Pre-K Handbook

(A) A preschool staff member in charge of a child or a group of children shall be responsible for their discipline.
(B) The center shall have a written discipline policy describing the center's philosophy of discipline and the specific methods of discipline used at the center. This written policy shall be on file at the center for review. Constructive, developmentally appropriate child guidance and management techniques are to be used at all times and shall include such measures as redirection, separation from problem situations, talking with the child about the situation and praise for appropriate behavior.
(C) The center's actual methods of discipline shall apply to all persons on the premises and shall be restricted as follows:

(1) There shall be no cruel, harsh, corporal punishment or any unusual punishments such as, but not limited to, punching, pinching, shaking, spanking or biting.
(2) No discipline shall be delegated to any other child.
(3) No physical restraints shall be used to confine a child by any means other than holding a child for a short period of time, such as in a protective hug, so the child may regain control.
(4) No child shall be placed in a locked room or confined in an enclosed area such as a closet, a box or a Similar cubicle.
(5) No child shall be subjected to profane language, threats, derogatory remarks about himself or his family or other verbal abuse.
(6) Discipline shall not be imposed on a child for failure to eat, failure to sleep, or for toileting accidents.
(7) Techniques of discipline shall not humiliate, shame or frighten a child.
(8) Discipline shall not include withholding food, rest or toilet use.
(9) Separation, when used as discipline shall be brief in duration and appropriate to the child's age and developmental ability and the child shall be within sight and hearing of a preschool staff member in a safe, lighted and well-ventilated space.
(10) The center shall not abuse or neglect children and shall protect children from abuse and neglect while in attendance in the preschool program.
(D) The parent of a child enrolled in a center shall receive the center's written discipline policy.
(E) All preschool staff members shall receive a copy of the center's discipline policy for review upon employment.

TUITION POLICY

The non-refundable application fee for the St. Vincent Pre-K Program is $25.00.
This fee is to be paid at the time of registration.

There is also an educational fee $100. This is payable in May.

Tuition MUST be paid on or before the first day of each month. If you are mailing a check, mail it in time to arrive early. You may also send it in your child's book bag and the teacher will forward the payment to the office.

We prefer that you pay by check. Checks are to be made out to St. Vincent Pre-K. Please indicate on all checks that they are for Pre-k. All Pre-K and grade school payments must be made with separate checks.

In case of financial difficulties, parents should set up an appointment to talk with the school principal.

If tuition is not paid, a child may be asked to be withdrawn from the Pre-K Program.

All complaints and reports concerning the operation of programs regulated by this chapter of the Administrative Code and sections 3301.52 to 3301.59 of the Revised Code, may be reported to the Department ombudsman or the Office of Early Childhood Education. The name and phone numbers of both parties shall be posted in a conspicuous place near the posted program license. You may obtain a copy of these reports through the teacher of the program.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Before school begins in August, there will be a morning orientation meeting for all new parents of Pre-K.

Parents will be asked to be helpers in the classroom as needed. Field trips, special holidays, or other "busy" days are a few times that parents are welcomed to help in the classroom.

A formal 1-1 conference will be held in November, and February. Frequent, informal conferences will occur throughout the year as needed. Parents may schedule conferences whenever needed.

Parents of Pre-K children are encouraged to join the St. Vincent Parent Association and to become active in parish and school activities. Parent Association meetings are held 3 to 4 times per year.

Special events and other important items of information will be sent home to you on a regular basis to keep you up to date on the Pre-K Program. Parents should feel free to contact the teacher at any time by calling the school or sending in a note.

DISCIPLINE

The teacher in charge of the class is responsible for discipline. St. Vincent Pre-K policy of discipline is based on positive reinforcement of good behavior. Self-discipline is taught is the highest discipline. The policy is designed to ensure every child the best possible learning environment. Our goal is to instill in each child a sense of self-discipline and responsibility for self and the environment of others.

At the beginning of the school year, the teacher will outline classroom rules and policies. These will be shared with the parents at the orientation meeting. Ordinarily, children who are disruptive will be given "time-out" in a designated area in the classroom. The teacher will talk with the child about the unacceptable behavior and the reason for the "time-out". Unacceptable behaviors include:

1. disruption of learning process of activity
2. verbal or physical assault
3. disregard for classroom or playground rules
4. destruction of or taking of another child's property
5. possession of prohibited items: (guns, knives, noisy toys, sharp objects or other
items deemed dangerous by the teacher)

The teacher will notify the parent of continued discipline problems.
The following methods of discipline will not be used:

1. no cruel or harsh punishment
2. no physical restraints nor spanking of a child
3. no child left unsupervised in another room
4. no child subjected to humiliation or verbal abuse

Discipline will not be imposed on a child for toileting accidents or failure to eat.


MEDICATION

If a child is taking a prescribed medication that must be taken during school hours, the
parent must fill out an Administration of Medication Form and sign it. This form will be kept on file in the office.

If any child is on a special diet, the parent should inform the teacher at the beginning of the school year and provide a list of foods that the child may or may not eat.

The Pre-k teacher will encourage the child to eat and rest well. Be sure your child has plenty of sleep each night and a good breakfast before coming to school. The teacher will plan a rhythm of lively and restful activities which will help prevent fatigue.

Medical emergency and dental emergency plans are posted in the Pre-K room. Emergency phone numbers are posted by the phone in the office. First aid supplies are available in the school's clinic. The teacher of each class has been trained in First Aid procedures and CPR, and will always inform you when it is needed for your child.

The teachers have immediate access to the telephone at all times and will inform you if an accident or injury occurs.

Safety drills for fire and tornados are practiced regularly so the children will learn what to do in case of an emergency. Emergency procedures are posted in the Pre-K room.

BRINGING THINGS TO SCHOOL

Each child will be asked to bring a book bag, a box of tissues, and a change of clothes.
Most other supplies will be provided in the classroom.

Parents should label anything special that is brought to school. Please do not send your child's book bag full of things from home. It is difficult to send papers home when there is no room in the book bag.

SNACKS AND TREATS

At the beginning of each week, the teacher will assign a snack. On Monday, the parent should send a nutritious snack (enough for five days).

A child may bring a treat for his birthday. Please inform the teacher of what day you plan to bring the treat.

Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day are celebrated with special activities. Parents may be asked to help on these special days.

SNOW AND EMERGENCY CLOSING

In case of bad weather in the morning, the radio station WAKR (1590 on the AM dial) will announce any school closings. St Vincent's Pre-K will be closed if it is announce that St. Vincent DePaul Elementary School is closed. Please do not call the parish office or school to ask if school is closed. Listen to your radio.

In case of an emergency closing during the school day, parents will be called to come and pick up their child.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

The parent or guardian of a child enrolled in St. Vincent Pre-K is permitted unlimited access to the Pre-K during operating hours for the purpose of contacting the child, evaluating the care provided by the Pre-K, evaluating the premises of the Pre-K, or for other purposes approved by the teacher of the principal. When entering the building, you must notify the office of your visit before coming to the classroom.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Children are permitted into the St. Vincent Pre-K Program through open registration.
Children are placed into the program based on the following acceptance policy:

1. Parishioners on a first-come, first-served bases. Or, if needed, Parishioners by date of parish registration.
2. Siblings of children in the grade school.
3. Catholic Non-Parishioners.
4. Non-Catholics.
5. When withdrawing your child, please give the Pre-K as much notice as possible in
writing. In the event of a withdrawal, tuition payments will be evaluated on an individual basis.

A child will be asked, by the administration, to withdraw from the Pre-K Program if tuition is not paid and /or a severe behavior problem should develop.

CLOTHING

The child should wear casual play clothes to school. They will be painting, gluing, etc., and may spill things. Washable play clothes are best.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The State of Ohio requires Health records to be kept for every child in school. No
child may enter school unless he has had all the required immunizations for his age. A child should also have a physical exam in the summer before school begins. A from for this will be given at registration time and must be signed by the doctor conducting the physical.

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE TOILET TRAINED.

Children who are sick MUST NOT BE SENT TO SCHOOL! Keep your child home is he has a rash, fever, or bad cold in order to prevent the spreading of disease. Any communicable disease should be reported immediately. In the event that your child has been exposed to such a disease, we will notify you as soon as possible. If a child becomes ill during school, he will be taken to the clinic to rest while the parent is called to come and pick up the child.

Signs of Communicable Diseases:

1. Temperature of 100 degrees or more
2. Skin rash
3. Diarrhea and/or vomiting
4. Evidence of lice infestation, pink eye, ring worm, etc....
There is a Communicable Disease chart posted in the Health room and the classroom.
The teacher of the Pre-K class has been trained to recognize the common signs of
communicable diseases and is certified to provide emergency first aid care to the injured as required by the State of Ohio.

The child who is mildly ill (slight cold, headache, etc.) will be closely observed by the teacher. The child will be allowed to play and be with the other children as long as the symptoms remain mild and do not appear to be of a contagious or serious nature.

EXPERIENCE IN PRE-K WILL HELP YOUR CHILD TO:
Listen and pay attention.
Speak clearly.
Follow directions.
Develop motor coordination.
Use materials freely.
Use good manners.
Share toys and other materials.
Get along with others.
Express ideas. Respond to music
and enjoy singing.
CLASSES AND SESSION TIMES

Pre-K children must be four years old by September 30 for our program. St. Vincent Pre-K will follow the same opening and closing dates as the elementary school. The teacher will be available Monday through Friday, 7:30-3:00p.m.

DAILY ENTRANCE AND DISMISSAL TIMES

Children are not to enter the building until 7:30a.m. Pre-K children should enter the
building from the Walnut Street entrance. Children should be in the Pre-K classroom at the start of class time which is 8:00a.m.

Morning children will be dismissed at 11:00a.m. at the gym doors. Parents must come to the door for your child. NO child may exit the building alone. Children that stay the full day will be dismissed at 2:30p.m. from the Walnut Street entrance.

If someone other than an adult on the release form is picking up a child. Please write a  note to the teacher, otherwise, the child WILL NOT be released to that person.

TRANSPORTATION AND FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are considered to be an important part of the education program. Occasional field trips are scheduled through the year. The school bus will provide transportation to and from school.

For each field trip, a permission slip with appropriate information will be sent home for your signature. No child will be taken on a field trip without permission from the parent or guardian.

PHILOSOPHY OF ST. VINCENT PRE-K

The first years of life are of vital importance to a child's growth and development. Foundations are laid which influence the ability of a child to accept himself, relate to others and respond positively to the environment. Family relationships provide a young child with the best model for developing attitudes, values and appropriate behavior. Interactions with other adults and children are extremely important and promote ways for a child to relate to the world around him.

The St. Vincent Pre-K Program strives to provide a creative learning environment for the young child. Interaction with other children and adults, in an atmosphere of Christian love and concern, promotes the healthy development of each child. Learning experiences and play activities encourage spiritual, intellectual, social and physical growth.

OBJECTIVES OF ST. VINCENT PRE-K

To encourage the child's spiritual growth by providing beginning religious education experiences with opportunities for prayer and celebrations.To foster in each child a positive self-concept and appreciation of his own uniqueness by providing an enjoyable, success-oriented Pre-K experience within a loving faith community.

To provide each child a secure environment where he will be encouraged to
respond to people and situations in increasing mature patterns.

To provide each child with a varied sensory-motor environment designed to stimulate physical and sensory growth and awareness.

To provide a variety of experiences designed to stimulate and enhance mental processes, creativity, and curiosity.

To grasp readiness skills necessary for academic skills and help children to feel confident about themselves and at ease with their peers.

Based on the objectives of St. Vincent Pre-K, the teacher is responsible for writing and implementing lesson plans to guide your child's daily activities.

These plans must include:
* a balance of quiet and active activities
* a balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities
* a variety of activities that motivate children to explore and learn through their play
* a regular balance of sensory activities, art, science, music, gross motor, religion, reading and writing readiness, math readiness, field trips, group activities, dramatic play, small motor, and language development.

These policies have been reviewed and approved by the St. Vincent Pre-Kindergarten Board
Reverend Joseph Kraker
Mr. James Tawney
Mrs. Carol Roberts

Reviewed and Adopted February 9, 2010