WE BELIEVE THAT...

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE AND MUST BE TREATED WITH LOVING CARE, COMPASSION, AND RESPECT.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING ONES AND WE INTEND TO PROVIDE OUR YOUNG STUDENTS WITH FOND AND HAPPY MEMORIES OF THEIR "FIRST" SCHOOL YEARS.

CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER THE WORLD AROUND THEM; TO FEEL THE JOY OF LEARNING THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF EXPLORATION.

EACH YOUNG PERSON HAS UNIQUE AND CREATIVE POTENTIAL THAT CAN BE ENCOURAGED TO UNFOLD, THROUGH ART, MUSIC AND DRAMA.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT IS IMPORTANT TO A WELL-ROUNDED PERSON AND THE TIME TO BEGIN TO DRAW ATTENTION TO CHRIST'S PRESENCE IN A CHILD'S LIFE IS DURING THE PRESCHOOL YEARS.

WELCOME TO EXTENDED CARE, DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL AT FIRST LUTHERAN

EXTENDED CARE PROGRAM Childhood Ministries

First Lutheran Church

Tiffin, Ohio 44883

flectiffin@yahoo.com - 419.447.1145

The Extended Care Program of First Lutheran Church, Tiffin, Ohio, is a vital part of the congregation's Childhood Ministry.

The Extended Care Program, as the other Childhood Ministries of the congregation, emphasizes the value of the child in God's eyes and, therefore, the Church's eyes.

The Extended Care Program witnesses the mission and ministry of the Church in that the very best we have to offer is offered to our Lord and the Church.

The Extended Care Program is a safe, caring, and nurturing environment brought about by Christian service of First Lutheran Church.

The purpose of our program is to provide a safe, caring, nurturing environment in a Christian setting. We offer children a chance to grow socially and emotionally through interactions with their peers and staff, to grow physically through games and recreational activities, and to grow creatively through music, art activities and dramatic play.

THE STAFF OF EXTENDED CARE

Jane Frederick, Director - A.S. from Terra Community College, 41 years of experience in administration and teaching in day care/preschool settings.

Barb Beidelschies, Assistant Extended Care - 1-3/4 year of Early Childhood at Terra Community College, 45 hour training certificate from Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and is beginning her twenty-second (22

nd) year in

Extended Care.

Mindy Cook, Assistant Extended Care - 1 year of Early Childhood at Terra Community College, twenty-fourth (24th) year

of experience in child care, and 45 hour training certificate from Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Leslie Fox , Assistant Extended Care-45 hour training certificate from Ohio Department of Human Services, has twenty-seven (27) years of experience in the day care setting.

Ashley Hoerig-Corrick, Assistant Extended Care - graduate of Terra Community College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and is starting her sixteenth (16

th) year at First Lutheran Extended Care.

Gena Beague, Assistant Extended Care.

PROGRAM

The First Lutheran Childhood Ministry serves up to 60 children at a time between the ages of 3 and 12 years in the Extended Care Program. All children must be pre-registered and have a completed emergency transportation form (and medical form on file for all preschool students) before we may accept them for the day. We enroll children who are attending First Lutheran Preschool, Tiffin City (Elementary) Schools, and children of congregation members.

Children are escorted between the Church and Krout Elementary School by adults (2 adults for every 18 children walking). Parents must sign a "Permission to Escort Form" before the start of the school year. In keeping with Ohio Department of Job & Family Services rules, we may not escort your child without written consent. Noble and Washington School students will be picked up and dropped off at First Lutheran by Tiffin City School buses.

Our staff is selected for their professional qualifications and personal traits suited to meet the many needs of the children. We consider the following qualifications:

Emotional maturity

Willingness to cooperate with the program objectives

Respect for children and adults

Patience and flexibility

Physical and mental health

Good personal hygiene

Requirements mandated by the Ohio Department of Human Services

The program will include workshops, arts and crafts, sports activities, games (both academic and strictly fun), homework time, tutoring when possible, and the invitation to participate in brief prayer service. Children will never be forced to participate in any activity. We are striving to achieve a balance between free time and the opportunity to participate in more structured activities if they so choose.

We do not schedule conferences with parents of school age students unless there is a need. If you desire a conference, please feel free to call 447-1145.

Licensing records and health, building, and fire inspection reports are available upon request.

The maximum number of children per staff care member is 1 to 12(Three year olds) 1 to 14 (Four year olds) 1 to 18 (School age). During most of the day our ratio is lower. We serve preschool through 5

th grade. Our maximum group

size is 24 children. If there are more children than this, we break into two groups.

Calendars will be sent home monthly to keep parents informed of upcoming events and special activities.

Preschool and kindergarten children who participate in our nap time program must take blankets and pillow cases home every week to be laundered.

DAILY SCHEDULE 6:00 - 8:00 Children arriving; games, puzzles, free-choice play

7:00 - 8:00 Buses pick-up Washington/Noble School

8:00 Leave for Krout School

8:10 - 8:50 Preschoolers: free-choice play & activities

8:55 - 9:00 Go to Preschool/Snack

11:30 Preschoolers return

11:35 Wash hands/lunch

12:30 Gross motor activity

12:50 Story and prepare for nap

1:00 - 2:00 Rest time

2:00 - 2:45 Activity for preschoolers/Snack

2:45 Pick up children from Krout

3:00 Return from school - prepare for snack

3:15 Snack/Washington and Noble students return by TCS bus

3:30 - 4:30 Choice of activities; art, gross motor, or a special planned activity

4:30 - 6:00 Choice of activities, clean-up

HOURS AND HOLIDAYS

The Extended Care Program operates Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Krout students are escorted to school between 8:00 and 8:15 am. Children attending Preschool will be cared for until 8:55, when they will be taken to their respective classrooms. The program ends daily at 6:00 p.m.

We are open when school is in session. If enough interest is shown we will be open Snow Days and Conference Days. If there is a delay, children will be cared for until the start of school.

Since the summer of 1998, the Extended Care has operated a summer program. The Summer Extended Care program will provide care for preschool 3 years olds through children who have completed the fifth grade. For more information about our summer program or to register, please see Director, Jane Frederick.

The Ohio Department of Health's "Child Day Care Center Communicable Disease Chart" is posted outside the door of the Extended Care.

AND ATTENDANCE ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSION To be eligible for extended care service, the family must meet one of these criteria:

1. Students who attend Tiffin City Schools.

2. Children of First Lutheran Church members.

3. Preschoolers enrolled in First Lutheran Preschool.

Eligible children are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Before a child begins the program, we must have the following on file:

1. A completed Application Form.

2. A completed and recent Medical Examination form with up-to-date immunizations, signed by your physician, is required for all preschool students.

3. Emergency Transportation Form.

4. Signed Agreement Form.

5. Reservation Fee.

6. Signed Permission to Escort Form.

ATTENDANCE Please notify us if your child will not be attending on a scheduled day. We realize that these dates have been pre-paid. However, each child needs to be accounted for. Call the Extended Care at 419-447-1145, as soon as possible. (You may leave a message on our answering machine at any time.)

HEALTH AND MEDICAL

As required by State Law, every preschool child enrolling in our Program must have on file a health form which your doctor verifies is up-to-date on immunizations.

This form must be less than one year old when your child enters the Extended Care Program. Immunizations records are required for all preschool children on their first day of attendance. A “Child Medical Statement” will be due 30 days after starting our program.

If your child is not current on all immunizations, or your child has not been immunized, you must also sign the “Child Medical Statement”.

MEDICATIONS No "over the counter" medicine will be given to a child at any time, i.e., aspirin, cough syrups, etc. Prescription medication will be given to the child if the medication is in the original bottle with the date and child's name, and times of day to be given. We also need a form signed by the parent with specific instructions.

Please hand the prescription medication to be given to your child to the person in charge, with instructions attached, to be placed in the refrigerator or in the medicine cabinet. The parent should then fill out the necessary information on the "Administration of Medication" form, if that has not already been completed. Inhalers may be used by children as needed, provided the Administration of Medication@ form is on file. School age children may have an inhaler in their possession for their use when needed if parents have signed an Administration of Medication A form.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

In the event of a medical emergency or of an accident, we shall contact the parents. The child will be taken immediately to the nearest hospital by emergency medical vehicles along with their health and medical records. The parent should go directly to the hospital emergency room. A staff member will stay with the child until the parent arrives and is comfortable with the situation. If you have refused to grant consent for transportation, per your child’s enrollment form, please indicate what actions you would prefer we take in case of emergency.

INCIDENT / INJURY REPORT

An incident report will be filed for any accident, injury or illness which requires first aid treatment for a bump or blow to the head, emergency transporting and for any unusual or unexpected events which jeopardizes the safety of children or staff. The parent will be given a copy of the report after signing said report on that day.

FAMILY MAILBOXES

The Family mailboxes are the most important communication center of the program. They are used for calendars, articles, messages, and information to the parents. Please check the Parents' Bulletin Board and mailboxes daily. Snack menus are posted on the Parents= Bulletin Board weekly.

DESIGNATED AREAS FOR MOTHERS WHO BREASTFEED

Mothers needing to breastfeed and/or pump breast milk may go on the main level on the pew outside of Pre4/5 classroom, in the women’s bathroom on either side of the pew or in the main lobby off of the sanctuary / Fellowship Hall area by the glass windows off of the large sidewalk from the back parking lot.

FORMAL ASSESSMENTS

Our Extended Care Program currently conducts formal assessments on enrolled preschool children and reports child level data to ODJFS, pursuant to 5101:2-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

NAPTIME POLICY

Preschool children who are in daycare will observe naptime from 1-2pm daily. Children are assigned cots and given clean sheets weekly. Children may bring a blanket and small pillow from home. They will have a cubby if they would like to leave them here. We encourage the children to rest with a relaxing environment. If children haven’t fallen asleep within half an hour, they may be able to engage in quiet activities.

SNACKS AND LUNCHES

On a normal day a snack is served to the children at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. We serve nutritious snacks. Parents are responsible for sending nutritious sack lunches with children who will be here during lunch. They must meet the nutritional guidelines set forth by ODHS, or the child will be supplemented. We may ask for fifty cent donation for each supplement. A note will go in your child's lunch box and a record will be kept as to the charges applied.

The following information specifies the four basic food groups and the quantities necessary to meet nutritional requirements for the lunch meal. (One serving from each group.)

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

We will provide a healthy snack. Please speak to the Extended Care Director if you would like to donate snacks. No chewing gum is allowed. We ask that parents call the office with messages for their children only if necessary. The staff person will then give the message to their child(ren). Phone calls can be disruptive to the program and office staff. We request phone calls be limited to important situations. Each child is given a space where he/she can place coats, boots, and personal possessions. In order to prevent lost clothing, please see that all articles are clearly marked. Though we try and watch out for articles, the staff is not responsible for lost or misplaced clothing. No child should bring toys, electronics, sports equipment or other such belongings to the program. Often these things from home are lost, broken, or the cause of unnecessary arguments. This can be avoided by leaving personal possessions at home. The staff will not be responsible for any such articles. We allow electronics during Summer Break and on Snow Days. Children will remain in the group that they have registered for (according to age) during the entire school year (September to May). Please label coats, lunch boxes, book bags, etc… with permanent marker.

SUSPENSION

A child whose behavior is uncontrollable in the group may be suspended from an activity or program for a specific amount of time. Uncontrollable behavior includes, but is not limited to - fighting, hitting, swearing, running away and refusing to obey program rules. Parents will be notified of this unacceptable behavior and advised that, if problems persist, the child could be suspended from 2-5 days. Further, if all our staff's attempts and suspension fail, the child may be dropped from the program.

DISMISSAL

Children are dismissed from the program under the following circumstances:

1. The child moves to a different area or school that we do not serve.

The parent fails to comply to the regulations of the program, including payment of fees and parent involvement. The child demonstrates uncontrollable behavior which has not changed after a period of suspension.

RESERVATION FEE

There is an annual, non-refundable reservation fee of $30.00, which entitles the child to participate in the program.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payment for Extended Care is made in advance every two weeks according to the bi-weekly schedule which has been turned in.

1. The Director will record each day's activity and retain the official record of time used.

2. Time used will be recorded in hour increments. A child on the premises 6 minutes past the hour will be charged for the next hour.

3. There will be a minimum of 2 hours/week to hold a spot for Extended Care if the child will not be attending at all that week.

4. The fee for Extended Care is $3.50 per hour per child.

5. Payments received after the designated date will be charged a 10% late fee.

Payments for Extended Care can be made in cash or by check.

1. If payment is made by cash, exact amount is required, since no cash is kept in the office.

2. If paying by check, make check payable to First Lutheran Extended Care. You will be charged a $20.00 fee for any returned check. If payment is mailed, please clearly mark envelope to the attention of FLEC/Preschool

3. Because our program and licensing requirements require us to engage staff based on the number of children enrolled, we cannot give refunds.

There is a minimum charge of $3.50 per session. For example, if your child is here from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., you will be charged for one hour.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Cases will be reviewed on an individual basis, depending on need and funds available. Reservation fees must be paid before the child is considered registered in the program, regardless of request for financial assistance.

WITHDRAWALS

Parents may withdraw a child from the program at any time. We request that a 2 week notice be given to allow for another child to enter the program. Withdrawal and subsequent re-enrollment will entail an additional $30.00 reservation fee.

PICK UP

Children are to be signed out by the parent or authorized pick up person before leaving the Church. Failure to sign your child out will be recorded. After the third offense, your child will not be allowed to return.

No one may pick up the child who is not authorized to do so on the permission form. Even if a parent calls to inform us that an unauthorized person can pick up the child, we cannot allow pick up if that person is not written on the permission form. According to State law, the authorized person must be an adult (at least 18 years of age).

In case of a emergency, an officer of the law may request a designated person to pick up the child. For your child's protection, anyone picking up the child for the first time may be asked to show a driver's license or a picture I.D.

In cases of separation or divorce, parents must understand that, by law, both parents are considered authorized to pick up the child, unless a copy of a legal document to the contrary is on file at Extend Care.

Extended Care is only licensed to be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We ask parents to cooperate in picking up their children before 6:00 p.m. There will be a dollar per minute, per child late charge for any child not picked up by 6:00 p.m. This is a licensing issue and Extended Care must adhere to these state regulations. If, due to an emergency, the parent should be delayed, please call the Extended Care to inform us that you will be late. While we understand that emergencies do arise, we request that parents keep in mind the 6:00 p.m. closing time and make arrangements to have a Guardian/Authorized person pick up your child before that time.

MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY

The First Lutheran Extended Care Program adheres to the following regulations in regard to management of communicable diseases:

All staff members are required to take a course in the prevention, recognition, and management of communicable diseases.

If at any time a staff member contracts a communicable disease, a substitute shall be employed until the staff member is able to return to work.

A child with any of the following signs of illness shall be immediately isolated and discharged to his parents or designated representative:

a. Diarrhea (3 or more abnormally loose stools within a twenty-four hour period).

b. Serve coughing, causing the child to become red or blue in the face or to make a whooping sound.

c. Difficult or rapid breathing.

d. Yellowish skin or eyes.

e. Temperature of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit taken by the axillary method when in combination with any other sign of illness.

f. Untreated infected skin patch(es),spots or rashes.

g. Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool.

h. Stiff neck with elevated temperature.

i. Redness of the eye, obvious discharge, matted eyelashes, burning or itching

j. Sore throat or difficulty in swallowing.

k. Vomiting

l. Evidence of lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestation.

A child isolated due to suspected communicable disease shall be:

a. Cared for in the Extended Care office.

b. Within sight and hearing of an adult at all times.

c. Made to feel comfortable.

d. Observed carefully for worsening condition.

e. Discharged to parent or designated representative as soon as possible in accordance with Item 3 of this policy.

A child shall be readmitted to program when the signs and symptoms of illness, as listed above, are no longer evident.

Parents will be notified when their child has been exposed to a communicable disease. (Notes will be posted in doorways and/or sent home with children no later than the end of the next business day).

The Ohio Department of Health's "Child Day Care Center Communicable Disease Chart" shall be posted in the hall outside the Extended Care office.

Immediate notification of the parent or designated representative when a child is exhibiting signs or symptoms of illness shall be made by telephone.

If child has been exposed to a communicable disease, a staff member will communicate this to the parent or designated representative either verbally at the close of a session or by means of a written message outside the classroom door.

A child experiencing minor cold symptoms or one who does not feel well enough to participate in activities and in either case is not exhibiting any of the symptoms above will be allowed to remain in class. The child shall be observed carefully for signs and symptoms of worsening condition and if need be, isolated and discharged.

EMERGENCY/MEDICAL POLICY

A properly equipped first-aid kit is kept on the premises. The teacher is certified in first-aid procedures as required by the State of Ohio. Students medical records and parent emergency medical authorizations are kept at the church.

In case of an emergency, the following procedures are followed:

1. FIRE. Teacher leads pupils to safety outside the building and remains with the children until the emergency is ended or other arrangements are made to care for the children. Other staff will notify the Fire Department.

2. TORNADO. (or other severe storm). Teacher leads pupils to central corridor, lower level, and remains with children until emergency is ended.

3. ILLNESS. In the event of an emergency, accident, communicable disease, or illness, our policy is to call the parents or their designated representative.

4. In the event of an emergency requiring transportation, we will follow instructions given by the parent on the emergency transportation authorization form.

5. EMERGENCY EVACUATION. Children will go to the church garage. In case of a Ageneral emergency@(natural disasters; loss of power, heat or water; threats of violence or safety due to environmental situations)we will notify parents by phone and/or radio WTTF and stay with children until all parents arrive.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

The First Lutheran Extended Care Program's method of discipline shall apply to all students. Discipline shall be maintained in class sessions by means of direction, instructions, and admonitions given by all employees consistent with a Christian understanding of love and care, respect for the rights of each person, and the growth and development of each individual. Discipline shall be restricted as follows:

1. There shall be no cruel, harsh, or unusual punishments such as, but not limited to, punching, pinching, shaking, biting, or spanking.

2. No discipline technique shall be delegated to any other child.

3. No physical restraints shall be used to confine a child.

4. No child shall be placed in a locked room or confined in an enclosed area such as a closet, a box, or similar cubicle.

5. No child shall be humiliated or subjected to profane language, threats, derogatory remarks about himself or his family, or other verbal abuse.

6. Discipline shall not be imposed on a child for failure to eat, or for toileting accidents.

7. Techniques of discipline shall not unnecessarily humiliate, shame, or frighten a child.

8. Discipline shall not include withholding of food , rest, or toilet use.

EXAMPLE OF DISCIPLINE

Example of discipline to be used by the staff members.

When inappropriate behavior does occur, the staff must act quickly to help the child recognize this behavior is inappropriate.

Go to the child and speak at their eye level.

Speak privately to the child(ren) involved.

Review the rule broken and explain why the rule exists.

Use firm, positive statements of what should be done, rather than focusing only on the inappropriate behavior.

If nothing else works, have the child take a time out. A good rule of thumb is no more than one minute per year, according to the age of the child. The child must be in sight and hearing of a staff member in a safe, lighted, well ventilated area.

Children will not be abused or neglected and shall be protected from such while in our care.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in a variety of school activities, i.e Parent Orientation, Open House, and seasonal activities. Letters are sent home regularly to keep parents informed of class routine, upcoming events and special activities.

SAFETY POLICY

The First Lutheran Extended Care Program adheres to the following regulations in providing for the safety of the children:

1. No child is left alone or unsupervised.

2. The policy concerning the arrival and departure of children shall be strictly followed to assure the staff's awareness of each child's presence at the school. Children are signed in and out by staff so we are aware of every child we are responsible for at all times.

3. Immediate access at all times to a working telephone.

4. A monthly fire drill is exercised. Tornado drills are required monthly. March thru August.

5. A Fire Emergency and Weather Alert Plan are posted which explain action to be taken and staff responsibilities.

6. If an accident or injury occurs which requires transportation, the Emergency Transportation Authorization will be followed. The proper report will then be filed.

7. The use of spray aerosols shall be prohibited when children are in attendance at the school.

8. A staff member shall immediately notify the local public children's services agency when the abuse or neglect of a child is suspected.

9. An "Incident Report" is prepared for any bump, fall, etc. that should occur. The parent will be requested to sign the report and will be given a copy of the signed Incident Report.

10. Children attending our program after school will meet in Krout=s lobby daily. All children are signed in upon their arrival to the gym. If a scheduled child is absent, we will consult the school office and/or child=s teacher for information on the child. Upon arrival to FLEC, we will contact the parent. Washington and Noble students will be transported by Tiffin City School’s buses.

11. The center shall provide outdoor play each day in suitable weather for all children in attendance for four or more consecutive daylight hours. In inclement weather (sleet, rain, lightening, high winds, weather below 321, taking wind-chill factor into consideration or temperatures over 951.) large motor play will be in the gym. Temperatures between 851& 951limited outside play to fifteen minutes.

12. A signed statement from parent/guardian and each employee verifying review and receipt of written policies and procedures will be on file in the office.

13. Fourth and fifth grade children (in groups of no more than six children) may run errands inside of the building, use the restroom alone, or work on homework in the office without a staff member present as long as staff can see or hear the children at all times and check on them often.

14. Written permission is required for school children to leave the center for specific activities.

FIELD TRIPS

1. Permission slips for routine field trips (walks around the block or to/from Krout) are on file in the office. For special trips@, written, signed permission slips will be necessary. Parents will be informed of this in advance and given all pertinent information. A person with current First Aid training, Communicable Disease Recognition and CPR shall be present at the destination.

2. During the summer, our Extended Care program participates in field trips. A signed permission slip (stating when, where and method of transportation) is required before the child can participate. The children will be transported by public transportation. They are secured by a seatbelt, car or booster seat and riding with a licensed, insured driver in a vehicle that is approved vehicle. Parent vehicles are exempt.

3. All children are supervised at all times. The vehicle will be checked at each destination to ensure that no child is left in vehicle alone. We will have emergency transportation authorization forms, first aid supplies, health records(if needed) and cell phone at all times. The children will wear identification with centers name, address, phone and cell phone number.

4. We may go swimming at Hedges-Boyer several times during the summer program. Written permission slips are required and must include child=s name, birthdate, whether the child is a swimmer or non-swimmer, location, and state that additional adults above ratio are provided. Water safety rules are reviewed and each adult will be responsible for two or three children. Adults are directly with the children at all times. At each break (top of every hour) children are gathered at our designated area.

5. When using wading pools at the center, they will be emptied and cleaned daily.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHILDHOOD MINISTRY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

First Lutheran Extended Care Program is directly administered by our Extended Care Director. Any concerns about your child's program and care should be discussed with her.

Monthly, the Childhood Ministry Board of Directors meets to discuss the issues and concerns of the Preschool Program and Extended Care Program at the Church. They consider any necessary actions to be taken concerning the finances, program rules, or procedures of the Program. Should you have a concern that you wish to be brought before the Board at one of the monthly meetings.

A FINAL WORD

The State of Ohio, Department of Human Services requires that all members of child care institutions be on look out for, and report to proper authorities, any, and all cases of suspected child abuse. First Lutheran Extended Care Program is, therefore, obligated to report any suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect.

2020/2021

(Revised 9/2/2020

TRANSITION POLICIES FOR FIRST LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

AND

EXTENDED CARE

Throughout the year, we do many things to make transitioning within and out of our program as easy as possible for the children.

We begin registration in March. Parents sign up for their preferred preschool classes, in the appropriate age group. We follow Tiffin City Schools cut-off dates. (ex. To sign up for our 3 year old class, the child must be 3 by August 1. To sign up for our 4/5 year old class, the child must be at least 4 by August 1.) We offer morning and afternoon classes, as well as a Crossover class for older preschoolers who are eligible for kindergarten, but not going for a variety of reasons. Our Extended Care registration begins at the same time. Three year olds through fifth graders are eligible for our daycare program, which continues year round. We continue registration until classes are full. We will not start new children in our preschool classes after January, unless they were currently enrolled in a similar program elsewhere.

All preschool students stay with their class the entire school year, then advance together in September. Students in our Pre-3 classes will advance to the 4/5 classes in September. The 3 year olds are familiar with the 4/5 year olds and the teacher. They occasionally play together outside and in the gym. They meet for Chapel Time together each month, and participate in different holiday activities together throughout the year. Our Preschool staff also work in Extended Care throughout the day, so any preschool children also attending Extended Care will be familiar with all teachers. The Pre-3 Children must walk by the Pre-4 classroom on their way to the gym, and are made aware of that. Our 3 year olds look forward to moving on to the Pre-4 class.

Occasionally, children enrolled in our program will move away during the school year. Our preschool teachers make sure the child’s last day is a special one, by having a “Going Away” celebration.

We hold an Open House in the late spring, inviting the public and families that have registered for our summer and fall programs. This is another opportunity to visit our program and meet our staff.

We have a Summer Enrichment Program for preschool students. This class is for 4-5 year olds, with many of them just finishing our Pre-3 program. This program is very helpful for children who need the repetition of preschool on a regular basis. Often times, the three month break from learning is difficult for many children. This is also a great opportunity for our children moving on to kindergarten to get in just a little more learning before heading off to school. Each spring our 4/5 year olds participate in Kindergarten Screening through Tiffin City Schools, or other various districts in our surrounding area.

We post information about screening, as well as send home information to the parents. The teacher talks about the screening with the children, and encourages them to show the kindergarten teachers how much they have learned in preschool.

Each year a Parent Orientation is held in August. The staff and parents sit down together and go over the handbook,

talk about our policies and procedures, and tour our facilities. The parents receive packets with the required paperwork,

including letters from their child’s teacher regarding class routines and expectations

Each classroom has various bulletin boards welcoming every child individually, with an apple or similar fall item with the child’s name. All children have mailboxes in their preschool classrooms. Preschool teachers send home monthly newsletters and other communications by placing items in the mailboxes. Both preschool classes also post important information on bulletin boards outside of their classrooms. Children in Extended Care have cubbies for blankets, pillows and extra clothes. All families in Extended Care have family mailboxes for receipts, artwork, etc. Extended Care posts calendars with important information several places in the center. Other forms of communications are passed out to parents. We also have a Facebook page for sharing information with parents, as well as pictures of classroom activities. Parents sign a form giving us permission to post pictures of their child on our Facebook page.

All preschoolers participate in an End-of-the-Year program. The 4/5 year olds have a graduation-like ceremony where they perform several songs they have learned in class. At the conclusion of the program, each child is recognized individually, and receives a preschool diploma. The children decorate keepsake t-shirts in class to wear as graduation gowns for this program. The three year olds also have a spring program. The children perform songs and finger plays they have learned throughout the school year. Each child is recognized individually at the conclusion of the performance, and they receive a “moving up” certificate to celebrate their hard work and the conclusion of their three year old preschool class time.

When new school age children enroll in our program, we encourage children in the same grade to be their ‘buddy’. The ‘buddy’ plays with the new child and introduces them to other children. They also help the new child become familiar with our rules and routines. We also

review rules with the group, as a reminder to everyone.

Our goal is to create a structured environment where children feel welcomed, safe and confident. We also strive to be certain that parents are informed and welcomed in our facility. We are all partners in helping build confident, caring students who love to learn, as shown by the above policies.