Preschool Hours and Late Pick-Up Fees

We are very excited to have your child join us at Mayflower Preschool. Our dedicated and well-trained teachers are eager to provide a stimulating and creative educational environment for your child, along with fun and exciting activities planned for our fall session, all the while surrounding him or her with love. We commit ourselves to a deep concern for the overall intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of each child within Mayflower.

Before our fall year begins, we know that you may have a few questions or concerns regarding our program. You will find many of the answers to your general questions in the Mayflower Parent Handbook but for more specific, site-related questions, please see the office staff.

Preschool Hours and Late Pick-Up Fees:

Our preschool program hours are 7:00AM – 5:30PM, Monday through Friday. Please do not drop your child off any earlier than 7:00 AM, as the teaching staff will not be available. We also ask that you pick up your child promptly at your pick-up time. There will be a late fee of $1.00 per minute.

Whether your child arrives at 7:00am or 8:30am, It is important to arrive on time. When picking up your child please wait until we open the door as the teaching staff might be in the middle of a closing activity. The children will become distracted if parents begin to walk in the room early.

Contact Information:

It is very important that we have current information on your child’s emergency card including accurate names, phone numbers, and addresses. If there are any changes in your contact information or anybody that might help pick up your child, please notify us immediately so that the changes can be made on your child’s emergency card.

Parent Helpers:

If you are able to volunteer, please complete the volunteer form (you’ll find it in your back to school packet). If a parent plans to volunteer on a regular basis they’ll need proof of a negative TB test and live scan before they can volunteer regularly in the classroom. We will create a calendar of volunteers based on parent availability that will begin in mid September.

Personal Space:

Your child will have a designated cubby with his/her name on it. Your child’s change of clothes and bedding will be in this space, so please check daily. Backpacks are not necessary or required but they’ll need to bring a lunch that doesn’t require refrigeration nor microwaved. Your receipts and any paperwork will be found in the child’s folders or cubby. Lunch boxes will be placed in the lunch bin in front of your child’s classroom.

Preschool Information Board:

Please check the parent information board and classroom boards for all current events and lesson plans for the week. We will post any pertinent information to the class on this board including the daily schedule, snack menu, and newsletters.

Thank you for choosing Mayflower for your preschool needs. We look forward getting to know you throughout the year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (714) 527-2343

Noel Estrada Director

List of things you’ll need to bring:

1. Change of clothes in zip lock back w/name 2. Diapers, pull-ups and wipes (if potty training) 3. Crib size fitted sheet 4. Blanket 5. Label all items 6. Lunch Things you’ll need to know for the first day of school

 Prepare your child for the new school experience by explaining what to expect. Answer all questions directly and honestly.

1* Convey a positive attitude. Young children are aware of your feelings. Your enthusiasm will assure the child that school can be a fun and exciting place.

2* Establish a routine involving both the night before a school day as well as morning preparation. Rituals and routines will add predictability and are comforting in unfamiliar situations.

3* When you arrive, please pick up your child’s nametag and room number. Place the nametag on your child.

4* Sign your child in at the pin pad. There will be a teacher at the pin pad to assist you if you have forgotten your code.

5* Take your child to their classroom and place their belongings in their cubby.

6* Have you child line up outside their classroom.

7* Clearly state to your child that you are leaving and when you will return. It may also be helpful to discuss what will happen when you are reunited.

8* Maintain a clear good-bye routine. This may include, a kiss and hug, or a wave from the window. Once you tell your child you are leaving, it is important to follow through. Extending the good-bye with, "Ok just one more kiss, and then I really have to go” tends to heighten anxiety rather than relieve it. Avoid sneaking out, as this seems to encourage children to become less trusting and makes the second day of school even harder.

9* When picking up your child please sign them out on the pin pad and proceed to their classroom. Parent Handbook Table of Contents

Philosophy and Mission …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2

Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum …………………………………………………………………………………2

Additional Programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2

Goals and Objectives …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Licensing ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Admission...... 3

Enrollment ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Wait List ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Hours of Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Program Fees …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5

Discipline …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Daily Procedures Signing in/Signing out …………………………………………………………………………………….6

Release of Children …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7

Health Policy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Immunizations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8

Communicable Diseases…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Injuries………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8

Medications/Sunscreen…………………………………………………………………………………………………………....9

Emergency Procedures………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9

Toilet Training………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10

Nap Time…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Children’s Belonging………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10

Food Allergies………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11

Snacks/Lunch…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

Birthdays………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12

Parking Lot Safety…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12

Field Trips…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12

Child Abuse………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12

Withdrawing from the Program……………………………………………………………………………………………….12 Philosophy and Mission

At Mayflower we strive for a loving and joyful environment where children, families and staff come together to enrich and touch the lives of our future. Mayflower Preschool Programs focus on complete learning experiences for children, offering hands on experiences that enrich and build each child’s learning skills according to their age and ability. We encourage a lifelong love of learning.

Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

Recognizing that children grow in predictable stages, we treat each child as an individual by allowing him/her to work and play at their own level. We teach a love of learning by allowing children to fully experience their own stage of development without pressure. Both our indoor and outdoor environments are carefully planned to encourage independence and choices. A wide variety of activities are offered in the areas of creative art, math, science, cooking , tactile play, music and movement, small and large motor skills, dramatic play, language arts, and manipulative play.

Additional Programs

Mayflower Movement is a 30-minute weekly creative dance class promoting self-esteem and developing coordination. Children learn creative dance movement, dance technique, basic positions, and terminology while using fun and exciting props and listening to their favorite tunes. There is an additional fee to enroll your child in this program.

Tumble Tots is a 30-minute weekly tumbling class encouraging self-confidence and improving gross-motor skills. Children learn basic tumbling skills and terminology and they are encouraged to explore an obstacle course using fun hoops and colorful ribbons while listening to their favorite tunes. There is an additional fee to enroll your child in this program.

Little Star Sports is a 30-35 minute weekly sports specific program that helps build children’s coordination, improve their balance, develop gross and fine motor skills and foster self-esteem. An experienced and enthusiastic coach will use imaginative games to teach basic sports skills while ensuring that each child has a great time. There is an additional fee to enroll your child in this program. 2

Goals and Objectives

Mayflower Preschool’s main goals and objectives are to provide a positive, fun, safe environment for each child. That, along with a well-balanced curriculum, allows each child to grow and develop according to his/her age. Our objectives include:

 Offering a clean, safe, accepting and caring environment for all children  Giving parents regular communication, opportunities for volunteering and biannual teacher/parent conferences  Providing positive disciplinary techniques and helping children develop and use their problem solving skills  Inspiring and building self-confidence and self-esteem through a variety of learning activities  Encouraging children to move about freely, make personal choices and develop new friendships  Contributing to the development of physical growth, creativity, self-concept, social awareness and intellectual curiosity in children

Licensing

Mayflower Preschool is fully licensed by the State of California, Department of Social Services (License # 300600639) as a day care center. We are inspected by regulatory agencies in the areas of health, fire safety and child and family services.

Community Care Licensing has the right to interview children, staff, review records and inspect the entire facility without notice. All laws related to licensing are strictly adhered to, including teacher qualifications, criminal background clearance, staff child ratio, children’s health and facility safety.

Admission Policy

Mayflower Preschool shares universal values, is non-sectarian and does not discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, national and/ or ethnic origin, or other personal preferences in education policies or admissions. 3

Enrollment

Our class enrollment opens the first week of March to current students and siblings. The first week of April enrollment is open to the general public and is on a first come first serve basis. A registration fee of $85 will be required at time of registration. REGISTRATION FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.

Upon admission to the preschool, you will receive a packet of forms that needs to be completed. All forms must be completed two weeks prior to your child’s attendance to preschool. We reserve the right to refuse service if your child’s forms are not completed and current. You are required to keep your child’s forms current by updating them immediately whenever any of the information changes, including phone number, immunization records, allergies, and emergency contact information. Information updates should be in writing and dropped off in the office.

Wait List

Children may be placed on a wait list if all positions are filled. If a position becomes available, you will be notified by phone. You will have five business days to respond and register for the program before the space is offered to the next person on the wait list. If you choose to decline or fail to respond, you will be removed from the wait list.

Hours of Operation

Mayflower Preschool is open from 7:00am to 5:30pm Monday thru Friday. We offer four sessions.

 Full Day 7:00 am to 5:30 pm  Partial Day 7:00 am to 3:15 pm  Extended Morning 8:30 am to 12:30 pm  Morning 8:30 am to 11:45 am

Mayflower Preschool follows the Rossmoor School District calendar. Classes are not held on standard holidays or days that precede and proceed standard holidays. Any other closures will be posted on the School Calendar. 4 Program Fees

Mayflower Preschool is a non-profit organization. The money needed to operate its programs comes from tuition, fees, contributions and fundraising. All tuition and fees are nonrefundable except where otherwise stated.

Full Day Programs Monday – Friday 7:00 am -5:30 pm $705 Monday/Wednesday/Friday 7:00 am -5:30 pm $523 Tuesday/Thursday 7:00 am -5:30 pm $405

Partial Day Programs Monday – Friday 7:00 am -3:15 pm $686 Monday/Wednesday/Friday 7:00 am -3:15 pm $508 Tuesday/Thursday 7:00 am -3:15 pm $386

Extended Morning Program Monday – Friday 8:30 am - 12:30 pm $524 Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:30 am - 12:30 pm $372 Tuesday/Thursday 8:30 am - 12:30 pm $288

Morning Program Monday – Friday 8:30 am -11:45 pm $494 Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:30 am -11:45 pm $342 Tuesday/Thursday 8:30 am -11:45 pm $258

Tuition is due on the 1st of the month. A late fee of $25 will be applied to any payment received after the 6th of the month. If payment is not received by the 15th day of any month, your child may not return to preschool until payment is made in full. There will be a $20 service fee applied for all returned checks. After two returned checks, only cash will be accepted.

 Material fee of $50 is due on the first day the child comes to preschool. Due annually thereafter.  Potty Training fee of $100 for full day, $75 for three days and $50 for two days or less. Paid monthly until the teacher affirms the child is potty trained. (out of diapers or pull-ups)  Late fee of $1 per minute if a child is at preschool later or earlier than they are scheduled.  Forget to bring bedding for naptime a $3 fee for each day your child is without bedding.  Additional siblings in the same family will receive a 10% discount on the lower of the two tuition rates. (both must be attending within the same school year) Military families receive a 10% discount. 5 Discipline

In order to make the preschool program a positive experience for all children, we ask that four basic principles be observed:

 Listen and follow directions the first time  Keep your hands and feet to yourself  Share and take turns  Be kind to each other

When a child does not observe the expected guidelines, the preschool staff will discuss an appropriate plan of action, which may include any or all of the following steps:

 Separate the child from the group for an age appropriate amount of time  Discuss with the child the inappropriate behavior before they return to the group  Parents will be notified of any problems during class  Staff will document all behavior problems

Teachers use positive methods of guidance that encourage independence and a sense of responsibility. Redirections are ways to guide the child from inappropriate play to a more appropriate activity. Teachers communicate with children when solving problems in the classroom or outdoors; this communication may include giving alternative choices to the child or assisting the child with problem solving.

It is the parents’ responsibility to inform the Preschool of any behavior, or physical issues, which may affect their child’s day-to-day activities in class. Such issues must be specifically noted on the child’s registration form and emergency card. Staff will do their best to accommodate your child’s needs.

If a child’s behavior continues to be a problem and/or the safety of others is at risk, a decision could be made to suspend a child temporarily from the program or the child may be removed from the program entirely.

Daily Procedures/Signing In/Signing Out

It is very important that your child attend class on their scheduled day and be on time so that they may take full advantage of what the program has to offer. If your child is absent, from the program there are no reduction of fees and we cannot allow the switching of days to make up for a child’s missed days. In addition, it is very important that your child arrives by 8:30; this is when the teacher begins circle time. Dropping off late can be disruptive to other children and could be a stressful and traumatic experience for your child.

It is required that all children be accompanied by a parent/guardian when dropped off or picked up. Parents/guardians must sign their child in and out by entering their pin number into the key pad. 6 IF LICENSING FINDS THAT YOU HAVE FAILED TO SIGN YOUR CHILD IN OR OUT OF THE SCHOOL’S CUSTODY BY NOT ENTERING YOUR PIN NUMBER, YOU CAN BE ASSESSED A STEEP FINE OF $150 PER MISSING SIGNATURE. THIS FINE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS.

You must check your child in with the teacher. Children must never be left alone on the playground, in the bathrooms, in a classroom or allowed to wander onto church property unattended.

Release of Children

Children will be released only to parents and those on the authorized pick up list. Persons unknown to the preschool staff will be asked to show a picture ID. Authorized persons must be 18 years of age. To authorize an alternate person to pick up your child, you may add them to the pickup list in our files or provide written consent that includes the person’s name, phone number, the specific date(s), and your signature. Verbal consent will be accepted only in a medical emergency.

Health Policy

Mayflower Preschool strives to preserve the wellness of the preschool. You will be asked to keep your child at home when he/she is unable to participate in all activities including outdoor play due to illness.

If your child is exhibiting any of (but not limited to) the following symptoms, please keep your child home.

 A fever, child need to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to preschool  If talking an antibiotic during the first 24 hours  If there is nasal discharge that is thick or colored  A constant cough or complaining of ear hurting  Any symptoms of a communicable disease (including cold or flu)  Diarrhea or vomiting  Complains of headache, sore throat or lethargy

If a child becomes ill while at preschool, he/she will be separated from other children and will be offered a blanket and a cot to lie on. Children Must be picked up within one hour of notification. Children must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school.

In the event that a parent/guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be notified.

It is very important that all emergency contact information be kept up to date and current. Please inform the school immediately of any changes to keep your information current. 7 Immunizations

The State of California requires that children be current on all immunizations before entering school. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to keep their child’s immunizations up to date and provide the preschool with appropriate documentation to keep in their children’s files. Any child that is under immunized because of a medical condition or a family’s beliefs will be asked to sign the waiver on the back of the California School Immunization Record.

Communicable Disease

In order to protect the wellness of all the children you are required to notify the preschool immediately when your child is diagnosed with any communicable illness or disease. Failure to do so compromises the health of the children and faculty that attend our preschool.

Mayflower Preschool is required by the State of California to report communicable diseases to the state licensing department. In turn, the preschool will notify each family whose children have been exposed to a communicable illness or disease via letter. However the identity of the child with the illness or disease will be kept confidential.

Illnesses or diseases that must be communicated to our office are:

Chicken Pox Impetigo Pinworm Ringworm Scabies Pink Eye Scarlett Fever Strep Throat Head Lice Hand Foot & Mouth Disease Fifths Disease

Injuries

Every effort is made to keep your child safe; however, bumps, bruises and scratches are common for young children.

All teachers are required to have current first aid and infant/child/adult CPR certification. A first aid kit is kept in each classroom and on the playground.

All minor accidents are reported through the use of an Ochie Report and will be placed in your child’s cubby. Minor accidents such as cuts and scrapes will be treated with soap, water and a band-aid. Bumps and bruises will be treated with an ice pack.

Injuries that are more serious in nature such as head, neck, back and broken bones will generate an immediate call to the parents/guardian.

If the injury appears serious or questionable, the preschool will immediately call 911. 8 Medication/Sunscreen

Mayflower Preschool does not administer any medication without a Medication Release Form signed by the child’s physician and parent. Parents must give medication to a Mayflower Preschool staff member directly.

For All Medication:

 Medication must be in the original container and labeled with the child’s name  Medication must have instruction and dosage recommendation for the child’s age and weight  Medication must not be expired  Medication duration, dosage and amount to be given must not exceed label specific recommendations for how often or how long to be given  Medication no longer being used will promptly be returned to the parent/guardian

As we live in California, we have many warm and sunny days. Thus, we ask that parents apply sunscreen to their child in the morning before coming to school.

If parents would like the staff to re-apply sunscreen, they must provide a bottle of labeled sunscreen to keep in the classroom.

Evacuation Procedures

Living in California makes us aware of the present possibility of an earthquake. The safety and welfare of your children is of utmost concern to us.

Children practice monthly fire drills and quarterly earthquake drills throughout the school year.

In the event of an emergency that requires that we evacuate the building, we will go to the following location:

Laure Park 10862 Bloomfield Ave. Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Please keep this information with you on school days.

In the event that we need to evacuate the building, children and teachers will conduct themselves as if it were a fire drill. Teachers have been given instructions on the different fire routes out of the building. We will communicate via text message and voicemail. (Please make sure we have your cell number on file.)

9 Toilet Training

We understand that most two year olds are not toilet trained, and this is not a requirement at Mayflower Preschool.

We believe that learning to use the toilet is a developmental step that happens at different times for each individual child.

We work closely with the parent and child to toilet train the child in a consistent, calming, encouraging manner. We celebrate success and keep a positive upbeat attitude when a child has an “accident.” The parent and school should follow a consistent and similar schedule, or the child’s training will be erratic. Your child’s teacher will keep you posted on progress – and please keep us abreast of any news, for example, when your child comes to preschool with only underwear on.

Parents need to provide diapers and wipes for their child, please bring extra clothing and write your child’s name on everything you bring.

Nap time for children is from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm each day. If your child attends our full day or partial day programs, they will take a nap during this time. Please send a crib size fitted sheet, and a blanket that can be left a school for your child. No child will be forced to sleep, however they are encouraged to remain quiet and on their cot during this time.

Parents are asked to take their child’s bedding home on Fridays, wash it and return it on Monday. Please make sure that you have your child’s name on all their bedding.

Children’s Belongings

Preschool activities are messy, sticky, gooey and wonderful!!! Dress your child in “work clothes” and expect dirt, stains and paint. You have chosen a preschool that is rich in discovery, hands-on activities and creative art involvement. Be sure to dress you child accordingly and let them play freely and joyously without inhibitions or fear of getting “dirty.” We ask that you send an extra change of clothing for your child in a gallon zip lock bag with your child’s name on the bag. All extra clothing is placed in your child’s cubby. Please label your child’s belonging in order to prevent a mix-up of clothing.

10 Children can be very persuasive when wanting to bring toys or special treasures to school, but as a parent, you know how things can be broken, argued over or lost. Please do not send your child to school with toys or their special treasure. The preschool has ample supplies and the children find it easier to share toys from school rather than toys from home. Mayflower Preschool will not be responsible for lost or broken toys that are brought to school.

The only exception to this policy is on designated share days. All share things need to be placed in the share box outside your child’s room.

Food Allergies

Some children in Mayflower Preschool are affected by life-threatening food allergies, and even more are affected by less severe food sensitivities.

All families must inform the preschool of their child’s food allergies upon enrollment or the onset of allergies if it occurs subsequent to enrollment. Families who know that their child has a food allergy will need to complete a Food Allergy Action Plan, which must be signed by the parent and their child’s physician as well as a Medication Release Form (if applicable). Mayflower Preschool cannot administer any medication without these forms.

Snacks/Lunch

Mayflower Preschool provides nutritional mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks for every child in our program. They include such items as cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, vegetables and dip, cereal and pretzels.

We encourage children to try all snacks however; we do not force children to eat.

If your child is in our Full Day, Partial Day, or Extended Day Programs you will need to provide lunch for your child on the days they come. We encourage parents to provide a nutritional lunch for their child, by trying to include the following;

 Protein  Fruit  Vegetable  Grain  Drink

We strongly suggest keeping sugary food to the bare minimum.

Please use a child-sized lunch box/bag with your child’s name on it. We do not have the 11 facility to re-heat or refrigerate your child’s lunch, so please make sure that the food you send can be eaten cold. Teachers take this opportunity to interact with children while they are eating and help children that may need some guidance in opening containers or small packages. They also use this time to work on socialization and table manners.

Birthdays

Birthdays are a time to celebrate your child. Children’s birthdays are celebrated in the classroom with a crown and a birthday song during circle time. Parents may bring birthday treats, but please speak with your child’s teacher before hand to see if there are specific food allergies.

Parking Lot Safety

 Drive slowly and stay alert to the presence of small children  NEVER leave any child unattended in the car no matter how quickly you think you will return or how inclement the weather  Keep children close as you walk them through the parking lot  Please refrain from using cell phones while driving though the parking lot  Please respect the disabled and reserved parking spaces

Field Trips

Children will be taking field trips throughout the school year. We believe that field trips can enhance the curriculum and your children’s learning experiences. On field trips, we utilize school buses as our form of transportation. We encourage parents to attend field trips, but, as space can be limited, only a few parents will be able to ride the bus and the rest will be asked to drive separately. Younger siblings are welcome, but parents will have to drive them separately.

Parents will always be notified in advance of planned field trips. Specific permission slips are provided for all field trips where parents can state if they do or do not want children to go. On days that we go on field trips the preschool is closed.

Child Abuse

By law Mayflower Preschool staff is considered mandated reporters, therefore if there is reason to suspect the occurrence of physical, sexual or emotional child abuse or neglect, we will immediately report it to child protective services.

Withdrawing or Dismissal from Preschool

The parent /guardian must give a thirty day written notice when they wish to withdraw a child. If thirty days are not given the parent must pay tuition for the next month whether the child is here or not. 12