St. Susanna PreschoolParent Handbook

616 Reading Rd.Mason, OH 45040

Preschool DirectorJoette Ewing

(513) 398-3821 ext. 3131ewingj@stsusanna.orgFax: (513) 398-2254

"Surrounding Children with Love, Imagination & God's Creation"

Table of Contents

Welcome..............................................................................................................................3Mission/Vision Statement....................................................................................................3License Information.............................................................................................................3Curriculum...........................................................................................................................4Teacher Qualifications.........................................................................................................4Non-Discrimination Policy..................................................................................................5Staff/Child Ratio & Maximum Class Size...........................................................................5Classroom Placement Policy................................................................................................6Early Intervention Recommendation Policy........................................................................6Required Enrollment Forms.................................................................................................7Medical Form/Immunization...............................................................................................7Preschool Finances...............................................................................................................8Daily Schedule Sample........................................................................................................9Arrival/Dismissal Procedure..............................................................................................10General Safety....................................................................................................................10Parent Communication/Participation.................................................................................11What to Bring Each Day/Dress Code................................................................................12Potty Training Policy.........................................................................................................12Guidance Policy.................................................................................................................13Snack Guidelines...............................................................................................................14Birthdays & Holiday Celebrations.....................................................................................14Outdoor Play......................................................................................................................15Field Trips..........................................................................................................................15Snow Day Policy................................................................................................................15Church Reminders.............................................................................................................16Out-Reach Projects............................................................................................................16Fundraisers.........................................................................................................................16Social Media Policy...........................................................................................................16Breast Feeding Area...........................................................................................................16When to Keep Your Child Home from School..................................................................17Medications........................................................................................................................18Accidents/Emergency Procedures.....................................................................................18Communicable Disease......................................................................................................18Injuries...............................................................................................................................19In the Event of a Fire.........................................................................................................19In the Event of a Tornado..................................................................................................20In the Event of an Indoor Flood.........................................................................................20In the Event of Loss of Power/Heat...................................................................................20In the Event of Threat of Violence or Environmental Threat............................................20Children Learn What They Live Poem..............................................................................21Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services – Center Parent Information Required by Ohio Administrative Code ................................22

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In 2009, St. Susanna Preschool was founded as a ministry within our parish. We are dedicated to serving young children and families of St. Susanna Parish and the community at large. We are not affiliated with St. Susanna School. This is a joint decision that was established by the St. Susanna pastor, principal, and preschool director at the time the preschool was founded. This decision has been reviewed by current administration, and remains as such today. Being an active and involved parishioner in the giving of your time, talent, and treasure to our parish community has always been and remains as such today, a key criterion to be admitted to the St. Susanna K-8 school program.

This handbook contains valuable information regarding our program. It is important that you read this handbook and keep it handy if your child is enrolled in our program. It will answer many questions you may have. Please know that our staff is committed to serving you and will answer any additional questions that you may have.

We look forward to working with you and your children during this upcoming school year!

MISSION STATEMENTSt. Susanna Preschool is a ministry for families of young children dedicated to nurturing the whole child in spirit, body, and mind. The program offers a loving, structured, educational, and creative experience in a Catholic environment.

VISION STATEMENTSt. Susanna Preschool is committed to: 1.) Striving to promote a sense of spirituality in each child fostered through a strong Catholic curriculum 2.) Providing age-appropriate learning opportunities for each child3.) Developing a strong social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual base to last a lifetime 4.) Orienting students to be independent, responsible, curious, creative, resilient, confident, resourceful, and therefore willing and able to accept new challenges.

LICENSE INFORMATIONAt the end of this handbook you will find an attachment about licensing and other valuable information. Please take a moment to read this. Our license is hanging in the enclosed display cabinet, in the hallway near the elevator. A

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full copy of the licensing inspection report is on the bulletin board kept in the Preschool Director’s office and is available for viewing. Tax Exempt Number: 31-0537156

CURRICULUMThe program follows the Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies. This curriculum is the country’s leading research-based curriculum that focuses on developmentally appropriate practices to support social-emotional development and focus on learning in the core areas of literacy, math, science, and social studies. The Creative Curriculum is supportive, effective, comprehensive, and individualized through the implementation of daily structure, routines, small & large group activities, and choice time throughout the 10 centers of the classroom. Our classroom centers include: Writing, Math, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Manipulatives, Art, Library, Science, Music, and Sensory Table. Theses interest areas offer multiple opportunities for learning and are explored through Choice Time. In addition, the schedule includes Religion through the curriculum, I Am Special, published by Our Sunday Visitor. We also use the Ohio Early Learning Content Standards set by the Ohio Department of Education to guide the concepts and skills that we teach in our program in conjunction with the Creative Curriculum. We use the Handwriting Without Tears in our 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s classes. The 3’s, while they may not be necessarily forming letters, will begin working on many pre-writing activities, using manipulatives, class activities, exercises and body movements. Both the 4’s and 5’s classes will build on this curriculum while your child is here at St. Susanna Preschool.

Through the use of these wonderful resources, the main goal is to provide students with positive messages in the learning environment. The messages are: 1) This is a good place to be. 2) This is a safe place to explore and try your ideas. 3) You belong here. 4) This is a place you can trust. 5) You can do many things on your own here. 6) There are places you can be by yourself if you want.

Indoor and Outdoor Play is also a vital part of early childhood education and development. When children explore, experiment, and interact through play, they learn about how the world works. Children need knowledgeable adults to guide and be a part of their play experience.

TEACHER QUALIFICATONSOur teachers and assistants have college degrees and are CPR and First Aid certified. They hold current certification in Child Protection from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as well as the state. In addition, they attend seminars and workshops for early childhood educators throughout the school year. The teachers use developmentally appropriate practice, an approach to early childhood education based on research in child development, learning and intentional teaching to meet individual children at their specific stage of development. This

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helps children reach challenging and achievable goals that promote their development and learning. Engaged, responsive teaching and play, among other strategies, are fundamental to this practice.

PRESCHOOL STRUCTURE

Non-Discrimination PolicySt. Susanna Preschool is an equal opportunity program for young children and is licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. All are welcome regardless of gender, race, religion, ability, or national origin.

Program Ratios/Class SizeSt. Susanna Preschool is available for children 2 through 5 years old not yet in kindergarten and is licensed for a maximum of 68 children at any one time. Preschool is available Monday through Friday from September through May.

Our teacher staff ratios will meet or exceed the followingTwo Year Olds – (1:7) A maximum of 14 children will be enrolled in this class with one lead teacher and one assistant.2s Class ~ Monday from 9:00 to 11:30 A.M.

Three Year Olds – (1:12) A maximum of 16 children will be enrolled in this class with one lead teacher and one assistant.3s Morning Session ~ Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 – 11:30 A.M. 3s Afternoon Session ~ Tuesday and Thursday from 12:15 – 2:45 P.M.

Four Year Olds – (1:14) A maximum of 16 children will be enrolled in this class with one lead teacher and one assistant (if exceeds 14 students).4s Morning Session ~ Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9:00 to 11:30 A.M.4s Afternoon Session ~ Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 12:15-2:45 P.M.

Pre/K 5 Year Olds – (1:14) A maximum of 16 children will be enrolled in this class with one lead teacher and one assistant (if exceeds 14 students).Pre-K Morning Session ~ Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 A.M.Pre-K Afternoon Session ~ Tuesday through Friday from 11:45 – 2:45 P.M.

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The St. Susanna Preschool Director reserves the right to change class sizes and teacher ratios under special circumstances. Any changes will be announced and explained to parents in a timely manner. Before doing so, the director will seek guidance and approval from the Parish Administration. Class sizes and teacher ratios will always meet ODJFS mandated requirements.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCESAt St. Susanna Preschool, we believe that all children are a gift from God and formed in His divine image. Each of us possesses unique talents that have been granted to us from the Father. As a preschool staff, it is our duty to recognize and engage those gifts and service the needs each child has within our professional capability. We are charged with the responsibility to assist each child in growing into all that they are called to be.

Policy on Classroom PlacementSometimes, a child may exhibit exceptional behavior which may warrant us to reevaluate and assess classroom placement. When this occurs, a variety of factors will be considered in this decision process. Input from the child’s parents will be valued, as we do recognize that you know your child best. Observation notes and recommendations from classroom teachers and other staff members will be solicited. An assessment(s) will be administered by preschool staff that evaluates the skills that are needed to enter another classroom. Cognitive skills, social and emotional maturity, and motor development (both fine and gross motor) will be considered before the decision is made to change or retain classroom placement. St. Susanna Preschool also requests a written opinion from a child development specialist, such as a pediatrician or a child psychologist as a part of this process. In addition, we will also ask for an evaluation from the school psychologist. It is our sincere desire to recognize our students’ developmental strengths & foster areas of growth. With the assistance of parental input and other professional opinions, we strive to place each child in the appropriate class.

Policy on Early Intervention RecommendationsSometimes, a child may exhibit atypical behavior(s) which may warrant us to evaluate and assess the child’s actions in the classroom. When this occurs, a variety of factors will be considered in this process. Input from the child’s parents will be valued, as we do recognize that you know your child best. Observation notes and recommendations from classroom teachers and other staff members will be solicited. An assessment(s) may be administered or recommended by preschool staff that evaluates the behaviors being displayed. Cognitive skills, social and emotional maturity, motor development (both fine and gross), and speech will be examined. St. Susanna Preschool may also request a written opinion from a child development specialist, such as a pediatrician or a child

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psychologist as a part of this process. In addition, we reserve the right to ask for an evaluation from the school psychologist. It may sometimes be suggested that a parent seek an evaluation from another source (i.e. a public-school district or a pediatric therapy clinic) that may be able to provide additional or alternate therapy. It is our sincere desire to recognize our students’ developmental strengths and weaknesses and foster areas of growth. Many studies point to how beneficial early intervention can be in assisting children who are displaying actions and tendencies that are atypical. With the assistance of parents and other professionals, we strive to teach the whole child at St. Susanna Preschool and meet all their needs.

All your children shall be taught by the Lord,and great shall be the peace of your children.

Is 54:13

ENROLLMENT FORMSTo meet the licensing requirements from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the following completed forms must be on file for your child to attend class the 1st day of school:

1. Child Health and Enrollment Form (Please include the address/phone number of your child’s physician and your child’s name at the top of each page.)

2. Medical Statement & Immunization Record Attachment3. Request for Administration of Medication and Child Medical &

Physical Care Plan (for children with allergies or medical conditions)

4. Emergency Information Form 5. Pick-up Authorization Form6. Child Interest Form7. Parent Handbook Verification Form

Medical Form/Immunizations:The State of Ohio require that all children have a yearly physical examination. A completed Medical Form (JFS 01305) and Child Enrollment & Health Form (JFS 01234) must be on file the 1st day your child attends St. Susanna Preschool. A copy of your child’s immunization record should accompany the Medical Statement. The Medical Statement is valid for 1 year from the date of the exam. If this form should expire during the school year, a new form must be submitted

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within 30 days of the expiration date. Additional form(s) will be required for any allergies or medical problems. If your child is not up-to-date on his/her immunizations or is not immunized for any reason, a statement explaining which immunizations have been delayed/declined must be submitted by the parent/ guardian on the Medical Form. A reminder with a Medical Form will go home in your child’s Take-Home Folder approximately 1 month before it expires. Medical Forms are also available on the Parent Table in the Preschool Lobby.

PRESCHOOL FINANCESA registration fee of $150.00 per child or $200.00 per family with multiple students is due to confirm enrollment. The registration fee of $100.00 is “nonrefundable”. None of this amount applies towards tuition, but $50.00 does cover the cost of snack, Spanish, and other supplemental items. A $50.00 fee is refundable if you unenroll from our program at least 2 weeks in advance, before the start of the school year. Please make checks payable to “St. Susanna Preschool.” If you unenroll from our program after the start of the school year, there is no refund offered. Registration forms will not be processed without a check attached. Returned checks will have an additional $20 charge.

Tuition for the 2019-2020 School Year 2-Year-Old Class $125.00 per month 3 Year Old Class $175.00 per month 4 Year Old Class $195.00 per month Pre-K Class $235.00 per monthThere are 9 monthly tuition payments –August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, and April. You will not have a tuition payment in May.

Tuition is due by the 1 st class meeting of the month . The August tuition payment is due August 1 st . You can drop this off at the Parish Office/Preschool Office, send in your check or set up an “On-line Giving Account”. If tuition is not paid on time, a late charge of $25.00 will be added. Please place payment in the envelopes that have been provided. Additional tuition envelopes can be found on the wall shelf in the Preschool Lobby. Tuition can be sent through the mail or your child’s Take-Home Folder.

On-line Giving is available as a payment option on or after July 15th . Please check the Parish Website (www.stsusanna.org) and look for the On-line Giving icon. Follow the prompts to choose “Preschool Tuition” as an option. This program is directly tied to your credit card or bank account. Payment needs to be received by the 1st of every month. If you choose to use this payment option, please let the Preschool Director know. Please look for additional instructions on the flyer in your Parent Folder. Please ask the director if you have any questions regarding this option.

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Withdrawal InformationIf for any reason a child needs to withdraw from St. Susanna Preschool, please let the Program Director know of your intention in writing (or email) 30 days prior to departure.  If notice is given more than two weeks in advance, tuition will be refunded. Snack fees will only be reimbursed if withdrawal takes place prior to the start of the school year. However, if notice is received less than 2 weeks of a planned withdrawal, no refund can be made.  In either case, the enrollment fee is non-refundable.

Late FeePlease be prompt when picking up your child. An additional fee of $15.00 for the initial 5 minutes as well as $1.00 per additional minute a parent is late to pick up a child may be instituted at the discretion of the administrator.

Daily Schedule SampleWhen time is scheduled in an orderly and consistent fashion, children tend to feel secure and become increasingly independent. A typical daily schedule would be as follows:

Two Year Old Program ~ Monday9:00 - 9:30 Arrival/ Wash Hands/Greetings/ Free Play9:30 - 9:45 Cleanup/Restroom Reminders & Hand Washing9:45 - 10:05 Prayer/Snack10:05 - 10:15 Circle Time10:15 - 10:30 Gross Motor (Outdoor Exploration)10:30 - 10:55 Free Choice Activities/Diaper Check/Art10:55 - 11:00 Cleanup11:00 - 11:25 Music & Movement/Special Activities11:25 - 11:30 Closing song & Prayer/Get ready to go home

Three Year Old Program ~ Tuesday/Thursday9:00 - 9:05 Arrival/ Find Name Card/Hang up jackets & backpacks/Wash Hands9:05 - 9:55 Free Choice Interest Areas & Small Group Instruction9:55 - 10:00 Clean Up10:00 - 10:20 Circle Time (Large Group Meeting)10:20 - 10:30 Wash Hands/Songs & Nursery Rhymes10:30 - 10:45 Prayer/Snack10:45 - 10:50 Books/Puzzles10:50 - 11:05 Music & Movement (Outdoor Exploration)11:05 - 11:25 Literacy/Math/Specials Activities or group project11:25 - 11:30 Prayer/Gather Belongings/Get ready to go home

Four Year Old Program ~ Monday/Wednesday/Friday9:00 - 9:15 Arrival/Hang up backpacks/Wash Hands/Greetings/Large Group Activity9:15 - 9:20 Clean Up/Restroom Reminders9:20 - 9:35 Morning Meeting/Circle Time9:35 - 9:50 Music and Movement9:50 - 10:10 Literacy/Math/Religion/Specials Activities or Group Project 10:10 - 10:50 Center Time 10:50 - 11:15 Snack/Clean Up/Restroom

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11:15 - 11:30 Circle Time/Closing Song & Prayer/Get ready to go home

Pre-K Program ~ Tuesday-Friday8:30 – 8:45 Arrival/Hang up backpacks/Wash Hands/Greeting/Large Group Activity8:45 – 8:50 Clean Up/ Restroom Reminders8:50 – 9:10 Morning Meeting/Circle Time9:10 – 9:40 Literacy/Math/Religion/Specials Activities or Group Project9:40 – 10:00 Snack/Clean Up/Restroom10:00 – 10:15 Gross Motor/Outdoor Exploration10:15 – 10:45 Center Time10:45 – 11:30 Circle Time/Closing Song & Prayer/Get ready to go home

On a weekly basis, our 3s, 4s and Pre-K Classes are enhanced with Spanish Instruction (15-20 minutes).

Arrival: Your child’s teacher will greet your child at the door each morning. At this

time, the teacher will document that your child has arrived at preschool. Say goodbye to your child at the door with a quick hug. Once in the classroom,

the teacher(s) will greet your child, assist him/her to put their things away, and get them settled into an activity.

Parents are not permitted to enter the classroom without approval from the administrator/teachers. This is to prevent children from slipping out unnoticed and to make separation easier for the child.

Drop off begins for the Pre-K Morning Class at 8:20 a.m. and all other morning classes at 8:50 a.m. The teachers will open the door promptly at that time.

Drop-off begins for the Pre-K Afternoon Class at 11:35 a.m. and 12:05 P.M. for all other afternoon classes. The teachers will open the door promptly at that time.

You may also use the Drop-off Lane at the Undercroft Entrance 10 minutes before your child’s class session begins. The Director will be there to greet you & receive your child.

Dismissal: Dismissal is promptly at 11:30 A.M. for morning classes and 2:45 P.M. for

afternoon classes. The teacher will dismiss your child as soon as the parent is seen at the door. Your child’s departure will be documented by his/her teacher.

Please make every effort to be there on time. Children become uncomfortable when parents are late. They are so excited to share their day! With our teachers teaching both morning and afternoon classes, they have very little time to have lunch and prepare for the next group of students so please be courteous of their time. If a situation arises and you are going to be late, please notify the school as soon as possible. This helps to alleviate any anxiety your child may have.

No one other than the custodial parent is permitted to take a child without written permission from the parent. Anyone other than the parent will need to show a picture ID before the child is released.

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If there is a situation in which a person is never to pick up your child for any reason, the preschool must be notified in writing.In a custody situation, a court document must be shown to the administrator.

Under no circumstances should a child be left unattended in a car in the parking lot during pick-up or drop-off. If this situation occurs, the school is required to report the incident.

GENERAL SAFETYAll children will remain under constant adult supervision while at St. Susanna Preschool. State ratios will be maintained at all times. Children should always be with an adult and watched carefully when entering and exiting the preschool program. Please remind your little ones to respect our facility by walking in and out of preschool and using their indoor voice. Our parking lot can be very busy with preschool dismissal/arrival times, parish staff, parishioners, and St. Susanna School parents throughout the day, so please keep your children close and don’t let them run in the parking lot or undercroft area.

PARENT COMMUNICATION/PARTICIPATIONThe following communication tools will be provided for parents:

E-mail will be the primary form of communication from the Preschool Director. Teachers will use email as well to send out messages and announcement to parents.

Home and School Communication Take Home Folder – Each class will be utilizing this tool for more effective communication. Please put any notes, tuition or paperwork in the folder that needs to come to school. Teachers will also put class information/student work in the folder for your child to share with you. This folder should be in the backpack each day. Please make every effort to look through and take out papers before returning the folder for the next class day.

To communicate special activities and skill instruction, daily, weekly, and monthly newsletters and class calendars will be provided.

A parent information board outside each classroom that will include Lesson Plans, Class Schedule, Snack Schedule, and other pertinent information.

In late November, Social/Emotional Assessments will be sent home to demonstrate your child’s transition into the classroom environment. Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in January to share the progress in all areas of development.

Upon request, a class roster is available with names, home/e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of parents, custodians, or guardians of students in your child’s classroom. This information will only be given

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out with parent’s consent and will only be available to parents of children enrolled in the program.

At any time during Preschool operation, custodial parents or guardians are welcome to visit the program, talk with the Director and/or observe their child.

Staff will be available at drop off and pick up times to answer questions or concerns and by appointment when necessary.

Parents are encouraged to volunteer with the planning of class parties and special projects. Teachers will ask for volunteers throughout the year for various activities.

Parents will be invited to attend a variety of very special events throughout the school year such as: Parent Share Days, Fall & Spring Field Trips, Grand-friends Fall Festival/Halloween, Thanksgiving Feast, Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus Celebration, Christmas Pageant, Holiday Parties, Tea for You & Me (2s/3s) and Graduation (4s/Pre-K Classes).

Communication is very important to the success of our preschool program. Parents and employees may direct any issues, concerns, ideas, or positive feedback to the Preschool Director.

WHAT TO BRING EACH DAYYour child will need to bring a tote bag or backpack to school each week. Items to include in the bag:

A change of clothes - even if your child no longer has accidents, a change of clothes may be needed due to water play or spillage, especially with our outdoor space.

Diapers, pull-ups, or extra underwear Please label items clearly with both first and last names and place in a

gallon zip lock bag. This extra bag of clothes should be kept in the child’s backpack. The teachers will check backpacks for a change of clothes. If your child does not have extra clothing, a reminder note will be sent home. Please change your child’s clothes seasonally.

Take-Home Folder

Please do not send any toys to school unless it is requested by the teacher for a special “show and tell” or is related to the curriculum. Sometimes favorite toys can be lost or broken, which is devastating to the child. Any item brought in relating to school topics will be carefully stored until the end of class. If a child has a special little “lovey”, they are more than welcome to let them take a nap in their backpack during class time.

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DRESS CODEThe dress code for preschool is casual. Please remember preschool activities are sometimes messy, so dress your child appropriately. Open toed shoes are not permitted for the safety of the children. Gym shoes or other soft soled shoes are preferred. Please send appropriate outerwear for your child. Weather permitting, we will use our outdoor play space as much as possible.

POTTY TRAININGThe staff expectations at St. Susanna Preschool is that the children attending our 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s classes will be potty-trained. However, we also realize that it may take the modeling of their classroom peers to achieve this especially with our 3s Classes! Our staff will never withhold toilet privileges as a punishment, nor will a child be punished for having accidents. Please have an extra change of clothes and diapers/pull-ups available in your child’s bag at all times. We certainly understand that accidents can happen at this age. In the event of an accident, it may be necessary to contact a parent to pick a child up from our program. If using the bathroom may be a concern, please feel free to talk to the Preschool Director and/or your child’s teacher(s) before the school year begins.

Children in the 2’s class are exempted from this rule. Diapers will be checked every two hours or as needed during their class period.

GUIDANCE POLICYOur staff believes that helping children learn self-regulation is very important. By creating a safe, nurturing, interesting and age appropriate environment, children will engage in learning and enriching activities which helps minimize the need for discipline. Teachers will demonstrate positive guidance to support children learning appropriate behaviors and boundaries. When a situation does occur, redirection will be used to guide the child to a more appropriate behavior.

No one will ever:1. Abuse or neglect children.2. Use severe, cruel, or extreme methods.3. Use any form of physical punishment.4. Delegate children to manage or discipline other students.5. Restrain a child by means other than holding for a short period of

time, such as a protective hug, so that the child may gain control.6. Place child in an enclosed area.7. Humiliate, threaten, or frighten children.8. Subject them to profanity or verbal abuse.9. Make derogatory or sarcastic remarks about children or their families.10. Punish children for toileting accidents.11. Withhold snacks or treats.12. Punish an entire group of children due to an

unacceptable behavior of one or a few.

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13. Isolate and restrict children from all activities for an extended period.

Our discipline policy applies to all staff and parents while they are at school.

Safety of all the children is always our primary concern. In situations where another child is hurt by a child or having a difficult time, a brief time out period (no more than five minutes) will be introduced to help the child regain control. Afterwards, we will help the child to reconcile with the child he/she hurt, and problem solve to learn more appropriate choices to make in the future. Your child will always be treated with love and respect. In doing so, they will learn to respect their teachers and peers as well.

Situations that involve a child consistently endangering him/herself, peers, or staff, it could result in a temporary or permanent dismissal. Before doing so, every attempt will be made to work together with the parents and the child to correct the behavior.

Situations that involve biting or other types of aggressive behavior will be handled on a case by case basis. Repeated offenses could lead to temporary or permanent dismissal from the program. Every attempt to work with the child and his/her family will be made before this occurs.

Disrespectful and belligerent behavior displayed to staff by parents and/or caregivers can also result in a dismissal from the program at the discretion of the St. Susanna Preschool Director and Parish Administration.

SNACK GUIDELINESSnack time is a special part of the day for our students. During this time, we are teaching and reinforcing sharing, consideration for others, and independence. We also pray before our snack to thank God for our blessings.

Snacks will be provided by the preschool and consist of one carbohydrate and water to drink. A fruit or vegetable may also be offered on some days. If a child does not like the snack choice for the day, one alternative will be offered (i.e. crackers). Because of the number of students in the room, our allotted time for snack, and the duration of our school day we do not offer more than 2 choices. Please share with the director and/or teachers if your child has any snack preferences. We will try to build that into our snack schedule and serve that item on a rotating basis. We ask, due to food allergies, that you do not send your child to school with their own snack and to encourage him/her to eat the one that is provided in the classroom.

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A modified diet will be followed for any child that has a medical condition and requires alternatives. A parent notification in writing and a list of acceptable food choices is needed for this situation. Students with food allergies may be asked to supply their own snack for safety purposes. This will be determined on an individual basis.

BIRTHDAYS AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONSWe welcome wrapped treats or treat bags for the children celebrating birthdays! Please buy prepackaged foods so that the ingredient label is listed on the packaging. This will allow parents of children with food allergies to determine if the treat is safe for their child. Special considerations to this rule may be made for class parties (i.e. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, etc.) depending on students’ allergies. Each classroom teacher will communicate their procedure for birthday celebrations. In lieu of, or in addition to treat bags, parents or guardians may choose to participate in the “Birthday Book Club”. Please see the separate flyer in your Parent Folder for details regarding this program.

In the event your child is having a birthday party outside of the school day and would like to invite his/her classmates, we will only hand out invitations if the whole class is invited. If you are choosing to only invite selected children from the class, please refer to the classroom directory (upon request) for contact information. Any changes to this rule will be communicated by the director and/or classroom teachers.

OUTDOOR PLAYResearch has shown that children stay healthier when they have daily outdoor play. Based on this information and state requirements, outdoor play will be included in our program daily. We will limit the amount of outdoor play when the temperatures are either very hot or very cold. Children will not be taken outside when the temperature (wind chill and heat index are factored in) drops below 25 degrees or rises above 90 degrees. If the situation requires, we will also adjust our outdoor time due to rain, threatening weather, ozone warnings, etc. On days that outdoor play is not provided, we will be planning for gross motor activities to be completed in the classroom. Please make sure you dress your child appropriately for the weather and send them with necessary items (hats, cloves, scarves, etc.).

FIELD TRIPS

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If a field trip is planned, a permission slip will be required, and parents will need to make arrangements to drop off and pick their child up from the location. Parents are more than welcome and encouraged to attend the field trip! The safety guidelines set by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will be followed.

SNOW DAY POLICYIf Mason City Schools are closed due to inclement weather, all preschool class sessions are cancelled for the day as well.

If Mason City Schools are on a 1-hour delay, preschool classes will begin at their regularly scheduled time.

If Mason City Schools would cancel its afternoon session or dismiss early due to inclement weather, the P.M. Classes will cancel that day as well.

If Mason City Schools are operating on a 2-hour delay, all morning classes will be cancelled. All afternoon classes will begin at their regularly scheduled time.

Unfortunately, Snow Days, cold temperature closings & delays are beyond our control! There will be no tuition refunds or additional class days added to the school calendar for this reason. Thank you for your understanding!

CHURCH REMINDERSOn occasion, the church upstairs may be in use for funeral services. Please be mindful and respectful of this situation. If a Funeral is scheduled for your child’s class day, the director will send out an e-mail and ask that you use the stairs that day. There will also be a reminder sign placed in front of the church entrance on the undercroft side as well as in front of the elevator doors in the preschool lobby.

You are welcome to use the elevator for drop-off and pick-up of your child but please enter quietly. Please park in the side parking lot away from the main parking areas. Please respect the church at all times. It is never appropriate for children to play at the altar, in the baptismal font or to run through the church. Please remind your child to respect this special space.

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OUT-REACH PROJECTS Each month for Spirit Day, the preschool families may choose to donate canned/boxed goods to the Schuh Center. This ministry reaches out to the families less fortunate in our community. There will also be several opportunities throughout the school year for families to donate for other special collections as well such as “The Mitten Tree” and the “Gift of Hope Project” (additional information and details will be provided at that time).

FUNDRAISERSFamilies will have the opportunity to participate in our Preschool Fall & Spring Fundraisers. Your support will not only directly help to beautify and enrich our preschool space but provide learning materials to help our children grow as well!

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICYSt. Susanna Preschool Staff Employees are prohibited from taking photos of the students and sharing them on social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Accounts. Staff members are permitted to take digital pictures of students and share them on closed sites such as Shutterfly to share with their classroom families. These pictures will only be taken and/or shared with parental consent.

BREASTFEEDING AREASt. Susanna Preschool will provide a comfortable seat/area for any mama wishing to privately breastfeed or pump while at St. Susanna Preschool. Please see the Director for the best available location.

When to keep your little one home from school …. For the health and safety of all children enrolled in the preschool program, we reserve the right to deny access for the day to any child who is noticeably ill. If this is your child’s first group care experience, they may experience more frequent illnesses at the beginning before their immune system becomes more active. We ask that you keep your child at home if he/she exhibits any of the following:

A Fever greater than 100 Degrees Fahrenheit within the past 24 hours

Diarrhea (three or more abnormally loose stools within a 24-hour period)

Coughing that is persistent and uncontrolled, it cannot be

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quieted with cough drops or medication. Severe coughing causing the child to become red or blue in the face or to make a whooping sound.

Cold symptoms that are prolonged can sometimes indicate an upper respiratory infection, bronchitis, flu, or even pneumonia, especially if accompanied by a fever. A “cold” with mild to moderate symptoms is no reason to miss school but if you notice difficulty breathing, dehydration, fever, prolonged or severe symptoms, please see your physician.

Difficulty or rapid breathing Yellowish skin or eyes Redness of eye or eyelid, thick

and purulent pus discharge, matted eyelashes, burning, itching or eye pain

Untreated infected skin patches, unusual spots, rashes, blisters, or sores. A medical exam would be necessary to rule out communicable diseases like chicken pox, impetigo, staph/strep infection.

Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool

Stiff neck with an elevated temperature

Evidence of lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestation

Sore throat or difficulty in swallowing

Vomiting more than one time or when accompanied by any other sign or symptom of illness

If a child develops any of these symptoms or signs of illness not listed while at school, the child will be isolated (Preschool Office), and the parents will be notified. If a child does not feel well enough to participate in class activities, the parents will be called to pick them up as well. Anytime a child is isolated, they will be kept within sight and hearing of a staff member. If needed, a cot will be provided & disinfected before future use.

If your child is ill and will not be attending class, please call or email the Preschool Office so that teachers will not be expecting your child.

Please note that we cannot reimburse tuition if your child will be out for an extended period of time due to an illness and/or a surgical procedure.

MEDICATIONSMedications for emergency situations can be given to a child by a teacher or administrator only after a Request for Medication Form is completed by the child’s parents and physician. The medication must be in its original container and clearly labeled with the child’s name and proper dosage for the child’s age and weight. It will be administered in accordance with the instructions on the label.

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All medications are stored in a designated area in the child’s classroom inaccessible to children. Mediations may NOT be stored in a child’s cubby or backpack. or in the refrigerator if required. Children that require antibiotics for any reason must take the medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school.

1. Prescription Medications : Must be in their original container with full prescription label attached.

2. Over the Counter Medications: Must be accompanied with the ODJFS Form with Box 1 & 2 completed. Box 2 must be completed by a licensed physician, licensed dentist, advanced practice nurse or certified physician’s assistant. Exception to this policy is topical preventative products/lotions unless the directions exceed the manufacture’s instructions or use.

If your child has an allergy or illness that may require medication to be administered, please talk to the Preschool Director and your child’s teacher.

ACCIDENTS/ EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Our staff is trained in CPR, First Aid, and Communicable Disease. In the case of a minor accident or injury, a staff member will administer basic first aid. If the injury is more serious, first aid will be administered, and the parents will be contacted immediately to assist in deciding an appropriate course of action. If the injury/illness is life threatening, the EMS will be contacted, and parents will be notified. Staff may not transport children in their vehicles, only parents or EMS can transport. In the event of a serious illness or incident, our staff will contact Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services (ODJFS) within 24 hours. All other incident reports will be kept on file for 1 year following the incident/illness for ODJFS staff to review.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE In the event a child comes down with a Communicable Disease, an e-mail will be sent out & a sign will be posted on the classroom door to inform parents that a child has been exposed to a certain illness.

Injuries In the event of a minor injury:

A staff member will tend to the injury utilizing the First Aid Kit contents when deemed necessary.

An Injury Report will be filled out and given to the parent at dismissal. A parent’s signature will be required, and a copy will be placed in the child’s file.

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Incident Reports will be filled out for all head injuries no matter how minor. If your child ever sustains a head injury, you will be contacted immediately and may need to pick your child up.

If a bee stings your child, you will be notified and as an allergic reaction precaution may be required to pick your child up from school.

In the event of a more serious injury or illness: A staff member is to stay with the child to assure his/her safety and

make him/her feel secure while another worker notifies the parent/guardian or calls for Emergency transportation if necessary.

If a parent or guardian has refused to grant consent for emergency transportation, a staff member will make every effort to contact that parent/guardian or the emergency contact person listed on the child’s medical form. It will then be the parent’s/guardian’s or the emergency contact person’s responsibility to notify emergency personnel for transport.

An Incident Report will be filled out within 24 hours and reported to ODJFS.

EMERGENCIESIn the event an emergency would occur while your child is in our care, St. Susanna Preschool has devised the following procedures:

In the event of a Fire: Teacher(s) will take their Classroom Binder (attendance/emergency

information), Walkie Talkie, Red Backpack with any child medications. Children will be gathered by class; a head count will be taken to be sure

everyone is together and will exit through the preschool playground. The children and staff will meet at the far end of the parking lot in the grass near the Access Road until it is safe to return to the classrooms.

If an evacuation area further away from the building is needed, the Meyer Center serves as the alternate location.

The children will be kept in a designated area until parents and/or help arrive.

Once the class arrives to the designated area, all children will be accounted for by taking a head count and attendance.

Fire drills will be practiced on a monthly basis.

In the event of a Weather Emergency such as a Tornado:

Teacher(s) will take Classroom Binder (attendance/emergency information), Walkie Talkie, Red Backpack with any child medications.

Attendance will be taken before following the posted classroom diagram to the Women’s Restroom (Undercroft/Preschool Lobby) where the children will sit against the wall with their heads down until the threat is over.

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Weather Drills will be conducted once a month in September, March, April & May.

In the event of an Indoor Flood: Teacher(s) will take Classroom Binder (attendance/emergency information),

Walkie Talkie, Red Backpack with any child medications. Attendance will be taken before leaving the classroom and again after

arriving either upstairs to the Church or outside (Director or designee will decide) and parents will be contacted for early pick-up.

In the event of Loss of Power or Heat: The Director (or designee) will assess the length of time the preschool will

be without power/heat. If the time is prolonged, parents will be notified that the preschool is closing, and their children will need to be picked up.

In the event of a Threat of Violence or an Environmental Threat:In the event of a threat of violence, the preschool has developed a plan for many different scenarios. Plans have been shared with the teachers and are available in the classroom and in the Director’s Office for you to look at and review. Limited information will be shared with the students and parents will be notified of this drill. Please know that your child’s safety is our top priority!

The Preschool Staff will secure the children in the safest location possible ~ Classroom Bathroom, Schuh Center, Meyer Center and will follow the directions given by proper authorities.

Teacher(s) will take Classroom Binder (attendance/emergency information), Walkie Talkie, Red Backpack with any child medications.

Attendance will be taken before and upon arrival of the safest site. Parents will be contacted as soon as the situation allows. Parents will also be provided with an Incident Report. Safety Drills will be conducted on a quarterly basis with each class

participating in at least 1 “Lockdown Drill” annually.

In any Evacuation Emergency, parents will be notified as soon as possible to pick up their children from the evacuation site. If a parent cannot be reached, we will contact the emergency contacts listed on your child’s enrollment information.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CHOOSING ST. SUSANNA PRESCHOOL! WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU & YOUR LITTLE ONES!

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Ohio Department of Job and Family ServicesCENTER PARENT INFORMATION REQUIRED

BY OHIO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Center Parent Information

The center is licensed to operate legally by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. This license is posted in a noticeable place for review.

A toll-free telephone number is listed on the center’s license and may be used to report a suspected violation of the licensing law or administrative rules. The licensing rules governing child care are available for review at the center.

The administrator and each employee of the center is required, under Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, to report their suspicions of child abuse or child neglect to the local public children's services agency.

Any parent of a child enrolled in the center shall be permitted unlimited access to the center during all hours of operation for the purpose of contacting their children, evaluating the care provided by the center or evaluating the premises. Upon entering the premises, the parent, or guardian shall notify the Administrator of his/her presence.

The administrator's hours of availability and child/staff ratios are posted in a noticeable place in the center for review.

The licensing record, including licensing inspection reports, complaint investigation reports, and evaluation forms from the building and fire departments, is available for review upon written request from the Ohio department of job and family services.

It is unlawful for the center to discriminate in the enrollment of children upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin or disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 104 Stat. 32, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.

For more information about child care licensing requirements as well as how to apply for child care assistance, Medicaid health screenings and early intervention services for your child, please visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/families.stm.

ACTION: Final Enacted Date: 12/06/2016 8:34 a.m.

Appendix5101: 2 – 12 – 07 AppendixRevised: 1/8/18

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