanking for discipline
Give consistent praise and reinforcement for appropriate behavior
Use a “time out” when verbal reminder of suggestion cannot correct a child’s behavior. (“Time out” means a
short separation from the group.) The child may require sitting on a chair (for one minute per year of the
child’s age under adult supervision) until the child calms down.
Inappropriate behavior will result in a behavior incident report. The behavior report will explain what issues need to be
addressed. Contact will be made with parents to review the incident report. If a second behavior incident is issued the
child may be put on probation. At any time administration finds a child’s behavior to be a danger to fellow students or
staff, physically or mentally, the administration may have the child removed from school either temporarily or
permanently. Multiple behavior incident reports may lead to removal from Preschool.
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LUNCHES
NOTE: Only full-day children stay for lunch. LUNCHES-(Noon) Children have 30 minutes for lunch. Children are taught
to give thanks to God before eating and are taught table manners.
Lunch entrees should be nutritious. Please prepare foods that take less than 2 minutes to cook; example: Easy Mac and
frozen entrees. With the volume of lunches we have to prepare, there is not enough time to cook these meals. You may
cook meals at home and we can heat them for lunch.
When sending fresh fruit in your child’s lunch please make sure, it is washed, cut, and/or peeled the way your child likes
it. (With the exception of a banana)
QUIET TIME
Please remember that Quiet Time follows lunch. It would be unfair to allow the children to eat or drink things that have
a tendency to increase their energy level and then expect them to be quiet and still. For this reason, things to be avoided
in lunches are soda, Kool-Aid or red punch, candy, and chocolate.
QUIET TIME-(12:30 pm - 2:30 pm) Children do not have to go to sleep, but must lie quiet and still. This does not apply to
children that are attending pm preschool.
Please refrain from picking up children during quiet time without prior notice being given to the teacher. The reason for
this is to avoid disruptions to the children who are resting.
HEALTH CARE PROCEDURES
Our preschool operates for well children and staff only. Children who are mildly ill (minor cold symptoms) may remain
at the center only with the Director’s approval. Children should be fully able to participate in all activities, including
outdoor play. Parents should provide appropriate changes of clothing so children do not become either chilled or
overheated. Light sweaters or jackets should be available as well.
Medication
Providers will administer the medication needed. All Medication must be kept in the original packaging.
We will not serve children with:
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Fever of 100. degrees or above
A fever of up to 100 if combined with another sign of illness
A skin rash that has not be identified by a phone call or in writing from a physician who has seen the rash
Diarrhea and or vomiting two or more times in a day
Evidence of head lice or other parasites
Severe coughing
Rapid or difficulty breathing
Yellowish skin/eyes
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool
Stiff neck
Infected skin patches
Pain of which the child complains and interferes with normal activity
Excessive fatigue
A moist or open cold sore
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Children May Be Readmitted:
With a physician’s statement, that the child is free from contagious illness and returning poses no risk to the child or
others OR If visibly free from contagious illness, fever free without benefit of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours,
and free of vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours while on a normal diet.
However, the preschool retains the right to continue to exclude a child despite a physician’s statement if that
statement contradicts the preschool policies. When anyone in a child’s class has a contagious illness, parents will be
informed in writing within 24 hrs.
Certain illnesses may take more time than the normal (24 hour free) from illness.
Chicken Pox: Until at least 6 days after the onset of rash and or the sores are dried and crusted over.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Until 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment (currently Erythromycin) to prevent an
infection, have been completed and a licensed physician states in writing the child may return.
Measles: Until 6 days after the onset of rash and a licensed physician states in writing that the child may return.
Rubella: Until 6 days after onset of rash and a licensed physician states, in writing, that the child may return.
Hepatitis A virus: until one week after onset of illness or as directed by physician.
Under NO circumstance should you give your child fever reducing medication before bringing them to preschool.
Please, err on the side of caution, and keep your child home if they are not feeling 100%.
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PARTNERSHIP COVENANT
PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I/We, parent(s) of ____________________, acknowledge that I/we have received and read the Policies &
Procedures of Epworth Christian Preschool, and agree to collaborate with the teachers in their
implementation.
____________________________________________________________________________________
(Parent Signature)
(Date)
____________________________________________________________________________________
(Parent Signature)
(Date)
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PARTNERSHIP COVENANT
TEACHER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I, ________________________________________, as a teacher of Epworth Christian School, acknowledge
that I have received and read the Policies & Procedures of Epworth Christian Preschool. I commit to uphold
and implement these policies and procedures for the duration of my employment.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
(Parent Signature)
(Date)
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