Welcome to the Preschool on the Greenway 2013-2014
The Preschool on the Greenway, formerly known as Leroy Springs Preschool,was established in the fall of 1983. We are celebrating30 years of creating smiles on the faces of children in the Fort Mill area. Yourchild will receive the expertise of our caring,qualified staffthat are educated andexperienced in their work with young children. Each day for the children will be acreative learning experience!
Our handbook was prepared to acquaint you with our preschool program.Thepolicies and procedures set forth will enable our staff to provide a safe, well-organized program for each child. It is important that you read this booklet aswell as all information sent home with your child during the preschool year.Please be sure to share this information with all persons bringing/picking upyour child.
Our staff will strive to make this year one in which we will all work togetherinmeeting your child’s needs. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher orthe director with any information or concerns you may have.
We are dedicated to making each child feel safe and loved!
Our Preschool Beliefs
Young children are eager and enthusiastic to learn!
It is important for each child to be an individual, to express himself creatively andto feel free to develop these qualities. Equally important is learning self-control,sharing and social adjustment.
Each child develops at his own speed and we strive to offer every opportunity forhim to learn at his own level. We are dedicated to making each day stimulatingandchallenging for each child.
We welcome all families and realize that the inclusion of families from differentethnicities, cultures, abilities and family structures will enhance our program andthe lives of the children who come together here.
“Let’s put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”
Our Preschool Day
Learning to share, take turns, plan, work and play with others – all wonderfullife-long skills.
Educational learning through hands-on activities and play. ABC’s, 123’s, colors,shapes and other themes prepare children for kindergarten.
Stories, poetry, dramatization and books lead children on adventures andstretch their imagination.
Use of clay, play-dough, crayons, markers, scissors and other manipulatives aidin the development of small motor skills.
Arts, crafts and painting time explore the creative side of young minds.
Water play in our pool, besides being lots of fun, helps to build self-confidenceand coordination.
Our Playball Program, outdoor play, gym time and movement promotes physical fitness, increases largemotor skillsand develops good sportsmanship.
Learning music through song builds listening and attention skills. Children alsolearn self-expression and cooperation with others.
Our science and nature program with Ms. Suzanne each month will promote curiosity about nature, animals and insects.
Preschool Classes / Operation Schedule
2 Day Classes (Tuesday and Thursday)
Young Three’s9:00a.m - Noon
Three’s9:00a.m. – Noon
3 Day Classes (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Three’s9:00a.m. – Noon
Four’s9:00a.m. – 12:30p.m.
5 Day Classes (Monday – Friday)
Three’s9:00a.m. – Noon
Four’s9:00a.m. – 12:30p.m.
Children must be “potty-trained” and able to care for self in the rest room. We will assist children with verbal instructions and communicatewith parents if we feel it is necessary.
Teacher/Student Ratio: Three Year Old Classes 8/1 Four Year Old Class 10/1
2013-14 Registration and Tuition Fees
In order to assure your child’s placement in our program, a registrationfee is due at the time of application. This fee is Non-refundable.
To be eligible for member fees your Child must be an active member of the Anne Springs Close Greenway Recreation Complex.
5 day classes(4’s)Members $205/month Non-members $225/month
5 day classes(3’s)Members $205/monthNon-members $225/month
3 day classes(4s)Members $175/month Non-members $190/month
3 day classes(3s)Members $165/month Non-members $180/month
2 day classesMembers $115/month Non-members $125/month
Preschool payment transactions can be made on-line at or at the Membership Services desk located in the lobby of the Anne Springs Close Greenway Recreation Complex. Payments may be made by cash, check, money order, credit cards or the automatic credit card program. Credit card payments may be called in to 547-4575. We strongly suggest the automatic credit card program – your card will automatically be charged on the first or first business day of each month, thus saving you a $20 late fee if payments are made late.
The membership services desk is staffed seven days a week with the exception of some holidays.
Monthly TuitionDue ON or BEFORE
SeptemberAugust 27 or 28 (orientation)
OctoberOctober 1
NovemberNovember 1
DecemberDecember 1
JanuaryJanuary 1
FebruaryFebruary 1
MarchMarch 1
AprilApril 1
MayMay 1
Please note, there will be a $20 late fee automatically added to accounts paid after the 7th of the month.
If tuition becomes delinquent after a one week period, we reserve the right to notify you that your child cannot continue the preschool program until fees have been satisfied. No child or sibling may enroll in any Complex on the Greenway activity if there is an outstandingbalance on the account.
A two weeks notice is required in writing prior to a child’s withdrawal from the preschool program. Notice of withdrawal must be given to the Preschool Director.
There may be some cases where an individual is in need of our program but is of limited financial means. We offer a membership assistance program to assist with your program needs. Please contact Lisa Hudspeth 803-547-1047 or inquire at the front desk for an application.
Drop Off Procedures
All preschool doors will remain locked until 8:50a.m. Please do not bring your child prior to that time. Teachers are busypreparing for the day and are not always in the classroom.
Children should be dropped off in front of the Preschool buildingunderthe covered shelter. A teacher will be there to greet youbetween 8:50a.m. and 9:15a.m. Children should be ready toexit the car when the teacher opens the car door. If not, youwill be asked to park and bring your child in.
Parents,please stay in your car during drop off and pick up times. Parents exiting the vehicle will cause a backup in the drop off/pick up procedure. Teachers will be outside to assist your child with the car door.
Should you choose to walk your child to class, please park in the frontparking lot of the Recreation complex, go through the front door, through the gym and into preschool. We ask that you follow this procedure so as not to distract other drivers and teachers during drop off/pick up routines and it is safer than walking children through moving traffic.
Please berespectful of others in the car line.
If you arrive late, you MUST escortyour child into the building and to theclassroom. No one is allowed in the preschool facility without thepresence of a preschool staff member.
Pick Up Procedures
At pick up time the children will be seated in the preschool lobbyand brought to your car. Be sure to have your pick up card visible.DO NOT exit your vehicle. Teachers will open car doors and allowyour child entrance into the car. Preschool staff will not buckleseat belts. It is your responsibility to pull around and buckle your child.
Be prompt when picking up – a late fee of $10 for each 10 minuteswill be added to your account when you are late. If you are late, please parkin the parkinglot and come in to pick up your child. He/she will be located intheir classroom or with the director.
Failure to comply with late chargesmay result in the dismissal of your child from the program.
Hours of operation:
Three’s9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. late fees begin at 12:10p.m.
Four’s9:00a.m.-12:30p.m. late fees begin at 12:40p.m.
Daily Release
As a general rule - A child will be released only to the custodial parent or guardian. Should the need arise for someone other than the custodial parent or guardian to pick up the child please follow the procedures identified below.
Individualslisted on the registration form may pick up the child by knowing the code word andhaving a picture identification.
A hand written note or a parent telephone call to the directorspecifically requesting pick up by a certain person. That personshould arrive 15 minutes early, come into the building and beprepared to give the code word and show a picture identificationto the director.
Health
If your child is well enough to come to preschool, we consider him/her wellenough to participate in all indoor and outdooractivities.
Please do not bring your child to school if you suspect he/she is“coming down with something” or if he/she has had a fever,diarrhea, or been vomiting within the last 24hours. Many illnessesare most contagious in early stages. Very runny noses, bad coughs, and lots of sneezes spread colds very quickly. Let such symptomsdiminish before sending your child back to school. If your childhas an allergy condition which results in these symptomsand he/sheis not contagious let the teacher know this also. Please notify usif your child has been diagnosed with a contagious disease (such as strep throat, conjunctivitis, or even lice) so that we may alert otherparents tothe symptoms.
If a child becomes ill at preschool, the parents will be notified and areexpectedto pick up the child immediately. Please be sure that current telephone numbers are available on your child’s preschool records.
No medications, with the exception of epi pens and inhalers, will beadministered by the preschool staff. Epi pen and inhalers will be administered only when a medication form has been completed bythe parents/guardians of a child.
An up-to-date immunization form must be on file at the Preschool on the Greenway.
If an accident or injury occursduring the preschool day, the staff will seek professional medical attention as the child’s registration form indicates and then call the parents/guardians.
Snacks
A morning snack will be provided by the Class Helper of the day. Children feel very special when they bring favorite snacks to share. A list of preferred healthy snacks willbe provided to you. All snacks must be sent in the original container and unopened.
If your child has food allergies or you wish to make sure his/her snack is totally nutritious, please feel free to pack a snack for your own child.
Special snacks (such as mini cupcakes, cookies, etc.) may be provided by you for your child’sbirthday. If your child’s birthday falls during the summer months, he/she may have a birthday celebration in May.
Clothing Attire
Washable play clothes are most suitable! Every effort will be made to prevent getting paint
glue, etc. on clothing but please do not expect your child to stay perfectly clean – outdoor
play is a lot of fun.
Clothes should be easy on/off to assist the children in trips to the restroom and water play
days. Clothes with belts, button, ties, etc. should be avoided.
Children should have a complete change of clothes in his/her backpack each day. In case
of a “restroom accident” soiled clothes will be placed in a plastic bag to be sent home.
Teachers will not be responsible for washing soiled clothing.
For safety purposes, shoes are required to be rubber sole shoes which entirely cover the feet. Absolutely NO flip-flops or open toe/open heel shoes are permitted; they simply are
not safe for outdoor or gym play! Tennis shoes with Velcro are great for preschool play.
If proper shoes are not worn, parents will be notified and the child will not be allowed toparticipate in physical outdoor or gym activities until proper shoes arrive.
All clothing, including towels for water day, should be labeled with child’s name. Preschool staff is not responsible for lost items of clothing.
Weekly Water Play
All classes participate in a weekly water playsession. Water play, besides being lots of fun, helps to build self-confidence and coordination. Your child’swater play schedule willbe given to you during orientation. The water in our pool(the 2 to 3 foot pool) is heated and the air temperature is approximately80 degrees.
Trained life guards are on duty during our swim time. Safety is our numberone concern!
We feel that if your child is too ill for water play, he/she should notattend preschool during the scheduled water play session. Please discuss this policy with your child’s teacher.
Swim bags should be large enough to hold the child’s towel,clothesand shoes. Clothes should be easy on/easy off as children will be encouragedto dress themselveswith as little assistance aspossible fromthe teachers, thus nurturing independence. Velcro or slip on shoes should be wornon waterplay days.
A bath size towel (beach towels are too big and bulky) is justright for small hands to manipulate after water play.
Swim suits should be worn under clothing each water play day.
It is very important to label all items of clothing and towels foreasy identification. Leaving it up to children to identify clothingmay not be a reliable source, please label all items.
Toys
We have plenty of toys and equipment in the preschool classes. When children bring toys from home often there is a problem withsharing, toys are misplaced and sometimes even broken. Therefore,we discourage bringing toys from home except on special occasions. You will be notified of “bring your own toy” day in advance.
Toys which are brought for show and tell will remain in child’s cubbyuntiltime for show and tell and will be returned to the child’s cubby afterhis/her sharing time. Show and tell items (only one, please) arebrought only on the child’s helper day. Ahelper of the day list will be provided with the monthly calendar.
Behavior Management
Positive behavior will be encouraged by providing opportunity for quietand stimulating activities, outdoor and gym play and water play. We offer acceptable choices and re-direction. Discipline steps as describedon the Preschool Enrollment Agreement will be followed if necessary.
It could be possible that our center may not be able to meet the needsof all children. We reserve the right to terminate services when a child’sbehavior poses a direct or significant threat to the health or safety of othersor to him/herself, and/or fundamentally alters the classroom program.
Inclement Weather
When faced with potentially dangerous weather conditions, the Preschool on the Greenwaywill follow the Fort Mill School District’s decision on closings. Decisions aremade by 6:00a.m. The FMSD has an information line at 803-548-8695and a website at where information on school delays and closings may be found.
Information is also relayed by the primary radio and television stations inRock Hill and Charlotte. If there is a FMSD school delay, the Preschool on the Greenway will be CLOSED for the day.
Should inclement weather occur after preschool begins, we encourage parentsto pick up their child as soon as possible.
Emergency Drills
Fire drills and tornado drills will be conducted monthly, giving the childrenand staff security in knowing what to do in case of an emergency. In caseof a tornado warning, children are taken into an interior room where we sing,do fingerplays and chat until the danger has passed. We would advise younot to venture into the storm. Your child’s safety will be our number onepriority.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
In the unlikely event of an emergency requiring evacuation, we will remainat the preschool location for 30 minutes after evacuation notification.Parents and authorized persons may pick up during this time.
Preschool on the Greenway
971 E. Tom Hall Street
Fort Mill, SC 29715
The Preschool on the Greenway will then follow the same instructions as the Fort Mill SchoolDistrict. The initial pick up point is Indian Land Elementary School(US 521 South and Doby Bridge Road for the first 4 hours. Then studentswill be taken to the Lancaster High School Shelter (617 Normandy Rd.)