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St. Thecla Catholic School
Preschool Program Handbook
2016-2017 School Year
“We, the community of St.Thecla Catholic School, dedicate ourselves to serving God through our growth in faith, education, and love for one another as members of God’s Family.”
20762 South Nunneley Road, Clinton Township, MI 48035
586.791.2170 |
St. Thecla Preschool Handbook
Table of Contents
•Introduction ………………………………………………………………………...... 3
•Educational Environment …………………………………………………………….4
•School Year/Daily Schedule………………………………………………………….5
•Participation…………………………………………………………………………………8
•School Policies………………………………………………………………………...9-11
•Community Wellness………………………………………………………………….12
Welcome to St. Thecla Catholic Elementary School!
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the St. Thecla Preschool Program! Our primary purpose is to be an extension of the educational ministry of the Church, which continues the teachings of Jesus. Each child, created by God, is a unique individual with his/her own pattern of growth and development. We will encourage and support each child’s spiritual, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
We welcome you and your child to the program and trust that, with your input, we can create a successful experience for your child’s educational growth through St. Thecla Catholic School.
Sincerely,
Ms. Lisa Grout- Preschool 3s graduated from Central Michigan University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with endorsements in Early Child Education, Math and Reading in the Elementary Grades. This past summer she applied for a Masters program in Educational Leadership back at CMU and has started to take classes online. This will be her fifth year teaching, and her fourth year at St. Thecla Catholic School. The thing she loves most about St. Thecla is the students and their families. She also enjoys the fact that sheis able to share her faith with her students.
Mrs. Krystle Padilla –Preschool 4s
Educational Environment
Professional Faculty
The faculty at St. Thecla Catholic School are seasoned, professional teachers. We are blessed to have teachers with experience and appropriate credentials and certifications in Early Childhood Education. Many of our teachers supplement their skills each year by attending yearly workshops, in-services and conferences. Our program demonstrates appropriate positive guidance with reasonable guidelines for the students. Encouragement, good role modeling, redirection, logical consequences and problem-solving techniques are used to guide, and teach the students the appropriate words, and skills needed to handle situations in a positive way.
Below, you will find contact information for the Early Childhood Faculty if you have any questions:
Krystle Padilla (4 Year Olds)
Lisa Grout (3 Year Olds)
Spiritual Component
Our goal is to instill young children with the values of Christian principles within an academic setting. Religious education is part of our daily lessons. Our school observes Catholic traditions of faith and service through community prayer and daily routines. Likewise, Catholic holidays are celebrated throughout the school year. All religious activities are part of the total academic curriculum. The loving care received by each child models a Christian way of living and learning with others.
Curriculum
The Early Childhood Program is designed to provide developmentally appropriate educational experiences in a Catholic environment, which encourages each child to explore, make decisions, be creative, discover, and solve problems. We strive to provide children with a well-rounded learning environment. Every child’s potential is limitless when nurtured in a loving, Christian environment of learning, prayer, and play. Your child’s education is our priority. There isn’t any better place besides your own loving home, than St. Thecla Catholic Preschool program. We have experiences in the following subject areas: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Religion, and Creative Arts.
An Early Childhood Assessment Report will be conducted twice a year. Students are assessed in all areas of development. Conferences will be held in January in the classroom.
School Year
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule is extremely important because young children feel more secure when a daily routine has been established.The daily schedule is posted in the classroom with pictures for the students to see. Small changes may be made within the normal schedule to accommodate the needs, interests of the students,and special events.
Half-Day Schedule | 8:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Arrival
Circle Time
Learning Centers/Free Choice
Cleanup Time
Story/Transition
Bathroom Break/Snack
Teacher Directed Activity
Closing Circle Time
Preparing for Dismissal
Dismissal at 11:30 A.M.
Full-Day Schedule | 11:30 A.M. – 3:45 P.M.
Active Play
Lunch/Bathroom Break
Nap/Rest
Learning Centers
Small Group Activity
Music and Movement/Finger Play
Preparing for Dismissal
Dismissal at 3:45 P.M.
The Preschool Program follows the St. Thecla School calendar for Holy days, holidays, as well as half-days. On half-days, all preschoolers will be dismissed at 12:00 P.M. in the Gathering Space. Parents will be notified about any events pertaining to the Preschool Program.
Arrival | Dismissal
At 8:30 A.M., the classroom teacher will open the door of the Gathering area. The students will stand in line and walk silently with the teacher to the classroom.In the Gathering area, there will be a designated spot where the preschoolers will be expected to quietly line up. Students should not be running unsupervised in the Gathering Space. Please teach your child to quietly line up.
The students who attend half-day are dismissed in the Gathering area at 11:30 A.M. and students who attend full-day are dismissed at 3:45 P.M. If another family member will pick up the child, please notify the teacher with the person’s name and relationship.Students will only be released to those parents who are listed on the child’s information record.
Snack | Lunch (Half/Full-Day)
Healthy snacks, as well as milk, will be provided every morning.Snack fees are due on Monday, September 14. Please put it in an envelope with your child’s name on it.
Snack fee for the school year:
5 day students$80
3 day students$60
2 day students$40
For full-day students,the parents will provide a healthy lunch.
Parents may provide their child’s snack based on special dietary needs or food allergies.Please notify your child’s teacher of this information to ensure proper accommodations based upon a medical diagnosis, will be maintained and followed through proper medical documentation by all personnel and staff.
Students are now allowed to bring personal food, beverages, candy, gum, etc. These items are not allowed in the classroomupon arrival.
Nap | Rest-Time (Full-Day)
Following lunch, full-day preschoolers will have an afternoon rest period. St. Thecla Catholic School shall furnish each childwith a specified cot labeled with each child’s name. Parents will provide a small blanket, placed in a pillowcase, labeled with your child’s first and last name. This will be kept at school and sent home regularly to be washed.Pillow pets, stuffed animals and toys are NOT permitted during rest time.
For proper sanitation purposes, cots will be cleaned on a daily basis and deeply cleaned on weekly basis.
Outdoor Play | Recess (Full-Day)
The school will provide outdoor play unless prevented by inclement weather or other conditions that could result in children being overheated or excessively chilled. On days when students cannot go outside, the program will provide indoor active play that enhances gross motor development.
Birthdays | Celebrations
Birthdays may be celebrated on or near the child’s birthday. Parents are welcome to attend and will be contacted for further arrangements. They need to inform the teacher of the treat that they will bring. Parents please no frosting, chocolate, and popcorn etc. recommended.
Parents will be notified of celebrations that will take place in the classroom such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and many more. We invite you to join us on these occasions.
If a child has special dietary needs or food allergies, it is important to notify the teacher and parents may provide the child’s snack.
Participation
Parental Involvement | Field Trips
Any adult over the age of 18 that will volunteer in the classroom, and attend a field trip, must complete a criminal background check and attend Protecting God’s Children Workshop through the Archdiocese of Detroit. Volunteers in the classroom must provide the Director with documentation from the Department of Human Services that he or she has not been named in the central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or neglect. The teacher and/or the teacher assistant will be in attendance with all volunteers.
The Preschool Program organizes two field trips during the school year. The first one is scheduled in the fall and the second in the spring. An adult is responsible for each child’s transportation and must accompany the child for the entire duration. Medical documentation is required if specific accommodations need to be met by all staff and personnel.
Department of Human Services 41227 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Protecting God’s Children Workshop
St. Thecla Parish offers this program only twice a year, but other parishes offer it also. You need to register to get into one of the sessions. To view the schedule of workshops offered, go to If you have any questions, please contact the Christian Formation office:
Mrs. Walker586.792.0550 ext.363
Home-School Connections
It is important for children to practice at home, the skills learned at school. Starting in January, simple activities will be sent home every week in the child’s folder and they are to be completed at home with a parent. Please do not do the work for the child. The activities will focus on different areas of the curriculum.
Special Programs
Mystery Reader
Star Student
March Reading Readiness
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Catholic Schools Week Celebration
Santa Shop
Scholastic Book Fair
Holiday Celebrations
Gym on Wheels
School Policies
Criteria for Admission
St. Thecla begins taking registration for the following school year in February.All children must be 3 or 4 years old by September1, 2017 to be considered for admission.
By the first day of school, ALL children must be fully toilet-trained and not wearing pull-ups or diapers.
Preschool Tuition 2017-2018
NON-SUPPORTIVE MEMBER OF ST. THECLA
SUPPORTIVE MEMBER OF ST. THECLA OR REGISTERED AT ANY CATHOLIC PARISH OUT OF PARISH
TUITION PRESCHOOL TUITION PRESCHOOL TUITION PRESCHOOL
T & Th 1/2 day $ 1,215 T & TH ½ day $ 1,450 T & TH ½ day $ 1,625
T & TH Full day $ 2,550 T & TH Full day $ 2,850 T & TH Full day $ 3,050
M,W,F ½ day $ 1,790 M,W,F ½ day $ 2,050 M,W,F ½ day $ 2,200
M,W,F Full day $ 3,600 M,W,F Full day $ 3,900 M,W,F Full day $ 4,200
M-F ½ day $ 2,980 M-F ½ day $ 3,250 M-F ½ day $ 3,400
M-F Full day $ 4,800 M-F Full day $ 5,300 M-F Full day $ 5,500
A Preschool Discount is provided to families with other students registered in K-8 at St. Thecla - 15% discount when
one other student is registered in K-8, 20% discount when 2 other students are registered in K-8, and 25% discount
when 3 or more students are registered in K-8. If more than one preschool student is enrolled, call the Tuition
Coordinator for discount information.
Preschool Forms
A current copy of the child’s immunization records must be completed and on file before the child attends Preschool.
A copy of the Birth Certificate and Baptismal certificate must be on file before the child attends preschool.
Several times a year, a report of student immunization records must be sent to the Macomb County Health Department. Any students who are not up-to-date on their immunizations, according to the Health Department, will receive a letter detailing what shots are needed. Whenever the child’s immunization records are updated, please bring in the updated records to the teacher.
A complete physical must be obtained from the child’s physician on our green health form. This form must be completed and on file within 30 days of the first day in the program. The health form expires in two years from the date of the doctor’s signature.Information and Emergency cards must be completed in full on BOTH SIDES for each child every year.
Students will only be released to persons specified on the card. Custody issues will be addressed through court documents that are kept in the office.
All necessary forms must be submitted to Krystle Padilla or Lisa Grout at Open House.
Absences | Late Arrivals | Early Dismissals
If your child will be absent or late, please call the school office at 586.791.2170. When you leave a message, please include the reason your child will be absent and what class/time your child attends preschool.
If your child will be dismissed early, please notify the teacher and sign out the child in the school office before leaving.
Dress Code
Please make sure that the children are dressed in simple and comfortable clothes that they can manage at bathrooms, recess and naptime. For example, pants that have an elastic waist are easier than the ones with zipper and belt. For girls, pants and shirts are highly recommended as opposed to dresses and skirts. Hair bows must be no larger than approximately 1 inch.
Sturdy shoes with socks must be worn at all times, even on special occasions such as classroom celebrations, picture day, graduation, etc. Sandals, flip-flops and Crocs are NOT permitted.Real and fake jewelry should not be worn at school as it can be lost or cause injury.
Have the children dress appropriately for weather conditions. During winter if your child will wear boots to school, please change into school shoes when you arrive in the Gathering Space and place the boots in a plastic bag labeled with the child’s name.
Please pack an extra set of clothes (socks, pants, shirt, and underwear) that will remain in the child’s backpack.
Withdrawal Policy
When your child is enrolled in the Preschool Program, it is expected that he/she will remain for the full school year. However, if it should become necessary for you to withdraw your child, we ask that you give us notification in writing. (See the current years Tuition and Fees for the St. Thecla Tuition Refund Policy).
If the teacher feels that a child should be withdrawn from the program, a meeting with the parent(s), teacher, and administration will be scheduled for a determination to be made.
Emergency School Closing | Emergency Evacuation
The Preschool Program will follow the procedures of St. Thecla School regarding school cancellations due to weather conditions, mechanical failures, etc. - tune your radio to WJR-760 A.M. or TC channels 2, 4 or 7 for information.
If there is a need for an emergency evacuation, all students and staff will be relocated to St. Luke’s Elementary School campus located at21400 SOUTH Nunneley Road, Clinton Township, MI 48035 | 586.791.1151. Parents will be contacted through the use of our emergency contact binder, which includes child information sheets, parent information, individuals identified to release child to, and emergency contacts. Staff will also bring all necessary medications and designated crisis backpacks located in each classroom. Students with special needs will be assisted in accordance to their specific needs and/or conditions.
Medical documentation is required to meet specific accommodations that need to be met by all staff and personnel.
Accidents | Injuries | Incidences Policy
In the event that a child sustains a minor injury (scraped knee, etc.), parents will receive a report outlining the incident and the course of action taken by staff. Parents will be contacted immediately if the injury produces any type of swelling, or needs medical attention.
For more serious injuries, the staff will call 911 and then contact the parent immediately.
Parents will also be made aware of any incident that may occur during school hours such as a child being unsupervised, inappropriate discipline, and/or inappropriate contact with a child.
Health | Illness Policy
Children, staff, and volunteers with signs of illness such as high temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, etc., should be kept at home to ensure the health and well being of others. The teacher reserves the right to refuse admittance to any child who appears ill. If your child develops a contagious disease or rash of any kind during the school year, please call the office at (586) 791-2170.
If any child becomes ill during the day, parents will be contacted to pick up the child. If any child exhibits symptoms of any contagious disease, i.e. pink eye, licensing requires that the child not return for 24 hours from the time he/she takes medication for the condition. If your child has a fever, diarrhea, undiagnosed rash or a discharge from the eyes, ears, or nose or head lice, please keep them at home.
Community Wellness
Health Care Plan
Hand Washing
The following procedures will be used for hand washing:
Have a single service towel available
Turn on the water to a comfortable temperature between 60 and 120 degrees.
Hands shall be washed with soap under running water.
Moisten hands with water and apply soap.
Rub areas between fingers, around nail beds, under fingernails, and jewelry, and back of hands.
Dry hands with a clean, disposable paper or single use cloth. Turn off tap with the disposable paper or single service towel.
Handling Bodily Fluids
Precautions will be used when handling bodily fluids as instructed in the blood borne pathogen training. Steps used will include:
Staff will put on gloves.
Clean up bodily fluids
Wash area with soap and water, rinse, and sanitize area
Wash hands of child
Take off gloves and wash hands
Cleaning | Sanitizing
The following steps are to be followed for cleaning and sanitizing:
Wash area/surface with warm water and soap/detergent
Rinse area/surface with clean water
Submerge, wipe, or spray the article or surface with a sanitizing solution
Let area/surface air dry