WELCOME TO ALGONQUIN PRESCHOOL
A very warm welcome to you from all of us at the Algonquin Preschool. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share in your child's preschool years and be a part of their first school adventure.
ALL ABOUT YOUR PRESCHOOL
The Algonquin Preschool offers programs for three, four, and five year old children. These programs are based on their developmental levels and growing needs. Because we believe the early years of learning are most valuable, the Algonquin Preschool is staffed by state-approved, caring adults who nurture, support and love each student. Throughout each learning session, the student is encouraged to explore, to experiment and to develop skills at his/her level of ability.
The Algonquin Preschool provides a positive learning experience in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. We want to support your child socially, emotionally, physically and mentally.
The Algonquin Preschool, operated by an 11 person Board of Directors, is located in the educational area of the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington Street. Our up to date facilities meet all life-safety codes. An outdoor play area is provided on the south yard of the church property.
FEES AND PLAN FOR PAYMENT
Monthly tuition fees are due by the 1st day of the month. If tuition is more than 10 days late, an additional late fee of $10 will be charged. Tuition in arrears for two months is just cause for dismissal with the vacancy being filled by a child from our waiting list. Should a check be returned to us for insufficient funds, all remaining tuition payments for the balance of the school year will be required to be made in cash or a bank money order. For families with 2 or more children enrolled in the preschool in the same year, a small tuition reduction may be offered.
A registration fee is required for each year with the fee being set by the Board of Directors. A reduction in this fee may occur for those families having 2 or more children enrolled at the preschool in the same year. In addition, a one time only fee is charged at the beginning of each school year covering such costs as accident insurance, field trips and vision and hearing screenings. The amount of this fee will be set by the board each year prior to Parent Orientation. Should a child leave the preschool during the school year, no portion of this fee is refundable.
Should you desire, we will be happy to work out a 12 month payment plan. If a financial crisis occurs in your family causing hardship in making your tuition payment, please contact us. We will make every effort to make alternate arrangements with you.
Monthly tuition payments are calculated in the following manner: A per session cost is determined. This cost is then multiplied by the total number of sessions for the school year. This factor is then divided by 9, the number of tuition payments due each year. Paying the same fee each month is simpler than being charged a different amount each month based on the number of times your child's class meets in the month.
TUITION CONTRACT AND GOVERNING RULES
A tuition contract, which includes all policies pertaining to tuition payments, must be signed by a parent prior to the opening day of school. These policies are listed below:
INSURANCE COVERAGE
The Algonquin Preschool carries liability insurance in accordance with state guidelines. Your initial fee includes accident insurance coverage for your child.
ADMISSION, ENROLLMENT, DISCHARGE
To enroll in the 3 year old class, a child must be three years old by September 1 of that year. Likewise, to enroll in the 4 year old class, a child must be four years of age by September 1 of that year. If openings become available after January 1, children who are 3 years of age by December 31 will be considered to fill these vacancies. The priority for enrollment in the 5-year-old class will be for children eligible for, but not choosing to attend kindergarten.
Yearly personal history, medical report and all state required forms will be supplied by the school for each child and must be completed and returned prior to the opening day of school. NO CHILD MAY ENTER SCHOOL UNTIL ALL FORMS, INCLUDING THE PHYSICAL EXAM, ARE ON FILE.
All attempts will be made to meet the individual needs of your child. These may include teacher-parent conferences, director-parent conferences, consultation with an outside specialist, etc. Only as a very last resort will we suggest that your child might best be served in another facility.
Any child in attendance who becomes ill or has not fully recovered from an illness, shall be immediately isolated from the group. A parent or individual authorized by the parent shall be notified to remove the child from the facility as soon as possible.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVATIONS
There will be no formal religious observance or instruction, however, casual reference or celebration of religious holidays may occur.FIELD TRIPS
Several related field trips are included in our program. These excursions will take place within close proximity to our school. Children will be transferred by school bus or the destination will be within walking distance. Our liability insurance policy covers all educational opportunities outside of our facility, including year end picnics. No transportation in parents' vehicles will be permitted. A fee for bus transportation will be charged at the beginning of the school year. Due to insurance limitations, siblings are not permitted on field trips. Small additional fees may be charged for special additions to field trips.
RELEASE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
Information pertaining to the admission, progress, health or discharge of an individual child shall be confidential and limited to staff members designated by the Preschool Director or the Department of Children and Family Services. Disclosure or dissemination of this information to others must be requested in writing by parents or guardians.
ADJUSTING TO PRESCHOOL
Doing something new is hard for all of us. Remember your first speech or your first job interview? Our children also have those same apprehensions. They may seem eager to go to school, but they will need your help making the transition. The first few weeks will see many adjustments, but with all of our encouragement and your support, we are confident that your child will have a wonderful year. Please feel free to talk with your child's teachers should you have concerns about your child's adjustment.
ALGONQUIN PRESCHOOL'S FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Each Algonquin Preschool staff member is certified in CPR each year. The director and several other teachers are also certified in first aid.
The staff of the Algonquin Preschool will follow these procedures in case of an accident:
When a child receives a minor cut or bump, we administer first aid and notify the parents at the end of the session. His/her name is placed on the permanent record of accidents and emergencies kept on file in the preschool office.
Exception: All bumps and injuries to the head that require first aid are reported to the parents immediately.
In the event a child receives a more serious injury, bump, or possible need for stitches, we will administer first aid and notify you immediately so you can seek a doctor's care if necessary.
If we cannot reach you or your child's doctor and we feel immediate medical attention is needed, we will call an ambulance or transport the child to an emergency facility in the company of a staff member.
Whenever a child is bleeding severely, unconscious, not breathing or a broken bone is suspected, we will administer first aid, call 911 for an ambulance and notify you immediately.
A written report of all serious accidents and emergencies is kept on file in the preschool office.
Any expenses incurred under 2 and 3 above which are in addition to the medical coverage provided by the Algonquin Preschool are the responsibility of the child's family.
DISCIPLINE
Most rules at the Algonquin Preschool are made for the safety of your child. Usually a gentle, positive reminder of what is expected is all that is necessary to gain a child's cooperation. Should a child's inappropriate behavior continue after a reminder or two, the child is redirected into another activity. Sitting on a chair for a "time out" of 1-3 minutes is only used as a last resort to calm a child or give a child, who has hurt another, time to think about his/her actions. Parents will be promptly informed of any continuing discipline problems and encouraged to meet with the teacher to develop a cooperative plan of action at home and school. If no progress is observed, professional advice may be sought with parental permission. When all options are exhausted, a child's dismissal may be necessary.
NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR
Our newsletter will be available to you at the beginning of each month. Please take a few minutes to read it and become familiar with what your child will be doing this month. Keeping it posted will help remind you of important events at our school and ways you can assist in preparing your child. Our school calendar will be provided for you at the beginning of the school year.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
5 Year Olds - Teachers will communicate formally with parents twice during the school year. In January, a progress report will be sent home and parents are encouraged to call the teachers with questions. During a meeting with the parent in May, the progress of the child will be reviewed.
4 Year Olds - Your child's teacher(s) will communicate with you informally frequently...arrival or dismissal time, carpool lines, etc. A formal conference, with a written evaluation presented, will be scheduled in May.
3 Year Olds - Your child's teacher(s) will communicate with you informally frequently...arrival or dismissal time, carpool lines, etc. Personal scheduled conferences will occur at the end of January.
Staff members will communicate with you immediately should a concern arise. Likewise, we request that you be in touch with your child's teacher(s) should you have a question or concern. Mrs. Jeffs, our director, is always available to you. Please call 658-2232 to make an appointment. An answering machine will take your message should she be out of the office. You may also call her at home in the evening at 658-7598.
Notes containing important information for parents will always be pinned to your child's shirt or jacket. Please watch for these and read immediately.
A parent bulletin board and magazine rack are located just outside the school office. Be sure to check this frequently for information pertaining to preschool age children. In addition, a suggestion box is there for your convenience. Signed comments will receive a personal response.
YOU'RE INVITED
There are two times during the school year when you will receive a special invitation to join your child in school - the Fall Family Festival and the Holiday Party. Your presence for these occasions will be very important to your child. If you cannot attend, we recommend a parent substitute attend in your place. Invitations will be extended well in advance to allow you the opportunity to make arrangements to be present.
SCHOOL BAGS
Back packs are fun, but they are very difficult for preschool children to open and close. It is also difficult to keep paintings and pictures flat to carry home. A 12" by 15" school bag works great! Please label your child's school bag so it is easy for the teacher to identify at the end of the day.
HEALTH
One of our main responsibilities is to keep your child healthy and happy, but we need every parent's help too. Children who have:
are not allowed to attend school. If everyone is careful to keep their child home when they are not well, our school will remain a happy, healthy place. If you do keep your child home, please notify the school that your child is ill. Please call the director immediately if your child develops one of the childhood communicable diseases. The director will immediately inform all parents of the possibility of exposure of the entire class to this disease.
The API staff will not administer any prescription or over-the-counter medications to students. Severe allergy concerns - insect sting, asthma, etc. must be discussed with the classroom teachers and the director prior to the first day of school.
SNACKS AND SPECIAL TREATS
Each parent will be asked to take turns throughout the year providing the snacks for a week for the class with guidelines and a schedule provided well in advance. Parents are encouraged to send a nutritious snack for the children to enjoy, which will be designated by the director.
Menus will be posted one month in advance. Individual food allergies are posted in each child's classroom.
Should your child celebrate a birthday during the school year, you are welcome to send a pre-packaged, individually wrapped, birthday treat, which will be sent home with each child. Please do not send balloons as part of your treat - they are a safety hazard. In addition, we request that if you want the preschool staff to distribute your child's party invitations, all children in the class be included. Should you choose to limit your invitations, we request that you mail them to the children directly.
ART EXPERIENCE
Young children love exploring art media: brush painting, creating collages, finger-painting, etc. At this age they are more interested with the actual process than they are about how the finished product will look. Much of your child's early art work may not like something to you. However, it will be your child's experimentation with form and colors. So, when your child proudly shows you their work, compliment them on their effort, appreciate the colors and discuss the process. Smocks are provided for all children to wear during any painting experience. On occasion, a child will be very enthusiastic in the use of paint, and some paint may get through the smock to the clothing.
CLOTHING
Children are encouraged to wear play clothes so they can be comfortable during their active school day and not have to worry about getting dirty. Safe play shoes are important. Tennis shoes or shoes with heals make good running and climbing shoes. Jelly shoes, sandals, slippery dress shoes and flip-flops do not fit securely on the foot and may be dangerous. If children wear shoe boots in the winter, they need to wear a different pair of shoes in the classroom for safety and comfort. Please label all outerwear and boots!
In case of an accident, we ask that you supply on the first day of school an extra set of clothes for your child. Place the items in a plastic bag labeled with your child's name.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS FOR EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER EMERGENCIES
Should we be unable to have school in session on any given day due to a weather emergency or other problem in the building, the staff will call as soon as possible to convey this information. Please don't call the school - you will tie up the only line we have to make outside calls. Also, any unexpected closings due to inclement weather will be posted on the website - www.algonquinpreschool.org.
STARTING AND DISMISSAL TIME
Your child's preschool session begins at 9:00 or 12:30. Prior to starting time, our staff is busy preparing for the session. A staff member will greet you at the door when the session begins. Please call the preschool office if you must be late in picking up your child. Young children become anxious if you aren't prompt. Should you be late without notifying the school more than once in a month, you will be charged $5.00 for each occurrence after the first time.
If a parent is walking in to pick up a child, you must sign out your child each day on the form provided by the staff. Drive-through sign outs will be handled by the staff in the pick up line.
DRIVE THROUGH OPTION
The south entrance to the church is the only entrance to be used by preschoolers and their parents. You are welcome to walk your child into the school and to your child's classroom each session. When you return to pick up your child, we ask that you come to the classroom by 11:25 or 2:55. Please be sure that at least one of your child's teachers is aware that you have connected with your child. Remember to sign your child out.
Many of our parents prefer to take advantage of our Drive Through/Drop Off option. You may simply drive up the south driveway and a staff member will meet your car and assist your child into the school. Likewise, should you wish to pick up your child is this manner, a staff member will again assist your child into your car.
All preschool families are assigned a car identification number. This is for your use should you choose to use our drop off or pick up service.
RULES FOR DRIVEWAY SAFETY
CAR POOLS
Each parent will receive a computer printout of names, addresses and phone numbers of each child attending school on the same days and times as your child. Permission to publish this information will have been given by each family prior to the printing of this list. We provide you with this information should you desire to form a carpool. Many parents with busy schedules find carpooling to be helpful. CARPOOLS ARE NOT MANDATORY AND WE DO NOT CREATE THEM FOR YOU. WE ARE SIMPLY PROVIDING YOU WITH INFORMATION SO THAT YOU MIGHT MAKE YOUR OWN CONTACTS.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION FORM
In mid September, all parents will need to complete this form indicating which option or options you have chosen for your child to enter and exit the school. You will need to indicate: walk in, drop off/pick up and/or carpool. From this data, we can develop our daily check off list to insure the safe arrival and departure of your child.
Should there ever be a time when your child is to be released to someone other than a parent, you must provide us with this information on the release form. This information should include any one with whom you are carpooling, a baby-sitter, neighbor etc. Children will be released only to parents and those persons identified by you. Should a special circumstance arise and you wish your child released to someone other than those you have identified, this information must be submitted to the staff in writing or by calling the school if it is a last minute emergency. A staff member has the option to request to see a driver's license if any doubt exists.
VISITATION
The staff of the Algonquin Preschool encourages all parents to observe and participate in your child's preschool experience by visiting with us at anytime during school hours. You must call the director in advance to make arrangements.
SECURITY
The preschool entrance (south doors of the church) will be locked at 9:10 and 12:40 each day. If you have an emergency or other problem and will be arriving late, you will need to call the school so that a teacher assistant can meet you at the locked door. DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING FROM WASHINGTON STREET. This entrance is for church usage only. The doors will be unlocked at 11:20 and 2:50 for walk in pick up at 11:25 and 2:55, followed by drive through pick-up at 11:30 and 3:00.
Name, business address and phone number of individual(s) responsible for the preschool program and the daily conduct of the program are available upon request from the preschool office.