Integrated Preschool Program Miller School 646 S. Chillicothe Rd. Aurora, OH 44202 (330) 562-6199 2006-2007 Parent Handbook Aurora City Schools Integrated Preschool Program Philosophy The philosophy of the Aurora City School’s Integrated Preschool Program is to provide learning opportunities for all children ages three through five in an integrated early childhood environment. Our early childhood classrooms will strive to provide children with a variety of experiences within the following developmental domains; cognition/academics, gross and fine motor, social/emotional functioning, and communication. It is our belief that every child should have the opportunity to interact with and engage in hands on activities that will foster whole-child development. We also believe in providing differentiated instruction, using a variety of instructional methods to meet the diverse needs of our students. We seek to provide a safe, healthy, nurturing environment that encourages all children to explore, question, problem-solve, and use creativity. We strive to create an open environment that is both positive and rewarding for children and their families. 1) To view each child individually and uniquely in order to promote growth and development. 2) To provide developmentally and age-appropriate learning experiences. 3) To provide a variety of approaches and specialized instruction in order to meet the needs of all children. 4) To provide a language-rich educational setting that encourages intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. 5) To provide quarterly reports to all parents regarding their child’s progress. 6) To integrate children with varying needs and abilities within one educational setting. 7) To include parents within the decision-making process. 8) To help children recognize their individuality and special worth and to develop respect for and understanding of individuals who are different than themselves. 9) To encourage creativity to enhance each child’s ability to think and to stimulate the desire to learn. 10) To encourage independence and self-direction by helping children learn to make their own choices and decisions. 11) To provide a safe healthy learning environment where all children can learn and grow. Preschool Pupil Performance Objectives (School Board adopted May 2006) I.) Fine Motor Uses two hands to manipulate objects, each hand performing different movements Cuts out shapes with straight and curved lines Writes using three-finger grasp Copies shapes and prints pseudo-letters Prints first name II.) Gross Motor Runs avoiding obstacles Alternates feet walking up and down stairs Jumps in place, off and forward Skips Rides and steers a two-wheel bicycle III.) Adaptive Eats and drinks a variety of foods using utensils with little or no spilling Prepares and serves own food Carries out all toileting functions Washes and grooms self Unfastens fasteners on garments Selects appropriate clothing and dresses self at designated times Fastens fasteners on garments IV.) Cognitive Demonstrates understanding of color, shape, and size concepts Demonstrates understanding of qualitative and quantitative concepts Demonstrates understanding of spatial and temporal relations concepts Groups objects, people, or events on the basis of specified criteria Follows directions of three or more related steps that are not routinely given Places objects in series according to length or size Retells events in sequence Cognitive Pupil Performance Objectives Cont… Evaluates solutions to problems Makes statements and appropriately answers questions that require reasoning about objects, situations, or people Engages in cooperative imaginary play Engages in games with rules Counts at least 20 objects Demonstrates understanding of printed numerals Demonstrates phonological awareness skills Uses letter sound association to sound out and write words Reads words by sight V.) VI.) Social Communication Uses words, phrases, and sentences to inform, direct, ask questions, and express anticipation, imagination, affect, and emotions Uses conversational rules Establishes and varies social-communicative roles Uses verbs Uses noun inflections Asks questions Uses pronouns Uses descriptive words Social Interacts with others as play partners Initiates cooperative activity Resolves conflicts by selecting effective strategy Initiates and completes age-appropriate activities Watches, listens, and participates during small group activities Watches, listens, and participates during large group activities Meets physical needs in socially appropriate ways Follows context specific rules outside of home and classroom Communicates personal likes and dislikes Understand how their own behaviors, thoughts, and feelings relate to consequences for others Relates identifying information about self and others *The Preschool Pupil Performance Objectives (PPOs) are derived from the Ohio Early Learning Content Standards and the Assessment, Evaluation, and Planning System (AEPS). Preschool Director: Miller School Principal: Mrs. Carol Denzinger Mrs. Patty Minrovic (330) 995-7710 (330) 562-6199 cdenzinger@aurora-schools.com pminrovic@aurora-schools.com Classroom Instructors: Mrs. Lauren Barker Miss Dana Barto Miss Jaime Frey (330) 562-9646, Ext. 3303 lbarker@aurora-schools.com (330) 562-9646, Ext. 3305 dbarto@aurora-schools.com (330) 562-6199 jfrey@aurora-schools.com Classroom Assistants: Mrs. Mary Houlahan Mrs. Carol Jasinski Mrs. Lynn Gallagher Mrs. Susan Piazza Mrs. Jeanne Loferski School Psychologist: Mrs. Erin Bradic (330) 562-9646, Ext. 3323 ebradic@aurora-schools.org Speech Language Pathologist: Mrs. Megan Janzig (330) 562-9646, Occupational Therapists: Mrs. Natalie Mandle & Mrs. Leslie Lucas (330) 562-9646, Ext. 3332 nmandle@aurora-schools.org School Nurse: Mrs. Sandy Petti (330)562-6199 Special Services Secretary: Mrs. Kathy O’Haire (330) 995-7710 Miller School Secretary: Mrs. Sherry Rogalski (330) 562- 6199 mjanzig@aurora-schools.org Program Hours AM Session Duration: 8:50 – 11:30 AM (Monday – Thursday) PM Session Duration: 12:50 – 3:20 PM (Monday – Thursday) Structured Teaching Program Duration: (11:30 – 3:20) Monday - Thursday If you should need to make special transportation arrangements please contact your child’s teacher. Please note that we can only release your child to individuals with your written consent. If you would like to have a friend or family member pick-up your child, please make sure you have included their name on your release list or send a note to our staff. Please note that we will check IDs of unfamiliar individuals who have come to pick up your child. Arrival and Dismissal Procedures Arrival and dismissal procedures are put into place to help maintain the safety of all children at Miller School. If you are bringing your child to school, please enter the front doors of the school and walk your child into the building. When picking your child up at the end of the day, parents should wait in the lobby of the Main Office. If you choose not to come in to the building to pick your child up please follow the line of traffic directly in front of the building and wait for your child to be individually dismissed. At the end of the day, if you should have questions for your child’s teacher please find an appropriate parking space and come into the building so as to prevent a traffic problem during dismissal. If special arrangements need to be made for arrival and/or dismissal, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange an alternate drop off/pick up location. If it is necessary for a student to check out during the school day, we ask that parents come to the school office and contact the secretary or principal. For the protection of children and parents, parents are required to sign the student out when he or she leaves the school. It is suggested that parents schedule doctor appointments after school hours when possible. Transportation Children identified as a preschooler with a disability have a right to request special bus transportation to and from school. Children attending the preschool program identified as a community peer must have transportation provided by their families. If you should have any questions related to the transportation of your child, please direct your questions to your child’s classroom teacher. Office Hours Miller School Special Services (Located at Leighton Elementary) 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (330) 562-6199 (330) 995-7710 Reporting Absences Parents are required to call the school before 9:30AM for the morning session and before 1:30 PM for the afternoon session to report absences. Please report absences through the school absence line at (330) 562-9646 Ext. 9402. Student Records The Aurora Schools maintain official student records on each student. These records, which include all information related to the student’s education, are commonly known as the student cumulative folder. In addition, we maintain records related to any special education needs and services. These records are generally held in the Special Services office. Records of a temporary nature, such as a teacher grade book and personal notes, are not a part of the cumulative record folder. Parents of preschool students shall have a right to inspect and review official student records and related information upon written request to the Special Education Manager. An appointment for review of the records will be made at a mutually convenient time as soon after the receipt of the written request as possible. Report of Abuse Any staff member of the Aurora City School District who suspects child abuse and/or neglect is required by the State of Ohio to report to the appropriate authorities. To avoid confusion please be sure to maintain open communication with your child’s teacher or the school nurse regarding injuries your child may sustain. Aurora City Schools Medical Policy Immunizations: Students enrolled in preschool are required to have on file at their school written proof that they have received the following immunizations as required by the Ohio Revised Code: DPT (Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus); Polio; Measles; Mumps; Rubella; Hepatitis B series; Varicella. According to Ohio Law, on the 15th day after school entrance it will be necessary to exclude from school all pupils without evidence of completed immunizations. Communicable Disease/Illness: The classroom teacher will be trained on recognizing signs and symptoms of illness and will be responsible to evaluate students on a daily basis. If the teacher feels further assessment is required, the student will be taken to the Health Clinic and the school nurse will be consulted as necessary. Children who are exhibiting signs of illness including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, head lice, pinkeye, or other highly contagious conditions will be sent home following the district’s procedure on communicable disease. Medication: We recommend that all student medication be administered at home. However, we are happy to provide any prescription or non-prescription medication that must be administered at school, provided an order signed by both the parent and the child’s physician on file. Please contact the Miller School Secretary for a copy of the proper forms. First Aide: At the beginning of each school year parents are asked to complete a form giving permission to treat minor illnesses/injuries. This form of first aide includes, administering a band-aide, ice, etc. The child’s teacher will report any instance of injury or illness when they occur. Snack Time A healthy nutritious snack, including juice, milk, or water, will be offered daily to all preschool students. A weekly snack menu is available upon request. We ask that you keep teachers informed of any allergies or treatments that we may encounter during the school day. It is important to note, we ask that all Sippy cups remain at home. School Dress The recommended clothing for preschool is casual pants and tops and sneakers with “Velcro” closures. We will gladly assist children with clothing during toileting, but request that they are dressed in items that allow for maximum independence. Children often sit on the floor for activities and go out to the play ground when weather permits. Names on coats, jackets, boots, hats, etc. will help your child claim his/her personal belongings each day. Children should bring a book bag to school each day and families are encouraged to check it after school every day for important papers. Preschool Behavior Management/Discipline (School Board adopted December 2005) The Aurora Board of Education recognizes the importance of providing a supportive environment in which children can feel safe to learn and explore. One of our goals is to help children learn self-control and socially appropriate behavior. In order to accomplish this, constructive, developmentally appropriate child guidance and management techniques shall be used at all times. Children shall be encouraged to communicate their needs and try to work out problems with their peers. They shall be given appropriate warnings and redirection to acceptable behaviors. Separation from problems situations, talking with the children about appropriate choices, and praise for appropriate behaviors shall also be employed. The Aurora Board of Education realizes that harsh forms of discipline are counterproductive to positive social and emotional development of young children. In line with this philosophy, the following methods shall not be used as disciplinary measures: Any form of corporal punishment (see board policy JGA) Physical restraint other than holding the child for a short period of time such as in a protective hug to help the child regain control Confining the child to any enclosed area Separation from the group unless the child is within sight and hearing of a preschool staff member Any form of abuse or neglect, including subjecting the child to profane language, threats, derogatory remarks, any other form of verbal abuse, or the use of techniques that might humiliate, shame, or frighten a child The withholding of routine needs such as food, rest, or toilet use In addition, discipline shall not be delegated to another child and shall never be imposed on a child for failure to eat, sleep, or for toileting accidents. Any type of discipline will be reported to the parents in an effort to send a clear consistent message to children about acceptable behaviors. This discipline policy shall be available to the parents of all children enrolled in the preschool program and all staff upon employment. Parent Participation Parents are an active part of a preschooler’s education both at home and school. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s classroom through a variety of activities, including birthdays, class parties, planned special activities, guest readings, field trips, and observation. To reduce disruption and to ensure safety we ask all parents and special visitors to report to the Miller School office prior to visiting the classroom. If issues involving custody should arise parents are encouraged to discuss these matters with their child’s teacher. It is important to note that non-custodial parents have the same rights to participate in their child’s education as custodial parents, unless we have a court order prohibiting that involvement. All preschool parents are invited and encouraged to join the Aurora Elementary PTO. The PTO offers many programs and activities for parent involvement. Information regarding the PTO will be distributed throughout the school year. Questions and Concerns We encourage all families to talk directly with their child’s teacher and/or other preschool staff members involved with their child’s care. If questions and/or concerns cannot be resolved at this level, please contact the Special Education Manager, Carol Denzinger, at 330-995-7710. Further questions can be addressed to Dr. Alicia Lopez, Academic Director, at 330-562-6106 Ext. 3103, or the Ohio Department of Education Ombudsman at 1-614-466-0224. If questions arise concerning state and federal regulations please see your child’s teacher for our copy of the classroom compliance report completed by the State of Ohio. This report contains preschool rules and regulations. Parents of children with disabilities are required by federal law to receive a copy of the publication titled “Whose IDEA Is This?”, which reviews your rights and responsibilities as a parent of a child with a disability. Committed to Excellence 102 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, OH 44202 Superintendent Russ Bennett Board of Education Gerald P. Kohanski, President Ann Morrison, Vice-President Pam Mehallis Michael Frigo Beverly Kuch The Mission of the Aurora City Schools is to ensure that all children reach their full potential and graduate prepared to become responsible productive members of society by providing a nurturing environment, with high expectations and effective programs.