Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the day’s schedule?School begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. Children should arrive NO EARLIER THAN TEN MINUTES BEFORE SCHOOL BEGINS since the teachers need the time before school for classroom preparation.
Where should we go?Please enter through the door near the church office and come up the main staircase. The children will learn to remove their coats and hang them up; please do not do it for them. After bringing your child to the preschool rooms, it is best that you leave promptly.
What about pickup time?When you come back to pick up your child, please wait until the door is opened and everyone is ready to go home. The children will be sitting at the tables and are to remain seated until you claim them. Please leave by the playroom door. If you will be detained, please notify the teachers so we can assure your children they have not been forgotten. If someone else is to pick up your child or there is a change in the car pool, please inform us by leaving a message using the post-it notes found on the teacher’s desk. The church office telephone number is 724-775-2936.
What should my child wear to Preschool?Please send your child in comfortable, casual play clothes that are easy to clean. Outdoor play periods are planned as weather permits, and active play indoors tales place on other days. Try to provide clothing that is free of complicated closings so that your child can manage them himself/herself. Ribbons and belts often distract the children and can be a hazard.
We have a variety of activities that involve movement and messy materials (paint, play dough, glue, sand, etc.); it is a good idea to be prepared. We provide the children with large plastic work aprons to protect their clothing for these activities but accidents can happen.
PLEASE LABEL YOUR CHILD’S COATS, JACKETS AND BOOTS WITH THEIR NAME and help them to be able to recognize them by color, etc. You would be amazed by how many of the children have the same jackets and hats. Masking tape works well on boots, sweaters, raincoats, etc.
How does the school care for my child’s health and safety?Every effort is made to insure the safety of your child and a first aid kit is kept in the pre-school. In addition, the following precautions will be observed:
- You will be asked to fill out and return an emergency card for quick reference by the staff.
- You will be notified if your child is ill or has had an accident so that you can pick him/her up.
- Please do not send your child to school if he/she shows signs of illness and notify the teacher if he/she contracts a communicable disease. You will be notified if a contagious disease is present in any of the children.
- Please do not send handkerchiefs to school. Kleenex will be provided. Remind your child to cover a cough or a sneeze.
- Insurance: Since accidents are always possible in an active program with ten to fifteen children even when supervision and caution are employed, we expect our parents to provide hospitalization in the event of an emergency. The church carries liability insurance but, as in the public schools, accidents are the responsibility of the parents.
Will my child be eating anything while at Pre-School?Our daily schedule includes time for a snack, which usually consists of juice and a variety of cookies or crackers. Parents are requested to provide this snack twice during the school year. A sign-up sheet will be made available at the parent meeting, along with a list of recommended snacks. As a precaution to all children, the classroom is a peanut-free environment. Please do not bring any snacks into the room that contain or are prepared next to peanuts or any other nuts.
As a learning experience we will introduce a variety of foods for the children to taste. We will emphasize good nutrition and good health habits. The children will also have opportunities for cooking experiences. We would appreciate you not sending gum or candy to school.
What about birthdays?Each child‘s birthday is an important event to recognize his/her importance as a unique person who is growing and learning and becoming more responsible. We celebrate birthdays with a simple snack and special recognition and privileges. If you would like to send a snack, please keep it simple (cupcakes, muffins, doughnuts, or special cookies are fine). Please remember that we are a peanut-free environment. We would ask that you do not send extra take home treats. We also have a policy of no piñatas.
We want to offer the opportunity for the birthday child to bring in a small gift for the pre-school because many parents wanted to do something extra on this special day. The purpose is to give the birthday child a chance to share his celebration with a gift all the children will enjoy using during the school year. We label these with the child’s name and date, and they take great pride in their “gift”. We encourage the children to bring something they especially like to play with. Please do not send expensive gifts. Suggested items might be books, doll clothes, construction toys or art supplies. Please do not feel obligated.
Children with summer birthdays are invited to select an “unbirthday” date during the school year so they can also have a celebration. See Mrs. Wilson to schedule your child’s unbirthday.
How do you celebrate holidays?We strive to maintain a Christian perspective in the celebration of various holidays. However, it is not our policy to undermine the way your family celebrates holidays. As a school, we focus on Christ’s birth as the message of Christmas, God’s love as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, and Christ’s resurrection as we discuss Easter. We have alternate activities in the fall which focus on God’s beautiful creation during autumn rather than the traditional Halloween activities.
Is music a part of the curriculum?Music is an important part of early childhood. We are fortunate to have Mrs. Lisa Davis as our music teacher. Once a week, during circle time, she will lead the children in activities including singing, rhythms, listening, and movement. Mrs. Davis is an accomplished musician, plays several instruments, and is herself the mother of three children. She brings musical training and experience combined with a love for children as an addition to our program.
Do the children go on any field trips?During the school year we take the children to visit a variety of places. We believe field trips play an important part in your child’s education. We prefer walking trips if at all possible and there are many close by (bakery, pizza shop, fire station, parks, etc.). Later in the year we do take the children on trips that require transportation. Examples are Christmas at Old Economy, Brady’s Run Maple Sugar Camp, the Penn State Beaver Children’s Play, etc. We ask available parents to drive and they are always most cooperative. A “field trip permission slip” will be given for your signature. Every safety precaution is taken.
Can parents/caregivers be volunteers?Each year we ask for one volunteer a day to come for one morning per week to assist with small group activities in the various play areas. If we have several volunteers, weeks can be alternated. It is because of this that we are able to include a variety of projects and experiences in our program, and it offers you an opportunity to see your child in the school setting. If you would like to participate, please sign your name to the list provided at the Parent’s Meeting.
We also invite parents to share a special talent or interest with the children during school. We have had exciting mornings with medical workers, cooks, secretaries, musicians, race car drivers and of course guest pets of all kinds. It is a treat for your child to have you participate as well as enriching for the entire class.
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