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