STANDARDS
First Presbyterian Preschool, established in 1966, is licensed by the State of California’s Department of Social Services, and complies with all the standards put forth by that department. A volunteer Preschool Board and a paid director govern its operation. A fully qualified teacher teaches each class. Our classroom ratio is one (1) teacher and one (1) assistant to fifteen (15) students.
ENROLLMENT
Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, or political belief. A child with special needs will be accepted if it is determined that the preschool is able to meet the individual needs of the child; and that there would be no adverse effect upon other children due to either the direct behavior of the child or to the requiring of staff time needed by other children.
Children must be at least 3 years old, and no older than 5 years to be enrolled.
Children must be fully potty trained, that includes not wearing pull-ups to school.
Separation of a child from a parent before the child is emotionally ready to adjust may be difficult. The chronological age is not the absolute criteria for admission. The staff will observe your child during her/his adjustment period at preschool and will evaluate the child’s readiness for a school experience. The best interest of the child will be kept in mind in determining admission.
DISCIPLINE
Giving positive verbal rewards encourages acceptable behavior. This reinforces a child’s good feeling about his/her behavior and serves as an example to the other children to act in such a way as to receive this praise. Asking a child to stop and think about his/her unpleasant behavior enables that child to work at self-control. If a child is not cooperating in a group listening situation, the child is seated by a teacher and reminded of acceptable behavior. Removal from the group for a period of time-out is the next tactic used for a child who continually demonstrates unacceptable behavior. This time-out in not a punishment, but rather a time when the child may calm down and think about the choices, he/she is making. The child may rejoin the group within a few minutes with appropriate behavior.
Corporal punishment is not considered to be an acceptable method of dealing with young children’s behavior. Children will not be hit, slapped, or spanked in any manner while attending First Presbyterian Church Preschool. The preschool respectfully requests that all preschool families respect our policy of no corporal punishment while on church grounds.
If behavior problems persist, the child is brought to the director’s office. Parents may be notified when a discipline problem exists. We need to maintain close cooperation between parents and school to work out the problem. If at any time we feel a child has a behavior problem so serious that we are not equipped to help, or, if we feel other students are being negatively affected, we will dismiss the child from enrollment.
DRESS
Think of your child’s comfort – and provide simple clothing that is free of complicated fastenings. Think of the art materials and other hands-on activities – and provide clothing that is washable. Think of our playground – and provide clothing that is sturdy. Also, provide shoes that are comfortable and safe. Cowboy boots and dress shoes often have slippery soles and are not recommended for preschool. All shoes must have a back, so they do not easily come off. Close-toed shoes are the safest to wear, especially for outside activities. Think of the changeable autumn weather and dress your child accordingly. Provide sweaters and jackets even on the first sunny fall days. The children may not need them, but in case they do, they will have them. Be sure to label all outer garments including hats and umbrellas. Please label backpacks and lunch pails as well.
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP OF CHILDREN
The school gate will remain closed until it is time for the school day to begin. When the gate is opened, the children are to be taken directly to their classrooms. An authorized adult is to sign each child in and out each day. A full signature is required, as is the time of drop off and pick up. Children will only be signed out and released to persons who have been authorized to pick up the child. This authorization is stated in each child’s records. These authorized persons must be able to show the preschool staff a driver’s license or other acceptable identification before the child will be released.
The courtyard will be attractively prepared for the children’s daily recess time. Please do not allow your preschool child or siblings to play on the equipment when you are bringing your children to school or picking them up.
WITHDRAWAL
If a child needs to be withdrawn from preschool, two weeks’ notice is required so that another child can fill the vacancy. Should more notice be possible, it would be appreciated. Please give the notice, in writing, to the Director.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE
Emergency school closure will be at the discretion of the director and the Preschool Board when it is determined that the health, safety, and welfare of the children and staff is compromised due to unforeseen conditions such as:
Loss of power, heat, telephone use, inclement weather conditions or disaster. In all cases, the Preschool Board will reserve the right to consider refunds.
