The United Parish Christian Nursery School (UPCNS) will begin its 32nd year of operation in 2015. We are pleased to inform you about our School with this brochure. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to call the office at 508-529-6382 or send us an email at rmiller@unitedparishschool.org STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY The philosophy of the United Parish Christian Nursery School is to promote the emotional, social, physical, cognitive and spiritual growth of each child according to developmental ability. In order for children to grow and prosper both socially and intellectually, they need the support of a warm, friendly environment where adults make them feel secure and appreciated. Our school is a place where children can act and interact without fear of ridicule, retribution or neglect. At our school you will see games to play, materials to create with, ideas to talk about and relate to, opportunities to compare, match, try out, reinforce, invent, discover and enjoy! You will see laughter and hugs and self-expression. Our program includes art, music, creative movement, fine and gross motor activities, cooking and self-awareness, nutrition and exercise. Our main concerns are the health and safety of your children along with appropriate learning experiences given in a warm and loving environment. We encourage your active participation in your child’s early learning. Parent volunteer opportunities are available and encouraged! UPCNS INTAKE PROCEDURES A child is enrolled at our school after the following steps have been completed: 1. The parent meets with the Director and observes the classrooms while discussing the philosophy and policies of the program. 2. The parent receives a copy of the parent handbook/brochure and a copy of the Parental Right Statement. This form must be returned and signed stating that the material has been read and is understood by a parent. 3. Enrollment forms are completed and on file at the school prior to the start of school. These forms include: - Face sheet/general information - Emergency info and authorized driver forms - Permission and consent forms - Developmental history forms - Health form signed and dated by a doctor and dated within one year, to include all allergies, medical issues and immunizations - A separate form for administration of all medicines, Epipens, signed and dated. - Those age four and under need a lead test. TRANSPORTATION Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from our school. Parents or their authorized drivers must bring the child into the classroom upon arrival. Children will be dismissed home individually to parents or the authorized driver at the end of the class. A plan will need to be on file. DAILY SCHEDULE CURRICULUM Morning sessions begin t 9:00am and end at 11:30am. The 4 Day Extended Day program begins at 9:00am and ends at 1:00pm. (This program includes lunch) An optional Lunch and Learn program is available for an additional cost for all other classes. This begins in October. The UPCNS staff uses their experience and creativity to generate an annual curriculum which is developmentally appropriate for young children. Introductory themes as well as more intricate themes are presented in a way that all children can enjoy. We follow the Massachusetts frameworks for Preschool Curriculum as well as, the higher standards set forth by NAEYC accreditation. Children are given opportunities to meet their cognitive challenges successfully while they develop their social, fine motor, gross motor, language and auditory skills. Social emotional and self-help skills help to improve their independence and confidence! The staff continually seeks ways to enhance the curriculum through stories, songs, projects, traditions, special guests and other available means of enrichment and resource. Themes are changed from year to year to provide a variety for students who attend our school two or more years. The staff changes toys, puzzles, games and items in dramatic play area to go along with the weekly theme. This offers a wide range of activities during the school year. Families are welcome to share their time, talents, traditions and areas of interest with us during the school year. Greeting Time is at the beginning of each day when teachers and children greet each other while waiting for everyone to arrive. Table activities are available as children “settle in” for their school day. Circle Time is when the children come together as a large group to learn about the day’s theme and classroom activities. Also included are songs, movement, stories, finger plays and exercise! Free Play is when the children move freely through all areas of the classroom. Activities include art, dramatic play, the library area, construction area, science, manipulatives, creative play, math, sand and water play. Snack also may take place during this time. Clean-up Time is when all children are asked to help clean up the classroom in preparation for the next activity. Group Time is when small groups of six to eight children meet with a teacher to do an activity where “following directions” or sequencing of steps is important as well as art projects. Snack Time – child bring their own small snack from home. During this time, children work on social skills, manners and nutrition. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Throughout the year we will offer special programs to the children and informational/social programs to the parents. You will be notified of these events through notices, invitations or email. (See website on the front page) OPEN DOOR POLICY The UPCNS practices an “open door” policy. Parents are welcome to view their child in their classroom setting. We welcome those who wish to visit the facility and ask questions about our program. Parent input is welcome, but we do ask that parents do not discuss concerns with the teachers during class time as their time with the children is valuable. Since the Director will address any concerns, parents are asked to call the office. The school welcomes all children age 2.9 to 6 years regardless of race, color, disabilities, national origins, cultural heritage, religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital status of the parents. BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY In the preschool environment, we refer to misbehavior as “mistaken behavior”. During the development of social skills, children make “mistakes”. The children are encouraged to use words during a time of conflict instead of using aggressive actions. Any child having difficulty with self-control will be guided in a sensitive, positive manner by the staff to ensure the safety of all children. United Parish Christian Nursery School is a nationally accredited school, with a warm and loving atmosphere! 2015 United Parish of Upton. All rights reserved. ADMINISTRATION The United Parish Christian Nursery School is a non-profit organization. It is a state licensed nursery school conforming to all rules and regulations set out and regulated by the Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC). Our license # is 9009544. United Parish Christian We are nationally accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our accreditation ID# is 453599. TUITION Tuition for the Tuesday/Thursday half-day program (2.9 by Sept. 15th) is $240 per month or $2,160 per year. Tuition for the Monday/Wednesday/Friday half-day program (3.9 by Sept. 15th) is $300 per month or $2,700 per year. Tuition for the 4 day Extended day class (9:00-1:00) MTWTH (4 by Aug. 31st) is $375 per month or $3,375 per year. Payments are due on the first of each month. Payable from August to April. The Nursery School requires a fee of $200 to register your first child per year. $100 each for a second and third child with a family cap of $400. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Nursery School Roanne Miller, Director United Parish Christian Nursery School One Church Street PO Box 329 Upton, MA 01568 Phone: 508-529-6382 www.unitedparishschool.org