St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church

Preschool/Mother’s Day Out

2017-2018

And

Summer Fun Program

2017

Parent Handbook

Nicole Durrwachter

Director

Office Number: 706-447-4522 or

The purpose of our program is to provide care, education, and

development for each child enrolled to his/her greatest potential –

spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. This is to

be accomplished by providing learning and developmental

experiences consistent with Catholic teaching.

Dear Parents,

This is a very special time in your child’s life. The years before your child enters a formal educational setting will be some of the most important and valuable to his/her development.

You play a major role in helping your child reach his/her full potential. Research in the area of child development points out that most of a child’s intellectual development takes place before they enter a formal classroom. This means that children spend a great deal of time with their first, and perhaps most important teachers – their parents. Indeed, as parents, your involvement in your child’s learning experiences will have much to do with how well your child succeeds in school and later in life. By working together, I believe we can all help your child become the best person possible – socially, emotionally, and academically.

We are looking forward to working with you this year as we help your child experience the joys of learning. We stand ready to assist you in any way we can. Please feel free to get in touch with us at any time. Your participation and encouragement will be major contributions to your child’s success this year.

Sincerely,

Nicole Durrwachter

Nicole Durrwachter

Director

What We Offer

We offer a program that addresses physical development, emotional and social development, language and literacy development, and cognitive development as outlined in the Georgia Early Standards (Developed by: Bright from the Start – Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning). Children are safe, secure, and cared for in a nurturing Christian environment. We are here to assist you by supporting your child’s growth, development, and learning potential.

Policies & Procedures

1. Drop Off: Mother’s Day Out and Preschool Classes begin at 9:30 a.m. Please be on time.

If you arrive before 9:30 a.m., you need to wait in the car or in the hallway. Our teachers prepare their rooms from 9:15 – 9:30 a.m.Sign in each day on the clipboards outside your child’s room. You must leave an emergency contact number in case we need to reach you.

2. Pick-Up:If you are late (after 1:30 p.m.) getting your child, you will be charged

$5.00 for each five minutes you are late. Please sign your child out and indicate the time

picked up. If you arrive at 1:35 p.m. you owe $5.00. If you arrive at 1:40 p.m. you owe

$10.00, etc.Please watch the time. Be sure you consider traffic and weather

conditions, and make sure you allow yourself time to get to church. This will be

enforced from the very first day. If an emergency occurs, please call us so we can

assure your child that you are on the way. Also if someone else is going to pick up your

child, you must notify us at the desk, or your child’s teacher.

If someone we do not know comes for your child,

They need to be prepared to show us identification.

3. Absences:If your child is going to be absent, call us and let us know. Then we can

offer that spot to someone who needs an extra day.

4. Toys from Home: Toys need to be left at home, unless the teacher requests them.

These can cause problems in the classroom, and sometimes they become broken or lost.

We do allow a “security animal or object” for the tiny tot’s/ one’s and two’s if necessary to

help them adjust.

5. Parties and Celebrations: Parties are held on special occasions. Party sign-up sheets

are placed on the classroom doors. We love to celebrate birthdays! You are

encouraged to send cookies, juice, treats, etc. Please set this up with your child’s

teacher. If your child has a birthday during the holidays or during the summer, you

may want to choose a day to let your child bring something special for the class. It

makes them feel important. (Please, no small candy for little ones).

6. Lunch:Send a lunch each day and include a drink and utensils if needed. Sandwiches

are not necessary. Try to pack foods that your child normally eats. If you sent too

much lunch or not enough we will put a note in your child’s lunch box. Lunch boxes need to be

cleaned out and washed daily. Make sure your child’s name is on the outside.

7. Illness:Children who have a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, pink eye, or any contagious

illness should be kept at home. Children must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to the

program. If a child becomes sick at school, we will isolate them and call you or someone on your

emergency contact list immediately. Medications will notbe given by our staff. Please let us know

if you give your child medication(s) before he/she comes to school. Medication can sometimes

change a child’s behavior or disposition.

8. Head Lice: Children who are suspected of head lice will be sent home. Children may not return

until they are completely nit-free.

9. Dress: Children should wear play clothes appropriate for the weather. All removable clothing

(jackets, hats, sweaters, etc.) should have your child’s name on them. Jackets or sweaters must

be sent in everyday until the weather is warmer in the Spring. We do go out to play on those cool

mornings.

10. Diaper Bags: Diaper bags should include at least 2 disposable diapers, and “baby wipes”. Your

child’s name should be on the outside of the diaper bag. An extra outfit in the bag is helpful for

those in diapers or those still potty-training.

11. Inclement Weather: We will follow closings due to inclement weather according to Columbia

County Schools. If there is a delay for Columbia County Schools due to weather, our program

will beclosed for the entire day.

12. Placement: Georgia Law permits a child who turns five years old before Sept. 1st to enter

public school. Decisions about placing a child who is already in the program will be made by the

Director.

13. Communication: Communication is so important. You will receive notes and announcements

about upcoming events. All of these are sent for your benefit. Please take time to read what

we send home.

14. Immunization: Georgia Form #3231 needs to be completed by your child’s pediatrician and

submitted within the first two weeks after your child’s enrollment.

Classroom Structure

One’s(Must be walking)Two’s

12 Months by Sept 1stMust be 2 Yrs. Old by Sept 1st

1:6 Ratio1:8 Ratio

Must register for a minimum of 2 daysMay choose 2-4 days per week

Tues. & Thur. (closed Mon. Wed. & Fri.)Must register for a minimum of 2 days

Mon. – Thurs. (closed Friday)

Preschool Three’s(Must be potty trained)

Must be 3 Yrs. Old by Sept 1st

1:10 Ratio

May choose 2-5 day per week

Must register for a minimum of 2 days

Preschool Four’s

Must be 4 Yrs. Old by Sept. 1st

1:10 Ratio

May choose 3-5 days per week

Must register for a minimum of 3 days

Schedules

The Preschool/ Mother’s Day Out Programs will operate Monday thru Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Throughout the week there will be structured learning through play-focused activities. There will be a curriculum used in each room.

Tuition & Fees

Your monthly payment is due on or before the 10th of each month. The amount will be the same every month, including August, December and May. After the 10th there will be a $10.00 late fee.

Monthly Fees have been figured on a 10 month basis. Holidays have been figured into the schedule. There will not be any deductions for holidays or absences unless a child has an extended illness. You are welcome to set up bimonthly or monthly payments due by the 10th of each month. You are responsible for the days you sign up for.

Tuition

2 Days $110.00/Month

3 Days $140.00/Month

4 Days $155.00/Month

5 Days $175.00/Month

Registration

$100.00 per child (Non-Refundable)

Preschool/MDO Calendar 2017-2018

August 11 (Friday)…………………………………….……………………………………………………………...Open House (noon – 1:00p.m.)

August 14 (Monday)……………………………………………………………………………………………..….First Day of Preschool /MDO

Days the Program is Closed:

September 1 (Friday)………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Early Release

September 4(Monday)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….Labor Day

September 21 (Thursday)…….….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………Early Release

October 9 (Monday)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Student HolidayOctober 10 (Tuesday)…………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………...Student Holiday

November 7 (Tuesday)………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..………………Early Release

November 20 – 24 (Monday – Friday) …………………………………………………………………….……….…..Thanksgiving Break

December 20 (Wednesday).……………………………………………………………………………………………..…………..…..Early Release

December 21 – January 5.…………………………………………….………………………………………………………….…..Christmas Break

January 8 (Monday)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Student Holiday

Classes resume Tuesday, January 9 2018

January 15 (Monday)………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Martin Luther King DayFebruary 16 (Friday)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..Early Release

February19 (Monday).………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………..Presidents’ DayMarch 15(Thursday).…………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Early Release

March 16 (Friday)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Student Holiday March 30 (Friday).………………………………………………………………………………………….……….Good Friday (Church Holiday)

April 2 – 6and 9 (Monday-Friday and Monday)………….…………………………………………..……………………..Spring Break

May 18 (Friday).…………………………………………………………………………………………..LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL/MDO

Note: The Mother’s Day Out/Preschool Program will not be open on Columbia

County Schools Early Release Days. If Columbia County Schools issue a delay due to inclement weather, we will be closed.

SUMMER FUN

JUNE and JULY

2017

Classroom Structure

(Space is Limited)

One’s(Must be walking)Two’s

Must be12 months by Sept. 1st Must be 2 by Sept. 1st

1:6 Ratio 1:8 Ratio

Tues. & Thurs. Tues. & Thurs.

Preschool Three’s(Must be potty trained) Preschool Four’s

Must be 3 by Sept. 1st Must be 4 by Sept. 1st

1:10 Ratio 1:10 Ratio

Preschool Five’s

Must be 5 by Sept. 1st

1:10 Ratio

*Those who have not yet attended Kindergarten

One’s and Two’swill be combined. The ratio will be 1:8.

Threes, fours and fives will be combined. The ratio would remain 1:10.

All ages must register for a minimum 2 days

The Preschool/ Mother’s Day Out Program will operate

Monday – Thursday from 9:30am -1:30pm.

Summer Weekly Session Dates

June 5 thru 9 is…VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

June 12 thru 15….…First week of MDO/PS

June 19thru 22

June 26 thru June 29

July 3 - July 6……CLOSED for Holiday

July 10 thru 13

July 17 thru 20

July 24 thru 27……Last Week of Summer PS/MDO

Note: Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and look for details soon to enroll your child in VBS, starting at age 3(Must be potty trained) and up!

June and July

Tuition Fees

2 Days…………………………...…….$90.00/Month

3 Days………………………………..$110.00/Month

4 Days………………………………..$125.00/Month

Registration Fee………………………. $40.00

(Non-Refundable)

If you are currently registered in the program you do not need to fill out a summer registration form. We will use the form we have on record.

WHOSE CHILD IS THIS?

Author Unknown

“Whose child is this?” I asked one day

Seeing a little one out at play

“Mine”, said the parent with a tender smile

“Mine to keep for a little while

To bathe his hand and comb his hair

To tell him what he is to wear

To prepare him that he may always be good

And each day do the things he should”

“Whose child is this?” I asked again

As the door opened and someone come in

“Mine”, said the teacher with the same tender smile

“Mine, to keep just for a little while

To teach him how to be gentle and kind

To train and direct his dear little mind

To help him live by every rule

And get the best he can from school”

“Whose child is this?” I ask once more

Just as the little one entered the door

“Ours” said the parent and teacher as they smiled

And each took the hand of the little child

“Ours to love and train together

Ours this blessed task forever.”

Contact Information

St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church

4921 Columbia Road

Grovetown. Georgia 30813

(706) 447-4522 office

(706) 863-5001 fax

Nicole Durrwachter, Director

Updated 1-17