REACHSKY PRESCHOOL

PARENT HANDBOOK

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Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 4
Mission Statement.............................................................................................................. 5
Our Philosophy .................................................................................................................. 5
Administration policies ..................................................................................................... 6
 ENROLLMENT: .................................................................................................. 6
 TUTITION: ........................................................................................................... 6
 WITHRAWAL AND DISMISSAL POLICY ...................................................... 6
 DROP-OFF AND PICK UP POLICIES ............................................................... 7
 COMMUNICATION ............................................................................................ 7
Curriculum ......................................................................................................................... 8
 DAILY SCHEDULE AND ACTIVTIES ............................................................. 8
 INSIDE/ OUTSIDE PLAY ................................................................................... 9
 WATER ACTIVITIES ......................................................................................... 9
 NAP TIME/ REST TIME ..................................................................................... 9
 TOOTHBRUSHING ........................................................................................... 10
 WEAPON/ VIOLENT PLAY ............................................................................. 10
 CLASSROOM PETS .......................................................................................... 10
Assessment ........................................................................................................................ 10
 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES ............................................................ 10
 ASSESSMENT PORTFOLIOS .......................................................................... 11
Field Trips ........................................................................................................................ 11
 PARENT INVOLVEMENT ............................................................................... 11
Meals and Snacks............................................................................................................. 12
 FOOD FROM HOME ......................................................................................... 12
 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ......................................................................... 12
Clothing and Items From Home .................................................................................... 12
Health and Safety Policies ............................................................................................... 13
 MEDICATION ................................................................................................... 13
 ILLNESS ............................................................................................................. 14
 HAND WASHING ............................................................................................. 14

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  ALLERGIES AND FOOD ................................................................................. 15
 DOCUMENTATION OF ACCIDENT/ INCIDENT ......................................... 15
 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLET ........................................................................ 16
Guidance Strategies ......................................................................................................... 16
 Reasons for misbehavior ..................................................................................... 16
 Preventing misbehavior....................................................................................... 16
 Responding to misbehavior ................................................................................. 17
 Redirection .......................................................................................................... 17
 Useful phrases ..................................................................................................... 19
Holidays and Vocation .................................................................................................... 19
 HOLIDAYS ........................................................................................................ 19
Emergency Procedures.................................................................................................... 20
 UNEXPECTING CLOSINGS ............................................................................ 20
 TORNADO AND DISASTER PROCEDURE .................................................. 20

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 Welcome to ReachSky Preschool

Thanks for choosing ReachSky to give the contribution to your children success. Being a high-

quality program in the area, we are happy to provide you this Parent Handbook, in which you

can find the information about our program, philosophy, policies and all the practical details that

go into making each day of your children a most meaningful experience.

We are looking to work with your more, aiming to create the meaningful experience and

unforgettable moments for our children.

Please careful read this handbook and keep it for future reference. We are happy to address any

concerns you have about our program.

 ReachSky- where the love of learning is nurtured.

ReachSky Preschool

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 Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide:

 a safe and nurturing environment, where children can develop physically and intellectually,

 a child-initiated program which based on children’s needs, strengths, and interest

 Cultural experience that form the foundation for children’s success in this diverse society

 A place where we are nurturing the children’s love of learning

Our Philosophy
Our program is based on the following beliefs:

 Children learn when they are playing and doing: The combination between play-based

learning and hands-on activities are salient in our curriculum, which based on the children’s

needs, interest, and strengths.

 Children learn from the environment: Our teachers create the well-prepared learning

environment, which promote children’s self –confidence by providing open-ended

materials. Moreover, maximizing the chance when children work collaboratively in group

is encouraged to help children develop social competency. We believe our school is the

safe and nurturing environment where children can develop physically and intellectually.

 Children learn at their own pace: Children like fingertip which each of them is beautiful

and unique. We welcome and respect children from different cultural backgrounds, modify

and differentiate the curriculum to satisfy their different needs, helping children become

successful learners.

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 Administration policies
ENROLLMENT:
Children from 3 – 5 years old are eligible for enrollment at ReachSky preschool. Children may
attend the center for a 9-hour block between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Documents to be completed and returned before enrollment are:

• Child Enrollment Form

• Child Information Record (4x6 card)

• Health Appraisal

• Policy Agreement

TUTITION:
Tuition costs at the ReachSky are assessed for the period of a semester. Before the beginning of
each semester, a prepayment (which is part of the total tuition fee) is made. Upon acceptance of
this fee, a place is held for the child. This fee is NOT refundable. The remainder of the tuition
may be paid under either of two plans.

 Plan 1 - full tuition, less deposit, paid on first day of semester

 Plan 2 - full tuition, less deposit, paid in four (4) payments as listed in the agreement
form

WITHRAWAL AND DISMISSAL POLICY

A two-week notice is required before withdrawing a child from our center. Account must be
paid in full before withdrawing—including your child's tuition for that two-week period. Any
account past due at time of disenrollment will be paid thru our electronic withdrawal option.

The director at ReachSky reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of a child at his/her
discretion, or for the following possible reasons:

• Non-payment or excessive late payments of tuition and fees.

• Not observing the rules of the center as outlined in the parent agreement.

• Child has special needs that we cannot adequately meet with our current staffing patterns.

• Physical and/or verbal abuse of staff or children by parent or child.

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• Expired or non-immunizations and/or physical.

DROP-OFF AND PICK UP POLICIES

Parents are expected to accompany their child into the center. The teachers are glad to assist you
and your child at your drop-off time. Teachers, however will not assume direct responsibility for
your child until you are ready to walk out of the building. It is important for the teacher to keep a
watchful eye on all the children in his or her care. You are welcome to stay for a short while and
assist your child through this transition. Simply notify the classroom teacher when you are ready
to leave and the teacher will assist.

Only the individuals listed on the Child Information Record, or on a written permission
note from the parent, will be allowed to leave with a child. The staff is expected to request a
picture I.D. from any unfamiliar person (including grandparents). If there is any concern,
the staff of Morning Star reserves the right to deny a person's request to pick-up a child.

Your child’s classroom teacher may be available at pickup time for short questions. For longer
discussions or particular concerns please schedule an appointment. Parents are expected to
assume full responsibility of their child once they enter the classroom. For your child’s safety
please do not allow your child to touch the exit door handles or open the doors. We work very
hard at teaching the children not to touch the exit doors.

Your child has waited all day to see you and is excited when you walk in the door. At pick up
please put away your cell phone and give your full attention to your child.

Children enrolled on a part-time basis are expected to be picked-up at the agreed upon daily
time. The parent or guardian of a child not picked-up until after the agreed time, or past closing
(6:00 p.m.), will be charged $1 per minute. All late fees are expected by 6:00 p.m. the following
day. This fee applies per family. Payment should be given directly to the staff member

COMMUNICATION
Remember to communicate in writing any changes in your child's schedule. We must be
informed, in writing, regarding any changes in the person picking up your child. You may add or
delete names of authorized adults allowed to pick-up your child on the Child Information
Record. Our main office must be informed of any of the following changes:

• address and/or phone numbers, or e-mail address

• parent/guardian employment,
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• health/immunizations up-dates, or;

• other pertinent information related to your child

Curriculum
DAILY SCHEDULE AND ACTIVTIES
Every classroom has their daily routine posted on the parent information board, and includes a

copy in their classroom handbook.

Morning schedule
Time Daily Activities

7:30- 8:00 Drop off and setting in period

8:00-9:15 Centers, free play

9:15-9:35 Outside time

9:35-9:50 Morning meeting/ Group time

9:50 – 10:05 Snack time

10:05- 10:20 Rest time/ Quite time

10:20- 10:40 Outside time

10:40-11:40 Table top time/ focused play, theme, projects

11:40-11:55 Large-group time ( reading book, music,

conclusion)

11:55 – 12:00 Pick up

Afternoon schedule
Time Daily Activities

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:00 Nap time

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 2:00-3:15 Learning center, free play

2:45-3:05 Outside time

3:05-3:20 Afternoon meeting/ Group time

3:20-3:35 Snack time

3:35-3:50 Rest time/ Quite time

3:50-4:10 Outside time

4:10-5:10 Table top time/ focused play, theme, projects

5:10-5:25 Large-group time (reading book, music, conclusion)

5:25-5:30 Pick up

INSIDE/ OUTSIDE PLAY

Learning center activities and outside play are part of the everyday routine. All children will

participate in both inside and outside learning center activities, every day except during extreme

weather, and should be dressed accordingly

WATER ACTIVITIES
During summer terms the children may engage in water activities with signed parental

permission. The water activities include splash/wading pools and a sprinkler, with careful adult

supervision.

NAP TIME/ REST TIME

At ReachSky preschool, we provide a regularly scheduled nap or resting time for children.

However, children will not be forced to sleep but may be encouraged to lie quietly for a period of

time. The length of time a child should have to remain resting varies by child. There is no hard

and fast rule regarding the maximum amount of time a child should have to remain resting.

Children should be provided alternative quiet activities if unable to rest.

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Children are encouraged to bring a familiar item from home to use during nap/rest time, such as

a small blanket or stuffed animal. These items will be stored in your child’s cubby or on his/her

cot or mat; there is limited space for storage of such items. Please take this into consideration

when deciding which items to bring. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name,

as all class laundry is washed weekly.

TOOTHBRUSHING
We will provide a toothbrush for each child. At least once a day, all children will practice

brushing their teeth after a meal. A toothbrush will be discarded immediately if contaminated.

All toothbrushes are replaced on the first of the semester. Toothpaste for children will be used.

WEAPON/ VIOLENT PLAY

There is a strict policy of allowing no weapon play at ReachSky. Children are not permitted to

play with weapons of any type or size or to pretend that other items are weapons, including their

fingers, hands, or blocks. Redirection should be used when a child is engaging in weapon or

violent play. If a child brings a weapon to ReachSky, the weapon should be placed out of sight

and sent home the same day with a note explaining the policy about weapons.

CLASSROOM PETS
Occasionally our teachers have classroom pets. In the past some of these pets have included fish,

hermit crabs, frogs, birds, hamsters and even a rat. When applicable, a statement of health is kept

on file for certain types of animals.

Assessment
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher conferences will typically be held twice per year. The goal of the parent-teacher

conference is to gain insight into your child’s development both in the preschool setting as well

as the home setting. During conferences, your child’s development and any goals you may have

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for your child will be discussed. Parents are encouraged to request conferences whenever they

feel it necessary

ASSESSMENT PORTFOLIOS
A permanent assessment portfolio will be kept for each child, and passed to the next teacher

when a child transitions. Assessment portfolios will contain a variety of items, including

photographs, examples of artwork, assessment profiles, and parent-teacher conference forms.

Portfolios may be periodically taken home by families but should be returned promptly. When a

child leaves ReachSky, the assessment portfolio will be given to the family.

Field Trips
Field trips and nature walks are considered an important part of the educational program and will

be taken periodically. The center will provide the same adequate responsible adult supervision

for these excursions as is provided children while in attendance at the center. Your permission

for your child to participate in walking excursions is part of this agreement. You will be notified

of all field trips. We will occasionally take classroom field trips to museums, parks, apple

orchards, and other community places. Families will be notified prior to any trips involving

transportation. A permission slip must be signed and returned--including emergency phone

numbers for that day. Parent volunteers are welcome to assist with field trips (and other special

events). A child may be excluded from participation in a field trip for safety, health, or

disciplinary reasons.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents are involved in the educational process at the ReachSky through parent conferences,
meetings and classroom activities. Parents are asked to schedule a conference with the teacher at
least once a semester. Additional conferences with the director and with teachers are held at any
time upon request. Parent programs are provided on a regular basis. These include social
activities such as family picnics and children’s singalongs, as well as opportunities to discuss

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issues related to children. We welcome parents who wish to become involved in enriching our
curriculum or who have other ways of participating in our program.

Meals and Snacks

FOOD FROM HOME
Parents need to send a lunch with their child each day. Lunches sent from home should be self-

serving or easy to serve and clearly labeled. A microwave will be available. Lunch boxes that

have a frozen pack inside are recommended.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Parents are welcome to send cookies, cupcakes or cakes to share with their child's classmates on

birthdays or special occasions. Some classrooms have strict allergy guidelines. Inform your

child's teacher in advance about what kind of treat you plan on bringing. This is for the safety of

all of the children. Please do not bring in any treats that contain peanuts or peanut products. Ask

your child’s teacher for suggestions. Parents are always welcome at their child's birthday

celebration.

If a birthday is to be celebrated away from school and the entire class is not invited, please mail

the invitations. If the entire class is invited, you may distribute the invitations into the cubbies.

Our center will not distribute mailing lists or phone numbers.

Clothing and Items From Home

Clothing

Since children who are worried about "getting dirty" may refuse to engage in valuable learning

experiences, clothing that can be easily laundered should be worn. Clothing appropriate for the

day's weather conditions is essential (sweaters, coats, hats, mittens, etc.). Well-fitting shoes

which the child can manage easily are important. Boots, thongs and some sandals are unsafe for

13 many outside activities and are discouraged. A small resting blanket will be provided and

regularly laundered by the school. For the convenience of student observers in the observation

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room and student teachers in the classroom, all children will wear a name tag pinned to the back

of their clothing. Parents are to provide their child with an "emergency pack" to be kept at school

for accidents. This pack should contain a change of clothing that is appropriate for the season,

including socks and underwear. All items, including the pack, should be labeled with the child's

name.

Health and Safety Policies

MEDICATION
Occasionally, children will need to receive medication while at the Center. If your schedule

allows, you may wish to come during the day and give the medication yourself. In order for the

Center to assume that responsibility, the following guidelines must be followed:

1) Prescription medication must be ordered by a physician for the child to receive the

medication. Do not ask that we administer medication that was prescribed for another child or

member of your family. Prescriptions must be in the original container with your child’s name on

the prescription

2) No medication, whether prescription or non-prescription, will be administered to a child

without written parental authorization. Permission to administer medication forms are available

in the office. The medication form must include the following:

A. Name of medication

B. Amount of dose

C. Time to be given

D. Date(s) to be given

E. Parent signature

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ILLNESS
Children must be kept home for the day if:

1. a physician has diagnosed, or the director has reason to believe (because of other illness

in the school) that a child may have a contagious disease.

2. the child has had fever, vomiting, or diarrhea within the last twenty-four (24) hours.

3. the child cannot function normally due to an illness or other debilitating condition.

If children are well enough to attend school, they will be expected to participate in the

program, including outdoor play. Because of staffing requirements and licensing regulations,

exceptions to this policy are not made.

The head teacher will conduct a brief health check when greeting each child as he or she

arrives, and is attentive throughout the day for anything out of the ordinary that might signal a

child is ill. If a child becomes ill at school, they are moved to a supervised area away from other

children.

Every attempt will be made to reach parents and others they designate when a child becomes

ill or injured at school. In case of severe illness or injury, 11 the parents hereby authorize the

ReachSky Preschool staff to call for an ambulance and to take the child to the nearest facility

which offers emergency treatment, on behalf of the parents.

After an illness, children must be fever and symptom free for 24 hours before returning to the

ReachSky Preschool. When on antibiotics for an illness, the child must have been taking the

medication for 24 hours before returning to the school.

HAND WASHING
All staff and children are required to wash their hands upon entering our classrooms. When you

and your child arrive at school, please assist your child in this procedure. We require the children

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to wash their hands often at school. This enables us to decrease the exposure to communicable

diseases. Children and staff wash their hands:

• Upon arrival for the day

• Before and after meals and snacks, including bottles

• Before and after administering medication

• After using the bathroom

• After outdoor play

• After playing with or handling animals

• After cleaning or taking out garbage

• Any time hands are visibly soiled

ALLERGIES AND FOOD

Limitations Written information concerning a child’s allergies must be provided. In addition,

parents are requested to discuss a child's allergies, medications, or other treatment, as well as any

food limitations, with the head teacher(s) responsible for their child. Snacks will be provided to

meet the individual needs of all children in attendance each day.

DOCUMENTATION OF ACCIDENT/ INCIDENT

In the event that a non-emergency incident occurs while your child is in our care, parents will be

notified by phone call, and also in writing. A written report of how the incident occurred will be

shared with the parent. The parent is required to sign the report indicating they have reviewed

and received a copy of the report within 48 hours of when the incident occurred. Use great detail

when explaining events, but never include other children’s names. If the injury is serious, a

parent needs to be contacted before pick-up. The parent shall sign the report the same day as the

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incident. A copy may be given to the parent. All Accident/Incident Reports must be given to the

Director and/or Assistant Director to be placed in the child’s permanent file.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLET

Staff members are required by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect

Guidance Strategies
Reasons for misbehavior
 If caregivers understand why children misbehave, they can be more successful at

reducing behavior problems. Listed here are some of the possible reasons why children

misbehave. Children want to test whether caregivers will enforce rules.

 They experience different sets of expectations between school and home.

 A child does not understand the rules, or are held to expectations that are beyond their

developmental levels.

 They want to assert themselves and their independence.

 They feel ill, bored, hungry or sleepy.

 They lack accurate information and prior experience.

 They have been previously "rewarded" for their misbehavior with adult attention.

Preventing misbehavior
Child misbehavior is impossible to prevent completely. Children, usually curious and

endlessly creative, are likely to do things parents and other caregivers have not expected.

However, there are many positive steps caregivers can take to help prevent misbehavior.

 Set clear, consistent rules. (e.g., walking feet; gentle touches)

 Make certain the environment is safe and worry-free.

 Show interest in the child's activities. (e.g., participating in activities with the children so

they stay interested for longer periods)

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  Encourage self-control and independence by providing meaningful choices. (e.g., “You

may pick up the blocks or art center.”)

 Focus on the desired behavior, rather than the one to be avoided. (e.g., “Ashley, please

use gentle touches with your friends.”)

 Build children's images of themselves as trustworthy, responsible and cooperative.

 Give clear directions, one at a time.

 Say "Yes" whenever possible.

 Notice and pay attention to children when they do things right. (e.g., “Joey is playing so

nicely. I like it when you keep the blocks on the table.”)

 Encourage children often and generously.

 Set a good example. (e.g., using a quiet voice when children should be quiet)

 Help children see how their actions affect others.

Responding to misbehavior
Below are strategies ReachSky staff will use to respond to child misbehavior. Remember,

however, that it's always a good idea if rules are explained fully and clearly understood before

misbehavior occurs. Whenever possible, involve children in making the rules for the classroom.

Redirection
This strategy should be used most frequently when working with young children. If a child is not

following the rules or being uncooperative, quickly get the child's attention and introduce

another activity.

For example, "Kate, please help me water the flowers now. You've been riding the bike for a

long time and it's now Logan's turn."

Logical consequences
These are structured consequences that follow specific misbehaviors. The child should be able to

see how the behavior and the consequence are directly related.
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For example, Andrew is standing on his chair at lunch. His teacher should remind him that if he

stands on his chair, he could fall and get hurt; this will make him sad.

Participate in the solution

If a child damages something, he/she needs to help in fixing it or in cleaning up. If a child causes

someone distress, he/she should help in relieving that.

For example, "It made Brandon very sad when you told him he wasn’t your friend anymore.

Please come apologize and help me make him feel better."

Natural consequences
Allowing children to experience the consequences of their behavior is also called learning the

hard way.

For example, Laura does not put her books back in her school bag after she finishes reading. One

day she loses a book, and therefore must find a way to replace it. Only use natural consequences

when they will not endanger the child's health or safety.

“Take a break” or “Calm down chair”

In some instances, a child may need to be removed from a particular situation in which he/she

has become overwhelmed or violent. The child should be directed to “take a break” or sit in the

“calm down chair.” This strategy gives the child a chance to calm down, regain control, and

reflect quietly on her or his behavior away from others. Once the child has calmed down, the

teacher should talk with the child about the actions that led up to and resulted in needing a break

or being sent to the calm down chair.

For example, "Hannah, we have talked often about how hitting is not acceptable. But because

you hit John, please leave the blocks center and go to the calm down chair. I will talk to you

when you are ready."

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Useful phrases
The following phrases are useful when problem-solving with children.

 Instead of “No” or “Don’t” Say “Please stop”, “I don’t like that”, “That’s not OK”, or

“That is not a choice”

 Instead of “That’s not nice” Say “That’s not OK”, “Please use gentle touches”, or “That

hurts Jordan”

 Instead of “No running” Say “I need you to use your walking feet” or “You may run when

we go outside”

 Instead of “Stop crying” Say “Please use your words to tell me what is wrong”

 Instead of “Can you put away your toys?” (If it is not a choice, do not pose it as a

question) Say “You may help me pick up the blocks, or help Alyssa pick up the puzzles”

 Instead of “I said yes” (when a child tells you “no”) Say “No is not a choice, I need you

to…”

Holidays and Vocation

HOLIDAYS
ReachSky will be closed on the following holidays:

 New Year's Day, Memorial Day

 Independence Day
 Labor Day
 Thanksgiving Day
 the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day
 Christmas Day

If any of the above holidays fall on a weekend, the closest Friday or Monday will be selected.
Regular tuition is expected as our teachers are paid for these days. We close at 4 p.m. on New
Year’s Eve Day.

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 Emergency Procedures
UNEXPECTING CLOSINGS
ReachSky will be open on public school designated "snow days"--we may open late if
necessary. On a rare occasion our center may be forced to close due to a situation beyond our
control (e.g., ice storm, electrical outage, no water service). Every attempt will be made to
inform parents of an emergency closing.

TORNADO AND DISASTER PROCEDURE

In the event of a tornado or disaster warning, the children located at the “house” will be taken to
the basement. Students from “west” will also be taken to the “house” basement if time and safety
allows. Otherwise, they will shelter in place. Students will remain sheltered until the all clear
signal is sounded.

WELCOME TO REACHSKY

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