Euzoa Preschool Handbook
2008-2009
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom
of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14b
Mission
We believe that children are a “heritage of the Lord.” The mission of Euzoa
Preschool is to provide a loving, Christian environment in which each child can
develop fully and at their own pace in all domains of life: social, cognitive,
physical, and spiritual. The child’s first school experience is a foundation for
future attitudes and success, and Euzoa preschool strives to make each child
feel positive and excited about school, self, and learning.
Philosophy
Our philosophy, which is supported by much research and advocated by the
National Association of Young Children, is that young children learn best
through play. Thus our program provides a variety of opportunities for
learning through hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities and
experiences which extend childrens’ natural creativity and curiosity.
Ages of Children
We will accept children ages 3-5 years who are fully potty-trained. Threeyear-olds must be three on or before September 1st.
Special Needs Children
Euzoa Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of special needs. When
the parent of a child with special needs applies for admission into the
program, the director and parent will meet to review the child’s care
requirements. After assessing and evaluating the child’s individual needs,
the parent and director will determine whether or not the preschool can
meet the child’s needs. If it is not possible to accommodate the child
safely, the director will assist in finding a school environment that can
better accommodate the child’s needs.
Center Hours
The preschool is open during the school year, Monday through Friday from
9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We are closed during the summer. Children should
arrive promptly at 9:00 so the day can begin on time. Parents should pick up
children between 12:55 and 1:00, late pick-ups will result in a $1.00 per
minute charge. The school will mostly follow the Steamboat Springs School
District schedule for closures and vacations, see attached calendar for more
details.
Program
Young children learn best through play. Our program includes different
times of learning through play during the day. At center time, children move
through a variety of learning centers of their choosing which focus on
learning basic concepts and skills through hands-on experiences and
activities. Centers may be designed to develop large or small motor skills,
focus on academics, or encourage dramatic play and social skills. At circle
time, the focus is on listening skills, pre-reading and writing strategies, and
simple problem solving. This time may include books, Bible stories, songs,
finger plays, and simple group math and problem solving activities. When the
class goes outside to play, children have a chance to develop large motor
skills, interact with their peers, and observe and appreciate the beautiful
world around us which God created.
Throughout all our activities, we continually focus on manners, social skills,
responsibility, and Christian attitudes and behaviors. We strive for
children’s first school experience to be a fun, positive experience that will
nurture a lifelong love of learning.
Chapel
Each week, children will attend a special chapel time planned just for them!
Students will sing songs, hear a Bible story that is age- appropriate, and
praise God in a fun, child-centered atmosphere.
Admission and Registration Procedures
Children are admitted on a space available basis, regardless of race, sex,
creed, or national origin. Parents and children should visit the school to
observe and ask questions before registration is completed. Parents may
choose a three day class with attendance on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays class or a two day Tuesday, Thursday class.
All enrollment forms must be completed and returned on or before the first
day of school. There will be a non-refundable $65.00 registration fee for
each child at the time of registration. Euzoa preschool reserves the right to
deny enrollment to any child we do not feel is well suited for our program.
Tuition Fees
Tuition is $35 per day, based on the days your child is registered at the
preschool. Credit or make up days or reimbursement will not be given when a
child is absent. Tuition is to be pre-paid monthly and is due on or before the
5th of the month. After the 5th, there will be a 10% late fee charged. If an
account is not paid by the end of the month, the child will not be allowed to
return to the school until the account is made current.
Authorization for Pick-Up
No child will be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick up
that child. A staff member must have written or verbal authorization for
any changes regarding pick up. Authorized persons picking up a child for the
first time will be asked for identification before the child is released. If
an unauthorized person arrives to pick up a child, they will not be released
until the parent has approved the person and proper ID is shown.
Withdrawals
We request a two-week notice if you withdraw your child from Euzoa
Preschool. You will be responsible for payment for the final two weeks
regardless of whether your child can attend or not.
Inclement Weather
We will be going outside to play every day, unless it is extremely cold, hot,
raining or snowing heavily. Please make sure your child has all the proper
clothing for each season.
Sign-in and Sign-out
For safety reasons, there will be a sign-in and sign-out sheet for each
classroom. Parents must sign children in and out upon drop of and pick up.
Children will be supervised at all times by a teacher and/or aide.
Illness
Children who are ill should be kept home in the interest of the health of all
our children and staff. If an illness occurs at school, we will call and ask a
parent to pick up the child. We ask that you come within one hour after you
are called. Children who show any of the following signs should not attend
school:
-Fever in the last 24 hours
-Vomiting in the last 24 hours
-Diarrhea in the last 24 hours
-Undiagnosed rash
-Conjunctivitis
-Profuse nasal discharge, which is green or yellow
-Numerous mouth sours
-Head lice
-Persistent coughing
Most children with a mild illness do not need to stay home from preschool if
they feel like participating in all activities, including outdoor play. Usually
the child has already exposed others before seeming sick.
Please notify the school if your child has or has been exposed to a
communicable disease.
Medication
By state law, we are only permitted to administer medication prescribed by
the child’s physician. All medication sent to school must be in the original
container, labeled by the pharmacy stating the name of the child,
medication, and dosage. In addition, a parent should give written permission
for the medication to be administered at school. All medication will be
stored in a locked cabinet in the lobby area. We cannot administer nor allow
self-administration of non-prescription medication, please do not send it to
the school. This includes cough drops and vitamins.
Discipline Policy
At Euzoa preschool, the focus will be on reinforcing positive behavior in a
Christian setting. Teachers will use positive guidelines, redirections, and the
setting of clear-cut limits that help the child to become self-disciplined.
Teachers will encourage children to be fair, respect property and other
people, and learn to be responsible for their actions.
When inappropriate behavior does occur, the teacher will discuss the
situation with the child, including other choices and using words to work out
situations. If more than one child is involved, students will be encouraged to
talk to each other and make amends in an appropriate way such as apologizing
or giving a hug. Occasionally, when these strategies are not effective in
stopping the behavior even after multiple attempts, the child exhibiting the
behavior will be asked to have some quiet time in the book center or other
area of the classroom.
Clothing
Children’s play is often messy! Your child may get dirty while involved in the
activities at preschool. Please keep this in mind when dressing for school.
Each child should bring an extra outfit in a labeled zipper bag to be kept at
school, including socks and underwear, for occasions when a child becomes
too wet or dirty or has an accident.
Lunch and Snacks
Please send a snack and lunch for your child each day, as Euzoa Preschool
does not provide food for the children. Water will always be available for
children to drink. Remember to send healthy, nutritious foods that children
can easily eat independently. Do not send junk food, soda, candy, or gum. In
addition, keep in mind that items such as chips, desserts, and sugary “juice”
drinks should be used sparingly as they have little or no nutritional value.
When your child is celebrating a birthday, you may choose to send class
treats for snack time. Please let us know so we can make it a special time
for your child!
Personal Belongings
Items from home such as toys should not be brought to preschool. We
cannot be responsible for their safety or return, and they often cause
problems. Exceptions include:
-Comfort items which may help the child feel more secure, however
we will ask the child to keep it in a backpack or cubby when possible.
-Items brought for show and tell planned by the teacher.
-Items brought with prior permission, such as a special item related to
the weekly theme.
Video/TV policy
TV will not be watched at Euzoa preschool. Very occasionally, a video
relating to a weekly theme may be viewed and parents will be informed
beforehand of the show which is to be seen.
Visitors
All visitors should check in with the director upon arrival. Visitors will be
asked to record their name, address, and purpose of the visit, and strangers
will be asked to show identification.
Emergency Procedures
In case of emergency, appropriate procedures will be followed:
Lost Child-One adult will check all parts of the building and
surrounding areas while other adults supervise the children. Parents and
police will be notified immediately.
Fire-Children and staff will be evacuated immediately to the
playground, and the class roster will be taken along to show children present
and family contact information. A count of children and adults will be made
by the teachers. The director or person in charge will call 911, check
bathrooms and hallways, and close doors and windows when possible.
Children and adults will be kept a safe distance from the building until
parents have been notified. Fire drills will be conducted periodically.
Accident and Injury-When an accident or injury occurs, the condition
of the child will be evaluated. First aid will be administered as necessary.
If needed, parents and/or ambulance will be called. Required forms
concerning the incident will be filled out and submitted to licensing
immediately following the occurrence.
Severe Weather-If the school must close during the school day due
to inclement weather, parents will be notified by telephone. Children will be
kept at school until they can be picked up by parents. Prior to the school
day starting, if there is severe weather and Steamboat Public schools decide
not to open, we will also not be open.
Parent Communication
Open communication with parents is very important to our school and
children. Parents are informed about the activities of the preschool through
newsletters, calendars, emails, parent bulletin boards, and verbal
communication. In addition, weekly lesson plans will always be posted by the
teacher near the classroom door and we encourage parents to check these
often!
Individual conferences will be held in the spring, and additionally as needed,
for each child.
Open communication is important to our school, and parents should share any
concerns, ideas, or suggestions with the teacher or director. You are a
partner in your child’s education! Parents are encouraged to visit and/or
volunteer at any time.
Child Abuse
Under the law, any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect must be
reported. Parents should report any suspected incidence of abuse or neglect
to Routt County Human Services by calling (970) 879-1540.
Licensing Complaints
Complaints regarding suspected licensing violations may be made by
contacting licensing specialist, Sharon Kelley at (970) 879-2124 or by
writing to PO Box 775970, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477.