16
- 11 - Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579

Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    1

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

- 11 -

Parent Handbook 2020-2021

15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446

(763) 559-0579

Page 2: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool
Page 3: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

Mission

The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool is to:

* Teach young children about God’s love and his plan of salvation * Guide them in applying their faith to life and sharing that faith with others * Assist parents in preparing their child for elementary education while teaching them God’s grace and forgiveness * Provide a quality educational and social experience in a safe and friendly environment

Our Devotional Program

We seek to spiritually nurture the children in our care by combining the teaching of God’s Word at an age-appropriate level with the modeling of Christ-like love and behavior from the staff. To develop their relationship with God, the children will be taught daily Bible stories and attend Chapel on Wednesday or Thursday morning. We also pray before snack and lunch.

Staff and Personnel Qualifications

All staff members and volunteers of Ascension Lutheran Preschool meet or exceed the requirements of DHS, including DHS background checks. Staff members participate in staff in-service and continuing education opportunities throughout the year to stay current on best practices for early childhood education.

Staff Director/Teacher Mrs. Tamara Melott [email protected] Teacher Mrs. Jennifer Tripp [email protected] Assistant Teachers Mrs. Amy Rau Ms. Emily Buskirk Pastor Brian Roloff [email protected]

- 1 -

Page 4: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

Enrollment

Ascension Lutheran Preschool serves students from age 3-5. Students must be age 3 and fully toilet trained by September 15th for the T/TH class, and age 4 and fully toilet trained by September 15th for the M/W/F and the M-TH/M-F classes. Ascension Lutheran Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, sex, handicap, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies and admissions policies. Initial Registration Fee

A $125.00 non-refundable registration fee is due for each child upon enrollment for the school year. This is not applied to the first month’s tuition. DHS requires that all the enrollment paperwork must be received within 30 days of the start of the school year, with the exception of the Immunization and Health Care Summary forms, which are due by the start date. Operating Hours and Calendar

Ascension Preschool offers half day options for families. We also offer before and after school care. The preschool options are as follows:

T/TH ............................ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

M/W/F .......................... 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

M – TH ........................ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

M-F ............................... 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Before School Care ....... 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

After School Care ......... 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Ascension Lutheran Preschool generally follows the Wayzata School District calendar. Due to the fact that we are a Christian preschool, exceptions may occur. Tuition Policies

Ascension Preschool uses the online FACTS program for tuition payments starting in October. September’s tuition payment is made directly to Ascension Lutheran Church.

The before and after school care programs are not a part of the FACTS payment program. Parents using these programs will be billed once a month and payment is made directly to Ascension Lutheran Church.

Before and after school care is $8.00/hr. or $2.00/15 min increments.

- 2 -

Page 5: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

General Information & Policies

Licensure

The preschool is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Licensing. Our license number is 1009422. This program supports the Preschool level; children ages 33 months to 5 years old. These policies and procedures are subject to the MN Department of Human Services, Licensing Division. It is required of this program to provide the following information (MN Rule9503.0090 Subp. 1.0):

Questions or grievances regarding this program or its certification can be addressed to:

Minnesota Department of Human Services Licensing Division 444 Lafayette Rd. N St. Paul, MN 55155-3842 Phone: (651) 431-6500 or maltreatment at (651) 431-6600

Grievance Procedure

If there is a grievance over the preschool’s program or procedure, direct contact with the teacher or director should be made. The complaint should be made either verbally or in writing. The teacher/director will confer with you and, if needed, initiate a plan for resolution of the concern.

If a parent has a personal grievance against a staff member, the director will approach the staff member and give them a chance to explain their actions. If an unsatisfactory resolution of the problem occurs, the director will provide in writing how the problem will be resolved. If the complaint is about the director and cannot be resolved internally, the Preschool Elder and/or Pastor Roloff will be consulted. For complaints about the facilities or equipment, the director should be consulted.

If the individual making the complaint feels that the matter is not being resolved by the teacher or director, or if the matter is of a serious nature, the complaint should be taken to the Preschool Elder and/or Pastor Roloff for resolution in a timely manner. Attendance and Absence

Please notify the preschool at (763) 559-0579 if your child will not be attending for his/her normal scheduled days because of illness or other reasons.

If your child will be absent for 30 days or more, you may choose to stop tuition payments for the duration that your child is gone. If you stop tuition, it will be considered a withdrawal from our program. Upon your return, if you wish to enroll your child in our program once again, you will be charged a $125 registration fee to re-enroll your child. If you decide to continue paying tuition while your child is gone, you are guaranteed a spot when you return. You will not have to pay the $125 registration fee with this option.

If you choose to withdraw your child any time after the first of the month, tuition will not be prorated or reimbursed for that month. FACTS would be discontinued the following month

- 3 -

Page 6: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

after withdrawal. If your child is absent due to an illness or extended vacation, tuition will not be reimbursed.

If we decide at any time throughout the school year that distance learning is a safer way to continue our program, you may either do the distance learning or withdraw your child from our program. Tuition will remain the same during the distance learning. If you choose to withdraw

your child, you will be charged a $125 registration fee to re-enroll if you choose to come back. Classroom Switching

If a parent would like to switch their child to a different class (ex. M/W/F to M – TH or M – F, or M – TH to M – F), the director will be notified of the reason for the switch. The director will make a decision to okay the switch based on the reason given. Late Pick-Up

Classes will begin at 9:00 AM, and end at 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM. Prompt arrival and pick-up of your child is much appreciated. If you know you are going to be late, please call and inform your child’s teacher at (763) 559-0579. If you are more than 15 minutes late picking up your child, he/she will be put in after school care and charged accordingly. If you are an hour late in picking up your child, and we are unable to reach your emergency contacts, the Plymouth Police will be called. Custody Arrangements

When parents do not reside in one household, the parent listed on the registration form will be considered the child’s primary parent. All communications about the child will be with the primary parent.

Ascension Preschool will abide by all court-ordered custody or visitation arrangements. Please share those orders with the Director when appropriate. She will ensure all staff members are aware of the limits around access to the children. If, however, there is no such order, Ascension Preschool must remain neutral on all issues relating to the custody dispute, and-by law-we can-not restrict access to the child by either parent. Liability Insurance

Ascension Preschool maintains liability insurance coverage through Helland Agency, Inc. A current certificate of coverage is available for inspection by parents or guardians upon request. Severe Weather

Ascension Preschool will follow the weather related cancellations of Wayzata School District. If Wayzata schools close, Ascension will be closed for the day. If a late AM start is announced for the Wayzata School District, Ascension Preschool will start at 10:00 AM with drop-off beginning at 9:30 AM. There will be no before school care on late day starts. Finally, if an early release due to weather is called for the Wayzata School District parents will be notified by phone of the closure. Students will need to be picked up within one hour of parent notification.

- 4 -

Page 7: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

Health Information

Ascension Preschool is serviced by the Child Care Health Consultants and Public Health Nurses of Health Consultants for Child Care. Immunizations and Physicals

The State of Minnesota DHS requires that Ascension Preschool maintain a current immunization record and Health Care Summary on file for each child enrolled in the preschool.

Records of your child’s immunization and the health care summary signed by the physician are needed by the first day of school. Families must keep their child’s health information current by informing the preschool of any updates or changes. All immunization records and health care summaries must be updated annually. Inadequately Immunized Children

If a case of measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, polio, or diphtheria occurs at our program, children who are inadequately or incompletely immunized will be excluded through the incubation period, of the last reported case of the disease, as determined by the local health department. This exclusion is necessary because these children may become infected and contribute to further disease spread. This exclusion also applies to children or staff who have not been immunized for conscientiously held belief or medical contraindications. Special Needs/Allergies/Medical Conditions

Parents/guardians have the responsibility to inform the program when your child has any special needs, allergies or conditions requiring attention. If a child is admitted having special needs, procedures stipulated by our licensing requirements, will be followed. An individualized child care plan (ICCP) will be developed to meet the child’s individual needs. Families must keep their child’s ICCP current by informing the preschool of any updates or changes. The plan will be kept in your child’s file, with any medication, on field trips and during transportation. First Aid and Emergency Procedure

All of Ascension’s staff members are trained in CPR, First Aid, SIDS, AHT and containment of blood-borne pathogens. We maintain first-aid kits in compliance with the requirements of the DHS. If a child needs minor first aid, a staff member will assist the child. Simple injuries will be treated with soap and water cleansing.

If an injury requires non-emergency professional medical attention, the family is contacted by telephone. In the event of a health or safety emergency, the Emergency Medical System (911) is activated. The family or responsible adult, as designated in the Emergency Contact Form, is contacted. For this reason, it is crucial that your child’s file contains a complete and updated Emergency Contact Information form.

If a child needs to be transported to a hospital, they will be taken to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.

- 5 -

Page 8: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

Medication Procedures

Prescription medications will only be given with written authorization from your child’s licensed healthcare provider/dentist (prescription label) and the parent or guardian. Parent must state dosage, time and duration the medication is to be given. Please also inform the staff of the last time the medication was given. The program will not administer medication that can be done at home. Any medication to be given long term will require additional paper work using ICCP care plans. Medication must come in its original container and be properly and legibly labeled with your child’s full name and current prescription information. Unused portions will be returned to the parent. Please send proper medication dispensers to administer the medication.

Written permission from the parent is required for the administration of any non-prescription medication as well. These will be administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions unless there are written instructions for their use provided by a physician or dentist.

Medications will be kept out of the reach of children. Staff will record name of child, name of medication or prescription number, date, time, dosage and the name and signature of the person who dispensed the medication. This documentation will be maintained in your child’s record and is available to you. Illness/Exclusion of Ill Children

Children should be kept home if they have any of the following symptoms or illnesses:

Any child with a reportable illness or condition as specified by the health department that is contagious and a physician determines has not had sufficient treatment to reduce the health risk to others.

Chicken pox until the child is no longer infectious or until the lesions are crusted over.

Vomiting – 2 or more times since admission that day

Diarrhea – 3 or more abnormally loose stools since admission that day

Contagious conjunctivitis or pus draining from the eye

Bacterial infection such as strep throat or impetigo and has not completed 24 hours of antimicrobial therapy

Unexplained lethargy

Lice, ringworm or scabies that is untreated and contagious to others

Fever 100 degree Fahrenheit axillary or higher temperature of undiagnosed or igin before fever reducing medication is given

Undiagnosed rash or a rash attr ibutable to a contagious illness or condition

- 6 -

Page 9: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

Requires more care than the program staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children in the program

Significant respiratory distress; fast, difficult, or different breathing, uncontrolled coughing and/or wheezing

Not able to participate in child care program activities with reasonable comfor t

Positive COVID Diagnosis

If your child becomes ill or injured during the day, he/she will be kept isolated from the other children and under staff supervision. A parent or your authorized pick up person will be notified and asked to pick up your child. In the event of a medical emergency, 911 will be called and then the parent.

The parents are asked to notify Ascension Preschool within 24 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays, when your child is diagnosed as having a contagious illness. Contagious illnesses will be reported to all parents the same day the information is received. Disinfectants

To control the spread of germs and illness, the classroom tables/chairs, toys and manipulatives are disinfected using a 3 step cleaning procedure as required by DHS. The bathrooms, door handles, lunch tables, drinking fountain etc. are also daily cleaned and disinfected by Ascension Lutheran Church’s cleaners.

Safety Procedures

Reporting Child Abuse

All staff of Ascension Preschool are required by law to report any suspected maltreatment of a child. Staff has been instructed to report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect directly to DHS or the National Abuse Hotline.

When we have reason to know that an internal or external report of alleged or suspected maltreatment has been made, we must complete an internal review within 30 calendar days and take corrective action, if necessary, to protect the health and safety of children in our care. The internal review will be completed by the director. If the director is involved in the alleged or suspected maltreatment, the pastor will be responsible for completing the internal review.

We must provide training to all staff related to the mandated reporting responsibilities as specified in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act (Minnesota Statutes, section 626.556). We monitor implementation by the staff, and ensure that the policy is readily accessible to the staff.

- 7 -

Page 10: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

Building Security

For the safety of our children, we keep all doors locked. We have a secretary in our office from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM who will monitor any visitors wanting access to our building. After 1:00 PM, Pastor Roloff will monitor anyone wanting access to our building.

Safety Practice Drills

Ascension Preschool practices monthly fire safety drills from September through May. From April through September, we practice monthly tornado safety drills. Severe Weather Procedures

When a major storm arises during the day when the preschool is in operation, we will closely monitor the weather situation. In cases of severe weather or an immediate emergency such as a pending tornado, we will move the children to a designated safe area. Parents may be notified to pick up their children in certain severe weather situations. Intruder Plan

All staff members of Ascension Lutheran Preschool have been trained in what to do in an intruder situation. Parents’ emergency contact information will be kept in a backpack that is located in the classroom. This backpack will be taken with if children need to be relocated for their safety, and parents will be contacted.

Behavior Guidance

General Guidance Practices

The behavior guidance policies of Ascension Lutheran Preschool are in accordance with the guidance of DHS Rule 9503.005 Subpart 106. The policies comply with these requirements and:

Ensure that each child is provided with a positive model of acceptable behavior.

Are tailored to the developmental level of the child Ascension Preschool is licensed to serve.

Redirect children and groups away from problems toward constructive activity in order to reduce conflict.

Protect the safety of children and staff.

Teach children how to use acceptable alternatives to problem behavior in order to reduce conflict.

Provide immediate and directly-related consequences for a child’s unacceptable behavior.

- 8 -

Page 11: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

We promote positive behavior in the following ways:

The classrooms are designed to be developmentally appropriate.

There are sufficient toys and activities to stimulate children of all age groups we serve.

The staff model, encourage and praise positive behaviors by using clear and positive statements of behavior expectations.

The curriculum is designed to be stimulating and age appropriate for the children.

The staff appropriately supervises and interacts with the children.

Ascension Lutheran Preschool will use the following procedure for behavior that is persistent and unacceptable that requires an increased amount of staff guidance and time. This behavior policy applies to all children in our care. If a child is not behaving appropriately, we will use the following positive guidance techniques:

Ignoring: Ignoring a child who is trying to gain attention by acting out may be an appropriate response, unless it is a behavior that is unsafe.

Redirection/Distraction: This technique offers an alternative to a child such as suggesting a new activity, or different toy, encouraging independent play, or interacting with the child in a different way.

Discussion: Discussing with the child how their behavior is inappropriate and engaging with the child other words or methods that would suggest a more appropriate response.

Reasonable Consequences: The staff may implement reasonable consequences such as taking away a toy if the child used the toy to hit another child.

Take a Break: The child is separated from the group to calm down and will have access to something else to do. While the child will remain supervised, his or her classmates will not immediately influence him or her. This is different from the concept of “time out”, which is often seen as more punitive as the child is isolated and does nothing. In “take a break” the child will have access to other activities while he or she settles down. Once the negative behavior is under control, the child can be returned to the group.

When staff observes a persistent unacceptable behavior they will observe and record the behavior in writing. If these positive guidance techniques are not effective, we may involve parents/guardians with the following progressive guidance techniques:

We will inform parents/guardians in writing what behaviors have been observed and what the staff has done to try to modify the behavior.

If the inappropriate behavior continues, the director and teacher will meet with parents/guardians to develop a written action plan to correct the behavior. We will see their input and agree on steps to attempt to modify the behavior. We may suggest involving outside resources to assist with the situation.

If the inappropriate behavior persists, the child will need to take a day or two of behavioral leave of absence on the next scheduled day/s of care.

- 9 -

Page 12: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

After returning to the group, if the child continues to act inappropriately, we may disenroll the child. We reserve the right to use these progressive guidance techniques at our discretion. It is our goal to work together for a positive outcome of behavior change. Circumstances may arise when we may immediately disenroll a child if his or her behavior creates a health or safety risk to themselves, other children, or the staff.

Ascension Preschool does not allow teachers/staff members to use corporal punishment and humiliating techniques to control behavior. Corporal punishment includes rough handling, shoving, shaking, slapping, pinching and spanking. Humiliating and emotional abuse include name calling, shaming, derogatory remarks about the child and using language that threatens or frightens the child. Separation from the Group

No child may be separated from the group unless the following has occurred:

Less intrusive methods of guiding the child’s behavior have been tried and were in-effective.

The child’s behavior threatens the well-being of the child or other children in the program.

A child who requires separation from the group will:

Remain within an unenclosed part of the classroom where the child can be continuously seen and heard by a program staff person.

The child’s return to the group will be contingent on the child’s stopping or bringing under control the behavior that precipitated the separation.

The child will be returned to the group as soon as the behavior that precipitated the separation abates or stops.

All separations from the group will be noted on a daily log. If a child is separated from the group three or more times in one day, the child’s parent will be notified and the parent notification will be indicated on the daily log. If a child is separated five times or more in one week, or eight times or more in two weeks, the procedure outlined in the “Persistent Unacceptable Behavior” will be followed.

Your Child’s Day

Clothing

Children should wear comfortable, modest, washable play clothes. Some activities will include the use of paint, markers, glue etc. Washable products and smocks are used, but school may not be the place to wear our best clothes.

We require a fully enclosed shoe with socks for our outside play area. Crocs may be worn with

- 10 -

Page 13: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

the heel strap on the heel provided they stay securely on the child’s foot. Please no sandals, flip flops or backless shoes as wood chips often get inside the shoe or puncture the shoe and create discomfort for the child.

Each child should have a tote bag or backpack, and a lunch box if they are staying for lunch. All backpacks and lunch boxes must be labeled with your child’s full name. The backpack will be used for carrying paper/projects home.

Each child must bring an extra set of clothing from home to be stored at the Preschool. These items must be placed in a gallon sized storage bag labeled with the child’s first and last name. Keep in mind seasonal changes in clothing needs. The Preschool has limited extra clothing items in case of an accident or injury. Outdoor Play

Research has shown that children stay healthier when they have daily outdoor play. Our children play outdoors daily as required by the DHS unless weather conditions prohibit it. Temperature limitations include, but are not limited to, actual temperatures of below 0 degrees and above 95 degrees. The director also takes into consideration the wind chill. The amount of play time spent outdoors will be adjusted based on the varying conditions. From time to time, outdoor activities may include nature walks. A permission slip signed by the parent the morning of the walk will be required in order for your child to participate on the walk.

Written parent permission will be obtained to apply any OTC products (external products) such as insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, lip balm, lotions, etc. We are not required to document the applications of these products. Powders, and aerosol sprays are not allowed due to inhalation hazards.

Please consider your child’s needs for appropriate outdoor clothing. Children are encouraged to dress themselves as much as is age-appropriate. Independence and ease are key factors in choosing jackets, snow pants, boots, and gloves. For safety reasons children are not allowed to wear scarves on the play area. Items must be labeled with the child’s full name. Field Trips

Several times throughout the year the preschool/pre-k classes go on field trips. Transportation is provided by a bus. The teachers will decide before each field trip how many parents will be able to attend. Some field trips may be open to all parents, others may be limited if, for example, we need to purchase tickets in advance.

Written parental permission will be obtained from each child’s parent before taking a child on a field trip (including walking ones and on-site outdoor picnics). Parents will be informed of the hours, mode of transportation, and the purpose and destination of the field trip. Staff will take emergency information, a first aid kit and manual, required medication and attendance records on all field trips.

- 11 -

Page 14: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

Birthdays

Students’ birthdays will be celebrated as close to the date as possible. A child with a summer birthday will celebrate their “half birthday” which is six months after their real birthday. A special treat may be brought in after consultation with the teacher. Per Minnesota State Law regulations, please remember that birthday and other treats to be served to children may not be homemade. Treats must be in their original packages with ingredients listed to help the teacher and parents identify ingredients for children with food allergies. Nap and Rest Time

Each day the children who are staying after lunch will be required to nap/rest for a minimum of 30 minutes following lunch. The staff promotes restfulness by darkening the room. Ascension Preschool provides a cot for each child. Children may bring a blanket, soft toy, or other comfort item. These items should be clearly labeled with the child’s full name. They are sent home to be laundered a minimum of every week or sooner if necessary.

Children’s heads will be uncovered during sleep, and staff will maintain sight/sound at all times. All children will sleep with footwear on to ensure emergency evacuations are safe. Toys

We cannot allow children to bring toys from home. If a child needs a comfort item, please speak with the child’s teacher to come to an acceptable solution. In the event of a “Show and Tell” any toys will be kept in the child’s backpack until the appropriate share time. Weapons of any kind are not allowed. Pets

For allergy and safety reasons, we do not allow pets from home to be brought into our building. Meals and Snacks

Ascension Preschool does not offer breakfast service. Children enrolled in the before school program may bring breakfast items to be eaten in the classroom before preschool starts at 9 AM. Parents are required to provide their child’s morning snack. DHS requires that all snacks include food from at least two of the four food groups. If a child does not have two food groups in their snack, the preschool is required to offer them something to meet the requirements. You may also provide 100% juice for your child’s snack. We will provide water using single service cups if you do not wish to send juice. Water bottles are not allowed. Ascension Preschool will provide the afternoon snack for any child enrolled in after school care. The afternoon snack will be served at 2:30 PM. If you would like to provide your child’s afternoon snack, please let the teacher know in writing.

If a child is staying for lunch, it needs to be provided by the parent. DHS requires that all lunches must contain food from each of the four food groups. If a food group is missing, Ascension Preschool is required to offer it to your child. DHS also requires that 1% milk is

- 12 -

Page 15: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

offered to every child at lunch. If your child is allergic to dairy, a written note from a doctor is required and the parent will provide a milk substitution. Acceptable non-dairy substitutions include unflavored lactose-reduced, butter milk, or acidified milk, pasteurized goat milk, sheep milk or Buffalo milk, calcium and vitamin D fortified unflavored Soy milk. The preschool does not supply refrigeration or microwaves for any lunches. Allergy Restrictions

If your child has or develops a food allergy, please tell us immediately so that proper procedures can be put in place by our staff. Allergy supportive arrangements will be made on an individual basis. In the event of a severe allergy all parents will be required to follow certain protocols. Specific details and information will be provided as needed.

Children’s allergy information will be available at all times including on site, when on field trips, or during transportation. Staff will be informed of any of the children having food allergies. This information will be posted where the children eat and in the food preparation area.

The program will contact the child’s parent or legal guardian as soon as possible of any instance of exposure or allergic reaction that requires medication or medical intervention. Emergency medical services are always called when epinephrine is administered to a child in the center’s care. Curriculum

Ascension Lutheran Preschool offers a comprehensive Christian curriculum for children ages 3-5 years old with an emphasis on early childhood academics, social emotional growth, and kindergarten readiness. With this in mind we teach age appropriate pre-reading, pre-writing, math and science skills as well as a variety of social skills.

Students will be introduced to letters and numbers, learn to identify basic shapes, colors, and patterns. They will engage in a variety of fine motor skills designed to develop their hand muscles as well as prepare them for writing. These skills are promoted throughout the school year through the use of weekly/bi-weekly themes. They will also work on large motor skills through group activities and outdoor play. The 2 & 3 day classes use the Learning Without Tears curriculum for reading and math. The 4 & 5 day class uses the Rowland Reading and Saxon Math early childhood curriculums.

Students are also taught basic social skills that will get them ready for elementary school. Students learn to take turns in games, activities, and in conversations. They will learn independence and how to function in a group of peers. They will be encouraged to explore and try new things and gain confidence in doing so.

Education at Ascension Preschool is Christ centered. Each day students are taught about the love and forgiveness of Jesus their Savior. Each week students are taught different Bible lessons, and they attend chapel once a week.

- 13 -

Page 16: Parent Handbook - storage.snappages.site€¦ · Parent Handbook 2020-2021 15870 46th Ave N. | Plymouth, MN 55446 (763) 559-0579. Mission The mission of Ascension Lutheran Preschool

Performances

Ascension Preschool students do have several opportunities to perform. The children perform in a Christmas program, a spring program and have an opportunity during the school year to sing at our Sunday church service. The Sunday church singing will be done during the 8:30 AM service. The parents are welcome to attend the church service, and the children will sit with their families until their singing time. The teachers will post a sign-up sheet for the Sunday singing.

Parental Communication

Regular informational letters/email reminders will be sent home. Check your child’s folder or backpack for artwork and messages. Parents or other family members are always welcome to visit the classroom during its hours of operation. Please notify the teacher if you plan to do so.

Parent-teacher conferences will be held twice throughout the year, fall and spring.

Parents will be asked to fill out and return a feedback questionnaire in the spring.

Parents will be asked to volunteer for special parties, field trips, family preschool activities, and fundraising events.

As a child care provider, we continually monitor the development of all children in our care through ongoing observation and recording. We want the best outcomes for all children. Child care providers are considered a primary referral source for early intervention under federal IDEA special education law. We are required to refer a child in our program who has been identified as having developmental concerns or a risk factor that warrants a referral as soon as possible, but in no case more than seven days after the identification. While this is a mandate, we want to keep open communication with parents and caregivers about their child and any concerns we have before a referral is made. We assist the parent with the referral or partner with them in the referral process.

Ascension Preschool will obtain written parental permission before a child is involved in each exper imental research or public relations activity involving a child while at the center. The permission form is kept in the child’s record.

Program Reporting

These Policies and Procedures are subject to the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division. As Minnesota Statute, section 626.556 states, if there are any suspicions of abuse or negligence please contact the DHS, Licensing Division at (651) 431-6500 or maltreatment at (651) 431-6600.

- 14 -

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AscensionLutheranPreschoolPlymouth/