FamilyHandbook

Contact Information: Amber Palicke Coordinator (810) 794-9317 option 1305 ​ Angie Berube Lead Teacher (810) 794-8876 option 5 ​ Nichole Brody Associate Teacher ​ Dana Bosel Lead Teacher (810) 794-8876 option 4 ​ Melissa Mann Associate Teacher ​ Lisa MerloTransportation (810) 794-3555 Alan Latosz Superintendent (810) 794-9364 ​

“These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education”

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Table of Contents o Eligibility & Enrollment 3 o RecruitmentPolicy 3 o Referral Policy 3 o Sliding Fee Tuition Scale Policy 4 o Program Philosophy 5 o Curriculum, Screening &Assessment 5-6 o Daily Schedule 6-8 o Transportation 8 o Attendance Policy 8-9 o Exclusion/Health Policy 9-10 o Medication Policy 10 o Dismissal Procedures 10 o Nutrition Policy 11 o Physical Activity Policy 11 o Rest Policy 11 o Clothing Policy 11-12 o Weather Policy 12 o Discipline Policy 12 o Accident/Injury Policy 12 o Emergency Policy 12-13 o Child Abuse/Neglect 13 o Confidentiality 13 o Grievances 13 o Parent Involvement 13-15 o Notice of Program Measurement 15 o Licensing 15

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o School Calendar 16 Eligibility & Enrollment:

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a free preschool that prepares children for kindergarten. In order to be eligible for GSRP, students must be four years of age on or before September first of the current school year and meet income and risk factor requirements. Applications can be accessed online at www.acsk12.us and in the community at Pointe Tremble Early Childhood Center at 9541 Phelps Road in Clay Township.Completed applications and accompanying documents should be returned to GSRP staff at Pointe Tremble Early Childhood Center.Required accompanying documents include proof of family income, documentation of child’s date of birth, completed health appraisal signed by a physician, immunization record, completed child information record, volunteer ICHAT form, and a completed application for free and reduced price lunch. Completed applications are prioritized for enrollment based on income from lowest to highest family poverty level. Applicants at the same poverty level are ranked according to other documented risk factors. Enrollment is not first come, first served; those with the lowest income at the greatest risk will be served first. If a child is enrolled in the program and withdrawal becomes necessary, families should notify the child’s teacher as soon as possible. Recruitment Policy:

A variety of methods are utilized by the staff, district, and advisory committee to connect with families and recruit children most at risk of school failure. Flyers are posted in local educational, medical, and recreational facilities frequented by young families. Flyers are sent home with all students enrolled in the district. Applications are mailed to district families with children who meet age requirements. Information is shared via the district newsletter and website, St. Clair County RESA, the community cable station and electronic bulletin boards. Flyers are handed out during local festivals and events and displays are set up at kindergarten orientations and school open houses. Families who are eligible for Head Start are notified of their eligibility and referred to Head Start as specified in the GSRP manual. Referral Policy:

Families needing assistance with finding community resources in the areas of health, parent support, social/emotional health, basic needs, domestic violence, or childcare, can contact GSRP staff for a list of local resources. Developmental concerns will be documented with care and sensitivity and discussed with parents in the same manner. Accommodations will be made within the classroom to best meet the needs of each student. Should additional intervention be needed, a referral will be made to district special education staff for further evaluation. Results will be analyzed and discussed with parents to determine appropriate action.

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Sliding Fee Tuition Scale Policy:

Public Act 60 of 2013 (the state School Aid Act) refined the focus of eligibility for the GSRP, establishing that up to 10 percent of children enrolled may be from families above ​ ​ 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL) with extreme risk for low educational achievement as determined by number or severity of GSRP risk factors. These families must be charged tuition calculated on a sliding scale, based on family income.

Over-income families are prioritized for enrollment based on the number and severity of risk factors as well as the deviation from the federal poverty level. Income and tuition fees are calculated at the time of enrollment. In the event the family situation changes during the academic year, families may request a re-calculation of income in order to determine a lower tuition.

The tuition for GSRP over poverty income parents will be billed monthly. This rate was set by the St. Clair County RESA with guidance from the Michigan Department of Education. The calculation of the daily rate x the number of student days is shown below.

Rates for income of 251% - 300%: Total Yearly Cost = $300.00

126 school days/ $300.00 = $2.38 per day

September: 8 days x $2.38 = $19.04

October: 14 days x $2.38 = $33.32

November: 12 days x $2.38 = $28.56

December: 11 days x $2.38 = $26.18

January: 14 days x $2.38 = $33.32

February: 15 days x $2.38 = $35.70

March: 14 days x $2.38 = $33.32

April: 16 days x $2.38 = $38.08

May: 16 days x $2.38 = $38.08

June: 6 day x $2.38 = $14.28

**Adjustments will not be made for missed days, including absence due to unexpected illness or ​ extreme weather.Billing statements will be sent monthly and payment can be made at the Algonac Community Schools administration office, 5200 Taft Road, Algonac 48001 ​.

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Program Philosophy:

All children deserve high quality education. The GSRP staff of Algonac Community Schools ensure that learning takes place in an environment that is developmentally appropriate and nurtures social and academic growth in all learners to promote school readiness. Throughout the year, we will use varying instruction and activities to help your child grow socially, academically, and physically. We will build:

1. Language Skillsby learning to speak clearly in expanded sentences with increased ​ vocabulary.

2. Social Skills by separating from parents, working together, playing cooperatively, ​ problem solving, and learning self-regulation.

3. Fine and Gross Motor Skills by gaining increased hand and finger control and ​ learning to move whole body with balance and coordination.

4. Academic Readiness by practicing routines and acquiring skills necessary for school ​ success in kindergarten.

5. Self-efficacy by increasing ability to accomplish tasks and reach goals. ​ 6. Independence by making choices and developing self-care habits. ​ Curriculum, Screening & Assessment:

The GSRPstaff of Algonac Community Schools utilize the Creative Curriculum to ensure that Early Childhood Standards of Quality are met in an environment that is developmentally appropriate and nurtures social and academic growth in all learners to promote school readiness.Creative Curriculum focuses on eleven interest areas in the learning environment: blocks, library, dramatic play, toys and games, art, sand and water, discovery, music and movement, cooking, technology, and the outdoor space. It provides guidance to teachers to understand how to work with children at different developmental levels to promote learning and adapt the environment to make it more challenging. The Creative Curriculum is vertically aligned with the Common Core Standards used in elementary through high school.

Child assessment is a necessary component of high-quality preschool programs. Ongoing, authentic assessment enables staff to support learning and development of individual children and classrooms of children, identify children who may need additional services and support, and communicate progress with parents and families. GSRP teachers utilize a variety of sources for gathering information on children including observations, work and language samples, parent interviews, and anecdotal notes. Using authentic assessment strategies enables teachers to get a picture of the whole child and their developmental progress.

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The developmental screening tool used by the GSRP teachers is the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The ASQ is a short survey that teachers complete with families at the initial home visit prior to the start of the program. This provides a snapshot of child development in the areas of communication, physical ability, problem solving, and social emotional competence. The ASQ may identify the need for further monitoring and potential assessment to verify any developmental delays. GSRP staff will share results and any needed action steps with families within the first month of school in a confidential manor.

The primary assessment tool used in GSRP classrooms to record student learning and development is the Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS GOLD). TS GOLD is a research-based system proven to be valid and reliable for assessing children birth through kindergarten. It shows the developmental progress over 38 objectives in the developmental domains of social-emotional competence, physical ability, language, cognition, literacy, mathematics, and English language acquisition (when appropriate). GSRP teachers complete TS GOLD three times per school year and share progress with parents at family conferences held in the fall and spring. Daily Schedules:

GSRP classrooms meet for a minimum of 126 days. Classes are held Monday-Thursday from 9:00a.m. until 3:50p.m. There are no classes during school vacations, on in-service days, or when Algonac Community Schools cancels school.

Ms. Bosel & Mrs. Mann’s GSRP Daily Schedule 9:00-9:35 Arrival/Welcome/Breakfast Children arrive and use proactive measures to store their belongings and practice writing their names. Children have choice about whether to eat breakfast, spend time with books, engage with adults and one another, or demonstrate math and literacy skills using a variety of manipulatives. 9:35-9:45 Music and Movement Children work on rhythm, motor and oral language activities by singing familiar songs and fingerplays. 9:45-9:55 Large GroupChildren come to the carpet and are individually greeted. The schedule of the day is ​ discussed and presented. Basic calendar activities are done to reinforce and extend activities of the day. Children say the pledge and listen to a story with instructions and discussion about literacy topics. (Continued on next page)

9:55-10:05 Planning Children indicate their plans for choice centers in small group settings where adults engage in conversations to help extend children’s dialogue. Adults use a range of strategies to support children’s planning. 10:05-11:05 Choice Centers Children select from a variety of centers addressing multiple concepts including Blocks, Dramatic Play, Sensory Exploration, Art, Science, Writing, and Reading. Children initiate activities and carry out their intentions while adults participate as partners in play and encourage children’s problem solving. 11:05-11:15 Clean-Up Children and adults clean up together, keeping the spirit of play and problem solving alive. Children make many choices during clean up time and adults accept children’s level of involvement and skill while supporting their learning.

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11:15-11:25 Recall Students practice oral language and retelling by communicating to the teacher and their peers what they accomplished during choice time. 11:25-11:40 Small Groups Children address specific concepts or skills in small groups with the teacher. Children explore and use the same set of materials in their own way. 11:40-12:10 Outside/Gym Time Students venture to the gym or playground to engage in large muscle activities like running, jumping, skipping, and climbing. Adults supervise children for safety and also join in their outdoor play, supporting children’s initiatives and problem solving. 12:10-12:55 Lunch Time Children enjoy a family style meal on a daily basis. Lunch time is an opportunity to practice good manners, coordination, and social skills. Family style lunch supports children doing things for themselves. 12:55-1:55 Rest Time Rest time is for sleeping or quiet, solitary, on-your-own-cot play. Rest time plans are individualized to meet the needs of each child. As children awake, adults and children synergize to put away cots and transition to Limited Choice Time. 1:55-2:50 Plan/Limited Choice/Recall Refer to AM descriptions 2:50-3:10 Snack Adults and children enjoy a family style snack to support children doing things for themselves. 3:10-3:20 Pack-Up Children gather their belongings and prepare for Outside/Gym Time and Dismissal 3:20-3:50 Outside Time/Dismissal Refer to AM descriptions

Mrs. Berube & Mrs. Brody’s GSRP Daily Schedule 9:00-9:35 Welcome Routine/BreakfastChildren arrive and use proactive measures to store their ​ belongings and practice writing their names. Children have choices about whether to eat, spend time with books, engage with adults and one another, or demonstrate math and literacy skills using a variety of manipulatives. (Continued on next page) 9:35-9:45 Large GroupChildren come to the carpet and are individually greeted. The schedule of the ​ day is discussed and presented. Daily message activities are done to reinforce and extend knowledge of counting, weather, patterns, and letter recognition. Children come to the carpet and listen to a story with instruction and discussion about literacy topics. 9:45-10:00 Small GroupsChildren address specific concepts or skills in small groups with the teacher. ​ Children explore and use the same set of materials in their own way. 10:00-10:10 PlanningChildren begin with the end in mind and indicate their plans for choice centers in ​ small group settings where adults engage in conversations to help extend children’s dialogue. Adults use a range of strategies to support children’s planning. 10:10-11:10 Choice CentersChildren select from a variety of centers addressing multiple concepts ​ including Blocks, Dramatic Play, Sensory Exploration, Art, Science, Writing, and Reading. Children initiate activities and carry out their intentions while adults participate as partners and encourage children’s problem solving. 11:10-11:20 Clean-upChildren and adults clean up together, keeping the spirit of play and problem solving ​ alive. Children make many choices during clean up time and adults accept children’s level of involvement and skill while supporting their learning. 11:20-11:30 RecallStudents practice oral language and retelling by communicating to the teacher and ​ their peers what they accomplished during choice time. Adults provide a variety of materials and strategies to maintain interest as they follow students’ lead and encourage children to share.

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11:30-12:00 Outside Time Students venture to the gym or playground to engage in large muscle ​ activities like running, jumping, skipping, and climbing. Adults supervise children for safety and also join in their outdoor play, supporting children’s initiatives and problem solving. 12:00-12:05 Large Group Children come to the carpet and engage in math and literacy activities. ​ 12:05-12:45 Lunch TimeChildren enjoy a family style meal on a daily basis. Lunch time is an opportunity to ​ practice good manners, coordination, and social skills. Family-style lunch supports children doing things for themselves. 12:45-1:45 Rest TimeRest time is for sleeping or quiet, solitary, on-your-own-cot play. Rest time plans ​ are individualized to meet the needs of each child. As children awake, adults and children synergize to put away cots and transition to Limited Choice Time. 1:45-2:50 Plan/Limited Choice/Clean-up/Recall (refer to AM descriptions) ​ 2:50-3:00 Large GroupChildren work on rhythm, motor, and oral language activities by singing familiar ​ songs and fingerplays. 3:00-3:20 Snack TimeAdults and children enjoy family-style snack to support children doing things for ​ themselves. 3:20-3:50 Outside Time/Dismissal (refer to AM descriptions) ​ Transportation:

Children who reside in the district can be transported to and from school by bus. A parent or other person designated on the child’s emergency card must be at the drop-off point to escort your child home.Please be ready before the bus arrives to prevent delays. ​ ​ Changes in your child’s arrival and/or dismissal routines must be made by phone or in writing to your child’s teacher. If your child needs to be picked up or dropped off by the bus at a location different than their typical stop, notice must be given to the teacher at least twenty-four hours before the change is to take effect.

Attendance Policy:

Though children do get sick and it is important to keep them home during that time, please remember the effectiveness of the program relies on the amount of time the child spends participating in the classroom. Research shows that consistent attendance promotes school success. When your child does not attend, he/she misses irreplaceable opportunities to grow socially and academically. If your child must be absent, please contact your child’s teacher before the start of the school day explaining the reason for absence and expected return date. If you are unable to call, please send a note to the teacher as soon as possible. GSRP must document attendance to comply with program regulations. If notification regarding absences is not received, staff will attempt to contact families. Children who are absent from class for thirty consecutive program days may be dropped from the program in order to make space available for a child on the waiting list.For an absence to be considered excused, family members must notify the teacher as to why the child is absent.

When your child will not be attending school, you need to:

1. Call (810) 794-8876 to report the absence. Leave a message with the following information:

✔ Child’s name

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✔ Your relationship to the child (mother, father, etc.)

✔ Reason for absence (i.e. ill, doctor’s appointment, etc.)

✔ Expected date of return

2. Call the bus garage to cancel transportation(810) 794-3555 or (810) 794-5001 Exclusion/Health Policy:

Students exhibiting short term injuries or contagious illnesses that endanger the health and/or safety of others may be excluded.Children are not excluded or expelled because of the need for additional medical or behavioral support, assistance with toileting, or staff attitudes and/or apprehensions. Please keep your child home if he/she has the following:

● Fever Your child should remain home until he/she has been fever free (WITHOUT ​ MEDICATION) for 24 hours.

● Communicable Illness Please notify us immediately if your child has Head Lice, ​ Strep Throat, Conjunctivitis, or any other contagious illness. Your child must be ​ ​ treated before returning to school. Student’s exhibiting rash-like symptoms must have a doctor’s note to return to school.

● Missing Health Appraisal As required by the Michigan Department of Licensing and ​ Regulatory Affairs, a completed health appraisal form signed by a physician must be on file for each child within thirty days of initial classroom attendance. Children missing this form thirty days after initial classroom attendance have to remain out of school until the necessary documentation is received by GSRP staff.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated! You will receive written notification including the communicable disease name, date of exposure, and possible symptoms any time your child is exposed to a contagious illness. In the event a case of head lice is reported, the class will be screened. Should your child become ill or injured while in attendance, staff will take necessary steps including treating the student, contacting the parent, and/or seeking emergency medical care. If we cannot reach you we will begin contacting designated persons on your child’s emergency card. Keep your emergency card up to date! ​ Medication Policy:

The Early Childhood Program follows the District Policy regarding medications.

● Non-Prescription Medications (including cough drops, cough syrup, pain reliever, ​ etc.) must have a Permission Form for Non-Prescription Medication on file. ​ ​ ● Prescription Medications must have a Permission Form for Medications, signed by a ​ ​ ​ physician, on file.

● ALL medications must be stored at school in their original containers clearly ​ labeled with the child’s name.

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Medications must be delivered directly to the school by a parent. Medications may NOT be sent to school on the bus. Dismissal Procedures:

Children should follow a regular routine to and from school. Only adults listed on the child’s emergency card may pick the child up from school. The emergency person MUST be local and have a working phone. If families want someone other than those listed on the emergency card to pick up their child, parents must notify GSRP staff in writing, by phone, or personal contact. The person picking up your child will be required to show identification. It is very important that you are punctual when bringing your child to ​ school and picking your child up from school. If you do not want your child picked up by his/her other parent, a written court order must be on file with GSRP staff. Anyone ​ bringing a child to school or picking a child up from school must report to the classroom and sign the child in/out. Changes to your child’s normal dismissal routine require a written note or phone call prior to 3:00p.m. Busing changes require at least twenty-four hours notice. Nutrition Policy:

GSRP locations must adhere to the Child and Adult Care Food Program nutritional guidelines. The full-day session provides two snacks and lunch.All GSRP meals are served family-style to support children in their independence and language development. Families do not incur any cost for snacks or meals served during the school day.If your child has food allergies or other dietary concerns, please inform GSRP staff so appropriate accommodations can be made. Physical Activity Policy:

For every three hours of preschool programming, children are offered thirty minutes of outside/physical play time. Children should be dressed in washable and weather appropriate clothing each day. GSRP teachers take children outside daily, unless prevented by inclement weather conditions such as rain or low wind-chill temperature. Coats, mittens, hats, boots, and snow pants labeled with each child’s name are needed every day. If assistance is needed in providing these items, please contact GSRP staff. Rest Policy:

One hour daily rest is required for quiet, solitary, on-your-own cot play. Rest time plans are individualized to meet the needs of each child and may include books, soft music, baby dolls, or fine motor manipulatives. Teachers assist with transition in and out of rest time by moving among children in an unhurried fashion, having quiet conversation, and providing soothing touch such as backrubs. A crib sheet, small pillow, and small blanket can add comfort to your child’s cot. Linens will be sent home Thursdays to be laundered. Clean linens will need to return to school with your child each Monday. A third teacher is present during daily rest time to assist.

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Clothing Policy:

Please keep the following in mind when sending your child to school:

● Regular Sized Backpack Your child needs to bring a backpack to school every ​ ​ day. We want any important creations or notes to arrive home safely and in one piece. ​ ● Kid-friendly Clothing Comfort is important! Please dress your child in easy to ​ fasten pants and Velcro shoes if possible. WE GET MESSY so practical clothing that won’t be ruined by dirt or paint should be worn.

● Cold Weather Clothing We will be going outside whenever possible, so please ​ make sure your child has snow pants, boots, a hat, mittens, and a heavy coat.

● Warm Weather Clothing For your child’s safety, open toed shoes are not ​ permitted. Any sandals need to have a strap on the back. Spaghetti strap shirts are not allowed. Shorts or leggings should be worn under skirts and dresses.

● EXTRA CLOTHING Accidents do happen. Please keep an extra change of ​ clothing (underwear, socks, shirt, pants) in a large Ziploc bag in your child’s backpack. In the event of an accident, your child’s soiled clothing will be sent home in a grocery bag. Weather Policy:

Providing the temperature (and/or wind chill) is 15 degrees or higher, GSRP classes will go outdoors. Please send your child appropriately dressed for the weather.

For school closing information, call the School Closing Hotline at (810) 794-8882, listen to CKLW 800 AM, WOHM 1380 AM, WHLS 1450 AM, WJR 760 AM, or visit the Algonac Community Schools website at www.algonac.k12.mi.us. ​ ​ Discipline Policy:

Discipline is learning self-regulation. It includes sensitivity and compassion on the teacher’s part as well as setting limits and boundaries to promote safety and group interaction. Teachers will treat children with respect using positive, supportive language. Utilizing CSEFEL and 6 Step strategies, we will help children find constructive ways to resolve conflicts by facilitating discussion, modeling, offering choices, and redirecting. Hitting, kicking, biting, throwing, and fighting are unacceptable behaviors. If a child has lost self-control and is hurting another, he/she will be removed from the situation. When he/she regains control, he/she may rejoin the group, thus keeping his/her self-respect. Accident/Injury Policy:

Accidents may occur in the classroom and on the playground as children explore ways to navigate in relation to obstacles and learn how to take safe risks during play. Families will be notified in writing on the same day as the occurrence of a minor accident or injury (i.e. surface cuts, scrapes, bruising, bloody noses). If the injury is of a more serious nature

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(i.e. significant blood loss, lacerations, head trauma), parents will be contacted immediately by phone and may be requested to pick their child up from school. In the event of an emergency, teachers will call 911 and then contact parents. All GSRP staff is trained annually in CPR and basic first aid. Emergency Policy:

GSRP classes follow the Emergency Plan for Pointe Tremble Early Childhood Center. We will participate in practice drills for tornado, lockdown, and fire emergencies. An up to date emergency card must be on file for your child. Our Emergency Plan also provides for response to a variety of emergencies. Depending on the circumstances, we will use one of the following protective actions:

● Immediate Evacuation: Students are evacuated to a safe area on the school grounds in ​ the event of fire, etc. ● In-place Sheltering: Sudden occurrences, weather or hazardous materials related, ​ dictate taking cover inside the building. ● Evacuation: Students are evacuated from the facility to a new location due to a possible ​ danger in the area. A sign will be posted on the facility door indicating where we have relocated.

Please listen to the school hotline for announcements relating to any of the emergency actions listed above. We ask that you do not call during an emergency in order to keep the main telephone lines free to make emergency calls and relay necessary information. The emergency card in your child’s file will be used to contact you or otherwise authorized persons to whom your child can be released. Child Abuse/Neglect:

The Michigan Child Protection Law requires teachers and school employees to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Children’s Protective Services at the Department of Human Services (DHS). Therefore, all GSRP staff members are mandated reporters. Failure to report is a misdemeanor and punishable by law. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call Child Protective Services at (855) 444-3911. Confidentiality:

Parents and families can be assured that confidentiality is strictly maintained and that program personnel carefully protect personal information. This includes, but is not limited to, information regarding finances, attendance, academics, and discipline. Grievances:

All families are encouraged to express their concerns or problems about the program to their classroom teacher at any time. Families may also contact the GSRP Coordinator. If a resolution of the concern is not forthcoming, or if the concern involves the classroom teacher, the family is encouraged to bring the concern to the district Superintendent. Please refer to the front cover of this handbook for individual contact information.

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Parent Involvement:

Strong connections between school, home, and community lead to greater school success. Throughout the school year, GSRP seeks input from families and offers a variety of opportunities to involve families as well. GSRP families are required to meet with teachers four times per year to discuss child progress and program development.

● Home Visits GSRP staff conduct home visits twice per year to provide educational ​ experiences for the children at home. Home visits take place in the fall before the start of the school year and again in the spring at the end of the program. Home visits are sixty minutes long.

● Parent-Teacher ConferencesParent-Teacher conferences are also held twice per ​ school year. Parent-Teacher conferences are a time to discuss child progress, teacher expectations, family needs, and kindergarten readiness. Together, families and teachers set goals for future learning. There are two parent-teacher conferences, one in the fall and one in the spring, each forty-five minutes long.

GSRP may be the child’s first experience in a school setting, but we recognize parents as their child’s first teacher. Families are invited to share in their child’s preschool experience. Activities include:

● Open House Join us prior to the start of school for an opportunity to meet the ​ staff and tour the classroom. ● Newsletters A monthly newsletter is sent home with your child to keep you ​ apprised of what we are doing in the classroom as well as upcoming events and activities you can do at home to promote learning. ● Parent Volunteers Parent volunteers are welcome and appreciated! Please let us ​ know if you are interested in sharing a special interest, career, or talent with our class. We also like having guest readers! We will periodically send home sign-up sheets for special seasonal occasions, too! All volunteers must have a completed iChat form on file. ● Parent Advisory Committee Teachers, administrators, and parents meet ​ periodically throughout the year to discuss programming and encourage active and continuous participation of parents of enrolled children. Be sure to fill out the parent survey provided at open house! ● Data Analysis Team District teachers, administrators, and parents meet ​ periodically throughout the year to analyze data and make program decisions based on student needs. ● Great Start School Readiness Advisory Committee County parents, educators, ​ child care providers, and community members come together to create a common understanding of school readiness and improve collaboration between preschool and kindergarten. ● Great Start Collaborative Parent CoalitionThe St. Clair County Great Start Parent ​ Coalition is a group of parents working together to ensure a great start for St. Clair County’s children. The Parent Coalition works to raise awareness and support for early childhood programming in the community. They give parents who are passionate about young child issues a way to volunteer in their own communities.

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The Parent Coalition gives parents a voice in shaping programs and services used by young children and their families in St. Clair County, and they work to support the work of the Great Start Collaborative. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Parent Liaison at (810) 455-4443 or [email protected]. ​ ​ Parent Notice of Program Measurement

Algonac Community Schools is required to work with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to measure the effect of the statewide Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). Information is sometimes collected about GSRP staff, enrolled children, and their families. Program staff or a representative from MDE might:

● Ask parents about their child and family.

● Observe children in the classroom.

● Measure what children know about letters, words, and numbers.

● Ask teachers how children are learning and growing.

Information from you and about your child will not be shared with others in any way that you or your child could be identified. It is protected by law. If you have questions regarding the statement above, please contact a representative of GSRP at Michigan Department of Education [email protected] or (517) 373-8483 or MDE, Office of ​ Early Childhood Education and Family Services, 608 W. Allegan, P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909. Licensing:

Pointe Tremble Early Childhood Center is a licensed childcare facility. The center maintains a licensing notebook containing all licensing inspections and special investigation reports and related corrective action plans since May 28, 2010. The licensing notebook is located in the main office and is available to parents during regular business hours. Licensing inspection and special investigation reports from at least the past two years are available on the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing website at www.michigan.gov/michildcare. ​

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September 9th-10th, 14th-15th Home Visits

September Open House Time(s and date(s) to be determined *PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE SIGN-UP ​ st September 17th 1 ​ day of school ​

9:00a.m.-3:50p.m.

October Parent Meeting TBD

October 14th-15th NO SCHOOL FOR GSRP STUDENTS

October 16th NO SCHOOL

November 3rd No SCHOOL

November 20th, 23rd-24th MANDATORY Parent Teacher Conferences ​ NO SCHOOL FOR GSRP STUDENTS

November 25th-27th Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL

December 21st- January 1st Christmas Break NO SCHOOL

January 20th-21st NO SCHOOL FOR GSRP STUDENTS

February Parent Meeting TBD

February 12th-15th Mid-Winter Break NO SCHOOL

March 24th-26th MANDATORY Parent Teacher Conferences ​ NO SCHOOL FOR GSRP STUDENTS

March 29th-April 2nd Spring Break NO SCHOOL

May Parent Meeting TBD

May 31st Memorial Day NO SCHOOL

June9th Last day of GSRP NO BUSING ​ June 10th-11th, 14th-15th Home Visits

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Receipt and Acknowledgment of the Great Start Readiness Program Parent Handbook

I, ______, have received a copy of the Algonac Community Schools Great Start Readiness Parent Handbook. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the policies of the handbook.

Print Name:

______

Signature:

______Date: ______

Please remove this page and return to your child’s teacher.

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