CALENDAR DATES TABLE OF CONTENTS ADMISSION POLICY………………………………………….. 5 August 19-22 Orientation Sessions Aug. 26& 27 Classes begin AREAS OF CONCENTRATION……………………………… 1 September 2 – No Class ARRIVAL POLICY…………………………………………...… 8 Sept. 23 & 24 Open House Nights (5:30 pm – 7 pm) BIBLE STORY……………………………………………….…. 16 BOOK CLUBS………………………………………………….. 14 October 14 – No Class CALENDAR……………………………………………………… 18 October 17 Preschool Picture Day – TTh/MTTh class CALENDAR DATES……………………………………………. 19 October 18 Preschool Picture Day – MWF during class CLASS SCHEDULES………………………………………….. 9 October 30 Party-MWF CLASS PARTIES……………………………………………….. 17 October 31 Halloween Party – TTh/MTTh CLASSROOM RULES…………………………………………. 6 DAILY SCHEDULE……………………………………………… 9 DELINQUENT CHECKS…………………………………….… 7 November 8 District 54 P/T Conf. No school DEPARTURE POLICY………………………………………… 8 November 11 Veteran’s Day-No School DEVELOPMENTAL CONCEPTS…………………………….. 3 November 27 Thanksgiving Break – No Class DISCIPLINE…………………………………………………….. 6 November 28 Thanksgiving Day – No Class DISCHARGE POLICY…………………………………………. 14 November 29 Thanksgiving Break – No Class ELEVATOR ACCESS………………………………………….. 11

FIELD TRIPS…………………………………………………… 17 December 9 Program – MWF during class FIRST AID…………………………………………………….... 12 December 10 Christmas Program – TTH/MTTh during class FUNDRAISERS………………………………………………... 17 Dec 16-Jan 6 Christmas Break – No Class HEALTH………………………………………………………… 11 January 7&8 Classes resume INSURANCE…………………………………………………… 12 January 20 Martin Luther King Day – No Class INFORMATION BULLETIN BOARD………………………… 14 LATE FEES…………………………………………………….. 7 February 13 Valentine Party – TTh/MTTh LIBRARY DAY…………………………………………………. 15 February 14 Valentine Party – MWF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION…………………………… 12 February 17 President’s Day – No Class MISSION PROJECTS…………………………………………. 16 February 27 & 28 Parent Teacher Conference - No Class PARENT BULLETIN BOARD………………………………… 14 2 Day – No Class PARENT CONFERENCES…………………………………… 14 March 19&20 Preschool Teacher Institute- No Class PARENT WAITING ROOM…………………………………… 11 March 23-27 – No Class PEST MANAGEMENT………………………………………… 18 April 1 & 2 Classes resume PHILOSOPHY………………………………………………….. 1 April 11 & 12 Preschool Teacher Institute – No Class PHOTOGRAPHS………………………………………………. 16 April 17 Party – MWF & MW during class PRESCHOOL BOARD………………………………………… 2 April 18 Easter Party – TTH during class PRESCHOOL STAFF…………………………………………. 2 April 19 – No Class PROGRAM GOALS…………………………………………… 1 April 22 – No Class RADON TESTING…………………………………………….. 15 REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS………………………… 5 May1 & 2 Lunch in the Park between classes RELEASE OF STUDENT RECORDS ……………………… 7 May 6 Spring Program - MWF & MW (6-7 pm) REPORTING ABSENCES……………………………………. 11 May 7 Spring Program - TTH (6-7 pm) SCHOOL ATTIRE……………………………………………… 13 May 13 Last Day of Class/Year End Party – MWF & MW SHOW AND TELL……………………………………………… 15 May 14 Last Day of Class/Year End Party – TTH SNACK POLICY………………………………………………... 17 May 15 Preschool Institute – No Class SPECIAL PROGRAMS………………………………………… 17 19 TUITION PAYMENT……………………………………………. 7 UNSAFE CHILREN’S PRODUCTS…………………………… 15 PHILOSOPHY PEST MANAGEMENT The United Methodist Preschool of Morris provides a The Preschool practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to Christian atmosphere where young children have the control pests in our preschool facility and to minimize the opportunity to learn through their play during center and group exposure of students, families and staff to pesticides. activities. The values of sharing, caring for themselves, others and the world around them are stressed. These values will be The Preschool will perform: fostered through various activities including Bible stories and • Regular monitoring to identify pest problems Christian music. At no time is denomination discussed. • Preventive actions to reduce future pest problems • Preference for the use of non-chemical control methods to AREAS OF CONCENTRATION address pest problems • When necessary, use the least hazardous chemical control Your child will learn about many different topics throughout methods for pest problems the school year by participating in an environment that • Training for staff when needed encourages active learning at his/her own pace. In addition to teacher-guided activities such as story telling, singing, games If a pesticide is necessary, parents and staff will be notified in and reading, your child will learn and enrich skills and concepts writing at least two business days and no more than 30 days through learning centers. A few examples of learning centers prior (anti-microbial agents and insecticide & rodent-icide baits include : reading/story telling, writing, math, science, music, art, are exempt from notification). Pesticides will not be applied in drama, transportation and block/building. We want your child’s the presence of children; and toys and other items will be preschool experience to be a fun and enjoyable adventure. removed prior to spraying. Children will not re-enter the treated area for at least two hours or as long as is stated on the product label. PROGRAM GOALS CALENDAR • To develop an awareness of the wonder of learning; The United Methodist Preschool is in session from late • To develop an awareness of the wonders of God’s creation; August until mid-May. We will follow the calendar of Morris • To assist young children in developing positive self-esteem; Elementary School District #54 as closely as possible. Any day • To encourage social and emotional growth; that the grade school is not in session, including teacher • To foster independence and self-confidence; institute, conference days or holidays, we will not be in session. • To encourage group cooperation and the development of When the grade school has early dismissal, we will have our appropriate social behavior; regular session. If the grade school is closed because of a • To develop gross and fine motor skills; snow day, the preschool will also be closed. An announcement • To provide learning opportunities through exploration and will be made on the Morris radio stations if a cancellation is discovery; necessary due to snow or an emergency. School closings will • To develop the ability for effective communication through be broadcast on the following stations: WCSJ –103.1 FM and listening and speaking; WJDK – 95.7 FM. • To nurture creativity and self-expression. 1 18 SPECIAL PROGRAMS 2019-2020 PRESCHOOL The classes will participate in two programs during the year. BOARD MEMBERS The first will be held on Mon., Dec. 9th and Tues., Dec. 10th during class time. The second program will be held at 6:00 pm Barb Ewalt Abby Wilkinson on Thursday., April 30th for all classes. 815/942-5428 815/600-3457

FUNDRAISERS Leann Hill Michelle Macdonald 815/942-5938 815/712-7847 If the preschool board feels that there is a need, fundraisers may be held. These do help to keep down tuition fees. Your Stephanie Olson participation is greatly appreciated, but is not mandatory. 815/557-9069

FIELD TRIPS Walking field trips will be planned throughout the year for our four-year old classes. If safety dictates, volunteer parent Ex-Officio Board Members chaperones will be asked to accompany these trips. Rev. Robert Sathuri Rev. Laura Wilson 815/942-0809 815/942-0809 CLASS PARTIES Five class party dates are listed on the last page of this Sharon Alonzo, Director booklet. Sign-up lists for volunteers will be posted on the parent 815/941-9937 bulletin board. The parties will be held for the following holidays: Halloween (The children come to school dressed in costume. Costumes must allow for comfortable movement, PRESCHOOL STAFF vision is not impaired by a mask and be in keeping with a preschool friendly theme.), Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Sharon Alonzo is our Director/Teacher. This is her fourth Easter and Year-End. year with the preschool as director. She is also a former preschool aide and parent. We have one teacher aide: Christy SNACK POLICY Lamaze. Mrs. Lamaze is starting her fifth year on our teaching team and is a veteran preschool parent. The Preschool is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and to preventing life-threatening allergic reactions at school. Our preschool program includes a nutritional snack to be served each day from an approved list. Birthday treats will no longer be allowed. Class parties will include a snack creation station as part of the party experience. 17 2 DEVELOPMENTAL CONCEPTS PHOTOGRAPHS Elbe Photography will be taking formal portraits of each student We will be fostering learning by providing an atmosphere once during the year. Photos will be taken on October 17th & of play and safe experimentation using developmentally 18th during class time. There will be a picture re-take date on appropriate practices. November 5. Informal photographs of the children may be taken at parties, Social Emotional during field trips or in the classroom. These may be used by the teacher/director for classroom use, newspaper articles or for * Encouraging play with other children personal memory keepsakes for staff. To insure the privacy * Encouraging taking turns and sharing and personal safety of our preschool students and staff, * Encouraging appropriate emotional expressions photographs that include: children other than your own, * Creating an awareness/concern for another’s feelings preschool staff, preschool facilities, and/or preschool * Providing activities that extend attention spans activities outside the classroom are not permitted to be * Providing activities that introduce responsibility posted on the internet except when approved by the Board * Identifying the humor in absurd events/sights/sounds of Directors for preschool promotional purposes only.

Cognitive BIBLE STORY * Name & letter recognition/formation practice Your child will participate in a Bible story lesson on most * Numbers recognition/counting school days. The lesson may consist of music, story time, * Basic color & shape recognition finger plays, discussion and/or a prayer. * Basic body parts recognition * Grouping, sorting and matching objects MISSION PROJECTS * Patterning, sequencing and prediction * Directional and positional concepts Every month our school will have a mission project. For * Calendar & time concepts example, our projects will sometimes include donations of * Simple opposites canned goods or loose change. These will be noted on your child’s monthly calendar. It is our hope to expand your child’s horizon to include their town, country and eventually, the world.

16 3 “LIBRARY DAY” Speech and Language Each class will have a “Library Day” every week. This date * Nursery rhyme play will be noted on your child’s class calendar. Your child may * Using repetition and nonsense words check out one book each week from our classroom library. The * Singing and storytelling book is to be returned the following week on “Library Day”. If * Encouraging dramatic play the book is lost or damaged beyond repair, please replace it * Encouraging listening and following directions with a comparable book. * Using multiple word sentence structure * Using problem solving language

UNSAFE CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS Fine Motor The Department of Public Health has compiled a * Encouraging pencil grasp comprehensive list from government sources in order to inform * Cutting with scissors the public about consumer products that may pose a safety * Stringing beads hazard to children. These recalls, ordered by federal * Placing pegs in peg board/soft surfaces government agencies like the Consumer Product Safety * Building with blocks Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety * Drawing lines, shapes, objects and people Administration are categorized by topic. Parents are welcome * Rolling and shaping play dough and encouraged to regularly check this website for updates. http://srs.dph.illinios.gov/webapp/SRSApp/pages/ Gross Motor

RADON TESTING * Walking up/down stairs alternating feet * Walking on tiptoes The preschool facility has performed radon measurements to * Dancing ensure the health and safety of the children, families and staff. * Hopping and jumping All radon levels were determined insignificant. A copy of the * Skipping and galloping Radon test report can be provided to you upon request. * Throwing, catching and kicking a ball * Balancing on a beam and on one foot

15 4 SCHOOL ATTIRE DISCIPLINE Please dress your child in “play clothes” for preschool. We Self-discipline is taught by following consistent routines. do many activities that are a little messy. Classroom rules are based on consideration for others and self. It is also very important that your child wear shoes that are Many discipline techniques are used to avoid causing frustration comfortable for active play and for sitting comfortably on the and confrontation. We think of discipline in a positive way – floor. Rubber-soled and closed-toe shoes are the safest. pointing out behavior we would like to see instead of what the PLEASE dress your child in gym shoes! Flip-flops and open- child is doing wrong. Knowing what is expected helps with self- toe sandals are not allowed. Socks are required for dramatic control. It’s important that your child knows that preschool is play dress-up shoes. NOT all play. He/She will be expected to participate in many Belts are not appropriate for children who are just learning to activities while in school. use the bathroom. Simple pull-on pants also are a good When a child is exhibiting disruptive behavior, he/she will be suggestion to eliminate bathroom challenges. removed from the group to the “Quiet Time” chair by the Our classroom is normally quite warm even in the winter teacher’s desk. There are books and quiet activities available to because it is located above the furnace room. Most children will aid in calming down. It’s also a quiet location during playtime, be comfortable wearing light clothing all year around. Layered so it has a comforting atmosphere. The child may rejoin the clothing is a good idea for colder weather. group when he/she feels back in control. Please be sure that your child has “weather appropriate” outerwear everyday. We will be going outside for activities frequently, even during the winter. CLASSROOM RULES Here are a few rules that we ask the children to follow. Please discuss them with your child before starting school and frequently throughout the year.

1. Use walking feet. 2. Use an inside voice. 3. Sit carefully on chairs. 4. Share and take turns. 5. No toy guns or weapons. 6. Stay in classroom. 7. Sit at circle time. 8. Come when called. 9. Play carefully with toys. No throwing or kicking. 10. Be kind and friendly to everyone.

13 6 ADMISSION POLICY DISCHARGE POLICY Any child who is 3 years old by September 1st is eligible for A parent and/or the director may decide at any time that it is enrollment in the 3-year-old program. Any child who is 4 years in the child’s best interest to discontinue enrollment. At that old by September 1st is eligible for enrollment in the 4-year-old time, the director will be available to plan with the parents to program. Any child who is 5 years old and would benefit from meet the child’s needs after leaving the preschool, including an additional year of preschool will be considered for referrals to other programs or facilities. All outstanding debts enrollment. Any child who is eligible for enrollment must also be must be paid in full at that time. There will be no refunds given toilet-trained. This includes no pull-ups or diapers. for tuition already paid for the current month due.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS PARENT CONFERENCES The following requirements must be met for enrollment: Formal parent/teacher conferences will be held in February. Informal conferences may be held at the parent or teacher’s BIRTH CERTIFICATE request at any time during the school year. Please let the staff Each child enrolling in the preschool must have presented a know if you would like to schedule a conference during the year. certified birth certificate within 30 days of admission date and a The teacher is available most days before and after class. photocopy will be kept on file. PARENT BULLETIN BOARD MEDICAL PHYSICAL Each child enrolling in the preschool must submit a Class calendars and reminder notes will be posted on the completed physical signed by a physician. All immunizations parent bulletin board located in the center of our room. Please are current including Varicella (chicken pox) and up to date and check these regularly for any new information. that each child be assessed for lead screening and TB screening. Physicals are good for two years. Physicals must INFORMATION BULLETIN BOARD be on file before your child can attend class. If you have information or fliers for other parents, please give VISION and HEARING SCREENINGS the flyer to a staff member. No ads for garage sales, babysitting Each child enrolling in the preschool must submit evidence of services, etc. will be accepted. an annual vision and hearing screening performed by their private physician or the parent hereby waives permission to BOOK CLUBS have the Grundy County Health Department conduct a vision Book club fliers will be sent home several times during the screening and a hearing screening on their child during class year. The more age-appropriate books you provide to your time for a fee. If a child fails to pass a screening, a follow-up child, the better your child will do in school. You may order from appointment must be completed within 30 days of the initial any or all of these fliers at your discretion. Participation is totally screening. voluntary.

14 5 TUITION PAYMENT FIRST AID Monthly tuition rates are as follows: The following first aid procedures will be implemented: MWF am = $130.00 • For bumps/bruises: A cold cloth or an ice pack for a short TT am = $105.00 time. MTTh pm = $130.00 • For cuts/scratches: Wash with soap and water and apply a Tuition is due ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST OF EACH band-aid. MONTH. Payment is made one month in advance. Checks are • For splinters: Wash with soap and water, attempt removal payable to the UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL. A receipt of the splinter by hand and apply band-aid. will be given for cash payments only, except upon request. A • For a nose bleed: Cold cloth applied to bridge of nose. payment envelope will be sent home each month to return with tuition payment. If an injury/illness is more severe, the teacher would assist The tuition for each class is determined by an annual the child while staff notifies emergency medical services. budgeted amount divided into 9 equal monthly payments. It is Parents will then be called to meet the child at the hospital. in no way to be considered a “$ per hour” expense. Therefore, Please make sure that we have a current list of any some months have more attendance days than others. There medications your child is taking. Medical personnel will need will not be a reduction in tuition due to illness, emergency, this information in case of an emergency. vacation or discharge.

LATE FEES MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION If tuition is not received by the 10th of the month, there Preschool staff will NOT administer medication. will be a $5.00 late fee. If payment has not been received by th the 20 of the month, there will be a $10.00 late fee. At that INSURANCE time, your child will not be able to attend school. All debts must be paid in full before your child can return to school or before a Our preschool is covered by public liability insurance as younger sibling can enroll at the United Methodist Preschool. required by law. In case of accidental injury, medical needs would be covered by the student’s own insurance plan. DELINQUENT CHECKS If the bank returns your check due to insufficient funds, we will need to be reimbursed the amount of the check, plus any bank charges.

RELEASE OF STUDENT RECORDS Authorization for the release of the records of a student must be in writing by the student’s parents or guardians. Records will be released only to persons authorized in writing by the student’s parents or guardians. 7 12 CLASS SCHEDULES SNACK TIME 3 year old classes: 10:15 AM-10:45 AM 4-year-old classes: 4 year old classes: 10:30 AM-11:00 AM 2:00 PM-2:30 PM Mon./Wed./Fri. mornings (MWF am) from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. M0n/Tues./Thurs. afternoons (TTH pm) from 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. Snack preparation will include an opportunity to use the restroom. Hands will be washed before snacks. A grace will be 3-year-old classes: offered before snacks are eaten. After cleaning up, there will be Tues./Thurs. mornings (TTH am) from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. a brief rest period.

DAILY SCHEDULE ACTIVE PLAY 3 year old classes: 10:45 AM-10:55 AM OPENING CIRCLE TIME 4 year old classes: 11:00 AM-11:20 AM 2:30 PM-2:50 PM 3 year old classes: 9:00 AM-9:15 AM

4 year old classes: 9:00 AM–9:15 AM 12:30 PM-12:45 PM Group games and activities involving gross motor skills will give

the children an opportunity to engage in fun, healthy exercises. A teacher-guided group gathering during which topics are If weather permits, we may go to Chapin Park. discussed using songs, finger plays and stories. Circle time also will include reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and updating STORYTIME CIRCLE the calendar and talking about the weather. 3 year old classes: 10:55 AM-11:00 AM

4 year old classes: 11:20 AM-11:30 AM 2:50 PM-3:00 PM LEARNING CENTERS

3 year old classes: 9:15 AM-9:45 AM Reading activities to encourage and develop an appreciation 4 year old classes: 9:15 AM-10:00 AM 12:45 PM-1:30 PM and enjoyment of literature. Often, Bible stories are shared at

this time. A variety of hands-on centers are available for the children to choose from. These centers encourage making discoveries, DISMISSAL problem-solving and foster development at an individual pace. 3 year old classes: 11:00 AM A take-home craft will usually be made during this time. 4 year old classes: 11:30 AM 3:00 PM

FREE PLAY Children will be dismissed in an orderly fashion to their 3 year old classes: 9:45 AM-10:15 AM designated adult. 4 year old classes: 10:00 AM-10:30AM 1:30 PM-2:00 PM

Various play activities are set-up throughout the classroom to

encourage cooperative play, enhance social skills and increase

self-esteem. The children may choose any of the activities

which may appeal to them.

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REPORTING ABSENCES ARRIVAL POLICY Please bring your child NO EARLIER than 5 minutes Please call to report an absence before class begins or before class begins to ensure that a teacher will be present and during the first half hour of the session. The church’s phone ready for children. It is your responsibility to ensure that your number is 942-0809. Please ask for the preschool when calling. child is safely inside the classroom. Do NOT drop off your child at the street. Transportation to and from preschool is the HEALTH parent’s responsibility. If a parent chooses to carpool, it is an individual decision and not under the direction of the United Staff will screen children daily upon arrival for any Methodist Preschool. An arrival/departure log is posted at the obvious signs of illness. A child having symptoms of top of the stairs. Your child must be signed in by whomever communicable illness such as an elevated temperature, brings him/her to preschool. diarrhea or vomiting in the 24 hours before class must stay home. If your child has a rash, sore throat, chronic cough and/or runny nose, he/she should be kept home. If your child becomes ill at school, he/she will be isolated from the other DEPARTURE POLICY children. Parents or other authorized persons will be contacted to pickup your child as soon as possible. If your child is absent Please be prompt in picking up your child. There is a late because of a contagious disease, i.e. chicken pox, strep throat, charge for pickup. The fee is as follows: scarlet fever, head lice, etc., please inform the preschool as 15 min. = $5.00 soon as possible so that parents of the exposed class members 30 min. = $10.00 can be notified. 45 min. = $15.00 1 hour = Authorities will be notified PARENT WAITING ROOM Children will be released ONLY to their parents or to whomever is listed in writing on the admission application. A Parents are requested to wait quietly in the room at the name may be added or deleted at anytime. In order to amend bottom of the stairs until class is dismissed. Please let staff your child’s pickup list, please complete an authorization form, know if your child needs to be dismissed early. During the listing the person’s name, address and phone number. These winter, please use the room adjoining the staircase for boot drop are available by the arrival/departure log. off. This helps to preserve our carpet and saves cubby space Whoever picks up your child will sign beside your child’s for our backpacks. name on the arrival/departure log. We WILL ask to see a photo

ID if someone we do not know comes to pick up your child. ELEVATOR ACCESS If there are any custodial arrangements or court orders Those individuals who are not able to use our that affect your child, we will need a copy of these documents Wauponsee Street entrance may use the elevator at the parking for your child’s file. lot church entrance on Liberty Street. All others are asked to use our main preschool entrance on Wauponsee Street.

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