KING’S KIDS PRESCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK
2015-2016
PURPOSE
In Luke 18:16, Jesus said, “Let the children come unto me, and do not hinder them, for to
such belongs the Kingdom of God.” Mindful of these words, the purpose of King’s Kids
Preschool is to reach young children with the Good News of Jesus’ birth. Sharing God’s
word includes the joy of witnessing to children and watching children in turn witness to
others.
GOALS
It is our goal to provide:
1. Opportunities for Christian learning of Jesus Christ.
2. Opportunities and activities to help children develop healthy self-concepts.
3. Experiences and activities that fulfill a child’s basic needs: spiritual, emotional,
intellectual, psychological, and physical.
4. Learning which will broaden a child’s aptitude for future schoolwork with
activities in motor perception, math, science, and religion, social studies, and art.
Our objective at King’s Kids is to provide a school readiness curriculum in a Christian
environment. We believe childhood is a journey, not a race. We strive to pave the path
for each child’s future through faith. King’s Kids is dedicated to serving as a foundation
for Christian values and future learning.
Stacey Schumann
Holly Brenhaug
Staci Butler
Teresa Schmidt
STAFF
Director/ Lead Teacher
Lead Teacher
Assistant Teacher
Assistant Teacher
Staff can be reached at (320)484-2354 for messages or concerns. Please try to call before
or after class. In the event that an emergency message needs our immediate attention,
please call the main church office at 587-2776 and ask that a message be taken and
delivered immediately to King’s Kids. Staff can also be reached by email at
ctkkids@hutchtel.net. Visit our website at www.kingskidshutchinson.weebly.com. Like
us on Facebook at Kings Kids Preschool.
PRESCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Preschool Committee is a standing committee of Christ the King congregation;
comprised of staff, council representatives, and lay members of Christ the King. Two
non-voting members of the committee are parents of children currently enrolled in King’s
Kids and serve for the nine-month school year.
The purpose of this committee is to provide support for the efficient management and
operation of the preschool so that it achieves its stated purpose.
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Suggestions and concerns should be brought to the Preschool Director. If further
attention is needed, contact a Preschool Committee member. The committee meets the
second Monday of each month at 5:00 PM at the church. (Also, see grievance procedure
under the heading “Communication”.)
ADMISSIONS
We accept children regardless of race, color, or national origin. The only reasons a child
will be asked to leave the program are: if after a consultation with staff and parents it is
felt the child will no longer benefit from the program or is causing a disturbance such that
the other children can no longer benefit from the program or for the non-payment of fees.
Types of disturbances that may warrant children leaving our program are: threats to other
students and/or teachers, hitting, scratching, biting and other extreme bad behavior.
Expulsion may include, but is not limited to the previous disturbances. Each situation
will be based on the individual/family and all problems will be kept confidential.
Before a child is asked to leave the program the following actions will be taken.
1. The child’s teacher will document the child’s activities and all communication
with the parents.
2. The child’s teacher will talk to the parents about observed behaviors. We
expect the parents to talk to their child about the behaviors.
3. An action plan will be developed by the parents and teachers regarding how to
handle the situation. We expect cooperation and help from the parents in
implementing this plan.
4. If the child is still having problems and the behavior is staying the same or
getting worse, a meeting with the teacher, family, and director will be held.
5. If there is no improvement and/or there is not help from family, the child will
then be asked to leave the program.
This program has been created the keep the safety of all children in mind and also to help
the struggling child. At King’s Kids we believe that home is the first and most important
place a child learns. We want to work together with the parents to help their children
learn how to behave in social situations.
We will attempt to integrate a special needs child into our program whenever possible.
Permission must be obtained from our licensing consultant before admission. Special
needs are defined as involving a sensory, physical or mental deficiency or emotional
disturbance.
King’s Kids is licensed under the Minnesota Department of Human Services (651)4316500. This ensures our families that the standards have been met regarding space,
program and staff.
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REGISTRATION
Children currently enrolled in King’s Kids will have the first opportunity to enroll for the
following year. Next, the current members of Christ the King will have the opportunity
to enroll. If needed, an Open House will be held each spring at which time parents can
visit the school with their children. A non-refundable fee of $30.00 for members of
Christ the King or $35.00 for non-members must be paid when registering a child for
preschool. Before school begins in the fall, there is an orientation for the children and
parents to meet their teachers and classmates.
State Licensing standards require a current physical examination along with the child’s
completed immunization record. These forms MUST be in your child’s file BEFORE the
first day of attendance. You receive these forms at the time of registration. The
preschool does not provide insurance for your children while in school.
CLASSES 2015-2016
King’s Kids is licensed for 20 children in each classroom for a total of 40 children on
site. However; we limit our classes to 16 children. We require children be at least three
years old by September 1st of this year and toilet trained (NO pull-ups, diapers or training
pants). Our school calendar is based yearly on the Hutchinson Public School Calendar.
We will begin school on September 14th and end on May 13th for the 2015-2016 school
year. You will find a list of scheduled “No School” days at the end of this handbook.
Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:00-11:30 AM
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 12:30-3:00 PM
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings 9:00-11:30 AM
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons 12:30-3:00 PM
Just for Fives (for children born in 2010)
Monday-Friday afternoons 12:30-3:00 PM
CURRICULUM
Children are encouraged each day to explore hands-on math, science, writing, reading
and art centers. Daily opportunities to problem solve and make decisions are presented.
We teach sign language and Spanish and explore many diverse cultures.
With the guidance of state certified teachers and assistant teachers, each child is
encouraged to develop an “I can do it!” attitude.
Alphabet and number recognition, large and fine motor development, social interaction,
and spiritual growth are part of our daily circle time. Songs and music, finger plays,
calendar, and weather, as well as presentation of our daily teaching theme round out this
large group time. At King’s Kids, each child is given daily opportunities to learn at
his/her own pace. We use HighScope Preschool Curriculum.
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TUITION
Tuition will be based on a 9 month school year, September through May. Tuition is
based on 35 weeks and includes snack and milk fees for the year. There are no
reductions for holidays, vacations, illnesses, weather/emergency closings or other
absences. Tuition payments are due the first school day of each month. Please include
your child’s name on the check and place the payment in an envelope marked “tuition” in
your child’s folder. Tuition will be considered late if received after the 15th of the month.
The first time tuition is late a $5.00 fee will be added. The second time tuition is late a
$10.00 fee will be added. The third time tuition is late a $15.00 fee will be added. $5.00
more will be added to your previous month’s late fee if tuition continues to come in late.
Failure to pay for 2 consecutive months may be cause to discontinue enrollment.
Please speak to the director if financial difficulties arise. Please give at least a two-week
notice if it becomes necessary to withdraw your child. No refunds will be given for any
reason.
2015-2016 Tuition
Two days per week: $80.00/month
Three days per week: $100.00/month
Five Days per week: $155.00/month
2015-2016 Snack Fee (Due at the beginning of the year.)
Two days per week: $40.00
Three days per week: $50.00
Five days per week: $80.00
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Children may not arrive more than five minutes before class begins, as this is the
teacher’s time to prepare for the day. Children should enter and exit through the
southwest doors. A preschool staff person will let the children out of the car and direct
the children into the building.
At five minutes prior to dismissal time, parents will be invited into the classroom to hear
from the teacher about the day. AT THIS TIME, PLEASE KEEP SIBLINGS BY THE
HAND OR IN YOUR ARMS AND SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THE CHLDREN
BY LISTENING RESPECTFULLY TO THE TEACHER.
Parents must come inside to pick up children no later than 5 minutes after class is
dismissed. Please, do not ask us to allow children to come early or stay late as our prep
time is limited.
PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE AND PICK UP YOU CHILD ON TIME! PARENTS
WHO ARRIVE MORE THAN 10 MINUTES LATE TO PICK UP THEIR CHILDREN
WILL BE FINED $5.00. YOU WILL BE GIVEN A WRITTEN WARNING BEFORE
THIS TAKES EFFECT. FINES BEGIN AT 11:40 FOR MORNING SESSIONS AND
3:10 FOR AFTERNOON SESSIONS. FINES WILL BE USED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS.
You must notify your child’s teacher by note, in person, or by phone call WHENEVER
someone other than a parent is going to pick your child up from class. This includes car
pool driver, grandparents or ANYONE other than a parent. We may refuse to allow a
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person to pick up your child until we can contact a parent for authorization. We are only
concerned for your child’s safety!
At no time will King’s Kids allow ANYONE incapacitated or suspected of child abuse to
pick up ANY child. Any person may voluntarily report abuse or neglect. Anyone
working in a licensed facility is required to report and cannot shift the responsibility of
reporting to their supervisor or to anyone else in the facility. If a mandated reporter
knows or has reason to believe a child is being or has been neglected or physically or
sexually abused within the preceding three years they must immediately (within 24
hours) make a report to an outside agency.
If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. All reports
concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring in a licensed facility should
be made to the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division’s Maltreatment Intake
line at (651)431-6600. Reports regarding incidents of suspected abuse or neglect of
children occurring within a family or in the community should be made to the local
county social services agency at (320)864-3144 or local law enforcement at (320)5872242. If your report does not involve possible abuse or neglect, but does involve possible
violations of Minnesota Statutes or Rules that govern the facility, you should call the
Department of Human Services, Licensing Division at (651)431-6500.
A report to any of the above agencies should contain enough information to identify the
child involved, any persons responsible for the abuse or neglect (if known), and the
nature and extent of the maltreatment and/or possible licensing violations. For reports
concerning suspected abuse or neglect occurring within a licensed facility, the report
should include any actions taken by the facility in response to the incident. An oral
report of suspected abuse or neglect made to one of the above agencies by a mandated
reporter must be followed by a written report to the same agency within 72 hours,
exclusive of weekends or holidays.
A mandated reporter who knows or has reason to believe a child is or has been neglected
or physically or sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor. In
addition, a mandated reporter who fails to report maltreatment that is found to be serious
or recurring maltreatment may be disqualified from employment in positions allowing
direct contact with persons receiving services from programs licensed by the Department
of Human Services and by the Minnesota Department of Health, and unlicensed Personal
Care Provider Organizations.
The reporting policies and procedures must be provided to parents of all children at the
time of enrollment in the child care program and must be made available upon request.
The Division of Licensing recommends that parents with children currently enrolled in
child care programs are informed of the development of the reporting policies and
procedures and provide them with an opportunity to request the information.
King’s Kids will use the parent emergency authorization as a resource to call if a child is
not picked up and a parent is not reached.
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WEATHER CLOSINGS
Please listen to the local radio stations, WCCO 830 AM, KDUZ 1260 AM, KARP 106.9,
and/or the Twin Cities television station for weather announcements. We follow the
HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL weather closings.
If school is closed while children are in class, please come to pick them up immediately.
Guidelines for school closings:
1. If the public school is cancelled, we will also be cancelled.
2. If the public school is one hour late, we will be starting one hour late.
3. If the public school is two hours late, there will be NO MORNING CLASSES.
4. If the public school is dismissed before 12:30, there will be NO AFTERNOON
CLASSES.
*We do not follow the planned two hour late start for the public school. Our
students will have classes as usual on those days.
SAFETY
King’s Kids is concerned for the safety of the children and staff.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has issued explicit directives to ensure
safety and prevent accidents.
Our preschool complies with all directives as follows:
1. Children will be supervised at all times.
2. The Preschool will be regularly inspected for safety hazards and repairs made or
defective equipment replaced.
3. Staff and children will participate in monthly fire and safety (lock down) drills.
4. Tornado drills will be practiced in September, April, and May.
5. Teachers are trained in administration of First Aid and CPR.
6. If a child should be missing from King’s Kids we will immediately contact Law
Enforcement.
BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE
Our staff establishes an atmosphere within the classroom that prevents disciplinary
action. The purpose of our behavior guidance is not to punish but to help a child become
self disciplined. The children are encouraged to talk to the staff and each other about
unsettled feelings and uncomfortable situations before they reach the uncontrollable
stage. Under state law, all children are protected against physical or psychological abuse.
Separation from the group will only be used as a last resort and documented by staff.
Parents may review King’s Kids childcare program plan upon request.
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ILLNESSES/EMERGENCIES
If your child has an existing medical condition or allergy YOU MUST BE SURE that the
director and you child’s teacher are aware of any precautions or procedures to be
followed.
If a child becomes ill while at school, the staff will contact the parents. Parents are
required to pick their child up immediately. The child will be separated from the group
but supervised at all times.
If a child should have an accident involving an injury, the staff will administer first aid.
The staff is certified in an approved course every three years. If necessary, parents will
be contacted to pick up their child immediately. King’s Kids has at least one staff
member on site during our normal operation and at least one staff member accompanying
children on field trips with current first aid training.
We make every effort to keep ALL staff current in first aid and CPR training.
In the event of poisonous ingestion the Minnesota Poison Help Line will be called. Staff
will follow their direction for aid. If needed, 911 will be called. King’s Kids staff will
NOT administer any other medications unless for an emergency. These medications
would include epi-pens, inhalers or other emergency medications. A signed doctor’s
note will be needed and the parents are required to fill out an additional form.
In case of a serious emergency or illness, we will call an ambulance immediately with the
parents assuming the cost. Every effort will be made to accompany the child. The
Hutchinson Community Hospital will be our source of emergency care.
Any serious accidents, injuries or incidents requiring medical attention involving
children, staff or visitors will be documented and reviewed semi-annually for future
preventative measures.
HEALTH
If your child is unable to attend preschool, PLEASE CALL! DO NOT send children who
are ill to school. This includes coughing and running noses. Children who are coughing,
sneezing, or are otherwise a source of infection for other children, will be sent home.
Parents will be contacted and required to pick up their child immediately. We will use
your emergency contact person if parents cannot be reached.
The number for King’s Kids is 587-2776 ext 5. Please inform us if your child will not be
in class due to illness or other reasons. Please do NOT send your child to preschool if
he/she is too ill for outside or vigorous play. Please do not ask us to keep your child
indoors as we simply do not have staff to supervise.
Your child must NOT be sent to preschool under the following State Department of
Human Services guidelines:
1. If there has been an elevation in temperature within the last 24 hours. Your
child’s temperature should be normal for at least 24 hours before attending
school.
2. If there is a rash present.
3. If the child had developed nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
4. If the child has a sore throat, discharge from the eye, ear or nose.
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5. If the child shows deviation from his/her usual behavior or appetite.
6. If the child has a contagious condition such as chicken pox, pink eye, lice,
impetigo, strep, or other respiratory or intestinal illness.
7. Coughing which causes the child to be uncomfortable during activities, is
uncontrollable, or exposing others to respiratory infection.
The Department of Human Services mandates that all contagious childhood diseases such
as chicken pox, lice, strep, pink eye, or other communicable diseases MUST be reported
to the preschool director immediately and the child remain at home until no longer
contagious. Families of children exposed will be notified by note home or phone call
within 24 hours of report. Confidentiality will be observed. Staff with any signs of
infection or illness will be excluded from work.
A physical examination including all required immunizations is required by the
Department of Human Services PRIOR to a child’s attendance at preschool.
Preschool staff will not administer medication other than emergency medications.
All King’s Kids staff are mandated to report any suspected cases of child abuse or
neglect.
A licensed consultant from McLeod County Public Health reviews King’s Kids Health
Policies yearly.
The premise is inspected yearly by the local fire inspector.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from the preschool is the responsibility of the parents or guardian.
FIELD TRIPS
If field trips are taken, parent permission will be obtained. It is likely that parent
volunteers will be needed to help with transportation. The preschool does have use of the
church van and, if used, all precautionary measures will be taken in regards to car safety.
All children and staff will be required to wear safety belts. Children will not sit in line
with air bags. In certain circumstances children may need a car seat or booster seat.
King’s Kids Preschool will provide booster seats for children who need them. Car seats
are not provided by the preschool, but need to be provided by the parents of children who
need them. Every child must be in a car or booster seat and use a shoulder seat belt.
CLOTHING
Children should be dressed in play clothes so neither they, nor we, need to worry about
paint, glue, etc. ruining their clothing and shoes.
Please mark clearly each item of clothing that can be removed, especially mittens and
boots to avoid a mix-up.
If a child has a potty accident at school, he/she will be dressed in clothing owned by the
preschool and a new, store-bought, pair of underwear provided by the preschool. Please
return the clothing laundered and include a new, store-bought, pair of underwear to
replace the pair given to the child. Please dress you child each day for outside play.
When weather allows we WILL go outside. Be aware our playground does get muddy
after it rains.
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SHARING
Sharing will be offered to provide language enrichment opportunities. We DO NOT
ALLOW weapons (ex. Guns, knives, swords.) of ANY KIND. This includes any toys
that look like these items.
Please limit sharing to one item per visit.
Sharing will be offered on dates shown on the monthly calendar.
Due to severe allergies, we do not allow pets or animals of any kind to visit at King’s
Kids.
BIRTHDAYS
If you wish to treat your child’s classmates, please bring a store bought, individually
wrapped item for each child. NO CUPCAKES FROM THE BAKERY. These will be
offered at the end of class. Due to severe allergies, staff will remind adults who come to
pick up students that a treat has been offered. Please keep in mind that children may have
severe allergies to nuts, soy, etc. In compliance with our licensing standards, we will not
allow any home prepared foods or bakery items to be served or sent home. All food
items must be store bought and in the original unopened packaging. Children with
summer birthdays will have the opportunity to celebrate them in the spring during our
Unbirthday Party. We will celebrate birthdays that occur in the first weeks of September
during our first week of school.
SNACK
A daily snack including 2% milk or 100% juice (depending on what we are serving that
day) will be provided at King’s Kids for both AM and PM classes. Our snack will most
often be part of our daily theme and used as a learning experience for the children. We
encourage all students to try what we are providing for snack and drink. Exceptions will
be made for children with doctor’s notes stating their specific allergies. We do make
every effort to accommodate children’s allergies and other dietary needs. BE SURE your
child’s classroom teacher and the director knows of serious allergies or other snack
concerns. Please remember, your tuition includes snack and milk fees.
LENDING LIBRARY
King’s Kids Preschool offers a lending library located in the hallway outside of the
classrooms. Students and their families are welcome to borrow our books and DVDs.
COMMUNICATION
We encourage open communication between the parents and school. Your phone calls
are welcome, but we ask that you try not to call while we are in class. You may leave a
message on our answering machine at 484-2354and your call will be returned as quickly
as we can. Of course urgent messages will be treated as such. If there is an emergency,
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please call the front office at 587-2776 and give your message to the secretary asking her
to take the message to the preschool. Feel free to email staff at ctkkids@hutchtel.net. A
monthly calendar is sent home to inform parents of days off, important events, etc.
Individual parent/teacher conferences will be held in the fall and spring. We believe
childhood is a journey, not a race and strive to provide our best assessment of your
child’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development at each conference.
Special conferences will be arranged as felt necessary by the parents or teachers. The
director and /or other teachers will make every effort to attend school IEP meetings for
special needs children.
Parents are welcome to visit at any time. Please ask teachers before you visit. Short
visits are often most rewarding and also easier on your child. Siblings should not attend
during the parent’s visit.
GRIEVANCE PROCEEDURE
If a problem arises, please address it as soon as it occurs so that we can resolve it as
quickly as possible.
If you have grievance, we ask that the following procedure be followed:
1. Discuss the grievance with your child’s teacher as soon as it happens.
2. The teacher will respond to the grievance and plan an acceptable solution to be
used at the next class the child attends.
3. If there is still a problem, notify the director before your child’s next class session
so that the solution can be reviewed and advised.
4. If you are not satisfied with the way a situation is being handled, you may bring
your grievance to the Preschool Committee meeting which meets every second
Monday of the month at 5:30 PM at the church.
5. You may bring any unresolved concerns to the Parish Personnel Committee
which meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM at the church.
On your enrollment forms you are asked to authorize photographs of your child to be
used in public relations such as newspaper articles, website, brochures, advertising,
memory books, etc.
If at any time, King’s Kids participate in any type of research, written parental permission
will be asked.
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A DAY AT KING’S KIDS
Arrival
Children are assisted into the school by staff at the curb. Children come in and take care
of their clothing and book bag and then are free to learn at any of our centers. This is the
time children make the transition to school. We encourage parents to separate from their
child during this time.
Group/Circle Time
During this time alphabet and number recognition, large and fine motor development, and
social interaction as well as spiritual growth are encouraged. Songs, finger plays,
calendar, and weather along with presentation of our daily teaching theme round out this
large group time. We teach the alphabet, colors and some words in sign language and
colors, numbers and some words in Spanish.
Snack
Snack is most often part of our daily teaching theme and children are encouraged to each
prepare his/her own snack.
Prayers are said at this time.
Free Time
Children are encouraged to explore hands-on math, science, writing, and reading center
and a variety of art experiences.
Dramatic play areas, puzzles, books, manipulatives and small group interactions are part
of this time. Children are given daily opportunities to make decisions and problem solve
and explore/experiment with a variety of sensory experiences.
Large Motor
During this time children go outdoors and/or to the Mission Hall (Fellowship Hall) for
large muscle development.
Group Project
This part of our day develops fine motor skills, listening and following directions, and
school readiness activities. Cutting with scissors, tearing, gluing, using markers, crayons,
pencils, and a variety of materials encourages each child to develop an “I CAN DO IT!”
attitude towards future school work.
Closing/Dismissal
Sharing is done at the end of our day and each child is given the opportunity to show or
tell about something in their life.
A prayerful good-bye song closes our day.
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OUR SCHOOL CALENDAR 2015-2016
PLEASE REMEMBER- we operate on the same schedule as Hutchinson Public Schools.
Sometimes, changes are made to the schedule and we are not aware of them at the time of
this printing. Please be understanding and we will make every effort to keep you advised
of changes as they occur.
Our starting date is September 14th, 2015.
Our ending date is May 13th, 2016.
NO SCHOOL DAYS
Wednesday, October 14th
Thursday, October 15th
Friday, October 16th
Thursday, November 26th
Friday, November 27th
Friday, December 4th
Thursday, December 24th-Friday, January 1st
School resumes Monday, January 4th
Friday, January 29th
Friday, February 15th
Monday, March 7th
Monday, March 21st-Friday, March 25th
School resumes Monday, March 28th
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