Sunnyvale School DistrictPreschool Programs

Parent Handbook2016-2017

Columbia Preschool Center739 Morse Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Fairwood Preschool Center1110 Fairwood Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Lakewood Preschool Center750 Lakechime Dr. Sunnyvale, CA 94089

To report absences:408-522-8213

Table of Contents

Welcome letter………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 1Mission Statement……………………………………………………………………………………………... Page 2Programs….……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 2State Preschool………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 2Special Education Preschool………………………………………………………………………………. Page 3Policies and Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………... Page 3

Hours of Operations……..…………………………………………………………………………. Page 3Staff………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Page 3Notice of Action ……………………………………………………………………………………… Page 4Updating records of Notice of Action ………………………………………………………. Page 4Open-door Policy…………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 4Religious Worship Policy ……………………………………………………………………….. Page 4Absences………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 4Firearms Policy ……………………………………………………………………………………… Page 5Drug Policy ……………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 6Student Wellness …………………………………………………………………………………… Page 6

Emergency Contacts…………………………………………………………………………………………... Page 7Emergency Procedures……………………………………………………………………………. Page 7

Late Pick-up………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 7Health and Well Being………………………………………………………………………………………... Page 7Play Clothes……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 8Snacks……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 8Birthday/Celebrations………………………………………………………………………………………... Page 8Volunteers/Observations …………………………………………………………………………………… Page 8Communication………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 9Conferences………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Page 9Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 9Sign in/Out Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 9Social Worker……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 9Documents required for enrollment (State Preschool)………………………………………….. Page 9Basic Principles of the Preschool Program…………………………………………………………… Page 10

Learning Environments……………………………………………………………………………. Page 10A consistent daily routine ………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 10Child Observation and Assessments…………………………………………………………………….. Page 11Contact List………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 12

Columbia Preschool…………………………………………………………………………………. Page 12Fairwood Preschool………………………………………………………………………………… Page 13Lakewood Preschool………………………………………………………………………………… Page 13

School Calendar………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 14District Map……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 15

Welcome to the Sunnyvale School District Preschool Center

We are pleased that you have chosen the Sunnyvale School District Preschool Centers to be an important part of your child’s preschool experience. We welcome you as a partner in working with your child.

This handbook has been developed to provide you with information concerning our district and policies. Please take a few minutes to review this handbook. If at any time you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best wishes for a most successful year.

Linda Van MouwerikCoordinator of Special Education/PreschoolsSunnyvale School District408-522-8213

Tasha L. Dean, Ed. DDirector of Student Services & Special EducationSunnyvale School District408-522-8200 Ext 1012

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Mission StatementOur purpose is to prepare each child for success through nurturing and developmentally appropriate experiences so that each child realizes their potential for productive citizenship in a diverse society.

ProgramsOur Program uses the following curricula:

Second Steps Social Skills Let’s Play Learn Phonics

We also use positive behavior intervention supports to build relationships and shape desired behaviors

State PreschoolThe Sunnyvale School District State Preschool Program, Licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services, serves children who are within the age range of three years to four years nine months as of September 1st of each school year. Equal treatment and access to services is provided without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, ethnic background, sex or physical handicaps. This program operates without religious instruction or any form of corporal punishment.

The State Preschool Program is designed to provide readiness experiences for students. Eligibility for the program is determined by criteria developed by the California Department of Education. Priority will be given to children:

1. Ages three to four referred by Child protective Services.2. Age four who meet the lowest income standard.3. Age three who meet the lowest income standard.

Copies of parent & personal rights (LIC 613A & LIC 995) are given to all State Preschool parents upon enrolling their children.

Applications for the State Preschool Program are accepted from 8:00am to 2:00pm Monday to Friday. To enroll a child, the office will arrange an appointment with the parent(s). No child may enter the program before such an appointment is made and registration process is completed. Eligibility will be based on family income and family size.

To qualify for our program, proof of income is necessary as well as birth certificate and immunization records. If you cannot provide proof of income you will be required to fill out a “Self-certification of Income” form. Please ask the office for details.

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Revenue for the Program depends on regular attendance or verified excused absences. Ten (10) or more unexcused absences may result in termination of your child’s enrollment contract. Please be sure to notify the preschool office (408-522-8213) when your child will be absent.

Special Education Programs

The Sunnyvale School District Preschool Center also provides a range of special education services and classes for three to five year old students who demonstrate developmental, communication or learning delays. Students qualify for special education services through a special education assessment and state of California eligibility process.  If you have concerns about your child’s development, language/communication, self-help skills, pre-academics, or gross motor and fine motor development, please call the Columbia Preschool Center at 408-522-8213 x 2039 for assessment information.

In the Special Education Preschool classes, curriculum is supplemental based on the individual needs of students. In addition, throughout the year, opportunities will be provided for children in all programs to interact with each other.

If your child will be absent, please phone/email the preschool office at 408-522-8213 or Yesiel.petillo@sesd.org and let us know the reason. Absences not reported to the preschool office are considered unexcused. Parents of special education students also need to notify the bus service in case of absence (408-998-8275 or 408-286-4730)

Extended absences or vacations during school days are not encouraged as they can result in a loss of instructional time and can negatively affect student progress. Parents should notify the preschool office in writing of any extended absences.

Policies and ProceduresHours of operationThe State Preschool Program operates a morning and an afternoon session, 8:15-11:15 and 12:00- 3:00pm, Monday – Friday, during the school year. Programs follow the Sunnyvale School District calendar. State preschool campuses are located at Columbia Middle School and Bishop Elementary. Days and hours for special education programs vary by program type.

StaffCredentialed teachers are employed by the Sunnyvale School District. The State Preschool maintains a staff/child ratio of one adult to every eight children. Special Education program staff/child ratios vary. Para educators assist the classroom teachers to implement a well-planned preschool curriculum.

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Notice of Action Preschool services may not begin until the application for services is signed by both; office staff, and the parent. At the time of approval of services staff will issue a Notice of Action (NOA) to the participant indicating the hours of services approved. No family fees are assessed for families who are eligible under the state income guidelines.

Updating records of Notice of ActionThe “Notice of Action” is a written notification of status change for California State Subsidized Families: (i.e. Provision, approval, change, and termination of services). A notice of action will be issued by staff when any of the following occurs:

Certification is completed Recertification is completed Termination of services

Upon receipt of a Notice of Action, all participants have the right of appeal. Please see the back of the NOA for information about the appeal process (please note that the appeal process is time sensitive)

Open-Door PolicyNo one is more important in a child’s life than the person he or she loves the most, you have the greatest influence in your child’s growth. Parents with special skills or interest are encouraged to share them with the children, please schedule a time with your teacher. Please sign in the campus office before and after your visit. Parent visitor will be required to wear a visitor nametag; this policy is for the protection of our children.

For State Preschool the Sunnyvale School District Preschool Program has an open door policy. Parents are invited to visit their child’s classroom at any time. You may choose to sit inside the classroom and observe or you may want to participate in the classroom activities. For those in our Special Education Preschool please schedule an observation with your case manager.

Religious Worship Policy:This program refrains from Religious worship and/or instruction.

AbsencesIn order to provide services to families who have the greatest need and who may be on the waiting list, services to families may be discontinued based upon the following guidelines:

Excused Absences

1. Illness or quarantine of child, parent, or sibling (Illness lasting more than ten (10) consecutive days must be verified by a medical doctor).

2. Medical appointment of child or other family member3. Family emergency (may include car accident, lack of transportation, death of family

member, catastrophe)4. Severe weather conditions that prohibit travel to and from school 4

5. Official or legal agency appointments (immigration, court appearance, etc.)6. Court-ordered visitation7. Religious/cultural celebrations

Absences that are in the Best Interest of the Child (Limited to 10 days per fiscal year)

1. Non-court ordered visitation with non-custodial parent.2. Special Day with parent3. Vacation4. Work/School Holiday for parent scheduled on a day, which differs from the center's

observance.

Unexcused Absences (Limited to 10 per fiscal year)

1. Illnesses lasting more than ten (10) consecutive days, which have not been verified by a medical doctor

2. Preschool child did not want to go to school3. Parent/child overslept4. Any absence for which a specific reason is not given

More then ten (10) days of unexcused absences in a fiscal year will subject the family to termination of services.

If your child will be absent, please phone/email the preschool office at 408-522-8213 or yesiel.petillo@sesd.org and let us know the reason. Absences not reported to the preschool office are considered unexcused. Parents of special education students also need to notify the bus service in case of absence (408-998-8275 or 408-286-4730)

Extended absences or vacations during school days are not encouraged as they can result in a loss of instructional time and can negatively affect student progress. Parents should notify the preschool office in writing of any extended absences.

Firearms Policy

The Governing Board recognizes that students and staff have the right to a safe and secure campus free from physical and psychological harm and desires to protect them from the dangers presented by firearms and other weapons.

Possession of WeaponThe Board prohibits any student from possessing weapons, imitation firearms, imitation weapons or other dangerous instruments, as defined in law and administrative regulation, in school buildings, on school grounds or buses, at school-related or school-sponsored activities away from school, or while going to or coming from school.Under the power granted to the Board to protect the safety of students, staff, and others on district property and to maintain order and discipline in the schools, any school employee is authorized to confiscate any prohibited weapon, imitation firearm, imitation weapon or dangerous instrument from any student on school grounds.

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Any student possessing or threatening others with any weapon, dangerous instrument, or imitation firearm or imitation weapon shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulations.

Drug Policy

The Governing Board believes that the maintenance of a drug- and alcohol-free workplace is essential to staff and student safety and to help ensure a productive and safe work and learning environment.

An employee shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use any controlled substance in the workplace.

Employees are prohibited from being under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol while on duty. For purposes of this policy, on duty means while an employee is on duty during both instructional and non-instructional time in the classroom or workplace, at extracurricular or curricular activities, or while transporting students or otherwise supervising them. Under the influence means that the employee's capabilities are adversely or negatively affected, impaired, or diminished to an extent that impacts the employee's ability to safely and effectively perform his/her job.

The Superintendent or designee shall notify employees of the district's prohibition against drug use and the actions that will be taken for violation of such prohibition. An employee shall abide by the terms of this policy and shall notify the district, within five days, of his/her conviction for violation in the workplace of any criminal drug statute.

The Superintendent or designee shall notify the appropriate federal granting or contracting agency within 10 days after receiving notification, from an employee or otherwise, of any conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace.

In accordance with law and the district's collective bargaining agreements, the Superintendent or designee shall take appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, against an employee for violating the terms of this policy and/or shall require the employee to satisfactorily participate in and complete a drug assistance or rehabilitation program approved by a federal, state, or local public health or law enforcement agency or other appropriate agency.

Student Wellness      

To maximize the ability of children to succeed in the preschool program, program staff shall support children's health through proper nutrition and physical activity and shall provide or make referrals to health and social services.

The Governing Board recognizes the link between student health and learning and desires to provide a comprehensive program promoting healthy eating and physical activity for district students. The Superintendent or designee shall build a coordinated school health system that supports and reinforces health literacy through health education, physical education and activity, health services, nutrition services, psychological and counseling services, health promotion for staff, a safe and healthy school environment, and parent/guardian and community involvement.

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The Board prohibits the marketing and advertising of non-nutritious foods and beverages through signage, vending machine fronts, logos, scoreboards, school supplies, advertisements in school publications, coupon or incentive programs, free giveaways, or other means. For all foods available on each campus during the school day, the district shall adopt nutritional guidelines which are consistent with 42 USC 1773 and 1779 and support the objectives of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity. (42 USC 1758b)

The Board believes that foods and beverages available to students at district schools should support the health curriculum and promote optimal health. Nutritional standards adopted by the district for all foods and beverages sold to students, including foods and beverages provided through the district's food service program, student stores, vending machines, or other venues, shall meet or exceed state and federal nutritional standards.

Emergency contactsIt is important to keep the emergency contacts current. If your address or telephone number changes, notify the preschool office immediately (408-522-8213). Remember to list the names of individuals with authorization to pick up your child as he or she can be released ONLY to the person listed. Identification (Picture ID)  is required.

Emergency ProceduresIf there’s an emergency such as a lockdown, parents will be contacted by phone and email message with updated information as well as pick up procedures.

Late Pick-UpChildren must be picked up at dismissal time. If you are going to be late please contact the preschool office before your regular pick-up time. Late students may be picked up in the school office.  Three late pick-ups may result in dismissal for the State Preschool program.

Health and Well BeingThe teacher depends on you to bring a healthy child to school. Parents are encouraged to share any information which might cause behavior changes may include: Changes in medication, divorce, death in the family, visitors in the house, special celebrations or any other changes in household routine.

YOU MUST keep your child at home if he or she is showing any of the following symptoms: A. Temperature over 98.6 degrees (Fever)B. A cold, specially during the first three daysC. Persistent or sever coughD. Red or inflamed eyesE. Any skin rash, unless diagnosed as non-infectious by a doctor – please

provide doctors noteF. Sores of any kind, unless they can be covered with a bandageG. Headache or other pain. 7

H. Nausea or vomiting the day before or day of. I. Unusual tiredness

Notify the preschool office if your child has been exposed to any contagious disease so that we may take proper precautions to prevent an epidemic at school. Also, please notify the preschool office and your child’s teacher of any allergies or other special medical needs.

The school cannot give medication of any kind without written authorization from the doctor or parent. If your child is well enough to be at school but needs medication, you must complete a Permit to Administer Medication form (available in the preschool office) signed by your doctor. The child’s name, drug name, dosage and instructions. Only the parent/guardian may deliver medication to the teacher.

Play clothesChildren at the Center engage in a variety of structured activities including art, outdoors play, cooking, sand and water play. Please provide comfortable play clothing appropriate to play activities and your child’s level of independence. Shoes should be sturdy and cover the entire foot. PLEASE, NO SANDALS, FLIP-FLOPS OR OTHER FOOTWEAR WITH OPEN TOES AND HEELS.Consider your child’s toileting needs when choosing clothing. We encourage elastic-waist pants, Velcro closures and tennis shoes.

SnacksA well-balanced and nutritious snack will be provided daily for each preschool student by the

Sunnyvale School District. If your child has allergies or is on a special diet, please notify the preschool office immediately 408-522-8213.

According to the district Wellness Policy, any food used on campus during the school day, should reinforce healthy eating

and good nutrition. Families are encouraged to send nutritious food to school for their child.

Birthdays/Celebration FoodsBirthdays are celebrated the last 10 minutes of the program day. Please discuss plans with your child’s teacher the day before. Celebration foods should be commercially prepared/packaged and meet nutritional guidelines or consider gifting a book to the classroom on your child’s behalf.If your family does not recognize these celebrations, your child will be involved in another supervised activity out of the classroom. Please make the teacher/ office aware of your preference in this area.

Volunteers/ Observations

The State Preschool Program encourages parents to volunteer in the classroom. If you have a special skill or talent, we encourage you to share your expertise with the children in the program. Please notify teachers of any suggestions or ideas you may have. All classroom visitors must register with the front office and have TB clearance. 8

Volunteering or observing in a classroom will require at least one-week prior notification. Please discuss this with your child’s teacher. Classroom observations are scheduled with administration. To prevent unnecessary disruptions, observations are limited to once per month for thirty minutes. All classroom visitors must register with the front office.

CommunicationOpen communication is vital to your child’s successful experience in preschool. Your comments and suggestions and concerns are always welcome.  We have a comment/suggestion box located in our preschool offices and several communication channels are available including email, phone calls and scheduled meetings. We encourage you to take advantage of these, or to make other suggestions. Teacher’s emails are available in the contact page.

ConferencesParent-Teacher conferences give the teacher and the parent an opportunity to share information regarding development. It also gives the parent an opportunity to ask questions and obtain information. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the scheduled conference.

Transportation:Special education transportation, for qualifying student, is a related service specified in a student’s Individualized Education Program, and is a team decision   For further information about transportation please contact your child’s case manager or Yareli D’Amico 408-522-8200.

Sign-in/out Procedure:Parents are to sign-in/out everyday the child attends class. Sign-in/out sheets are placed outside of classroom. You will post time of drop off , time of  pick up and parent signature.

Social Worker:Sunnyvale Preschool Program has a social worker available should you need to talk about community resources or other support. Please contact the office for more information.

Documents Required for Enrollment:Registration requires that all the below documents are completed:

Notification of Parent Rights (LIC 995) Personal Rights Form (LIC 613A) Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment (LIC 627) Physician’s Report- Child care centers (LIC 701) Childs preadmission Health History (LIC 702) Immunization records

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Basic Principles of the Preschool Program1. Development of a rich, stimulating, child oriented environment.2. Focus on active learning, with hands-on activities that involve the senses, motor skill

development, problem- solving, child-initiated choices and decision-making.3. Language rich activities that promote problem-solving, extension and elaboration of

children’s play as well as meaningful conversations4. Focus on anti-biased curriculum by incorporating activities that promote understanding

and appreciation of a child’s own and other’s cultures5. Exposure to academics including beginning writing skills, literature, phonemic awareness

and number concepts.

The program uses a variety of developmental approaches, such as Let’s Play Learn Phonetic Curriculum, 2nd Step, which builds on children’s interests, strengths and emerging abilities in reading, math, social studies and science. The CA Pre-Kindergarten Learning Foundations are implemented throughout the curricula.

Learning Environments:

Clearly defined interest areas Space for children to move between areas Space for children to meet together in large groups Space for children to work independently Variety of materials, both real and symbolic, for children to explore and use in many

different ways Materials accessible to children on low, open shelves Materials and shelves appropriately labeled using real objects or pictures (Photos,

outlines, etc.) and words

A Consistent Daily Routine with:

A balance between child-initiated and adult-initiated activities Opportunities for children to make choices decisions and initiate activities 10 Adult-initiated activities at small and large group times

Opportunities for children to freely interact with one another Interactions between children and adults that extend and strengthen children’s

understanding and knowledge

Child Observations and Assessment:

Occur throughout the day Keeping an anecdotal record for each child Portfolio assessment & skills checklist State mandated Desired Results DRDP (Profiles) twice a year, Fall and Spring.

Schedule and activities are planned to meet the unique needs of special education students whose goals are addressed in Individualized Educational Program (IEP’s). Educational goals which may encompass self-help skills, language and communication, pre-academics, fine and motor skills, language and communication, pre-academics and fine and gross motor areas are addressed within the regular activities of a preschool class. Curricula and teaching methods include strategies designed specifically for special education students and those adapted for regular education preschool curriculum.

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Preschool Centers Contact List

Name Position PhoneTasha L. Dean Director of Student Services & Special Ed. 408-522-8200

Linda Van Mouwerik Coordinator of Special Ed. / Preschools 408-522-8200

Evangelina Ciriani School Psychologist 408-522-8213 x 1030Cynthia Patterson Social Worker 408-522-8213 x 2060Yesiel Petillo Admin. Assistant Preschool Programs 408-522-8213 x 2039

Columbia Preschool Center

Name Position Rm PhoneTerry St Marie State Preschool teacher PS 1 408-522-8213

Lea Ziklik Eliana Foden Joann De Leon

Para educator

Allyson Colombo Special Day Class Preschool Teacher PS 3 408-522-8213 Jennifer

Betancourt Pampa Biswas

Para educator

Lauren Kovach-Long Speech and LanguagePathologist

408-522-8213

Katelyn Lane Occupational Therapist PS 4 408-522-8213 X 2044Leslie Justis Special Day Class Preschool Teacher PS 5

Michelle Padilla Anjali Tewari Kelly Blum

Para educator

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Fairwood Preschool Center

Name Position RM PhoneMarian Gericke Special Day Class Preschool

Specialist and Speech Pathologist11 408-522-8213 x

2033

Hema Shah Melinda Cooper Para Educators

Chelsea Friedenbach Speech and Language Pathologist Program Room

408-522-8213 x 2032

Annadyl De Leon Occupational Therapist 408-522-8200 x

Lakewood Preschool CenterName Position RM Phone

Divya Bhasin Special Day Class Preschool Teacher 28 408-522-8213 x 2057

Diana PinedaPara Educators

Kay Park Special Day Class Preschool Teacher 27 408-522-8213 x 2056

Dovhilyn Santiago Occupational Therapist26

408-522-8213

Sreelatha Ponnuveetti Speech and Language Pathologist

408-522-8213

Vicky Rosales State Preschool Teacher P2 408-522-8213

Samantha Salas Swathi Donthula

Para educators

Pei-Yu Tsai Special Day Class Teacher P1 408-522-8213

Jessica Paz Ramya

Tirumalasetty

Para educators

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