Little Learners Preschool

Welcome to Little Learners Preschool. The purpose of this Parent Handbook is to give the reader as much information as possible about the preschool program, and to establish effective communication between the home and school. It is our intention to inform you and direct you as you begin on this important educational journey with your child.

Admission
Little Learners Preschool program is open to children who are between the ages of 3 and 5 years old.

Registration
Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will continue until classes have reached a maximum of 5 students.

A registration form for each child must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $35.00 which will cover the first day of preschool.

Fees
The cost per day is $35.00 per child, for the 2009/2010 school year. Once you have registered your child, you may sign him or her up for one, two, or three days per week. Payment is required on a monthly basis. Little Learners Preschool does reserve the right to withhold childcare services when an account is 1 month overdue.

If your child misses their scheduled day due to illness or family reasons, payment is still required. Days cancelled by the school do not require payment.

Curriculum
The program offers many opportunities for learning and is geared to meet the needs of each individual child. The preschool program will follow a JK curriculum with theme based learning centers and circles. We will explore God’s world through science activities, music, crafts, language, and number activities. The children will enjoy sand and water play, a housekeeping center, floor and table toys, book center, and gross motor activities. We will also be going to the Renfrew Library and taking an occasional field trip.

Field Trips
Throughout the year we may take trips to special places. Information about the trip will be written in the biweekly school newsletter. Permission forms must be filled out by parents/guardians in order for children to attend. Parents are welcome to join the children on field trips, and may be asked to transport children to and from their destination.

Our preschool day will look much like this: (example)

8:30 – 8:45 Arrival
8:45 – 9:00 Opening Devotions, Calendar
9:00 – 9:30 Bible story and activity
9:30 – 10:00 Circle, Learning Centers, Snack Time
10:00 – 10:30 Outdoor Play
10:30 – 12:00 Circle, Reading Readiness, Jolly Phonics, Language, Centers
12:00 -12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 1:15 Story Time, Rest
1:15 – 2:00 Circle, Numbers, Science
2:00 – 2:30 Outdoor Play
2:30 – 3:00 Craft Time
Learning Centers
Free Play
3:00 – 3:20 Tidy up Time
Closing Circle
Dismissal

Attendance
Students are expected to be at school for their scheduled day. If students are going to be absent, please notify the school (613-432-4340) before 8:45 a.m.

Transportation
Busing transportation is not available at the Renfrew & District Christian School. Parents are required to arrange transportation for their children to and from school.

If your child will be picked up by someone other than the normal pick-up person, a written note must be submitted to the classroom teacher. (This note may be written in the student’s Agenda book.)

Illness
Sometimes a child may become ill while at school. The parent will be notified if it is evident that the child needs to go home. If a parent is unable to be reached, we will call the emergency contact person you listed on your child’s registration form.

Your child should remain at home if they are suffering from a contagious disease, heavy cold, stomach or intestinal disturbance, or if they have a fever. A child may return to school when they are no longer contagious or their symptoms have subsided.

Discipline
Children are disciplined in a positive manner, assisting them to develop self-control, to recognize acceptable behaviour, and to grow in respect for God, teachers, peers, self, and the rest of God’s creation.

School Closure
Little Learners Preschool will run according to the regular Renfrew & District Christian School calendar from September to June. The preschool will be closed for all school PD days, a two week Christmas break, and for one week in March. In the event of inclement weather causing transportation risks, the school will not be open. As a general rule, if the Renfrew County Bus Lines are cancelled due to weather, the Renfrew & District Christian School and Little Learners Preschool will be closed. Parents will be notified by phone if school is cancelled.

Dress Code
Children should come to school dressed in clothing that is appropriate for physical activity, the weather, and the season. Please make sure their clothing is easy for them to handle on their own. A second set of clothing should be brought to the preschool in case of accidents. Please label extra clothing.

Parental Involvement
Parents are encouraged to become involved in their child’s learning and school experience. There will be opportunities throughout the year for the home and school to work together as we nurture your child, such as special occasions and field trips.

Staff members are always willing to speak with you about your child’s day. If you have extensive questions or concerns, please set up an appointment with the preschool teacher.

Please keep us informed of any changes that may affect your child. Your comments and evaluation are important, so please keep us informed.

Current Class Curriculum
MONTH and THEME
September Back to School - Apples
October (Seasons) Fall - Thanksgiving
November Forest Animals
December Christmas
January (Seasons) Winter - Snow
February Transportation (Friendship Valentines)
March Dinosaurs
April (Seasons) Spring - Easter
May Creepy Crawlers
June (Seasons) Summer - Fun

Themes may change from year to year.

Other themes we have are
- Community Helpers - Birds
- Space - Frogs
- All About Me - Penguins
- 5 Senses - Bears
- Farm Animals - Owls
- Nursery Rhymes