FBCM Preschool Center

FBCM Preschool Center

PARENT HANDBOOK

Mailing Address:P.O. Box 653, Morrisville, NC 27560

Physical Address:209 Church Street, Morrisville, NC 27560

Telephone:919-467-8317

Website:fbcmprek.com

E-Mail:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………………………………….1

Program Description……………………………………………………………………………………………….1

Class Ratios……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..1

Curriculum………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…...2

Class routines…………………………………………………………………………………………….……...….2

Governance………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….……3

Daily Operating Procedures……………………………………………………………..………………….…3

Hours of Operation……………………………………………………………………………………………….3

Arrival to School……………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Parents of 2 year old’s…………………………………..……………………………..………….3

Parents of 3 year old’s…………………………………….……………………………………….3

Parents of 4/5 year old’s……………….…………………………………………………………4

CARPOOL Arrival…………………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Departures……………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Ages 2, 3, 4/5…………………………………………………..………………………………………4

Late Departures……………………………………………………………………………………….5

Walk-Up 11:15…………………………………………………………………………………………5

Early Pick-Up……………………………………………………………………………………………5

Release of Children…………………………………………...... 5

Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

HEALTH & SAFETY……………………………………………………….………………………………………..6

Security Door Bell………………………………………………………..………………………….…………..6

Teaching Good Health Principles…………………………………..………..……………….………….6

Teaching Safety Rules……………………………………………………..……………………….………….6

Illness……………………………………………………………………………..……………………….………….6

Accidents………………………………………………………………………..……………………….………….7

Child Abuse and Neglect………………………………………………..………………………….………..7

Pictures of Students………………………………………………………..…………………….…………….7

Medication………………………………………………………………………..………………….…………….8

Discipline Policy………………………………………………………………..………………….……………..8

Child Safety Seats……………………………………………………………..………………….……………..8

Fire Drills…………………………………………………………………………..…………………..…………….9

Insurance……………………………………………………………………………………………..………………9

GENERAL POLICIES………………………………………………………………….....………..……………….9

Dress Code…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………9

Age Requirement………………………………………………………...... 9

Substitute Teachers……………………………………………………………………………..………………9

Field Trips……………………………………………………….……………………………..…………………..10

Schedules……………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Show and Tell……………………………………………………………………………………………………..10

Snacks…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Newsletter……………..…………………………………………………………………………………………..11

Scholastic News……………………………………………………………..…………………………………..11

Birthday Celebrations…………………………………………………..…………………………………….11

Book Donation…………………………………………………..…………………………………..11

Classroom Parties……………………………………………………………..………………………………..11

FINANCIAL POLICIES…………………………………………..………….…………………………………….12

Tuition………………………………………………………………..………………………………….12

Dismissal from Program…………………………………………..……………..……………..12

Late Fee………………………………………………………………..…………………..…………..12

Discounts……………………………………………………………..………………………………..12

Other Fees…………………………………………………………………………………..…………12

Registration Fee………………………………………………………….…………….12

Graduation Fee…………………………………………………………………………13

Supply Fee………………………………………………………………………………..13

Art Show Fundraiser………………………………………………….………………13

WITHDRAWING FROM PRESCHOOL…………………………………………………………..………..13

Tips for Parents……………………………………………………………………………………..…………….14

2016-2017 DAYS OFF SCHEDULE……………………………………………………………………….END

PRESCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

FBCM Preschool Center’s mission is to provide a Christian-based learning environment. Children learn academics and develop social skills as they interact, play with, and enjoy children their own age. Our goal is to prepare children for academic success in kindergarten and teach them about the love of God through His son Jesus Christ. The staff will reflect Christ, thereby providing an atmosphere of spiritual and academic growth.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

CLASSES

A variety of half-day developmentally appropriate classes are offered. To keep children on track for grade school classes (K-12), preschool eligibility is in accordance with the North Carolina Schools cut-off for birthdays. A child is registered according to their age as of August 31st.

Two Year Old’s - Have the option of attending two days a week on Tuesday/Thursday or three days a week Monday/Wednesday/Friday.

Three Year Old’s – Have the option of attending two days a week on Tuesday/Thursday, three days a week on Monday/Wednesday/Friday or five days a week Monday through Friday.

Four Year Old’s – Have the option of attending three days a week Monday/Wednesday/Friday or five days a week Monday through Friday.

CLASS RATIOS

There will be a maximum of 8 students in two-year-old classes, 12 students in three year old classes, and 14 students in four-year old classes. It is the Director’s responsibility to ensure that all students are enrolled properly. Although a gender balance is not required, it is recommended to help ensure diversity in the classroom. The Director reserves the right to place the child in a class that best fits everyone.

The classes and class size is determined by demand and space availability and may fluctuate slightly.

CURRICULUM

We provide the children with theme-related and age-appropriate activities in circle time, literacy, crafts, science, math, stories, snacks, music, art, and occasional field trips. Parents receive a monthly calendar with teaching themes and related information. We allow the children to learn at their own pace, while encouraging them to meet their fullest potential. We understand that God has created all in an individual and unique way, and each child develops differently. The staff continually works to adjust, update and improve the learning experiences to meet the needs of the children. Hands on activities and learning opportunities are planned accordingly to engage students in the mastery of these skills.

Our routine includes:

Circle Time – The group time is a time to pray together, discuss God’s Word, discuss the weather, seasons, calendar, and our daily schedule and expectations.
Music – Theme related music, songs and creative movement is included in the routine, in and outside the classroom.
Science – Age appropriate activities stressing observation, classification and use of senses are introduced in class.
Literacy – To help develop communication skills, social interaction between students is strongly encouraged. Children are encouraged to recall parts of a story, say their name, age, gender, telephone number, and address. Students are encouraged to follow two and three step directions. Phonemic awareness, the ability to recognize and manipulate the sound units that make up words are taught and used along with their visual representation, upper and lower case letters.
Math – Number and shape recognition, counting skills and basic math principles are introduced.
Crafts – A crafts time is scheduled each day using a wide variety of materials and promoting the concept of process over product. At this age the experience of creating is more important than the resulting artwork, as fine motor skills are a focus.
Outside Play – We try to get the children outside each day for free play and structured games except when it is raining or to cold.
Snack –Parents are to provide a drink and snack for their child.
Cooking – Periodically children may be allowed to cook or prepare their own snack (always theme related). This is fun, and pulls together science, math, art (measuring, tasting, feeling, smelling, etc.), and promotes self-confidence.
Story Time – Stories and/or Bible stories are read daily. Occasionally, we may have a special guest (i.e. Pastor Myron, a church member, the Director) come in to class and read. Parents can also check with the teacher and volunteer to do this.

GOVERNANCE

As a half-day program that offers no more than three (3) hours of preschool care on any given day, our facility does not fall under the government regulations mandated by the State of North Carolina Division of Child Development. We do hold ourselves to a high accountability in meeting high quality standards to provide a safe and healthy environment. The NC Daycare Regulations handbook can be viewed from the web:

DAILY OPERATING PROCEDURES

HOURS OF OPERATION

Hours and Schedule – Preschool classes operate from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Our school-year begins the day after Labor Day and ends Wednesday, May 24, 2017. We observe the same holidays and teacher workdays as the traditional calendar school schedule for the Wake County Public School System.

ARRIVAL

Parents can park in the side parking lot (near the playground) to walk your child to and from class. Doors open at 9:05. Staff are busy getting ready for the day ahead so please use the following guidelines:

Parents of Two Year Old’s will walk their child to class each morning. Please wait in the hallway until 9:15, at which time your child can enter the classroom.

Parents of Three Year Old’s will walk your child to the sanctuary between 9:05 and 9:15. PLEASE do not enter the classroom until 9:15. Parents will walk their children to class the first week of school. During the second week, they can choose to use drop-off carpool.

Parents of Four/Five Year Old’s can begin using drop-off carpool at the front parking lot if they so choose; otherwise, walk your child to the sanctuary between 9:05 and 9:15. PLEASE do not enter the classroom until 9:15.

The first two weeks of schoolTwo Year Old’s will attend class from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. This will ease transition between home and school, as many of the children are attending school for the first time. After two weeks, two’s will transition to 3 hours, 9:15 to 12:15.

Walk-In/Morning - Please do not park just outside the side door and leave your child alone to walk to class. This is a safety issue and is not acceptable. PLEASE park your car in the parking lot near the playground and walk your child into the class so that the teacher sees you leave your child. The parking area just outside the side door (between the parsonage and fellowship hall) is reserved for the church Pastor and his family. Please be sure to park in the area just past the fellowship hall near the playground.

Parents are asked to NOT enter the church building until 9:05 or after. PLEASE do not walk your child in at the front entrance of the church in the morning. If walking your child to class, please wait until 9:15 to enter the classroom, as teachers are busy preparing for their day.

CARPOOLARRIVAL – 3 Years and 4 Years Classes ONLY

FBCM Preschool offers drop-off carpool for 3 and 4/5 year old students in the morning from 9:05 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. in the front parking lot of the church. Children are not allowed out of the car before 9:05 and only when a preschool staff member is present to help them. PLEASE DO NOT let your child out of the car until a staff member is present. Do not park your car in the front parking lot and walk your child up to the door.

Departure

2 Year Old’s – Parents will pick up from the classroom by 12:15 p.m.

3 Year Old’s – Parents will pick up from the sanctuary by 12:15 p.m.

4/5 Year Old’s- Preschool Staff are available in the afternoon for 4’s/5’s students to use carpool. We will buckle the child in the car seat correctly. PLEASE make sure the car seat is adjusted correctly to fit the child (i.e. that the harness is not too tight or too loose). Afternoon carpool for 4/5s begins at 12:05 and ends at 12:20. If you choose to walk-up, you can park in the side lot between the church and playground to go to the front steps (when weather is nice ) or lobby (when raining) to pick-up your child. PLEASE do not park in the front parking lot and walk up. This will interrupt and cause congestion in the carpool line.

Late Departures

It is very distressing to a child to be “left” after everyone else is gone. PLEASE BE ON TIME TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD – 12:15 p.m. If there is an emergency, please call the office to let us know (919) 467-8317.

Parents are considered late for afternoon pick-up when arriving after 12:25 p.m. If we have not heard from you by 12:25, a staff member will try to call you or one of the emergency contacts. Further, you will be charged $1.00 per minute for every minute late until you arrive for pick-up. This fee will be added to your next month’s tuition. Staff and students will leave the front parking lot by 12:20 and you will need to come to the walk-In sideof the church building to pick up your child.

Early Pick-Up – If you need to pick up your child before 12:05, please park on the left side “Walk-In” parking lot (near the playground). Ring the bell on the door and a staff member will let you in.

Release of Children

Teachers are instructed to release children ONLY to persons on their child’s authorized “pick-up” list as found on the Student Information Sheet. Therefore, it is the parent/guardians responsibility to notify the office of any changes regarding authorized persons allowed to pick up their child.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

School Delays/Closings Due to Inclement Weather – We use as a guideline the Wake County Public School System delayed opening and closing schedule as announced on local news television stations (i.e. WRAL). We reserve the right to open preschool based on the forecast if inclement weather is not due to arrive until AFTER preschool hours. The majority of the time we will delay preschool opening as follows:

IF the Wake County Public School System delays opening by 1, 2 or 3 hours, Preschool will open from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Parents will need to check email within 2 hours prior to the regular preschool opening time (7:15 a.m.) to see if we will open preschool that day. Once your child has missed 5 class days due to inclement weather, classes will be made up at a later day and time designated by the Director. Days may be made up in: 1) full 3-hour day(s) or 2) some designated school days may extend by one-hour. Make-up days will be announced to parents in plenty of time to plan accordingly.

Transportation

Each parent shall arrange for transportation of his/her child to and from school. IF someone other than the parent is to transport the child, a written note must be sent in to the teacher or the child’s parent or guardian must notify the office. If a family is in need of assistance to get their child to and from school, parents can ask the preschool office to send an email to preschool families sharing their contact information. It will be up to the parents to make contact and arrange the transportation.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Security Door Bell

The front door of the church is locked after carpool ends (9:20 a.m.) The side walk-in entry door is locked by 9:30 a.m. All doors of the church stay locked while preschool is in session. There is a doorbell on the door in case parents arrive late in the morning or need to pick up early for appointments or to visit.

We Teach/Practice Good Health Principles

Please do not endanger the health of the other students by sending a sick child to school. Any child who has fever, diarrhea, nausea,or other symptoms of infectious illness will be sent home, and must be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

We Teach Safety Rules before leaving the classroom on excursions (i.e. field trips, outside scavenger hunts, and on the playground). Children are NEVER left unattended.

Illness

The school makes every effort to protect the health of our children. We ask our parents to not send their child to school if he/she has any of the following symptoms:

Thick, green, runny noses – means they are contagious.
Lice – will not go away without proper treatment. If lice is found while student is at school, child is to immediately leave the classroom to stay in

Directors office until parents arrive for pick-up. Parent should be encouraged to begin treatment at homeASAP. Because our students are preschoolers, it is hard to avoid head-to-head contact. THUS, students may return to school 24 hours AFTER treatment. Confidentiality should be maintainedto not embarrass or overly concern the student.
chicken pox (child will stay home at least 7 days after the first sign of outbreak)

diarrhea (may return after 24 hours diarrhea free without medication)
fever (may return within 24 hours fever free without medication)
pink eye (may return after eye has been cleared by medication
rash (may return once rash has been determined not to be contagious)
ringworm (may return after 24 hours on medication)
vomiting (may return after 24 hours vomit free without medication)
strep throat (may return after 24 hours on medication)

If your child becomes ill while at school, they will be sent to the Director’s office so that the parent/guardian can be contacted immediately. IF your child contractsany communicable disease, please keep them at home and let us know immediately.

PLEASE advise the teacher and copy the office in an email to let us know if your child will be out sick. If your child does not show up at school after three days, the office will call to check on your child.

Accidents – In case of a minor accident, such as a skinned knee or bump on the head, the teacher will treat with accepted first aid practice. In case of a major accident, we will contact the parents of the child. If parents cannot be reached, we will contact the emergency contact on the Student Information Sheet. If we feel the child is in need of immediate care, we will call for medical assistance. If either a minor or major accident occurs, an Incident Report Form will be filled out. Parents will get a copy and the Preschool will retain a copy. We stress the importance of being able to contact you in case of an emergency, so please keep your telephone numbers up-to-date. You can advise the teacher of a telephone number or address changeby placing a note in your child’s folder or by e-mail contact. Teachers, in turn, will share the information with the Director.

Child Abuse and Neglect Policy

If a child comes to school and the Teacher and the Director feel there are signs of abuse or neglect it will be the responsibility of the program to report the case to the Director of the Department of Social Services in the County (N.C. Rules and Regulations-Rule .1901, G.S. 7A-543)

Pictures of Students

When parents sign our Parent Handbook acknowledgement/waiver, it also includes giving consent that photos of your child involved in classroom activities may be taken for class/school use. This includes pictures that may be published in the church newsletter, on our preschool website, in the classroom or on the Preschool bulletin board in our main hallway. In addition, pictures may be posted in promotional brochures or information about the preschool and/or church. Students will be identified by their respective classroom or by first name only (inside building). Outside the building (i.e. internet), your child’s name will not be used.

Medication – If your child must receive medication during school hours, (i.e. in-haler for asthma, Epipen for allergies) a Permission to Administer Medication form will have to be filled out and the Release of Liability signed on the back of the form. IF this form is not filled out, preschool staff will not be able to administer any type of medication. Under the discretion of the Director, we may find it is necessary to ask the parent to come in and administer the medication.

Discipline Policy – Teachers have a responsibility to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Therefore, teachers use positive methods of discipline such as redirection and discussion in the classroom to insure an orderly environment. Time-out is used for behaviors that are destructive or physically harmful to others or ones- self. Persistent and unmanageable behaviors are reported to the Parents and the Director. When behavior problems persist without resolution, it will be discussed and possibly decided it is best for the student to be withdrawn from the program. The Director and Teacher will work with the Parents to identify options that work for the benefit of the child and other students in the classroom. In accordance with the laws of the state of North Carolina, center administrators and teachers are to refrain from corporal punishment. Children are not subject to punishment of a physical or psychological nature.