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Statement of Mission, Vision and Values
MISSION OF THE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL: To provide a loving, nurturing, Christ-centered environment in which children aged 2 to 5 may enjoy their first educational experience.VISION OF FAITH PRESCHOOL: To be an extension of family and church; to assist preschoolers in developing socially and emotionally; to foster age-appropriate physical and intellectual development; and to encourage spiritual growth.
OUR VALUES FOR OPERATION OF THE PRESCHOOL:
- To employ qualified, loving teachers, including the preschool director, who are committed to teaching in Christ's example;
- To emphasize learning through meaningful hands-on experiences;
- To empower the parents of our students by involving them in the educational experience in positive and productive ways;
- To operate the preschool in a manner that is both professional and founded in Christian principle;
- To strive for appropriate and continual growth and development of the preschool's physical and educational resources in order to provide the best possible learning opportunity for our students;
- To maintain a critical link among the preschool, Faith Lutheran Church and the larger Christian community.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Preschool should be a positive educational experience that fosters a strong sense of self-worth and helps each child to build a healthy self-concept.
Children will be able to learn and discover free of pressure to achieve, while reserving more formal academic learning for the elementary school years. We want children to come to know that learning can be exciting and fun.
They will have questions, and enjoy exploring to find the answers. Children's play is the avenue through which a variety of learning experiences occur and is essential to healthy development. Through play, children begin to understand the real world around them. Therefore, children are encouraged to select their own play activities in a variety of learning-interest centers during the free play period each day.
We shall strive to work with each child on his/her own developmental level in a loving, Christian atmosphere, respecting the individual differences of each child. Activities and curriculum will be based upon the stages of development and their characteristic traits, and the individual differences among children.
We shall strive to help each child achieve his or her own potential in the areas of social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual development.
We see ourselves not as a separate unit from the family, church and community, but as an extension, support and service to them and their needs. Because parents know their own child better than anyone else could, we feel that parental involvement and input are vitally important in helping us to provide a positive, successful early learning experience for each child.
"WE TRULY FEEL THAT THIS IS A FINE PROGRAM. WE'VE LIVED FROM COAST TO COAST AND OUR KIDS HAVE EXPERIENCED 6 DIFFERENT PRESCHOOLS AND THIS ONE IS THE BEST. IT HAS THE BEST EQUIPMENT, CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE AND PERSPECTIVE. OUR CHILDREN WHO HAVE ATTENDED FAITH HAVE ENJOYED THE STAFF AND ALWAYS FELT SAFE AND SECURE. A GENUINE THANK YOU!"
"I DON'T IMPRESS EASILY, BUT WENDY AND HER STAFF HAVE DONE IT." "WE'VE BEEN WITH FAITH FOR 4 YEARS RUNNING. I RECOMMEND IT TO FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES FOR CLASS SIZE AND CHRISTIAN WARMTH THAT THE STAFF SHOWS THE CHILDREN EVERY DAY. THEY ALWAYS MAINTAIN A CALMNESS. MY CHILDREN HAVE GROWN SOCIALLY AND ADAPTED WELL. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!"
"WENDY AND HER STAFF MAKE EVERY CHILD FEEL ACCEPTED AND APPRECIATED. I CAN'T THINK OF ONE COMPLAINT OVER THE ENTIRE YEAR. THEY ARE GREAT!"
Our Program Goals and Objectives
Social and Emotional Development
Language, Math and Science
- To foster an understanding of emotions and feelings and begin to develop healthy ways to express feelings.
- To encourage interaction with others in a respectful, cooperative manner.
- To establish patterns which encourage self-worth, self-discipline, self-confidence and independence.
Creative Development
- To encourage the development of vocabulary, listening and communication skills.
- To develop a familiarity with concepts such as numbers, letters, colors, shapes and sizes.
- To introduce the changes that take place in nature, including growth and passage of time.
Health and Physical Development
- To encourage creativity and self-expression through the use of a variety of art materials.
- To introduce concepts of music and to enhance the growth of creative expression through music.
Spiritual Development
- To encourage an understanding of the importance of good nutrition, hygiene and safety.
- To encourage the development of fine and gross motor skills.
- To foster a love of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.
- To develop an appreciation of one another as unique individuals within the world that God has created.
- To foster the development of Christian values through Bible stories, prayers and songs.
Program Operation and Hours
Faith Preschool is located on the premises of Faith Church, and is owned and operated by the church. Our program utilizes three children's classrooms, a "BIG ROOM" for indoor gross-motor play activities, and an adjacent outdoor fenced playground. CLASSES
- Mom & Me - (for 2 year olds) - Friday, 9:30-11:00 /11:30-1:00
- 2-Day 3 Year Old Class - Monday and Friday, 9:00-11:30 a.m. or Tuesday & Thursday 9:00-11:30 a.m.
- 3-Day 3 Year Old Class - Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
- (2) 3-Day A.M. 4 Year Old Class - Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
- 4-Day P.M. 4 Year Old Class - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
- 5-Day Pre-Kindergarten Class - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Program Eligibility
To be enrolled in the Mom & Me class, a child must be 2 years old by Sept. 30th of the current year. A parent or guardian is required to attend class with each child enrolled. It is not necessary for the child to be potty-trained, as the parent who attends with the child will be responsible for the changing and disposal off-premises of used diapers.
To be enrolled in a 3-year-old class, a child must be 3 years old on or before September 30th of the current year and be potty trained.*
To be enrolled in a 4-year-old class, a child must be 4 years old on or before September 30th of the current year and be potty-trained.*
*NOTE: Due to the nature of our license, we cannot accept a student in the 3, 4 or 5 year old classes who is not completely potty trained by the first day of class. The child cannot wear diapers or training pants to school, must be able to recognize when he/she needs to use the restroom, and be self-sufficient in using it (except for the teacher's assistance with buttons and zippers). We understand that your child may not be potty-trained at the time of registration. If your child shows no signs of readiness for this as the summer approaches (an excellent guide for this is in Touchpoints by Brazelton), you may want to consider enrolling him or her at a preschool which offers diaper changing. This will avoid putting undue pressure on a child to potty-train before she or he is ready. Should you need to withdraw your child for this reason, it is necessary to do so in writing prior to JUNE 1ST . Failure to meet this requirement will result in the forfeiture of the $45 registration fee and first month's tuition (paid at time of registration). To be enrolled in the Pre-K class, a child should be 5 by next March 1st, and/ or receive the Director's approval for placement in the class.
Faith Preschool is open to all children regardless of race, color, religion, sex, nationality or ethnic origin. To enroll a child, the parent or guardian must submit a completed enrollment application along with the registration fee and the first month's tuition payment at the assigned registration period. Before the first day of class, additional forms MUST be filled out and returned, and a current medical statement must be provided by the child's licensed physician.
Tuition & Withdrawal Policy
Please contact the school for current rates, details and policy.
Calendar
Faith Preschool operates on its own calendar, but many holiday and vacation dates are approximately the same as those of Copley-Fairlawn Schools and St. Hilary School. The school year starts after Labor Day and ends just before Memorial Day. A calendar with specific dates will be provided prior to school.
Absence
If for any reason your child will not be attending school, please call the preschool at 836-8827, and share with us the reason for his/her absence. We will then know that your child is safe and with adult supervision, and we will be better able to keep track of what illnesses are "GOING AROUND". School will be closed if dangerous weather occurs. You will be notified by an announcement on local radio (WKDD 98.1 FM), and local TV stations (WKYC Channel 3 & FOX 8) that Faith Lutheran Preschool (Summit County) is closed. If you do not hear our school's name, school will be open. The decision to close the Preschool is based on a large number of variables. It is NOT based solely on a particular school district!
"THE DIRECTOR AND STAFF HAVE PUT TOGETHER A PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION THAT I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ANY PARENT FOR THEIR CHILD." "WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH FAITH'S PROGRAM."
"I THINK MY CHILD HAS PROGRESSED IN MANY WAYS AND BENEFITED IN MANY WAYS."
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
For 3, 4 and 5 year old classes:
The school entrance is at the rear door closest to St. Hilary's Catholic Church. Enter by the driveway next to St. Hilary's and circle around in our back parking lot, forming a line in front of door "A". (See map) A teacher will come to your car and bring your child or children into the building, where another staff member will be waiting for them. If you arrive before 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., please remain in your car until a teacher arrives to greet your child. NEVER DROP OFF YOUR CHILD UNATTENDED! If you arrive late, after the teacher has gone to the classroom, please park your car in the back of the building and walk your child to the classroom, entering by the other back (glass) door "B", closer to our playground.
UPON DISMISSAL, we follow the same procedure in reverse, with the children being brought to your cars. PLEASE PLACE THE LARGE CARD WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME ON IT (WHICH YOU WILL RECEIVE AT ORIENTATION) AGAINST YOUR CAR'S PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW.
!!!! AS PART OF OUR SAFETY POLICY, NO CHILD WILL BE RELEASED TO ANY PERSON OTHER THAN A PARENT OR GUARDIAN UNLESS A WRITTEN NOTE (INCLUDING THE NAME, PHONE NUMBER, AND RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHILD OF THE PERSON PICKING UP THE CHILD) IS GIVEN IN ADVANCE TO THE TEACHER. THE NOTE MUST BE DATED AND SIGNED BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN. THE PERSON PICKING THE CHILD UP WILL BE ASKED TO PRODUCE A FORM OF IDENTIFICATION BEFORE THE CHILD WILL BE PLACED IN HIS/HER CAR.
If you arrive BEFORE the 11:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. dismissal times, please wait in your car until your child is brought to you. If you arrive LATER than 3:30 p.m. to pick up your child, he or she will be taken back to the classroom or to the church office to wait with an adult, and you will have to enter by the glass door near the playground to pick up your child. If you arrive after 3:30 p.m. but before 3:45 p.m., you will be charged $2. Thereafter, you will be charged $10 per 15-minute increment. A record of time will be kept and you will be billed accordingly. Please understand that teachers have commitments after school hours and there is no extended care program in effect after school. By being late for pick-up, you force a teacher to stay after the close of the school day to supervise your child. It is our hope that by charging for this inconvenience, late pick-ups will be kept to a minimum.
If you are late to pick up your child from a morning class your child will be escorted to the Lunch Bunch room to be supervised in our extended care program until you arrive. The cost is $2 per half hour increment and it is your responsibility to pay at that time.
While we understand that everyone may occasionally run late, we ask that you MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO BE PROMPT. Our teachers have a limited time after class to prepare for the upcoming classes or may have commitments for which they must leave the building.
MOM & ME participants should park in the back lot and enter by the back (glass) door "B" for each class.
Early Drop-Off and Extended Care
The Preschool operates an early drop-off program Mondays through Fridays during the school year, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., children in this program are escorted to their classrooms. In addition, the Preschool offers an extended care program, called the "LUNCH BUNCH". This program is available Mondays through Fridays during the school year between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Both programs are open only to children who are enrolled in the Preschool, excluding those in Mom & Me. Parents may reserve a space for their child in advance, or may sign up on an as-needed basis, provided space is available. The programs currently accept a maximum of 20 children at any given time, subject to change as demand warrants. A child may attend the Lunch Bunch program any day, not only those days he/she attends classes at the Preschool. Children attending prior to or after class time will be escorted between the Lunch Bunch room and the classroom as needed. Children attending the Lunch Bunch program during the hours of 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. should bring a lunch. This program offers a great opportunity to let your child play with friends while you get a few extra errands done!
While attending either program, children are supervised by at least one member of the Preschool teaching staff, certified in CPR and first aid. The time spent in the programs is unstructured "FREE PLAY" time; however there are ample opportunities for participation in art and other activities on a regular basis. (see Lunch Bunch schedule in Orientation folders)
The fee for early drop-off and/or the Lunch Bunch is Two Dollars ($2.00) for each half-hour or increment thereof, according to the Preschool's clock. For example, a child attending the program for 31 minutes would be charged two times the half-hourly rate. Parents will be billed on a weekly basis. Payments should be made (WITH BILLS) directly to the Preschool office.
Lunch Bunch teachers are not to accept payment! For further information please contact our Directors. *** Children with food allergies will be permitted to attend Lunch Bunch on a case-by-case basis. See Director! ***
BIRTHDAYS
Birtdays will be celebrated at school. We will arrange the day of the month on which your child is to bring the snack to coincide with the day we celebrate his/her birthday. Your child may bring a "SPECIAL" snack that day, such as cookies, cupcakes or ice cream. The class will sing to them, and they will be able to select a prize from our "BIRTHDAY BOX"! If your child has a summer birthday, a HALF-birthday will be celebrated. Check your "SNACK CALENDARS" for dates of birthday parties. "MY CHILD HAS REALLY GROWN THROUGH THE YEAR THROUGH YOUR WONDERFUL PROGRAM."
Clothing & Bookbag
Washable and comfortable play clothes are a must for your child. No matter how careful we are, glue, paint, clay, grass-stains, and dirt are some of the stains your child may wear home to you! Please don't send your child to school in dress-up clothes. Please also refrain from jewelry, hair accessories, etc. Rubber-soled shoes are very important for safety reasons. Leather and plastic-soled shoes provide no traction and are very slippery for climbing and running.
Your child will need to bring a large book bag to school daily in which we will send home art projects and other important papers. Be sure to check it every school day! PLEASE MARK YOUR CHILD'S COAT, ACCESSORIES AND BOOKBAG CLEARLY WITH HIS OR HER NAME! A complete change of clothing, including socks, should be placed in a bag with your child's name on it and brought in the first week of school. This will remain at school for the year to be used if an emergency change is necessary!
Optional parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled early in the school year. Additional formal conferences will be scheduled around mid-year to discuss your child's progress, accomplishments, and any difficulties he or she may be experiencing. Parents should feel free to request a conference at other times should there be a need. During optional conferences, classes will be in session under the supervision of the regular assistant teacher and a substitute teacher. On formal conference days, classes will not be in session in order to permit our head teachers to devote their full attention to conferences. A member of our staff will be available in a classroom to supervise your child(ren) during your formal conference time.
"DIRECTOR AND STAFF ARE VERY EASY TO TALK TO."
"HEATHER AND WENDY ARE BOTH APPROACHABLE AND ALWAYS CONCERNED."
"PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION - A DEFINITE STRENGTH OF THE PROGRAM."
"WENDY IS EXCELLENT IN CONFERENCE - SHE IS REALLY ABLE TO ZERO IN ON 'STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES' AND DISCUSS THEM CONSTRUCTIVELY."
Discipline
The staff of Faith Preschool tries to minimize the need to discipline children, understanding that the purpose of discipline is to teach children self-control. Drawing attention to other activities (distraction), using persuasion (appealing to a child's sense of reason), and helping children verbalize feelings will help diffuse potential disciplinary situations.
Occasionally, situations demand direct teacher action, when the possibility of danger or harm to the child, others, or property is evident. Discipline will be established and maintained by using the following techniques:
- Behavior modification - interaction in a positive manner.
- Time out - child remains in the room, sitting on a chair for a specified time.
- Removal - child sits in the hall with a teacher or in the Preschool office and engages in quiet activity.
If a child cannot function behaviorally within this framework, parents will be consulted as to an advisable procedure.
- There will be no cruel, harsh or unusual punishment. Corporal or physical punishment will not be used.
- No discipline technique will be delegated to another child.
- No physical restraints shall be used to confine a child.
- No child shall be placed in a locked room or confined in an enclosed area.
- No child shall be humiliated or subjected to profane language, threats, derogatory remarks, or other verbal abuse.
- Discipline shall not be imposed on a child for failure to eat, failure to sleep or for toileting accidents.
- Techniques of discipline shall not humiliate, shame or frighten a child.
- Discipline shall not include withholding food, rest or toilet use.
Emergency Medical-Accident Policy
All members of our staff have completed a course in First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse Recognition, and in the prevention, recognition, and management of communicable diseases. First Aid supplies are on hand to be used in an emergency. However, we MUST have on file a signed consent form authorizing emergency medical treatment. In the event of a more serious emergency, and if all attempts to reach parents or guardians are unsuccessful, the rescue squad will be called and the child will be taken to the hospital, permission for such having been granted by you on the Emergency Medical Form at the start of the school year. If a child experiences bodily injury or if administration of Syrup of Ipecac is necessary, the staff member responsible for the child shall complete an injury report. A copy of the report shall be given to the parent or guardian on the day of the injury and a copy shall be placed on file at the Preschool for one year.
Driving and Carpools
Transportation arrangements are up to individual parents. Neither the Preschool staff, nor its Director nor Board is responsible for transporting students to or from school or arranging carpools for students.
Field Trips
During the school year we will have approximately 4 field trips or other special events. You will be notified in advance on the monthly calendars sent home with your child. Because of Ohio Licensing Regulations at this time, each parent must transport his or her own child on field trips, or make arrangements for their child to go with another parent. The staff cannot arrange carpool situations. The Head Teacher and Assistant Teacher will be present for all field trips, however parents are solely responsible for supervising their own children and other children who they bring along on the trip. Siblings are always welcome to join us on field trips. If a parent is unable to attend a field trip, he or she may arrange for another parent to transport and supervise his or her child as well as their own. The staff is not permitted to transport students to or from field trips nor supervise the students during field trips. During the winter months especially, in lieu of field trips, we often invite resource people into the classroom, or hold other special events. Your ideas for special visitors, field trip locations and events are most welcome! On all field trips, safety precautions are taken, as detailed in the section of this handbook labeled "SAFETY POLICY".
Management of Communicable Disease
All staff members have American Red Cross training in the prevention, recognition and management of communicable diseases will be available at all times when children are in attendance. Additionally, staff members will have been trained in appropriate hand washing and disinfecting procedures. An Ohio Department of Health "CHILD DAY CARE CENTER COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CHART" is posted in the classroom. If a child has ANY of the following symptoms, HE OR SHE MUST BE KEPT HOME! Further, parents will be contacted to pick up their child IMMEDIATELY if she or he exhibits ANY of the following symptoms at school:
- nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- severe coughing
- difficult or rapid breathing
- yellowish skin or eyes
- red, discharging eyes
- temperature of 100 degrees or more without Tylenol
- rash or infected skin patches
- sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- heavy nasal discharge
- unusually dark urine and or gray, white stool
- stiff neck, headache or earache
- evidence of lice, scabies or other parasitic infestation
If a child appears to have symptoms of illness at school, the following actions will be taken:
- The child will be isolated and cared for in a room not being used by other children.
- An adult will be within sight of a child who is isolated due to illness. No child will be left alone or unsupervised.
- An ill child will be made comfortable and provided with a place to rest.
- The child will be observed for worsening condition.
- An ill child will be discharged to a parent, guardian or person designated in writing by a parent or guardian as promptly as possible.
EACH CHILD MUST HAVE ON FILE A HEALTH FORM SIGNED BY A LICENSED PHYSICIAN AS WELL AS TWO (2) EMERGENCY NUMBERS THAT CAN BE CALLED WHEN A PARENT CANNOT BE REACHED.
A child should be free of all of the aforementioned symptoms for 24 hours preceding the child's return to school. A child may return to school when he/she is no longer contagious or has been diagnosed by a physician as not being contagious.
Promptly report to the school any communicable diseases, lice, etc. your child may have contracted and exposed other children to. A notice will be posted on the outside entrance door if children are exposed to any serious communicable disease at school, or you will be contacted by a teacher.
A child who is experiencing MINOR cold symptoms, but who is not exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms may come to school. If your child does not feel well and is fussy or cranky because of this, it will be best to keep him or her at home.
A staff member with a communicable disease will not work with children until she is non-contagious.
Medication Policy
No medication, food supplements or vitamins of any kind will be administered by a staff member to a child at our school. This includes cough drops.
Parent Participation
You are invited to share directly in your child's preschool experience this year and are urged to participate as much as you are able. Parents can add a tremendous amount of richness to a program and it is important for you to know that your suggestions and ideas are valuable. Your assistance and unique talents are very much appreciated! Parents can serve as head room parents and room parents, can help plan service projects, parties and other activities. Parents are also needed to serve on our fundraising, hospitality and service project committees. A form will be provided on which you may indicate your desire to help in a variety of ways. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT THE CLASSROOM AT ANY TIME! And, of course, we appreciate your assistance in recruiting future students for our program! Should you wish to speak with your child's teacher about a specific concern, please arrange a time outside of class time to do so.
"WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT OUR DAUGHTER IS WELL-PREPARED FOR KINDERGARTEN - WHICH IS BASICALLY ALL THAT A PARENT COULD ASK OF A PRESCHOOL. BUT AT FAITH, UNDER WENDY'S AND THE ENTIRE STAFF'S COMPETENT SUPERVISION, SHE IS THRIVING AND TO PUT IT SIMPLY - IS CONTENT. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A SINGLE DAY WHEN SHE HAS NOT WANTED TO ATTEND CLASS AND THAT ALONE IS A 100% RECOMMENDATION TO ANY PARENT SEARCHING FOR THE IDEAL PRESCHOOL."
Newsletter
A parents' newsletter is distributed regularly by the teachers and Director to keep you informed about upcoming events. Lesson plans and daily activities will be detailed for you as well, so that you can follow along with what your child is learning about. "WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE CURRICULUM."
"THE PROGRAM IS DIVERSE AND ENTERTAINING."
"I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH (MY CHILD'S) EXPERIENCE THIS YEAR. SHE TRULY ENJOYED EVERY DAY OF IT. I WAS ALSO VERY HAPPY THAT HER CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WAS ENHANCED. THANK YOU ALL FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR."The following measures are taken to ensure the safety of your child:
- No child is ever left alone or unsupervised.
- Children are assisted out of and into cars upon arrival and departure.
- There is immediate access to a working telephone near each classroom.
- Children are instructed in procedures for fire safety, and fire drills are conducted at varying times. The Director will maintain a record of fire drills.
- Each room has a posted emergency plan, including a diagram of evacuation routes and responsibilities in case of fire or weather alerts.
- A person trained in First Aid will be present at the preschool whenever children are in attendance and will be available on each field trip. A First Aid Kit will be available in the classroom and on all field trips.
- An Accident Report form will be completed in the event of an accident or injury or when syrup of Ipecac is required. One copy of the report will be given to the parent or guardian; one will remain on file at the preschool for one year.
- A medical and dental emergency plan is posted in the room.
- No medication, food supplements or vitamins will be given.
- There will be no flammable or aerosol cans used in the rooms during the hours that the children are present.
- Staff members are required to immediately notify the appropriate children's services agency when a staff member suspects that a child has been abused or neglected.
- Children will be closely supervised while using sharp instruments, during cooking activities, or activities using a heated surface.
- Safety caps cover all wall outlets.
- All exits are clearly marked and accessible.
- Equipment and materials are routinely safety-checked.
- The playground is routinely safety-checked. Our playground equipment and layout meets or exceeds the safety guidelines set of the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as those set by the federal government for school playgrounds.
- Children will only have outside playtime when temperatures are above freezing.
- Children will be accompanied by a teacher whenever going from one room to another and to or from the playground.
- Whenever children are transported away from the preschool on field trips, the staff/child ratios will be maintained, along with the children's parents.
Separation Anxiety
It is normal for some children to cry on the first few days of school. Separation anxiety can be lessened by preparing your child for school. All children will visit the school before the first full day of class in order to become familiar with their teachers and classrooms. On the first day of class, reassure your child that you will return to pick him or her up when school is over. Explain that teachers love children and take very good care of them. LEAVE QUICKLY! Separation anxiety peaks in these few minutes. The sooner the parent leaves, the more quickly the child will relax. If there is a severe problem, we will call you at home. "I FEEL YOU HAVE ALL DONE A WONDERFUL JOB AND HAVE SHOWN EACH CHILD SO MUCH LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING. IT IS A GREAT COMFORT FOR ME TO KNOW WHEN I DROP (MY CHILD) OFF FOR SCHOOL SHE IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF."
Snacks and Nutrition
Each child will be asked to bring a nutritious snack and drink for his or her class occasionally throughout the year. On this day, your child will be the "SNACK LEADER"… be first in line and enjoy other "SPECIAL" roles in class. A snack calendar will be sent home monthly. Please make a note of your child's snack day, and don't forget to bring the snack that day! Some snack ideas: cheese and crackers, pretzels, goldfish, fruit, carrot sticks, muffins, trail mix. Drinks should be juice or milk. "EASY TO OPEN & SERVE" snacks such as jugs of juice rather than juice boxes are greatly appreciated! For special occasions, such as a birthday or class party, treats such as cookies or ice cream are acceptable. Please do not send candy, soda pop, potato chips…. items like these do not meet State of Ohio guidelines for nutritious snacks, and cannot be served to the children. Please alert us to any food allergies or "SENSITIVITIES" to food your child may have so that we can make accommodations.
Sharing Toys
On sharing days, children are permitted to bring one appropriate toy or stuffed animal to school. Guns, violent or noisy toys and toys with small parts are not allowed. Also, very expensive toys should not be brought in for fear of damaging them.
The teachers are wonderful and they are caring, and I appreciate the order they maintain in the classroom. (My child) likes going to school and has enjoyed it, and she has an enthusiasm for learning which the preschool has kept alive and fun for her." "I am looking forward to my son spending his preschool years at Faith. He already likes Wendy and I know he will enjoy himself there. My daughter will miss it when she goes to kindergarten in the fall." "At the beginning of the year, my daughter was fairly shy and quiet and I was pleased to learn how open and social she had become."
"We are appreciative and proud to be a part of Faith Preschool. It's one of the best experiences we've provided for our child."
Emergency Policy
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OUTLINES THE PROCEDURES FAITH LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL WILL FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY OR RED ALERT STATUS (AS DETERMINED BY STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT). THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE AND WE THEREFORE ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND COOPERATION. RED ALERT WHEN CHILDREN ARE NOT IN SCHOOL IF A RED ALERT IS ANNOUNCED AND CHILDREN ARE NOT IN SCHOOL, FAITH PRESCHOOL WILL FOLLOW OUR NORMAL EMERGENCY CLOSING PROCEDURES. FAITH LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON FOX 8, WKYC CHANNEL 3 AND LOCAL RADIO WKDD 98.1. THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES AS LONG AS A RED ALERT IS IN EFFECT. RED ALERT WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN SCHOOL (EVACUATION DISMISSAL) IF A RED ALERT IS ANNOUNCED WHILE THE CHILDREN ARE IN SCHOOL AN IMMEDIATE EVACUATION DISMISSAL WILL BE NECESSARY. WE WILL LIST FAITH LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL ON FOX 8, WKYC CHANNEL 3 AND LOCAL RADIO 98.1 WKDD AS SOON AS WE HEAR OF THE ALERT. IT IS OUR HOPE THAT YOU WILL HEAR OF THE ALERT STATUS ON YOUR OWN FROM FRIENDS AND/ OR RELATIVES. PARENTS OR THOSE LISTED AS EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSONS WILL BE EXPECTED TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHILD'S CLASSROOM AND SIGN THEIR CHILD OUT. A DIRECTOR OR STAFF MEMBER WILL BE AT THE BACK GLASS DOOR. IF YOU NEED TO ADD SOMEONE TO YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT SHEET PLEASE DO SO A.S.A.P. EVERY CHILD MUST BE PICKED UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! If a child has not been picked up within 30 minutes we will call the parents and/or emergency contacts of that child. A staff person will remain until all children have been evacuated. Emergency Sheltering Of Children
In the unlikely event that we are instructed by local/federal authorities, all children will remain in the locked school building and no one will be permitted to enter or exit the school until we receive the "ALL CLEAR" from emergency management officials. This emergency sheltering plan is important in the event that chemicals are airborne. All children will remain in the care of Faith staff members and will be released to parents as soon as the threat has passed or is minimized. This is the recommended procedure by safety officials and one that many schools are adopting. This situation requires the full cooperation of our parents. In the event of a chemical hazard those entering and exiting the building would pose a serious health hazard to all. Therefore, please remember that we will be unable to permit you to enter the building until the "ALL CLEAR" notification is given. Also know that we are doing our best to keep your children safe! It is our sincerest hope that the information and plans provided will never be called upon! However, we feel it necessary to be proactive and have a complete plan intact.
Security System
Faith Lutheran Church & Preschool now uses a keyless entry system. All doors of the church will be kept locked at all times! Preschool parents will be required to complete a registration form (in your Orientation packet) and return this form with a $5 fee (1 per family only!). Fobs will be issued as soon as your form and fee is processed. You will then be permitted access to the building during school hours (8-4:00 M-F) using your fob. Fobs can only be used at the back (glass) door. A record is kept of every person entering the building. We also have security cameras at the front and back (glass) door. Anyone not having a fob will have to "BUZZ" to be permitted entry.
We are pleased to be able to offer this system for the added security of our students and staff members.
Other Information - of Importance
Since July of 1987 the Department of Human Services has made available a toll-free number which any person may use to report a suspected violation, to obtain information concerning licensing standards, or report suspected child abuse. This toll-free number is posted on the license in our office. The Director and each employee of Faith Preschool is required under Section 2151.421 of the Revised Code to report their suspicions of child abuse or child neglect to the appropriate agencies. At least one staff member who has completed a course in child abuse recognition and prevention will be readily available at all times on the Preschool premises. Any custodial parent, custodian or guardian of a child enrolled at Faith Preschool shall be permitted unlimited access to the center during its hours of operation for the purposes of contacting his/her child, evaluating the care provided, or evaluating the premises. Upon entering the premises, the custodial parent, custodian or guardian shall notify the Director or teacher. Rosters of names and telephone numbers of parents, custodians or guardians of children attending the Preschool will be given to all parents, custodians or guardians. Anyone who does not wish for this information about him/herself to be distributed on the roster may indicate so on the Roster Notification Form provided at the beginning of the school year. Faith Preschool's licensing record includes, but is not limited to compliance forms from the Health, Building and Fire Departments which inspected the Preschool and are available upon request from the Department of Human Services. The local Department of Human Services is located at the Canton District Office, United Bank Building, 220 Market Avenue- South, Canton OH 44702, phone (33%0) 430-1950.