Discovery Corner Preschool

Parent Handbook2019-2020

First United Methodist Church29 East Walnut StreetLancaster, PA 17601

717-394-7231, ext. 355www.discoverycornerpreschool.com

Our MissionTo help children and their families experience Christ’s love in a safe, nurturing, and encouraging learning environment.

Our PurposeTo help children grow spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically.

OrganizationDiscovery Corner Preschool, located in the First United Methodist Church, was founded in 1990 as a social and educational outreach ministry to the community. The Preschool is governed by a Board of Directors composed of members of the church, the Preschool Director, and parents. A listing of the Staff and Board members is provided for your convenience at the back of this book.

Non-discrimination and Admission RequirementsDiscovery Corner Preschool does not and will not discriminate against any applicants or students on the basis of race, religion, or creed. Those applying for admission with any physical, emotional, or intellectual disabilities must be evaluated on an individual basis to assure that the Preschool can effectively meet their specialized needs.Children are eligible for the Preschool from the age starting at 2 years old through Pre- Kindergarten. In order to begin the school year, the Preschool requests the following information for your child:

• Registration form • Registration fee paid in full• Emergency medical authorization• Photo release• Student information form• Child release information• Immunization record (this is a request only)• Website release• Handbook agreement• First month's tuition paid in full by Sept. 27, 2019• Walking Field Trip Permission Signature

It is requested that if any pertinent changes occur during the school year (address, phone, custody orders, allergy information, etc.) that they be reported to the Director in a timely manner.

Enrollment Procedure• Interested parents or guardians are required to submit an application and a non-refundable $50 registration fee for each child being considered for admission. The registration fee is a total of $75 if you are registering more than one child.

• Each application is reviewed by the Director to assure that the Preschool is capable of providing an effective, developmentally appropriate, educational environment for each child.

• Any questioned application can be appealed by contacting the Board President to arrange a special meeting with the Board of Directors. • If any class has full enrollment, there will be a waiting list using a first

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come/first serve basis. • If it is necessary to withdraw your child (children), the Preschool requires a two-week notice or the remaining unused portion of the tuition will become non-refundable.

2018-2019 Class Options and Tuition:Two Years Old- Curious Kangaroo Classroom

(Must be two years old by September 1st, 2019)

CLASS YEARLY TUITION

MONTHLY TUITION

One Day: Wednesday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM $ 855.00 $95.00Two Day: Tuesday/ Thursday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM $1,710.00 $190.00Three Day: Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM

$2,565.00 $285.00

Five Day: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM $4,275.00 $475.00

Three Years Old- Hungry Caterpillar Classroom(Must be three years old by September 1st, 2019)

CLASS YEARLY TUITION

MONTHLY TUITION

Two Day: Tuesday/ Thursday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM $1,710.00 $190.00Three Day: Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM

$2,448.00 $272.00

Five Day: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM $4,158.00 $462.00

Pre-K- Learning Llama Classroom(Must be four years old by September 1st, 2019)

CLASS YEARLY TUITION

MONTHLY TUITION

Three Day: Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM

$2,223.00 $247.00

Five Day: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM $3,834.00 $426.00

SPECIAL NOTES: Prepaid annual amount will include a 3% discount if paid by September 21, 2018 Sibling Discount: Families with more than one child in the preschool receive a

15% discount on each subsequent child’s tuition. *If your family is accepted into the Scholarship Program. There will be no sibling discount.

Parent Information

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Parents of current preschoolers or potential preschool families may obtain information about Discovery Corner Preschool in the following manners:

• Call or email the Director, Libby Barringer: Office - 717-394-7231 (ext. 3355); director@discoverycornerpreschool.com • Visit the Preschool website: www.discoverycornerpreschool.com• Read the monthly newsletters from the Director and Teachers• Read the notices and brochures available outside of the director’s office• Like us on Facebook and Instagram- follow us for news, information, and fun!

Payment Options: All monthly tuition checks or money orders (please avoid cash payments, if possible) should be made out to "Discovery Corner Preschool" and placed in the Lock Box on the wall outside of the Director’s Office door. Please place check, money order, or cash in an envelope clearly marked with your name and what the payment is for. We accept checks through automatic bill pay services. An on-line bill pay is set up on our preschool web site. Neither your child’s teachers nor the director should “hand deliver” any payments. Envelopes are available in the main church office if needed. The Box will be emptied weekly but checked and processed daily, so deposits can be made immediately and on a daily basis.

DATE DUE(Deadline for payment is the 15th of each

month)AMOUNT

DUEPAID

(Amount, check # and date paid)

Registration Fee $50.00September 27, 2019October 15, 2019November 15, 2019December 13, 2019January 15, 2020February 14, 2020March 13, 2020April 15, 2020May 15, 2020

• Tuition payments received after the 15 th of the month will be assessed a $20 late fee will be charged without exception.  

• If tuition is 30 days past due without payment or special arrangements with the director, the student’s enrollment may be suspended or terminated. The family will lose any scholarship funds that might have been awarded.

• At 60 days past due, the child(ren) may be suspended from the preschool. • At 90 days past due, the account will be turned over to a collection agency.

For your information, not to be published, the finance committee of the Board and the parent may agree to a payment plan; however, if the payments fall behind the designated schedule, the same past due actions will be implemented.

• Any checks returned by a banking institution for insufficient funds will be

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assessed a charge in the amount of the current bank charge rate.• There are no refunds for absences due to normal illness or vacation.

However, there will be special exceptions granted for extreme emergencies or family death, if the Director is contacted immediately concerning the absence.

• Any tuition paid in full by September 20, 2019, will receive a 3% discount. This does not apply to families receiving scholarship funding.

DCP Scholarship ProgramDiscovery Corner Preschool awards financial aid based on a sliding fee scale, which takes into account the number of family members in a household and a family’s income. Scholarship Application forms are available from the Director. The Director will present all completed requests to the DCP Scholarship Committee who will review and evaluate the applications and requests. The committee will then present its recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval at the next Board meeting. The maximum amount of scholarship money that may be granted is 50%. If a family is awarded a scholarship, and has more than one child enrolled in the preschool, no other discounts or adjustments will be made to the cost of tuition. Families awarded scholarships are required to participate in annual preschool events and fundraising activities.

Drop-Off/ Pick-Up Procedures• The preschool doors open to children at 8:55 am.

While teachers are in the building prior to that time, they are on site to prepare for the day’s activities. Our school day begins at 9:00 am.

• Discovery Corner Preschool offers morning drop-off for all children. Teachers will be outside to greet and escort your child from 8:55-9:10 am.

• Should you arrive after the staff leaves the drop-off area, please park your car and bring your child to the classroom through the main doors off of the church parking lot.

• We request that you pick up your child (children) at the end of preschool day from the chapel where we will dismiss all students daily. You may also use the pick-up/drop-off lane in front of the school for afternoon pick-up.

• Occasionally, we will utilize a pick up procedure that is different due to a scheduled event or program at the church. You will receive prior notice about this with detailed instructions.

• We also ask that authorized parents, guardians, or other person(s) be prompt in picking up their child (children).

• Being late may upset the child (children) and may cause unnecessary worry and anxiety particularly at the younger ages. We ask for your full cooperation in helping the Preschool avoid stressful situations.

• Our staff members have family and work obligations beyond the preschool day. Late fees will be accessed at a rate of $5.00/ 5 minutes beyond the school day and must be paid directly to the staff person attending to your child at the time of pick up. Excessive late pick-ups may result in the child being asked to leave DCP.

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ParkingThe church parking lot is a very busy place and is used by many people for a variety of reasons. Please quickly find and vacate parking spots so that others may use them when picking up their children. Only park in church designated parking spaces (spaces marked with white signs and red lettering). Please do not park under the portico or by the curb when picking up your child. This makes it difficult to access the designated handicapped parking spaces coming in and out of the church. Please be patient with the parking lot situation and please be courteous to others. If there are problems, please report them to the Director.

Student Release PolicyTo ensure your child’s safety, the Preschool requires that you provide names, addresses, and phone numbers of all persons authorized to pick up your child. Please alert your friends and family members that teachers and/or the Director will ask to see photo identification before releasing your child to someone who is not the parent or familiar to the Preschool staff. We ask that you keep the Preschool informed of any situations that may arise throughout the school year concerning persons allowed to pick up your child. If someone is not on the list provided at the time of enrollment, written consent is required, along with a phone number where the legal parent/guardian may be reached for further approval of release. Please inform the Director of the Discovery Corner Preschool of any court orders and/or changes in parental custody or guardianship regarding your child.

Communication Policy for ConcernsYour concerns are important to us; therefore, Discovery Corner Preschool has adopted the following policy for parent/guardian concerns.

STEP 1: Discuss the issue during after-school hours with the staff member directly involved. The staff member will document the concern in writing (which can be reviewed by the Director), and then address the issue in confidence with any involved party.STEP 2: If necessary, make an appointment to discuss the issue with the Director.STEP 3: If necessary, the concerned party may address the issue with the Preschool Board of Directors. In order to effectively address the concern, the Board of Directors requires a written explanation of the concern to be sent to the Board President. This explanation, as well as any documentation from the staff, will be reviewed prior to the next scheduled Board meeting. The President will inform the concerned party of the date of the meeting as well as the available time on the agenda where concerns are to be addressed. Then, a recommendation/resolution will be made by the Board of Directors and documented in writing.

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First Day PreparationTo help your child (children) have a happy first day of Preschool:

• Talk about the Preschool in a positive way. Name specific activities for the child to look forward to. "Won't it be fun to ride the bikes and play on the slide?" "I know you will enjoy painting and doing the crafts."

• Meet the teacher and director before the first day of class, if possible. Frequently use the teacher’s name and the teacher’s assistant’s name so that the child will become familiar with it. If you know some of the children who will also be attending Preschool, try to invite them over to play and socialize before school begins.

• Plan your schedule so that the child can be rested, unhurried, and relaxed about the first morning.

• Provide a nutritious breakfast on the first day and every day.• Expect the child (children) to go to school happily and to have a good time.

Your own insecurities will be sensed quickly. In most cases, try not to prolong the good-bye. Please understand that if your child protests over you leaving, by staying you might only make the adjustment harder for all those involved. The Director will be on hand to help with any good-byes and to provide communication with the parents, especially during the first weeks of preschool when the children are becoming adjusted to school.

Class Activity ScheduleYour child's (children's) typical day will include:

• Supervised free play• Art projects• Directed play and learning/academic activities including language arts,

math, social studies, and science activities• Gross and fine motor skill opportunities• Music and movement• Large group, small group, and individual learning experiences

• Christian faith concepts, prayer, and devotions• A nutritious snack

Snacks/Lunch: We are a “Nut Free” PreschoolPlease do not send foods prepared with Peanuts or Tree Nuts.

• Parents or guardians are asked to contribute snacks twice a year. The first week of school a class list will go home that will tell how many students are in the class. You will be notified if any of your child’s classmates have food allergies so that snacks appropriate for all students can be given. Parents will need to supply a simple snack and small drink.

• Lunch will be between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. each class day unless there is a special event or field trip. Parents or guardians are responsible for providing a lunch and drink for their children. Please limit sugary foods. DCP

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staff will encourage children to eat their “main course” before moving on to dessert type items. It is recommended that lunches be packed in thermal lunch bags due to lack of refrigerator space. DCP does not have a microwave to heat foods so please plan accordingly. In addition, please check with your child’s teacher regarding any allergies other than peanuts or tree nuts as this may limit or dictate food choices. Please communicate any information about allergies or food concerns with your child’s teacher and the director.

Discipline ProcedureDCP believes that teaching self-control is part of the educational process and developmentally appropriate behavior is expected from each child in the Preschool. Children are gently, but firmly, reminded when behavior is disruptive. Separation from the main group or activity ("Time Out") might be used to assist each child in learning about what behavior is acceptable and what it means to be kind to others. Parents will be notified and an invitation to discuss the child’s behavior during after-school hours could be made. When negative behavior persists, it is the responsibility of the staff to record what is happening and all related circumstances and present it to the Director for an appropriate response. Please pay attention to your child’s classroom guidelines so you can discuss them with your child at home. With open communication and partnership with parents, we believe that every child can be successful.

Dress Code and Possessions• Please dress your child (children) in clothing that is

durable, comfortable, and appropriate for the weather conditions. Remember that preschool will include “messy” activities such as painting, play-dough and gross motor play. We would ask that you dress your child in clothes that can get dirty.

• Any jewelry including earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings should be worn sparingly by the children. In addition, please do not allow your child to wear hoop-style earrings which can become entangled on other items.

• The Preschool requires that children carry an extra set of clothing in their backpack as a safety and hygienic precaution.

• Shoes should be designed for play activities. Please avoid heels and open toes including flip flops.

• Please label all removable or extra clothing and other items so there is no confusion about ownership.

• Comfort toys, such as stuffed animals and blankets, are permitted in the Two Year Old Classroom, if it helps ease a child’s adjustment process. Children with comfort toys will be allowed to hold or play with these items until circle time; then they will be placed in their cubbies (storage pockets).

• Children in the Three and Pre-K classrooms are asked to leave toys at home, if possible, unless it is their sharing day. If there is a special need for your child, please consult your child’s teacher and they will work with you.

• Pets, nature items, and other special interest items may be brought to school but must be approved by the teacher ahead of time so a special class time can be reserved to share such items.

• Toy guns, toy knives, toys with ropes, and other potentially dangerous toys

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that might cause harm or encourage rough or violent behavior are absolutely forbidden and will be taken away immediately.

Backpack• We require each child to bring a backpack to Preschool each day. Larger

packs work best to hold a change of clothing, project papers, and other items. • Please check and remove items from your child’s backpack daily. Look for

Take Home Folders, newsletters, monthly tuition invoices, calendar information, event reminders and details, crafts, and other important information. Make sure you check your child’s backpack every day! It is vitally important that this line of communication is utilized!

Medication PolicyIt is DCP policy that staff are not permitted to administer any medication to any child. If your child is ill and taking medication, the child should not attend Preschool. If a child requires medication for conditions other than illness, then the parents or guardians must administer the medication before or, if necessary, during the school day. There will be no exceptions granted for this strictly-enforced policy. In the case of epi-pens and/or inhalers, DCP will require these items to be kept in a secure location in close proximity to the child in need. In the event that these items need to be used by DCP Staff, parents would be notified immediately. Every parent or guardian will be required to sign a medical liability release in the student information packet (shown below):

MEDICAL LIABILITY RELEASEI, the undersigned parent or legal guardian of the child named above, do hereby grant my permission and consent for the said child to attend and participate in Discovery Corner Preschool.

Permission is granted for my child to receive medical care if: (1) such care is deemed necessary by the persons in charge; (2) the proposed medical treatment or procedures are immediately or imminently necessary and any delay occasioned by an attempt to obtain my parental consent would reasonably jeopardize the life, health, or well-being of the child affected; (3) I cannot be personally contacted.

I further agree not to hold Discovery Corner Preschool, First United Methodist Church, or any of its paid staff or volunteers responsible for any accident that may occur on the way to, from, or during school or a school event. I indemnify, defend and hold harmless for all claims made and liabilities assessed against them as a result of any event or activity. I release DCP and FUMC and all medical providers from liability in acting on my behalf in this regard and rendering such medical treatment. I assume the risk and financial responsibility for any injury resulting from any event or activity.

Illness/InjuryIf a student becomes ill or seriously injured at school, the parent or person designated on the emergency contact list will be notified to pick up the child.

• A child must be sent home if he/she has a temperature of 99.8 degrees or higher. A child with a fever should not attend school until he/she has been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

• Any child with a serious cold or contagious illness (strep throat, pink eye,

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chicken pox, bronchitis, etc.) should not attend school. • In the case of a contagious illness treated with an antibiotic, students may

return after 24 hours of antibiotic therapy with a note from the physician. • Please report any major health changes or communicable diseases

immediately to the teacher in order to protect the child, the other children and families, and the Preschool staff.

• Always call the preschool office for student absenteeism due to illness: 717-394-7231 ext. 3355

If a child receives a serious injury on or off of school property, the Preschool asks that a note from the child's physician accompany him/her on his/her return to school to explain any physical restrictions. The Preschool staff makes every effort to maintain good health and hygiene practices and continually tries to be aware and implement new developments in health care whenever practical. DCP will notify parents in writing of any injuries sustained at preschool.

Special Medical ConcernHead lice: Head lice is a communicable medical problem, therefore requiring prompt treatment by a doctor before the child is allowed back into the classroom. The doctor must declare in written form that the child is lice-free as a precaution against spreading the condition to other children. All parents or guardians will be notified of any occurrence, but the infected child (children) name(s) will not be disclosed for the sake of privacy. We will also try to provide general information how to detect, treat, and prevent this condition.

Attendance GuidelinePlease alert the Preschool office (717-394-7231, ext.3355) if your child is going to be absent or tardy. We would appreciate this courtesy so that the staff can plan for the day and following make-up work accordingly.

No Solicitation PolicyAccording to First United Methodist Church Policy, our Preschool is a Non-Solicitation area. This means that parents should refrain from “selling” outside business products to our staff and families. Failure to abide by this policy may result in being asked to leave our program.

Visitation and Parent ConferencesYou are always welcome to visit the Preschool during the school day. Since the staff's primary responsibility is to the children, please do not expect a conference while the class is in session. According to Preschool policy, the staff will schedule 2 conferences during each school year (fall and spring) with the parents or guardians, but the staff is always available to discuss special concerns or any changes in the child that might require adaptive measures or individualized attention. All information from the conferences is considered strictly confidential and will only be documented at the permission of the parents or guardians. The staff is dedicated to the growth and well-being of the children therefore, communication and dialogue with the parents and guardians are among the most important means to continually evaluate our effectiveness - PLEASE BE INVOLVED!!

PTO, Family, and Volunteer

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InvolvementParents, grandparents, family members, friends, and other volunteers are always welcomed, needed and encouraged to attend, as long as these visits are arranged in advance. For security reasons, unannounced and unscheduled visitors (other than custodial parents) will not be permitted to enter DCP during school hours, unless pre-approved through the DCP Director and the parents.

If you have a talent or special activity you or someone you know would like to share with the appropriate class, please let us know in advance, so that the staff can plan class time. Otherwise, just being there is every bit as important for nurturing and supporting the children. Please come join us!

Inclement Weather• In the case of inclement weather (snow, ice, hurricane, etc.), the Discovery

Corner Preschool Director, in consultation with the church Lead Pastor, will make decisions regarding early dismissals, delays, and cancellations. We will take into account closings and delays instituted by the surrounding school districts. As a rule, DCP will be delayed or closed if the School District of Lancaster delays or closes.

• 2 HOUR DELAY: A two hour delay will result in DCP opening at 11:00 a.m. and running until 1:00 p.m. This schedule will apply to our Two-Year-Old Classroom as well.

• EARLY DISMISSAL: An early dismissal due to weather will result in the preschool closing at the same time as the School District of Lancaster’s elementary schools.

• Please listen to your local weather TV or radio stations for the latest information. Our closing and delay information will be broadcast in the following ways:

• www.wgal.com - follow School District of Lancaster• WGAL NBC affiliate Channel 8 TV Station• A written announcement will be placed on our Facebook and Instagram

page by 7:00 a.m. • In the event that a delay becomes a cancellation, this information will

be broadcast on all venues by 8:00 am. • If the number of cancellation days is excessive, the days will be

rescheduled at the end of the school year, pending approval by the Board of Directors.

FundraisersThe Preschool holds a minimum number of fundraisers during the school year to supplement the annual budget and to help provide scholarships. Parental/guardian support is strongly recommended. Many of the fundraisers target the church and local community, but additional support from other sources (place of employment, family, friends, and neighbors) is invited. Any parents wishing to “opt-out” of fundraisers and make a direct donation to DCP are welcome to do so. Please see DCP Director for additional details.

Library Books

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Discovery Corner Preschool students in the Three Year Old and Pre K Classes will have the privilege of visiting First United Methodist Church’s library on a weekly basis during the school year. Children will be allowed to “sign out” one book for a week. Books must be returned the following week or children will not be able to sign out a new book. In the event of a lost book, DCP asks parents to purchase a replacement copy of the book or a book with a similar theme.

Handbook Amendment and AgreementThe Director and Preschool Board of Directors retain the right to amend the Policy and Informational Handbook for just cause. Parents will be notified if changes are made to the Handbook. Handbooks are distributed annually to the Preschool parents. By signing the agreement statement on the Student Information Form (see last page of this booklet), parents are agreeing to and recognizing the Handbook policies and information.

Staff and Board MembersA listing of the staff members is included for your convenience. All inquiries should first be made through the Teacher, then the Director, and, finally, the Board President. This year we encourage you to use the teacher’s school provided email addresses. Their cell phone numbers are listed for you to use in emergencies only. Thank you for your consideration!

Name Position Contact Info.Libby Barringer Director 717-394-7231 ext. 3355

director@discoverycornerpreschool.comAlice Moraga Teacher- Two’s 717-203-2828

amoraga@discoverycornerpreschool.comElizabeth Chapman Assistant Teacher- Two’s 717-572-9945

echapman@discoverycornerpreschool.comBeth Bjerklie Teacher- Three’s 717-341-1342

bbjerklie@discoverycornerpreschool.comIsabelle Marascot Assistant Teacher-

Three’s717-719-9868imarascot@discoverycornerpreschool.com

Mandee Culp Teacher- Pre-K 484-7982704mculp@discoverycornerpreschool.com

Maddie Davis Assistant Teacher- Pre-K 443-430-2384mdavis@discoverycornerpreschool.com

We are excited about the 2019-2020 preschool program year and will fully commit ourselves to its effectiveness and success. As always, your suggestions and ideas are the cornerstone to make this Preschool work for you and your child. God’s Blessings to you and your family!

Libby BarringerDirector- Discovery Corner Preschooldirector@discoverycornerpreschool.com Office: (717) 394-7231, ext. 355

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Parental Agreement 2018-2019

We, the parents/guardians of ______________________________________,

have read the Parent Handbook and will cooperate with the policies and purposes of Discovery Corner Preschool.

Furthermore, we understand that the Bible and religious training are part of every aspect of the

Discovery Corner Preschool’s program.

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Father’s (Or legal guardian) Signature : ___________________________

Date: __________________

Mother’s (Or legal guardian) Signature: ___________________________

Date: _________________

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