2014-2015
PARENT HANDBOOK
Good Shepherd
PRESCHOOL
4700 VANCE AVENUE
FORT WAYNE, IN 46815
483-6454
www.fwgoodshepherd.org/education
Updated June 2014
Parent Handbook
1
Dear Parents,
Good Shepherd welcomes you to our Preschool. We feel that the school is an incredible asset to
our church programming as well as a wonderful outreach to the community. We strive to offer
the best possible program and are well pleased with the kind, loving, caring and qualified staff
that we have and we hope that you are too.
As a church we would like to invite you to attend the programs of the church such as Worship,
Sunday school, or seasonal programs such as Vacation or Christmas Bible School. All of our
programs are open to the public and we like to think of the Preschool parents as “family”. As
you walk through the hallways or wait in the Lobby, you will see posters, flyers or brochures as
they relate to these programs. Please feel free to inquire of any programs that seems of interest to
you. Our church staff is more than happy to answer your questions about the programs offered.
Also, on occasion when the program is of specific interest to children or their parents, you may
receive a church flyer in your child’s book bag as a way of letting you know you are invited to
participate.
Lastly, thank you for placing your trust in us; we are honored to work with you and your children.
We have a variety of unobtrusive ways that we can meet your needs as well. If you would like us
to pray for you, or if you need to speak with a Pastor, please call and let us know, we’re here to
help.
Again, thank you for considering Good Shepherd Preschool; we are glad that you’re here.
In Christ’s Service,
Deb Miteff
Education Coordinator
Parent Handbook
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CONTENTS
Welcome
School directory
Relationship with Church
Philosophy
Preschool Session
School Closings
Confidentiality…
Fees and Payments …
Carline/walk in procedure
Communication
Illness and injury
Required forms
Supplies
Clothing and Potty Training
Discipline Policy
Snacks
Parent Volunteers
Extended Care
Lunch guidelines
Emergencies
Parent Handbook
pg. 1
pg. 4
pg. 5
pg. 6
pg. 7
pg. 9
pg. 11
pg. 10
pg. 12&13
pg. 14
pg. 15
pg. 16
pg. 18
pg. 19
pg. 21
pg. 22
pg. 23
pg. 25
pg. 27
pg. 28
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Good Shepherd Preschool
4700 Vance Avenue
Fort Wayne, IN 46815
260-483-6454
260-484-7415 fax
Preschool Director…...Missy Aerts
maerts@fwgoodshepherd.org
Assistant Director (finance and tuition)…………….….Jenni McQueen
Jmcqueen@fwgoodshepherd.org
Pastor Craig Duke
cduke@fwgoodshepherd.org..............................483-8816
Deb Miteff
Education Coordinator
damiteff@fwgoodshepehrd.org.........................…… 483-8816
Financial Statements are mailed through a gmail account. Please add that account to your
address book to insure your statements do not go to your junk or spam folders:
Goodshepherdpreschoolfortw@gmail.com
Parent Handbook
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COOPERATING WITH THE CHURCH
Good Shepherd Preschool is a ministry of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church for
the benefit of the community. As a ministry of the church, the preschool is governed by
a committee comprised of parents both members and non-members of the church. The
committee is then under the authority of the Administrative Council of the church.
Good Shepherd is a very busy facility with many members and an amazing amount of
activity. As our school ministry works in harmony with other ministries of the church,
there will be occasions when our schedule or procedures will need to be interrupted or
amended for special events, programs or funerals at the church. You, as parents, will
be given as much notice as possible when these things happen and we seek your
cooperation and flexibility at those times.
Preschool committee: The Preschool Committee is considered an integral part of the
mission and program of the church. It is offered as both a service and responsibility to
the church and community. The program and staff of the preschool is a ministry of the
church and follow policies and practices prescribed in the United Methodist Book of
Discipline, those required by the State to be a Registered Ministry, VCP, Paths to
Quality and those adopted by the Administrative Council of the Good Shepherd United
Methodist Church.
Committee members are accepted through a nomination process, those who may be
interested in serving on the committee may sign up on the volunteer form given out at
parent orientation.
The responsibilities of the preschool committee shall be, but not limited to:
* Determine the Preschool’s mission and purpose.
* Establish policy as needed
* Act as a liaison between the Preschool program and the Administrative Council of the
church.
* Set policy as they relate to benefits, number of classes, student/teacher ratio, tuition
rates, hiring and termination of the director (with cooperation from Staff/Parish) and
approval of an annual budget prepared by the director and financial officer in
cooperation with the Finance Committee.
* Assist with annual registrations and special events.
* Have a sub-committee responsible for fund-raising.
* Support the staff.
* Secure new committee members as needed by making recommendations to the
Nominations Committee of the church.
Parent Handbook
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OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our goal is to provide a Christian environment of loving, caring, forgiving, and
accepting, and in so doing, help the child to grow in his/her attitudes about him/herself,
others and the world; in independence; in self-discipline; in spirituality and in
responsibility. Our staff will strive to encourage each child in his/her social, emotional,
physical, spiritual and cognitive development
By providing a variety of age-appropriate activities, teachers will help children grow in
the skills of thinking, listening, communicating, and small and large motor movement.
Throughout all activities will be the furtherance of social/emotional growth through
encouragement, cooperation, experience, and enjoyment
We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, language, socio-economic
status or family structure in the administration of our educational policies, programs,
activities, and employment.
*Pictures taken during preschool and preschool related activities may be used in Good
Shepherd publicity.
Parent Handbook
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The Preschool Session
Each Preschool session is 2 1/2 hours in length. Although the schedule varies
somewhat from classroom to classroom, depending on age, each session includes
group time, free choice time, large and small motor play, outside time, snack and cleanup. We also offer a separate gym and music class for each group weekly.
Each classroom is staffed with a well-trained caring teacher. The student/teacher ratio
is kept within our regulatory requirements. Usually there will be one teacher to every
10-12 children in classrooms for ages 3 to 5 years. The staff/child ratio in the 2/3 year
old room will be one teacher for each 5-6 children. Your child’s school session will begin
with a special greeting from the teacher at the door, making each child feel special and
welcomed. Teachers will be aware of individual needs and interests of each child
throughout the school year and offer appropriate support and resources when possible.
Organized group activities will include body movement games and exercises, and a
time to devote to stories, songs/music, fingerplays, weather observance, and the theme
for the month. Older children will be exposed to letter and number recognition. Motor
perception and music teachers meet with each class weekly for special emphasis in
those areas. This is a time when each child begins to feel part of a group and is
encouraged to share his or her feelings and ideas. All groups will have snack time, with
the children participating in bringing the snack. Special visitors and in house field trips
will supplement the school program.
A part of each school session will be devoted to “free play”, the work of young children.
Children will have access to blocks, books, housekeeping, easel painting, play dough,
creative art (“open-ended” art, rather than “copy art” or crafts) and cooking, puzzles,
educational games, water play, and sand play on a regular basis. Books,
manipulatives, and cognitive materials will be presented daily to encourage the
development of number concepts, shapes and colors, awareness of nature, and growth
in language skills.
Special events during the year include our Christmas program, Spring Program,
Halloween Parade, Thanksgiving Feast and Art Show.
Parent Orientation
A parent orientation meeting will be held before school starts on a date determined by
the Director. Letters will be sent to all parents of enrolled students, in late July or early
August, outlining times and dates of the meeting. This meeting is strongly
recommended. Parents will receive their child’s paperwork and the Director will go over
procedures of the school. During the orientation you will also set a date for your meet
the teacher time and parent/teacher conference times.
Your meet the teacher meeting is a time for you and your preschooler to meet the
teacher one on one and see the classroom without all the other students. This is the
time for you to explain any allergies or medical conditions concerning your child and to
learn more about the Preschool. Please understand that parent teacher meetings run
on a tight schedule which we have to adhere to in order to be fair to all parties. If you
feel that you need more one on one time with a teacher that can be arranged for a later
date.
Parent Handbook
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THE CLASSROOM
Good Shepherd offers growth for the young child based on developmental norms for
each age group. All aspects of the classrooms are geared to the age of the children.
Chairs, tables, and sinks are child-sized, and toys and manipulatives are arranged
within easy reach of the children. Space is arranged to accommodate a variety of
activities: the interest centers where children can freely explore and play alone or with a
friend, the housekeeping area where small groups engage in social role playing, and
the group area where there is space for whole-class participation. In order to establish
bonds between teacher, student and parent, as much as possible children will stay with
the same teacher throughout the entire school year Sept-May
Program information will be provided to families in English. If the program becomes
aware of the need for information to be in other languages every effort will be made to
provide interpretation.
Open-door Policy
Parents are encouraged to observe and/or participate in the classroom experience if
they choose to do so. We do ask that you speak with the teacher prior to the visit to
learn what activities you may be observing that day. Parents visiting the classroom are
considered visitors and will not be given supervisory responsibilities of any children. It
is our goal to make sure families have a wonderful preschool experience so our door is
always open to any and all concerns.
Parents are also encouraged to bring all concerns involving the preschool, your child’s
behavior, assessments, billing or financial problems, problems with a teacher, to the
Preschool Director. The Director will listen, investigate the concern when necessary and
try to come to a conclusion that is suitable to all parties. Please understand that
although we want to meet the needs of everyone, we are not able to make decisions to
benefit one family only. Any time a parent feels that a satisfactory conclusion has not
been reached, we encourage them to take their concerns to the Education Coordinator
of the church. If the Education Coordinator cannot come to a satisfactory conclusion,
the problem will be taken to the Senior Pastor. Please call 483-6454 or e-mail Missy
Aerts at maerts@fwgoodshepherd.org with any questions or concerns.
New Students
There are several forms and policies that must be conveyed when a new child is
admitted to the program. We will require all forms to be completed and returned to the
office for processing BEFORE a child can be admitted to the program. Although not
often, we can require up to a 2 day processing period for us to enter the student in the
computer, provide the parent with the sign in and out code and to set up the student
files and notify the teachers of a new student. This time is expedited when the parents
provide all necessary forms completed. If forms are completed for the school year, they
will be able to be used for the summer program as well, but all new forms are needed at
the beginning of each school year. Details on the appropriate paperwork and additional
requirements or responsibilities are listed within this handbook. Please take the time to
go over it.
Parent Handbook
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SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Good Shepherd Preschool will be closed only if the weather deems necessary. This is a
difficult decision to make and is always made in the best judgment for the children. You
will find the most current and up to date information on the preschool website
www.fwgoodshepherd.org Please listen to the radio channels or television channels
between 6:00- 8:00 AM and 11:00-12:15 PM for GOOD SHEPHERD PRESCHOOL FW.
If the morning session is canceled then the afternoon session is automatically canceled.
Occasionally there may be a need to cancel an afternoon session even though the morning
session was not canceled due to bad weather during the morning.
*If classes are cancelled, then any scheduled evening programs, such as Father’s Night or
Mother’s Night, are also cancelled and will be rescheduled if possible.
We have added a few scheduled make up days that will be used for professional development
time for the staff if we do not use them as make up days. These dates are April 6-7th. If we close
more than 3 days prior to those dates we will use one or both of them as make up days.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR EXTENDED CARE: Extended care will not close for weather UNLESS
there is a orange (watch) travel advisory issued by Indiana department of travel Parents must
make the judgment on driving conditions when bringing their child to school during inclimate
weather. Again, the website is the best resource for accurate and up to date information.
REGISTRATION
All students must be registered and the registration fee paid to reserve the spot in the school.
Registration fees are non-refundable and are not counted toward tuition or extended care fees.
There is a registration fee for the school year for both Preschool and Extended Care and there is
an additional registration fee for those that take advantage of the summer program. Registration
occurs on an annual basis and you must re-register for each consecutive school year.
Parent Handbook
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PRESCHOOL TUITION AND FEES
Preschool Tuition fees are based on an annual tuition figure and are broken down into
nine monthly payments, September through May. Every effort must be made to keep
your tuition payments current. (all fees are outlined in our brochure). Payments can be
made in Cash or checks payable to: Good Shepherd Preschool. Tuition payments can
be dropped in the box outside of the office, mailed or sent in your child’s book-bag.
We also have electronic ability to accept credit card, ACH , debit and on line payments.
If you choose these options, you will be assessed an additional fee equivalent to 3% of
the bill for each transaction. This fee is charged at the time of the transaction. To
insure that we are being good stewards of the resources we have and to insure the
budget to properly compensate our teachers and staff, we will strictly enforce the
following payment policy.
 Tuition payments are due on the 1st of the month. The 1st through the 15th are
the grace period for tuition payment.
 On the 15th of the month, a late fee of $25 will be charged.
 If payment is not received by the 15th of the month, you must provide the Director
or Finance Assistant Director a payment plan that will provide for full payment
before the next month’s tuition is due.
 If full payment is not received by the 30th of the month, the account will be
considered delinquent and the child will not be able to return to school unless
the account is current or a payment plan is set up and strictly adhered to. After
60 days in delinquent status, the account will be turned into the collection
agency. Should that happen, you are responsible for collections/attorney fees if
incurred.
Good Shepherd Preschool offers a 10% discount on tuition when paying for the entire 9
months in advance with cash or check and a 7% discount on tuition paid with credit
card for the entire 9 months in advance. Payment must be received by August 22nd.
Persons who are behind in tuition or extended care fees will not be allowed to:
*Register in February for the next school year.
*Participate in the Summer Extended care program if behind in the school year tuition
*Return to school in the fall if not current with Summer Extended care fees.
Extended Care has a separate fee structure outlined in the Extended Care section pg.
24.
For extreme circumstances and when funds are available. A Preschool assistance fund
has been established to help families currently enrolled in Good Shepherd Preschool,
who are experiencing temporary, unexpected financial difficulties. The goal is to ensure
that a student would not have to withdraw from the program due to short term financial
hardship of the parents. There is a procedure and guidelines to use the assistance
program available through the Assistant Director of Finance. Donations to the fund are
accepted at any time.
Parent Handbook
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Tax Statements
Tax statements will be made available upon request. We must have a minimum of 24
hours’ notice. Tax statements will have only the amount actually paid in the previous
year not the amount owed.
Confidentiality Policy
Good Shepherd Preschool would like to assure you that all children’s records are kept
confidential. Personal records, health records and financial records are kept under lock
and key and available to only the Director and Asst. Directors. Conversations about
children are kept confidential between the director and parent, teacher and parent or
teacher and director depending on the specific circumstance. Assessments of the
children are kept in a locked area and only the teacher and the director have access to
these documents. Health documents and documents required by our State regulatory
authorities are made available to the state as needed and upon request.
The Preschool will provide information and support to only those people that are legally
responsible for the care and well-being of a child. In the case of divorce all information
will be given to all parents with legal rights. The Preschool will not act as an
intermediary between the parents nor will it interpret legal documentation. In the case of
joint custody both parents will be given the same access to the child’s records and two
sets of information (such as newsletters, field trip forms, parent handbooks, picture
forms etc…)will be given if requested. Situations other than joint custody will be handled
on a case by case basis.
If parents wish information about their child, pertaining to behavior, health, or
assessments to be given to anyone other than themselves ex: grandparent, therapist,
or future kindergarten teacher. Written permission must be given to the preschool
before information will be released. The person assigned as emergency contact, on the
emergency card, is considered to have permission by the parent to receive information
about the child’s health.
WITHDRAWALS
If it is necessary to withdraw your child, from Preschool or Extended care, we require a
written notice two weeks in advance. You will need to fill out a withdrawal form for
record-keeping purposes. You will continue accruing tuition and extended care
fees until we have a completed withdrawal form.
Parent Handbook
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ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Children should arrive NO EARLIER than 5 minutes before their scheduled start time
and be picked up promptly at the end of their session. ** If a child is not picked up by
the end of carline, a late fee of $15.00 will be assessed to the parents! An
additional fee of $5.00 will be charged for every additional 5 minutes that you are
late in picking up your child.
IMPORTANT: Children will not be dismissed to anyone except a parent or someone designated by the
parents. Designated drivers must be written on your child’s emergency card or have the proper car-line
number in order to take your child home. If it is necessary for someone else to pick up your child, the
school must be notified in advance and that person will have to have a picture ID with them.
The procedures for the arrival, departure, and transportation of
children are:
CAR LINE: Parents who would like to drop off their children at the door will use car line
as outlined here.
a. Follow the parking lot map and pull up to door # 6.
b. Teachers or staff will put the children in their cars.
c. Person’s picking up children must have the appropriate car-line number, be on
the child’s emergency card as an approved escort, or a note or call from the
parent or legal guardian giving permission for a specific person without above
criteria. Escorts without the emergency card should be prepared with a picture id.
Please be sure that you share this information with any persons that may be
picking up your child.
d. Persons driving to door # 6 will wait in line until we begin the car line process 5
minutes within the beginning or end of the school session.
e. Please do not use door # 6 if you are walking in.
f. It is the parent’s responsibility to insure their children are properly restrained.
You should pull forward in carline just far enough to allow the next car to come
forward to restrain your child.
g. Carline will use this same procedure when dismissing school.
WALKING IN
We welcome you to walk your child into the building for the first two weeks of school.
After that point carline must be used for drop off at the beginning of the preschool
session. Due to persisting issues with unattended children in the narthex area, we have
had stop allowing walk in students prior to class time. Special permission can be
obtained by speaking to the director. This will only be granted if there is a significant
reason why you cannot use car line.
BUSSES
Some children arrive at school by bus. Parents need to provide the bus number to the school.
The school bus drivers do not leave the children until a staff member is there to take them from
the bus. Once we know the bus schedules, we will be waiting at the appropriate time for your
child to arrive and we will receive them from the bus. Equally, if your child is being transported
from Good Shepherd to school via bus, we will help them get onto the bus at the appropriate
time. It is the parent’s responsibility to work with the school transportation system to insure that
a bus schedule is set up and that Good Shepherd is your child’s bus stop.
Parent Handbook
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Parent Handbook
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Announcements and Communication
Communication home and back is vitally important to the success of the program. We
have several means of communication that include:
Verbal: Of course, nothing replaces personal conversation and you are welcome to
stop by and speak with the director and assistant directors at your convenience, or
make an appointment with the Director or the teachers. We make every effort to answer
the phone promptly but if we should miss you please leave a message and we will get
back to you as quick as possible. If there is an emergency and you cannot reach
anyone in the school please call the church office at 260-483-8816.
E-mail: .At the beginning of the handbook, you will find a directory, that includes the email addresses of the director and assistant directors, Pastor and Education
Coordinator. E-mail addresses of the teachers will be made available as soon as
possible at the beginning of the school year. Please keep your current email on file with
the office as to not miss out on any important information.
Newsletter: We create a monthly newsletter containing all sorts of important
information. This is sent home through the book bags and is available electronically.
Website: The website: www.fwgoodshepherd.org/Preschool . On the website, you’ll
find general information about the program.
Church Newsletter: The church has a monthly newsletter that shares some of what’s
happening at the preschool and much about the church. If you are interested in
learning more about the church and the programs available, you can subscribe to the
newsletter by contacting Kelley Hathaway at: khathaway@fwgoodshepherd.org.
Folders: Every child should have a folder in the backpack. The teachers will use the
folders to send home important papers and information for communication purposes.
Please check the folder daily. Teachers check folders daily, so if you have information
or tuition payments to send in with your child, you can place those in the folders as well.
Community announcements. Community announcements will be posted on the bulletin
board outside of the office. These could include super-shot location and times, FWCS
and other school registration dates and times, classes available for children and/or their
parents and community activities that would be of interest to parents of preschoolers.
ATTENDANCE
Please remember that good attendance is important. This will help start your child on a
path of regular attendance for later years in school. Children of this young age
sometimes are reluctant to come to school; there are valid reasons for this, separation
anxiety, imagined fears about school, and many others. We will work with you and your
child to alleviate their fears and concerns. Just let us know that the reluctance exists
and we will work together to bring your child into school happily.
While we do not have a mandatory call-in policy when your child misses school, we do
appreciate hearing from you if your child is unable to attend. Once you have
teachers e-mail addresses, you can e-mail them directly, but if you like, you can
certainly call the office and we’ll convey the information to the teacher. Please let us
know of any prolonged absence.
Parent Handbook
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ILLNESS/INJURY GUIDELINES
Parents need to have a back-up plan for care in place, in the event of their child’s
illness or the Preschool’s inability to care for children.
It is not always an easy task to decide when your child is ill enough to be kept at home.
For the health and well-being of the children, the Director will have final say if a child
must stay home or be sent home based on guidelines as established and conveyed
here and by the American Pediatrics Association. In the event that the parent
disagrees with the Directors decision, a Doctor’s note will be required to admit the child
to the school.
These guidelines will help you make the decision:
1. Colds - This is probably the hardest illness to decide. A mild cough or occasional
runny nose is not cause to withhold a child from school, unless it is obvious that the
child is really not feeling up to attending. However, a non-stop runny nose, or hacky,
consistent cough should keep a child home from school. The child probably would feel
uncomfortable and very tired in a group of children, and pass many germs along.
2. Fever - The child should be free from fever of 100 degrees or more for 24 hours
before returning to school.
3. Vomit- The child must be free from vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school.
4. Pink eye- The child should have 2 sets of drops before returning to school
5. Medication - After taking antibiotics for 48 hours, providing that your child feels fine
and the Doctor agrees your child may return to school. Please note: The Staff of
Good Shepherd Preschool does not give medication to students attending a 2 ½
hour preschool day. Never send any medicine or tablets to school with your child
to take by him/herself. * See medication policy for extended care students below.
In the case of asthma, serious allergies and diabetes the director can administer
medications with detailed written instructions from the parent and /or doctor.
6. Chicken Pox - All pox must be scabbed over before returning to school.
7. If a child falls ill while at school, is feverish, vomiting, or in obvious discomfort, we
will phone you to take your child home. If we are unable to reach anyone at home, and
child is vomiting or quite ill, your spouse or emergency contact person will be called to
pick up your child. While we are waiting for you to pick up your ill child they will be
removed from the classroom and made comfortable on a cot in the office so as to not
infect the other children. If your child starts to complain of a headache or stomachache
after getting to school we will remove them from the classroom and give them a little
time to feel better if they don’t start feeling better we will call you to discuss whether
your child should go home or not. The director may decide if the child is too ill to
remain at school and if that decision is made a doctor’s note is required for them to
remain in attendance.
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8. Accidents and Injuries: Proper documentation will be completed anytime a child
is injured or becomes ill while at school, and will be sent home with the child. If needed,
children will be given first aid. If further treatment is needed, we will contact the parents
or emergency contact listed on the child’s information card. If deemed necessary by the
Director or Administrator on duty 911 will be called and then the parents. Children that
need emergency medical treatment will be taken to the nearest hospital by ambulance.
From Good Shepherd that would be Parkview Hosp. on Randallia Dr.
9. Individual emergency care plans for children with known medical or developmental
problems or other conditions that might require special care in an emergency will be
decided on a case by case basis in cooperation with the parent, teacher, and director.
This could include but not limited to; allergy, asthma, seizures, orthopedic problems,
sensory problems, and other chronic conditions; that require regular medication or
technological support.
FORMS DUE TO COMPLETE ENROLLMENT
The following forms must be completed and signed prior to the first day of school. The
blank forms will be provided at orientation and should be returned at the time of your
“meet the teacher” visit. There is no exception to this rule.
1. Registration/getting to know you form
2. Parent Agreement
3. Discipline policy
4. Parent notice form
5. Volunteer form
6. Safe food transportation form (even for bringing snack)
7. Registered ministry Form.
8. Receipt of Handbook form.
9. Signed Physician’s Physical is absolutely necessary and current, up to date
immunizations form*
All Forms MUST be turned in prior to child’s attendance!
*Available Exemptions Medical & Religious
A school child may not be required to undergo any immunization when the child's parent objects on
religious grounds. A religious objection must be:
(1) Made in writing;
(2) Signed by the child's parent; and
(3) Delivered to the child's teacher or to the individual who might order an immunization.
Children must have an updated immunization record each year that they attend Good
Shepherd. Parents must provide evidence of an appointment if deadline date cannot be
met. Shots must be current in order to attend school. An under vaccinated child will be
allowed to attend school with the proper documentation on file. If the Preschool staff
suspects an under vaccinated child could be exposed to a vaccine preventable disease,
that child will be removed from the contaminated area and the parent will be called to
pick them up to prevent further exposure. Both children the “sick” and the under
vaccinated will be removed to different areas until parent can pick them up.
Parent Handbook
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SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
Approximately once a month, you will receive flyers from Scholastic Book Club in which
you may order children’s books. These are very good quality and may be ordered only
through schools. If you would like to order, fill out the order blank completely and return
with payment to your child’s teacher by the date on the form. Checks should be made
payable to: Good Shepherd Preschool. Unless we are instructed to hold the book
order for the parents, it will be sent home with your child in 2-4 weeks. Books can be
ordered on line through Scholastics when we send home a flier. More information will
come home with the first flier
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
We encourage all parents to become involved at Good Shepherd Preschool. We will
be scheduling parents to come to the classrooms to read stories, help with art projects,
etc. We also call for volunteers as needed for special projects through our newsletters.
You are always welcome to visit the classrooms. Many parents visit during their child’s
special week. Please arrange the time in advance with the teacher.
CONFERENCES/ASSESSMENTS
We will be holding parent-teacher conferences in the fall and the winter. Written
assessments will be given to parents at this time. Conferences are a time for parents to
help in planning and implementation of assessments. If you have any questions at other
times, feel free to talk to the teachers or set up special consultations. We welcome
visits and observations by parents. Please arrange the visits ahead of time to allow for
the teacher to give you the time needed. Discussion pertaining to your child progress
or behavior must be in a private conference, not at the door at the start of the school
session.
The purpose of evaluating your child for is to follow their progress and insure they are
progressing at an age appropriate level. Evaluations are done through daily
observations of not only academic activities but social and emotion experiences, and
formal testing of fine and gross motor skills as well as academic progress. All children’s
records are locked in a cabinet to maintain confidentiality. Only the teacher and director
have access to your child’s assessment information. Teachers and staff are held to high
confidentiality standards, which mean your child’s progress is kept completely private.
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SUPPLY LIST
Book Bag –Every child needs a book bag and we provide the cubby or hook for the
bag. The bag should be large enough to hold papers and will be used each day to
send the children’s papers, notes, etc., home. Bring it daily and check it daily. Please
do not allow personal items and papers to accumulate in the bag. This makes it very
difficult for the teachers. Please label with your child’s name in a visible area on the
bag.
2 Boxes of Kleenex
2 Boxes of Dixi 5oz.cups
1 Package of Napkins
1 Package of Plastic Spoons
6 Glue sticks
2 Packages of Paper Towels
DONATIONS
On occasion, your classroom teacher may need various donations for projects such as
cooking, science, etc. The teacher will let you know in advance.
We are always in need of paper towels, flour and salt, (used for play dough), glue
sticks, Crayola washable markers, and 16 color Crayola watercolor paints.
Children’s clothing is another thing that we accept donations of, especially clean
underwear to help with both accidents and spills. We only accept Children’s clothing
and if we have more than we need, we will donate it to Charis House.
If you find that you have any of these items you would like to donate, please feel free to
drop them off at the preschool office at your convenience.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Although birthday parties are one of the joys of childhood, this is an activity that needs
to be kept separate from school. For those reasons we will follow these guidelines:
1. No invitations will be passed out by the teacher, even if it is for the entire class.
2. No groups of children will be sent home with a birthday child.
3. No gifts should be brought to school. Thanks for cooperating with us!
We are happy to provide a list of addresses if you would like to mail invitations. You will
only be allowed the addresses of parents that agree to have their address shared.
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CLOTHING AND OUTDOOR PLAY
Children will be going outside everyday as long as the temperature is above 35
degrees. Please dress your child accordingly. When outdoor activities are not possible
similar activities will be provided in the activity center with the exception of climbing
equipment. Take into consideration sharp changes in temperatures in fall and spring
that children should be dressed in layers. We encourage children to arrive at Preschool
dressed in play clothes. Girls who choose to wear dresses should wear tights, shorts, or
pants under the dress for warmth and protection from the floor and ground. Footwear
that provides safety and support in their active play are best -- all-purpose gym shoes,
or other tie shoes with rubber soles. Socks are required for wear with gym shoes or any
shoes other than sandals. Extra clothing is kept on hand for needed changes due to
spills, accidents, etc. You may wish to keep a change of clothing in your child’s
bookbag so that your child would be able to change into his/her own things in the event
of an accident or spill.
Children in the half day preschool program are scheduled for outdoor play once
everyday. Children attending the extended care program will have an opportunity to
play outdoors several times per day depending on their scheduled time in the program.
Playground schedules are available from the teachers or the director.
During the school year September thru May parent should apply sunscreen to their
child before sending them to school. Children in the summer program should have
sunscreen applied before arriving at school. Teachers will apply more after lunch with
written permission from a parent. Children are provided shade to play under in the form
of trees and multiple portable sunshades scattered throughout the playground area.
If you wish your child to be protected by bug spray you must apply it before arriving at
school. Teachers will not apply bug spray.
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Good Shepherd Philosophy on Potty Training
Potty Training is a critical point in a toddler’s life and usually occurs between ages
2 or 3 but can be sooner or later. It always depends on the child and their
individual personalities. In our Rainbow (2/3 Yr. Olds) classes, and our PeeWee’s
Extended Care classroom we are more than willing to help with this process. We will
use only commercially available disposable diapers or pull-ups. We encourage any
potty training that takes place at home and we will assist in continuing that at
school as long as a few criteria are in place:
 The child must be able to communicate through words or a cue that he or
she needs to use the bathroom
 The child must be happy to use the bathroom and not be scared or upset
when entering
 The child shows an excitement and willingness to want to learn bathroom
practices
If any of these criteria are not in place then most likely the child is not ready to
potty train. If that is the case we will continue to encourage and ask if the child
would like to use the bathroom but we will never force a child to use the restroom
that is not ready. Children that are not ready need to remain in diapers while at
school until they display more enthusiasm. Please understand that some of the
methods that parents use at home will not work for a daycare or school setting.
We would appreciate if you would communicate with the office or teachers when
preparing to potty train your child so that we are in understanding and are a
helpful asset in this process.
Parents must provide approved diaper and wipes for their child. Diapers will be
changed for children in the 2 1/2 hour preschool program if soiled or wet. Children
in the extended care wearing diapers or pull-ups will be changed every 2 hours or
when soiled or wet. Diapers or pull ups will be checked after a child awakens from
a nap. Diaper or soiled clothing will be changed only in approved designated
areas. Potty charts will be maintained for children that are potty training. Children
in our 3/4 Yr. old through 4/5 Yr. old programs, must be potty trained to
attend school. We recognize that occasionally accidents happen and those will be
dealt with in a kind and loving fashion. Clothing soiled by urine or feces will be
immediately put into a plastic bag (without rinsing or avoidable handling) and sent
home for laundering.
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DISCIPLINE POLICY
It is very important a child’s development is nurtured through caring, patience and
understanding. However, while caring for your children, we may have to respond to
your child’s misbehavior. Hitting, kicking, spitting, hostile verbal behavior and other
behaviors which will hurt another child or the teacher are not permitted. Children are
disciplined in a quiet, calm manner, in the most positive way possible for the situation.
In response to misbehavior, our teachers will not use:
Threats or bribes
Physical punishment, even if requested by the parent
Deprive your child of food or other basic needs
Humiliation or isolation
In response to misbehavior, the teacher will:
Respect your child
Establish clear rules
Be consistent in enforcing the rules
Use positive language to explain desired behavior
Speak calmly while bending down to your child’s eye level
Give clear choices
Redirect your child to a new activity
Move your child to a time-out chair for no longer than one minute per year of
your child’s age, if necessary. This is only appropriate in extreme circumstances and
never for 2 year olds or younger.
If your child’s behavior is very disruptive or harmful to himself or other children, it will be
discussed with you privately either by the teacher, director or both. If the situation can
be resolved, the child may remain enrolled. If we are unable to resolve the issue, you
may be asked to make other arrangements.
As a parent, you may have some concerns or wish to offer suggestions. Using the lines
on the page you sign will help us and we may modify the above plan with agreed upon
suggestions.
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SNACKS
Parents, you will be asked to bring a snack and drink for your child’s class about once a
month. A snack calendar will be sent home at the end of every month for the following
month. You will also be asked to “sign –up” with your choice of snack for each month If
you are unable to provide a monthly snack and would like to have your child’s name
removed from the snack list please let your teacher know.
Children will automatically be scheduled as close as possible to their birthdays.
If your child is ill on his/her snack day, please do not feel that you must run over to
school to bring the snack. However, if you have enough notice to switch with someone
else in the class, you are welcome to do so.
We are asking that on your child’s snack day you send in the cups, napkins, and
any items necessary to serve the snack.
Let your child help choose their snack. Be sure to send a snack that your child likes on
his/her day!
Please send NUTRITIOUS, low-sugar snacks. Send 100% fruit juice or milk. If
you prefer not to send a drink, we will serve water with the snack. Snacks high in
sugar or juice that is not 100% juice will be sent home.
State guidelines would state that:
 Snacks should come from 2 different food groups.
 Snacks must be either whole fruits or commercially prepared packaged
foods in factory sealed containers.
 According to state guidelines home-made foods will no longer be able to be
served as snack.
In accordance with state and federal guidelines we will not serve to children
under 4 yrs old: hot dogs; whole or sliced into rounds, whole grapes, nuts,
popcorn, raw peas, hard pretzels, spoonful’s of peanut butter, chunks of raw
carrots or meat larger than can be swallowed whole.
Foods should be cut into pieces no larger than 1/2” square for toddlers/twos according
to each child’s swallowing capability.
Please be mindful of the snack guidelines it is very upsetting to your child to
have their snack sent home with their friends instead of eaten at school. If you
have any questions about the right type of snack please ask your child’s teacher
or stop by the office. Thank you for your help.
Snack with expired dates must be discarded.
Parent Handbook
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Food Allergies
Parents of children with food allergies should provide their child’s snack each day or
keep a supply at the school. These snacks should be labeled with your child’s name
and will be kept in a separate cupboard to avoid contact with other harmful snacks.
If your child is highly allergic and even contact with a food can cause a problem your
child will set at a separate table, with a teacher, away from the other children during
snack. Tables and chairs will be washed and disinfected thoroughly before your child
come in contact with them.
All parents will be made aware of a food allergy in the classroom and we ask that you
avoid sending items made with that product when possible and reasonable.
The names of children with food allergies will be posted near the eating area to
protect the child from contact with a problem food. The postings will act as a visual
reminder to staff and substitutes that interact with the children.
Parent Handbook
23
EXTENDED CARE
This program is available from 7:00 to 5:30 for any child registered in the preschool’s
extended care program. Fees vary per session. There are some unique things that
apply only to extended care and those are listed here.
Signing in: It is important that parents sign their child in and out. By signing in, you are
acknowledging that your child is here and that you will pay the fees. You are also
verifying the accuracy of your billing statement. You will be given a sign in code and
should make sure that both parents have the code to sign in and out. We recognize
that when using car line or the school busses, it’s not possible to sign in, in these cases,
we will sign in for you, BUT it is absolutely imperative that the parent, guardian or
person taking the child home sign out at the end of the day. Failure to do so will result
in the account being billed until 5:30PM. It is equally important that you sign your child
IN when dropping them off, failure to do so will result in billing starting at 7:00AM.
Exemptions to this are students arriving via bus, not accompanied by a parent or
guardian.
24 hour notice: For Good Shepherd to provide you with continued care and maintain
appropriate staffing levels daily the Parents must inform the school by 10:00 a.m. on
the business day before they wish to use the program or make a change to the already
submitted schedule. If you have submitted a schedule that says you will use the
program “as needed”. It will be assumed that your child is NOT attending unless you
have let us know that the child is coming by 10:00 a.m. on the business day before.
Failure to follow this policy will result in your need to find alternative care or being
charged for time not in attendance. If you have provided a schedule you must let us
know of any changes to that schedule by 10:00 a.m. the business day before. If the
school is not informed via phone or e-mail to the Preschool Office, then the change will
not be accommodated. PLEASE NOTE: The only acceptable forms of communication
for scheduling of extended care are a phone call to the office at 483-6454 (you may
leave a message) or e-mail to Missy Aerts at:
maerts@fwgoodshepherd.org.
Messages through the teachers at pick up and drop off are not able to be
accommodated.
Billing: Extended care will use a weekly billing cycle. Your bill will be sent via e-mail,
weekly and will be due upon receipt. All bills will be considered late if not paid within 14
days and be assessed a late fee of $25.00. Anyone who has an account that is 30
days in arrears will not be allowed to use the program and jeopardize their spot in the
program unless the account is brought current.
Persons who are behind in tuition or extended care fees will not be allowed to:
*Register in February for the next school year.
*Participate in the Summer Extended care program if behind in the school year tuition
*Return to school in the fall if not current with Summer Extended care fees.
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Fees: Extended Care requires a registration fee of $40.00 for use of Sept.-May and a
$10.00 registration fee for summer use, June-August. The hourly rate is $4.00 per hour
with a minimum charge of $4.00. All fees are subject to change.
Late Pick-Up: Our extended care closes at 5:30PM; all children must be ready to go
and picked up by 5:30. A late fee of $5.00 per min. will be charged for late pick-up past
5:30. This will be strictly enforced.
NAPPING
Napping arrangement will be made available for all children 2-3 and for older children
upon the parent’s request.
All napping children will be provided with;
1. A clean cot –a minimum of 3 feet will be between cots
2. A pillow and blanket- may be brought from home- will be washed weekly if child is
well- daily if child has a cold or gets sent home sick.
3. A warm well ventilated room
4. Soft music will be played
5. Teacher within sight and sound at all times and in appropriate child/teacher ratio.
Snacks
Children in the extended care will be provided a snack by the preschool during the
morning session and one during the afternoon session. Elementary age children will be
provided an afternoon snack shortly after arrival from school.
WE TRANPORT
Because of the close proximity of Glenwood Park, we will escort your child from school
to church or from church to school walking. We will use proper crossing guard
procedures and no matter what the weather, we will walk. It is the parent’s
responsibility to insure that their children are properly dressed to walk from Glenwood to
Church.
BUSSES
Some children arrive at school by bus. Parents need to provide the bus number to the
school. The school bus drivers do not leave the children until a staff member is there to
take them from the bus. Once we know the bus schedules, we will be waiting at the
appropriate time for your child to arrive and we will receive them from the bus. Equally,
if your child is being transported from Good Shepherd to school via bus, we will help
them get onto the bus at the appropriate time. It is the parent’s responsibility to work
with the school transportation system to insure that a bus schedule is set up and that
Good Shepherd is your child’s bus stop.
If your child does not attend public school on any particular day please call us and let
us know that they will not be arriving here via bus. We get concerned when a child
does not make it off a bus that we are expecting them from.
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Summer Extended Care
A summer fun opportunity for children age 2 (by Aug1) through 5 th grade. Children of
these ages will enjoy stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor fun as well as water play. Sign
up for one day or as many days as you like. The times are Mon.-Fri., 7-5:30 or any part
of the day. Parents should plan to send a lunch during the summer months. This
is much more than a day camp; it’s a solution to summertime boredom for children.
This program is designed to give parents some free time while their children enjoy
supervised age-appropriate activities in a Christian environment. Registration
information is sent home in early spring. All children are welcome -- Good Shepherd
students and friends. All fees from the school year must be paid in full before your child
can participate in the summer program. The summer program requires a separate
registration fee AND a summer schedule. You are able to take advantage of the “as
needed” portion by providing notice by 10:00 a.m. the business day before of your need
or intent to use the program or to let us know of schedule changes.
Medications and Special Medical Procedures
a. Medications must be labeled with the child’s first and last name, name of clinician,
expiration date, and manufacturer’s instructions or the original prescription label and the
details the name and strength of the medications as well as directions on administering
and storing.
b. Medications will only be administered with the written permission of the parent or
legal guardian and as prescribed or as recommended in writing by a physician. A
standing order from a licensed health care provider must be on file for over-the-counter
medications with detailed instructions of specific circumstances and dosing information.
c. Only the Director or Assistant Directors will administer medications and only if the
above criteria is met.
d. All medications will be kept in a locked container.
e. Parents will keep on file any persons, in addition to emergency contact; the
Preschool is allowed to speak with about their child’s health and/or medical conditions.
The emergency contact, on the emergency card, is considered by the preschool, to
have permission to speak with the staff about the child’s health and/or medical
conditions in an emergency.
f. In minor situations such as diaper rash, itchy spots or a rash, with parent’s
permission and direction and if the director is comfortable with the situation, we would
be willing to apply cream or Benadryl again with permission and verbal direction only
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Food Guidelines for Extended Care
From September-May Lunches will be provided by Good Shepherd Preschool and
will follow the state guidelines. Lunch costs are included in extended care fees
and no discount is provided if you choose to send your child’s lunch. All lunches
served from Good Shepherd will meet state guidelines.
Lunches Brought from Home
1. Must be in a container labeled with the child’s name and date.
2. The temperature of lunches should be no higher than 41 degrees. Extended care
staff will measure and record the temperature of each child’s lunch. If your child’s
lunch is too warm it will not be served.
3. Lunches should contain 4-6 oz of 2% milk, 1 1/2 oz. lean protein, fruit, and a
vegetable. 100% fruit juices will not be served until milk has been drank. Any
juice that is not 100% fruit juice will not be served. Water will be served after milk
has been drunk if an additional drink is needed. No pop or sugary drinks will be
served if sent they will be sent home.
A. Children must be provided milk at each meal. If you don’t send milk for
your child the preschool will provide it.
B. Children with milk allergies must provide a physician approved milk
substitute.
4. Lunches from home will be stored in the preschool refrigerator.
5. Children will not be allowed to eat sugary snack foods or chips before they have
eaten their healthy foods.
6. Teachers will sit and eat with the children and engage them in conversation
during lunch and snack times.
7. Lunch and snack menus will be posted outside the extended care door for
parents.
Snacks will be provided at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Lunch will be at 12:00. Children
should have breakfast before arriving at school. Children arriving at 7:00 with breakfast
will be allowed to eat their breakfast.
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In case of emergency:
Illness, serious injury, or death of a teacher- In case of a serious illness or injury of a
teacher parents will be informed at the point of drop off or through a note home. If the
teacher will be out for an extended period of time parents will be informed in a letter
home or an e-mail. If a teacher should die parents will be notified by a phone call as
quickly as possible.
Emergency evacuation- if the preschool must evacuate for any reason; fire, flood,
tornado, or extended loss of power the children and staff will evacuate to Lane Middle
School located on the Northwest corner of Vance and Reed. Children will walk across
the street accompanied by teachers and Church staff. Parents will be notified by phone
that their child has been evacuated to Lane. Carline procedures will be followed at door
#8 the canopy door in Lane’s parking lot.
Fire drills are conducted monthly. Every child will participate in the fire drill. Children will
evacuate the building following their teacher to the designated assembly place.
Teachers will carry the student emergency cards during the evacuation. Primary and
secondary evacuation routes are post in each classroom.
Tornado drills are conducted yearly. Locations for tornado shelters are posted in each
classroom. During a tornado warning children will be escorted to the appropriate shelter
area and will remain there until the national weather service has removed the warning.
Tornado shelters will be used during severe weather and extreme high winds. If there is
a tornado warning in effect during car-line time students will remain in the tornado
shelter. Parents will be allowed to come into the school and take their child from the
tornado shelter. Parents will be informed by taking their child they will be assuming the
liability for the safety of their child.
Parents need to have a back-up care plan in the event of their child’s illness or the
Preschool’s inability to care for children.
Tobacco, Alcohol, and Illegal substances policy
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is a nonsmoking facility. Smoking is not
permitted at any time.
The use or possession of alcohol and illegal substances and the use of toxic
substances for anything other than the intended use is prohibited on Church property at
all times.
Weapons of any kind are not permitted on Church property.
Illegal activity of any kind on Church property is prohibited.
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Good Shepherd Preschool and Extended Care 2014-15
16- Teacher Retreat
AUGUST 2014
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5th- Lego Movie Night
25th and 26th- Fall Pictures
15th and 16th- Grandparent’s
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17th- Fall Break
27th and 28th-Parent Teacher
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25-26 Thanksgiving Feast
27-28 Thanksgiving Break
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Easter Sunday
Make-Up days
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23-24 Riser Practice
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Spirit Month, End of the week will
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Special Event
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29-30- PT Conf.
Parent Handbook
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