Ebenezer Christian Preschool
9541 White Street
Ellsworth, MI 49729
(231) 588-6018 (preschool)
(231) 588-2111 (main)
Director: Nicole Thompson
http://www.ebenezerchristinan.org
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of
heaven belongs to such as these.” -Mathew 19:
Welcome!
We are pleased that you have enrolled your child in Ebenezer Christian Preschool. We are
looking forward to a wonderful year of growth for your child.
Goals
Our Preschool program recognizes the importance of the partnership we are entering into
with you, the parents, in working toward these goals:
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Spiritual development
Emotional development
Social development
Cognitive development
Physical development
We will be fostering these goals in the context of a secure and loving Christian
atmosphere.
Philosophy
This is a special time in your child’s life. It is our philosophy to meet each child where
s/he is, not where we want her/him to be. Different levels of ability, development and a
variety of learning styles are expected, accepted and used to design an active learning
environment with an appropriate curriculum.
Objectives
Children are active learners who learn best from personal interaction with their world,
direct experience with real objects and the application of logical thinking to their
experience. The program is set up to facilitate children’s growth and development through
individual, small group and whole group activities. The program is flexible, individualized
and appropriate to meet the developmental needs of young children.
School Calendar and Schedule
The school year begins the first Monday after Labor Day and ends the Wednesday before
Memorial Day.
Preschool is scheduled:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8:00 AM – 11:30 AM (half day)
8:00 AM – 2:45 PM (full day)
Please fill out child placement contract (included in enrollment folder) stating whether
your child will be attending preschool half days or full days.
Enrollment
Ebenezer Christian Preschool is licensed by the State of Michigan; enrollment must comply
with all regulations set forth:
 All children must be 3 years old by September 1st and must be able to handle their
own bathroom needs
 Health Appraisal must be completed and signed by the physician and parent
 Immunization record/certificate showing the date and name of each immunization,
which is required by the State of Michigan; an immunization waiver is required from
the Health Department for anyone wishing not to vaccinate their child
 Child information card completed front and back, then signed
 $25.00 non-refundable registration fee applied toward first month’s tuition
 Cost: $1125* per year for half day enrollment; $1700* per year for full day
enrollment. Tuition is due the 1st of each month, September through June.
*Tuition subject to change. Tuition is voted on at the Society Meeting annually.
Typical Daily Routine
8:00 AM
Arrival, wash hands, sign in and choose an activity within classroom for work time/center
play.
8:00-9:00
Work time/center play. Centers available throughout classroom include:
 Discovery/Science
 Sensory Table
 Math and Manipulative Table
 Pretend Play (dress up clothes, kitchen)
 Library/Reading
 Writing
 Art
 Building Blocks (wooden and Lego)
 Games and Puzzles
 Worship
9:00 –9:30
Rug Time (Learning and Literacy) After prayer, here we focus on literature, the letter of
the week, calendar and weather, spiritual and academic concepts, rhythm, music and
physical exercises.
9:30 - 10:00
Table Time (small group) Students are guided in a writing application, letter art project,
math or science activity.
10:00-10:20
Cleanup/Restroom; Snack Time
10:20–10:30
Snack Time Clean-up/ Gather outdoor items (clothes, boots, hats, mittens) for recess
10:30-11:00
Recess
11:00 – 11:20
Bible Lesson/Character Building
11:20-11:30
Half day students prepare for dismissal; gather items in backpack, coats on for parent
pickup. Full day students may choose center activity to engage in (11:20-11:35)
11:30 AM
Half day dismissal
11:35-11:45
Full day students clean up center work area and wash hands for lunchtime
11:45-12:15
Lunchtime
12:15 –12:30
Story time / Prayer time
12:30-1:30
Rest Time
1:30-1:45
Movement/Cognitive game
1:45-2:00
Library – free choice reading
2:00-2:15
Afternoon snack
2:15-2:45
Outdoor recess
2:45 PM
Parent pickup for full day students
Sickness/Illness
 Policies before School
When children show signs of sickness, it is important to keep them at home.
Children are considered ill if they have a fever, are vomiting, have a rash, or show
other symptoms which prevent a normal routine for them or for others. We ask
that you notify the school if your child will be absent for any reason and indicate
the expected length of absence.
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During School
If your child becomes ill at school, parents or designated emergency contact will be
notified so that the child may be picked up.
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Communicable Diseases
Please keep your child home for at least 24 hours from the last time of fever or
any communicable disease. Report all communicable diseases to your child’s
teacher. These include chicken pox, common cold, influenza, stomach bug, strep
throat and any case of head lice, impetigo, “pink eye”, etc., should also be reported.
Transportation
Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from Ebenezer Christian
Preschool. Children must be dropped off and picked up directly from the preschool
classroom or playground. Please, no earlier than 10 minutes before the start of each
session and be prompt at the end. Our planning and preparation time is essential. Parents
must supply written authorization if anyone other than a parent will be transporting a child
to or from the preschool classroom.
Dismissal
 At 11:30 (for half-day students) the children can be picked up inside the classroom
by a parent or designated person. Parent or designated person MUST sign out each
child. Please check your child’s cubby and mailbox.
 At 2:45 (for full day students) the children can be picked up on the playground area
by a parent or designated person. Parent or designated person MUST sign out each
child. Please check your child’s cubby and mailbox.
Field Trips
Parents are encouraged to participate in field trips throughout the year. Permission slips
will be sent home and must be signed by a parent prior to the field trip. Children will not
take part in a field trip without written permission from the parent.
Clothing
Clothing should be simple, comfortable and washable. Removable clothing, shoes and
backpack must be clearly labeled with your child’s name or initials. The children will be
going outdoors if the weather permits. Children must have snow pants, water-resistant
mittens/gloves, winter caps, water-resistant boots and winter coat to participate in winter
recess. Please provide a pack or a book bag in which to carry your child’s projects and
parent notes home. Also provide a change of clothing to stay at school should an event
occur where a change is necessary.
Shoes
Children must have a pair of clean indoor shoes that they can slip into when they arrive at
school. Indoor shoes must have backs and be appropriate to running around in the gym.
Indoor shoes keep our play environment much cleaner for little people who like to sit and
lay on the floor while play
Toys
Toys are not needed at school. It is difficult for us to be responsible for items from
home and can be more difficult for children to share them. Starting out the year by
consistently saying that toys are not allowed is easier than trying to change the rule later.
If your child brings home one of our toys, it is not a cause for great concern. Simply
explain that the toy belongs to the school and return it.
Birthdays
Parents may send or bring in a special treat on or near their child’s birthday.
Snacks / Lunch
Our emphasis is on good nutrition, relaxed conversation, good eating habits, table
etiquette and child participation. Let us know if your child has a special dietary need or
allergy to any food item! Parents will be responsible for sending a snack and apple or grape
juice (100%) on a rotational basis. You will be receiving a snack calendar on the first day
of school. A snack suggestion sheet will be provided to you. On Friday of each school
week, each child should bring his/her own snack in a container of some kind to be placed in
his/her cubby. The children enjoy bringing a snack from home and carrying a lunch
bucket/bag. Full day students will be required to bring a sack lunch daily. Please include a
snack with their daily lunch for afternoon snack. Afternoon snack will not be on a rotation
basis and is required to be provided with the child’s lunch.
Rest Time
A designated rest time will be provided for all students enrolled in full day preschool.
Cots will be provided for the children; please bring a blanket and pillow for your child to
use. The blanket and pillow will be put in your child’s backpack each Friday to be laundered
over the weekend. Please return promptly Monday morning of each week.
Safety Drills, Emergency and Evacuation Procedures
 Fire, tornado and other safely drills will be held in compliance with the state
requirements. Various evacuation procedures are practiced.
 In case of bad weather conditions (snow, ice, fog), cancellation of school will be
made by the Ellsworth Public schools. If Ellsworth Public Schools are cancelled due
to weather, we will also be closed. Local TV and radio stations broadcast
delays/cancellations.
 Dismissal during the school day due to weather or emergency situations will be
made known to you or your emergency contact by a direct phone call initiated by
the director of the preschool.
Emergency Medical Procedures
If your child suffers a minor injury at school, standard first aid procedures will be applied
and you will be informed of the incident. For more serious medical situations, the parent
or designated person will be contacted and appropriate action will be taken.
Weekly Newsletter
A weekly newsletter will keep you informed about your child’s day, our program and special
events. Please feel free to share your ideas, observations and concerns about the program
or about your child with the teachers. We value your input and welcome your suggestions.
Withdrawal Policy
A two-week notice in writing is required when parents choose to withdraw their child from
preschool.
Discipline Policy
Children are encouraged to express themselves appropriately. The main focus is to help
children develop a sense of acceptable behavior. A child will not be permitted to intrude
upon or endanger the freedom of others. We will make every effort to help the children
solve their conflict with words. When a problem behavior is persistent, the parent and
teacher will strive together to develop a plan to work toward improvement. If an
appropriate plan is still not successful, the school board will be notified and necessary
action will be taken.
Parental Responsibility
 All volunteers working with children must complete and sign the Felony
Abuse/Neglect Form and receive a Central Registry Clearance
 Each family will commit to take turns cleaning the classroom once per school year
 Each family will participate with the monthly snack schedule
 Parents will submit student information packet in a timely manner
Children’s Protective Services Requirements
Parents who volunteer at the school must sign a statement that s/he:
 Knows child abuse and neglect is against the law.
 Has been informed of the center’s policies on child abuse and neglect
 Knows ALL staff and volunteers MUST immediately contact children’s Protective
Services when child abuse/neglect is suspected and follow up in writing within 72
hours.
State of Michigan Child Care Licensing Requirements
Please see the bulletin board above red cubbies for information pertaining to state
licensing guidelines and requirements.