Susanna Wesley Preschool
Parent Handbook
2016/2017
We are following Christ by seeking, sharing, and serving in God’s love.
7433 SW 29th St.
Topeka, KS 66614
(785) 478-3703
Susanna Wesley Preschool
Revised 04/2016
Welcome to Susanna Wesley
Dear Parent,
Welcome to Susanna Wesley Preschool! I want to congratulate on choosing to enroll your child in an excellent program. Our dedicated director and staff create an environment of acceptance, nurture and safety. We strive to provide the best experiences for your child’s cognitive, spiritual, emotional and social growth.
If you do not have a faith community, I invite you to come to Susanna Wesley UMC. We have a vibrant congregation that is “Following Christ by seeking, sharing and serving in God’s love.” We have ministries that help us to grow in our faith and offer opportunities to put that faith into action for people of all ages.
Grace and peace+
Pastor Maria
Rev. Maria Campbell
Senior Pastor
Sunday Morning
Worship Services
9 AM and 10:15
Sunday School for Adults @ 9 & 10:15
Children’s Sunday School @ 10:15
Youth Sunday School @ 10:15
Nursery Available 9-11:30
Thank you for choosing Susanna Wesley Preschool
Welcome to a new year of learning through play and exploration. We appreciate you entrusting us with your child. We recognize that while some may be returning to build on last years’ experience, others may be new to our community or facing the first separation of child and family. We assure you that we will support and encourage you and your child in this exciting experience of learning through enriched and facilitated play.
Thank you for sharing your child with us. Our partnership will form a foundation for the way your child views learning and new challenges. Our preschool staff looks forward to working cooperatively with you to make this the best possible experience for you, your child, and your family.
PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
Susanna Wesley Preschool was established and is sponsored by the Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church as a means of providing a Christian based education program for children. It is licensed by the Kansas State Department of Health and Environment and is administered by the Director, the Pastor of SWUMC and an advisory committee.
The purpose of our program is to provide a secure and safe environment as well as a loving and stimulating atmosphere in which children can grow socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually through developmentally age-appropriate practices. We recognize that children learn through play and we strive to create a climate that will encourage exploration, experimentation and creativity. Special attention is given to fostering a positive self-concept in each child through creative and structured learning opportunities.
The goal of Susanna Wesley Preschool is to foster the early learning experiences of each child enrolled. Emphasis for the three-year-old class is on socialization- learning to interact appropriately with peers, resolving conflicts, and adapting to class routines. Projects and activities planned are designed to increase on task time, develop small and large motor skills, and introduce pre-academic concepts. The Pre-K classes continue with social development and increased emphasis is placed on Kindergarten readiness. Projects and activities continue to stretch the on task time and increase the competency with small motor activities, writing, and cutting skills. Children are introduced to following teacher directions in a group setting. The overall goal is for each child to be prepared to be self-confident and have a positive experience for their later educational years.
PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM
The Susanna Wesley Preschool Curriculum is a discovery-based learning experience that allows each individual child the opportunity to move through specially designed learning activities including Handwriting Without Tears and the Get Set for School curriculum. We are a Christian based preschool and religion is used in the classroom through prayer before snack and teaching about God’s love in context as it relates to our preschoolers world. We celebrate God’s love for us every day. The children love our Fruits of the Spirit curriculum that helps instill good character traits. Parents and families of students are encouraged to be involved in preschool activities. Weekly lesson plans, monthly menus, and special notes are sent via e-mail. Throughout the school year student portfolios are maintained by the teacher so that parents may observe their child’s progress at Parent-Teacher conferences or other times as scheduled by parents with their child’s teacher.
Handwriting Without Tears (HWOT) & Get Set for School
HWOT introduces school readiness activities for young children of all ability levels through music, movement, building, coloring, and multisensory activities. Get Set for School draws from the best research and years of experience to provide a complete curriculum that includes: readiness & writing, language & literacy, numbers & math. Get Set for School uses hands-on, play based instruction to give young learners innumerable opportunities for spontaneous and meaningful learning. Playful learning also helps engage young children and helps build a lifelong love of learning.
Fruits of the Spirit
Few things better represent the Christian life than outwardly displaying the fruits of the spirit which include goodness, kindness, self-control, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness and love. Our Fruit of the Spirit curriculum focuses on teaching children through songs, stories and activities to bear good fruit.
HOURS DURING SCHOOL YEAR
9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Must be picked up no later than 11:45 A.M.
12:45 P.M. to 3:15 P.M.
Must be picked up no later than 3:25 P.M.
SNACK
A daily snack will be provided by Susanna Wesley Preschool. We are a peanut / tree nut free facility. Please notify your teacher of any food allergies or sensitivities.
ENROLLMENT
Enrollment shall be granted to any child without discrimination in regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or physical handicap.
The following forms must be completed and on file with the director BEFORE the child may attend:
· Enrollment Form
· Health Assessment/Immunization Record
· Emergency Medical Release Form
· Contract Agreement
· Signed Illness & Exclusion Policy
· Field Trip Permission Form
· Copy of Current Immunization Record
Children will not be allowed to begin school until all forms are complete and a current immunization record is on file.
Parents are requested to update the office of any changes in address, phone numbers, or emergency numbers.
EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE
If a parent requests a fee reduction due to extended illness/surgery, arrangements to be considered must be made in writing. Until that time, the regular fee must be paid. If granted, the parents may request up to two weeks leave. After that time, full fees must be paid or the child’s place will be relinquished.
WITHDRAWAL FROM PROGRAM
If you should decide to withdraw your child from the program for any reason, written notice must be given two weeks prior to withdrawal. Tuition payment for the last two weeks will need to be given at time of notice regardless of child’s attendance. Failure to give notice will result in continual fee assessment.
FEES
TUITION FEES
Tuition is based on a 9 month school year and is a set fee. Payments may be made yearly or monthly. Adjustments will not be made for the number of days attended per month, vacations, or illness. Yearly tuition is due August 1, 2016. Tuition is paid one month in advance and is due on the first of each month August thru April.
LATE PAYMENT POLICY
A late fee of $10 will charged to accounts not paid in full by the 5th of each month. If tuition and all related fees are not paid in full by the 10th of the month in which they occurred, the child will be dropped from the program and their spot will go to the next person on the waiting list.
MULTI-CHILD DISCOUNT
Susanna Wesley offers a multi-child discount for siblings. The first child is full fee, and then every child after that is 10% off.
REGISTRATION
Susanna Wesley Preschool Program operates primarily from tuition fees. To provide materials, we require a non-refundable $65 registration fee per child. All paperwork must be properly filled out and returned to the office with a check for the registration fee and the first month’s tuition by August 1, 2016. Incomplete paperwork will be returned and a spot will not be reserved until paperwork is properly filled out and on file in the office.
LATE DEPARTURE FEE
It is the preschool’s policy to charge an additional fee for late pick up. Charges are $1 per child per minute with no grace period. Late departure fees must be paid before your child may attend their next Preschool session. Every attempt will be made to contact a parent first and if that fails we will try the emergency numbers provided. If after 2 hours no contacts have been made, the preschool will notify the sheriff.
REFUND OF FEES
Fees will not be refunded when a child is absent. Our costs remain constant; therefore, refunds, credit for days missed, or make-up days cannot be offered. In case of an extended illness or absence, arrangements may be considered.
RETURNED CHECK FEE
The returned check fee is $40.00 per returned check. If two returned checks have been received, cash or money orders will be required for future payment.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The Susanna Wesley Preschool discipline policy is designed to establish respectful and positive discipline for all children enrolled. Staff will use these guidelines to help children understand what is expected and acceptable behavior. Staff will help children understand that unacceptable behavior has consequences and that acceptable behavior is to be desired.
Children will be expected to:
1. Treat staff and other children with respect at all times.
2. Follow all directions when given by a staff member.
3. Keep hands, feet and other objects to themselves.
4. Use appropriate language.
Consequences
1. Re-direct the child to another activity.
2. Discuss the problem and what the consequence will be if it happens again.
3. Follow through with consequence.
Corporal punishment, in any form, is expressly contrary to the philosophy and purpose of Susanna Wesley Preschool and will in no instance be administered.
ILLNESS
Please do not send your child to preschool if he/she has any of the following:
Conditions for Exclusion fromPreschool /
Conditions for Returning to
Preschool1. Axillary (armpit) temperature of 100.0F or higher with behavior change. / 1. Free of fever for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication.
2. Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness such as unusual lethargy, uncontrolled coughing, irritability, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or other unusual signs. / 2. Symptom free or physician’s written approval to return.
4. Diarrhea (two watery stools in a 4 hour period or one large volume watery stool mixed with blood). / 4. Free of diarrhea (watery stools) for 24 hours and able to take food.
5. Vomiting, upset stomach with more than just “spitting up”. / 5. Free of upset stomach and vomiting for 24 hours and able to take food.
6. Yellowish tint to skin or eyes and/or unusually dark, tea-colored urine. / 6. Symptom free or physician’s written approval to return.
7. Red, watery or draining eye(s). / 7. All discharge from the eye(s) has stopped or physician’s approval to return.
8. Severe itching of the body or scalp and/or constantly scratching the head (i.e. lice, scabies). / 8. After treatment, including free of lice and nits.
9. Infected areas of the skin with crusty, yellow, gummy, dry area or rash, (i.e.: Impetigo, Chicken Pox or Ring Worm). / 9. Skin sores are healed or 24 hours after treatment has started or physician’s written approval to return.
10. Fainting or seizures (other than pre-existing conditions) or general signs of listlessness, weakness, drowsiness, flushed face, headache or stiff neck. / 10. Symptom free or physician’s written approval to return.
11. Mouth sores with excessive drooling. / 11. Physician’s written approval to return.
12. Rash with fever or behavior change. / 12. Physician’s written approval to return.
13. Known contagious disease while in communicable stage. / 13. Physician’s written approval to return.
Please notify Preschool staff if your child will be absent for the day.
Immunizations
The following immunizations are required for your child to attend Susanna Wesley Preschool. Licensing requires that Susanna Wesley Preschool have proof of these immunizations on file for each child attending the program.
Your child will not be allowed to start preschool until we have record of these immunizations on file.
The recommended immunization schedule for 0-5 years is as follows:
At Birth: HepB
2 Months: HepB + DTaP + PCV + Hib + Polio + Rota
4 Months: DTap + PCV + Hib + Polio + Rota
6 Months: HepB + DTaP + PCV + Hib + Polio + Rota
6-18 mos*
12 Months: MMR + PCV + Hib + Varicella + HepA + DTap
12-15 mos* 6 mos after 3rd dose
18 Months: HepA
6mos after dose 1
5 years: DTap + MMR + Polio + Varicella
(* This is the age range in which this vaccine should be given.)
Vaccine Descriptions:
HepB: hepatitis B
DTap: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)
Hib: Haemophilus influenzae Type B (not the “flu” vaccine)
PCV: pneumococcal disease
Polio: polio, also known as IPV
Rota: infections caused by rotavirus
MMR: measles, mumps, rubella (German measles)
Varicella: chickenpox
HepA: hepatitis A
Influenza: flu – can be taken annually after 6 months of age (not required)
MEDICATION
Prescription medications, or over the counter medicines will be administered by Susanna Wesley Preschool staff ONLY when a written consent form is signed by the parent. Medications must be clearly labeled and in original container. All medications are to be provided by parent/s, prescription and over the counter. Authorization forms are in the Preschool office.
ALLERGIES
All children with known allergies must have an Allergy Care Plan on file in the preschool office. Copies will be distributed to the child’s preschool classroom teacher.