IMPORTANT INFORMATION

COMMUNICATION:  Please call the nursery school office and leave a message on the answer machine at 626.282.4186 when your child is absent or when you need a response quickly.  Please feel free to email the nursery school office at nswanson@smccpby.com anytime you do not need an immediate response.

1.Tuition.  Each semester’s tuition is due and payable in full on or before the 15th day of each semester.  If tuition is not paid by such date, the Treasurer shall assess a late payment fee equal to 10% of the unpaid tuition.  Tuition payments should be sent to the Treasurer – or to the School.  If it is necessary to withdraw a child during the school year, parents are asked to give written notice as far in advance as possible, but no later than two weeks prior to withdrawal for the refund of any previously paid tuition.

Fall Semester: Full payment less first month’s deposit is due no later than October 1, 2009, as follows:

Tuesday-Thursday Classes:$798.00

Monday-Wednesday-Friday Classes:$1127.00

Monday-Friday Classes:$1,925.00

Spring Semester: Full payment is due no later than February 15, 2010, as follows:

Tuesday-Thursday Classes:$1,026.00

Monday-Wednesday-Friday Classes:$1,449.00

Monday-Friday Classes:$2,475.00

2.Attendance Policies.

1. A.    A child must be toilet-trained before entering Nursery School.
   

2. B.    A child should not remain in school if his/her lack of self-control makes him/her dangerous to himself or others or if it is determined by the Director and staff that a child needs a different type of program.
   

3.Parent Participation.

1. A.    Coffees.  A parent from each family is expected to attend the Nursery School’s Fall and Spring Coffees and the class coffees of each child attending the school.  Class coffees are held in private homes in the fall.  Both parents are, of course, welcome at all coffees.
   

2. B.    Observations and Parent/Teacher Conferences.  A parent is expected to observe his/her child at a scheduled observation time and have a short conference with the child’s teacher in November.  Parents are welcome to observe their children at other times as well.  Parent/teacher conferences are held in the spring, but parents may also schedule additional conferences at other times during the school year, if desired.
   

3. C.    Christmas Parties.  Parents and children are invited to a special school party (no siblings, please).  Children and families will meet in the classroom, go together to the church sanctuary for songs and a brief Christmas message and return to the classroom for cookies and milk.  See calendar for date and time of this event.
   

4. D.    Father’s Day.  Fathers (or, if a child’s father is unable to attend, another special male relative or friend) and children spend a special Saturday morning at the Nursery School (no siblings, please).  See calendar for date and time of this event.
   

5. E.    Fun Fair.  A special end-of-the-year morning of planned activities for parents and Nursery School children to share (no siblings, please).  See calendar for time and date.
   

6. F.    Room Parents.  Two parents from each class will have the opportunity to serve as room parents.  They will be responsible for personal contact with other parents in the class regarding class coffees, fathers’ day, observation and conference reminders and assist with the Spring Coffee.  Room parents will work with the Window Coordinator to decorate the window in the entrance way once a year.  The teacher may ask the room parents for special help from time to time as well.  Room Parents sign up at the Fall Coffee.
   

7. G.    Snack.  Each family brings the nutritional snack twice a year.  Please sign up at the Fall Coffee or with the Nutrition Chairperson (See “Nutrition” below for more information).  Reminders will be via email unless other arrangements are made.
   

8. H.    Christmas Wish List.  This is an opportunity to make a donation to the Nursery School for special items which are not covered by the yearly budget.  Envelopes will be available and there will be a special receptacle in which to place checks.  Checks will go directly to the Treasurer for deposit.  A “thank you” letter will be sent to each family participating.  Donations are appreciated and will be used for special events, classroom furniture, equipment, playground improvements, etc.
   

9. I.    Other Opportunities.  Parents are invited to come to school and share their talents, cultural traditions, etc.  Arrangements can be made with each child’s teacher or the Director in this regard.  The Nursery School Board is comprised of parents of children currently attending the school.  See “Nursery School Board of Directors” for more information.
   

4.School Hours, Arrival and Release Procedures.  Classes are held from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or designated adult for admission by the Director.  To comply with state law, each child must be signed in and out at his/her classroom.  If parents wish their child to be released to anyone other than a previously designated person, a written note must be sent.  A carpool information form must be completed and signed by a parent, whether or not a carpool is formed.

5.Clothing.  Children should be sent to school in washable play clothes and shoes that are safe to run and climb in (no cowboy boots, party shoes, flip-flops, crocs or open toe sandals please).  Parents should ask themselves, “Will I be upset if my child comes home with dirt or paint on this outfit?”  If the answer is yes, the child should wear something else.  To help children become independent, clothing that is easy to pull up and down for toileting is also recommended.  Hooded sweatshirts or jackets should not have strings around them.  Children should not come to school with any thing around their necks, such as chains, strings, or capes.  All sweaters and jackets should be labeled with the child’s name.

6.Toys.  It is the school policy that children not bring guns or holsters, war toys, weapons, candy gum, money or other valuables, or any object that is easily broken to school.  “Comfort” toys, stuffed animals, or a special blanket may be brought and stored in the child’s cubby for the morning.  This may be especially helpful during the first few weeks of school.  Items to “share” with the class may be brought to school in line with each teacher’s special instructions.

7.Health.  Before entering school, each child must be up-to-date in all required immunizations and furnish a report of a negative TB test if deemed necessary by his/her pediatrician.  No child will be admitted without the foregoing.  The Nursery School is only prepared to care for well children. The Director may refuse to admit a child to the classroom for health reasons.  A child should not be sent to school if he/she has a temperature of 99 degrees or above, conjunctivitis, a cold, an unidentified rash, a red or sore throat, impetigo or any other infectious or contagious diseases or infection.  All cases of head lice should be reported to the Director.  If your child is exposed to a contagious disease while at school, a note will be sent home or emailed with the date of exposure and other pertinent information.

Parent cooperation with these policies is extremely important.

In the case of illness or accident at school, the Director or Assistant Director may do one or more of the following, according to her evaluation of the circumstances and the seriousness of the situation:

1. A.    Isolate the child and wait for parent pick-up.
   

2. B.    Call the parents (or, if neither parent can be reached, the persons listed on the Emergency and Medical Consent Form) for immediate pick-up.
   

3. C.    Call 911 or other emergency numbers for assistance.
   

8.Nutrition.  We are concerned with the quality of food we eat and give to our children.  As a school, we want to reinforce habits of good nutrition by providing wholesome snacks for the children.  In order to do this, we ask each family to provide the snack (food and beverage) for the entire school twice during the school year.  Reminder notices will be sent via email or by postcard if a parent’s email is not available.

The food should be brought to school at 9:00 AM and taken to the child’s classroom.  The child and the assistant teacher will distribute the snack to the other classrooms.  The children love to do this!  Cups and napkins are provided by the school.

Beverage: Five half gallons of fruit juice, vegetable juice, or milk (if frozen juice, five twelve-ounce cans).  The juice should be pure juice (no Hi-C punch or punch concentrate).  Frozen unsweetened juice is fine.  Teachers will prepare the frozen juice.  Pasteurized juice only.

Snack:76 servings on Tuesday or Thursday

82 servings on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday

One or two of the following:

Fresh fruit:Apples, Bananas, Oranges (38-41 count, ½ per serving)

Melons (5), Strawberries (152-164, 2 per serving)

Fresh vegetables:precut Celery, Carrots (2 pieces per serving)

Cheese:cubes, sticks or string cheese (1 piece per serving)

Crackers:preferably whole grain or graham (5 small boxes or one large economy box)

Bagels:(½ large or 1 mini bagel per serving)

Muffins:(½ large or 1 mini muffin per serving)

Bread:(1 slice per serving)

Spreads or dips such as peanut butter, cream cheese, yogurt, butter, etc. are welcome.  However, due to some children’s food allergies, the spreads should be kept in a separate container so that teachers can offer it or not depending on the needs of the children in the class.

Teachers are happy to cut up pre-washed fresh fruit, such as melon, bananas, apples, oranges, etc. for the children.  Whole grapes are not considered safe for three year olds.

Peanuts, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn, raw peas, or hard pretzels should not be brought for snack.  When I doubt, please ask the teacher, Director, or Nutrition Chairperson about what to bring for snack.  “Home made” snacks should be accompanied by a list of ingredients used.

Parent of children with food allergies are asked to check with the child’s teacher and possibly bring his/her own snack on a daily basis.

9.Picnic Days.  Picnic days, an extension of our Nursery School program, will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM  October through early June.  The cost of the program is $15.00 a day, payable upon registration.  A maximum of 22 children are accepted for any one afternoon.  (If fewer than 10 children are signed up for any particular picnic day, it may be cancelled and the parents notified accordingly).  A child may attend picnic day only on days when he/she is in school.  Each child should bring his/her lunch (with a beverage) in a labeled bag or labeled lunch box AND resting towel each picnic day.

A.Sign Up Procedures.  Sign-ups are on a monthly basis except the months of November and December and May and June, which are combined due to a shortened calendar.  Normally on the fourth Friday of each month, a scheduled picnic day sign-up is held at 9:00 AM outside the Children’s Courtyard for the next month.  The school calendar contains the exact times, dates and locations for scheduled sign-up days.  After the information from the scheduled sign-up session has been tallied, the sign-up sheets are posted in the Nursery School courtyard throughout the month for additional sign-ups, as space allows.  If a child is signed up for picnic day and does not come to school that day, a credit voucher will be issued that can be used for another day.  If the Director or Picnic Day Chairman is notified two days in advance that a child cannot attend a picnic day, a credit voucher will be issued.  The Picnic Day Chairman will decide how many picnic days per month each child may be signed up for at the picnic day sign up day depending on the number of available days that month.

If it is deemed necessary by the Nursery School Board, a picnic day “lottery” will be implemented to give each child an opportunity to stay for picnic day.

1.At scheduled sign-up sessions, parents may sign up their own children and, where necessary, one other child from another family – if authorized to do so by parents of that child.  A separate check should be written for each family.  Places in line may not be reserved.

2.Payment is due at the time of sign-up, whether it be at the scheduled sign-up session or later.  Tuition must be paid in full before a child may be signed up for picnic day.

3.Checks should be made payable to SMCC Nursery School.  The child’s name and dates of attendance should be noted on the check.

4.If paying cash, money should be placed in an envelope at the time of signing up.  The child’s name and dates of attendance should be noted on the front of the envelope.  (Blank envelopes are available in the large envelope at the door of the Director’s office).

5.If payment is not made at the time of signing up, a child’s name shall be removed from the list so that another child may have the space.

6.A large envelope entitled “Picnic Day” is placed at the door of the Director’s office to receive the picnic day payments.

B.Waitlist.  Parents may place their children on the “waitlist” in the event a desired picnic day is fully enrolled.  Parents will be notified (in the order listed) if space subsequently becomes available (which can be as late as mid-morning on the day in question).  Payment should be made at that time for those children.

C.Refunds.  Picnic day fees are refundable in the form of credit vouchers in the case of illness or non-attendance that morning.  Other refunds due to extenuating circumstances will be considered by the Picnic Day Chairperson on a case-by-case basis.  Parents should notify the Picnic Day Chairperson or the Director of a cancellation at least two days in advance of the scheduled picnic day if a credit voucher is to be considered.

D.Release Procedures.  A child will not be released except to a parent or a previously designated adult.  Older siblings or teenage babysitters will not be permitted to pick up children from picnic days.  Children should be picked up and signed out in Room 5.  Children may be picked up early, but should be picked up NO LATER than 3:00 PM.

10.Halloween and Valentine’s Day.  The Nursery School has arranged for special cookies and napkins to be brought to school on these days (as well as for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter).  No costumes or masks are brought for Halloween and no valentines are exchanged at school on Valentine’s Day.

11.Birthdays.  Birthday calendars are posted in each classroom.  Children enjoy their special day by bringing cookies and special napkins for their class.  Parents may sign up for a “cookie day” when children have birthdays during the summer or other vacation times.  Birthday party invitations and gifts are not to be brought to school.  “Goodie bags” and party favors are not to be brought to school.  A simple cookie and party napkin will suffice.  If cookies are “home made,” a list of ingredients used should accompany the cookies.

12.Book Fair.  The Book Fair will occur in the spring.  The date for the Book Fair is found in the school calendar.  The books are provided by San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe and will be displayed in Fellowship Hall.  Educational games and puzzles will also be available for purchase.  A percentage of income from sales goes to the Nursery School and is used for the purchase of new books, puzzles and games for the classrooms.

Teacher’s Tables.  Teachers may choose books or other educational materials which they feel their particular class would enjoy and place those items on their special table at the Book Fair.  Parents may purchase an item and the Enrichment Chairperson will place a bookplate with the child’s name and date of gift in the book or on the item purchased.  The book or item will first be used in the child’s own class and later be added to the school library or storeroom for other classes to enjoy as well.

13.Certain Important Financial Policies.  Personal checks are accepted for tuition or picnic day payments.  In the event of any returned check, a $10.00 fee is charged.  In addition, the Nursery School is to be reimbursed for any related bank charges it incurs.

14. 14.Emergency Release Procedures.
    

        In the event of an earthquake requiring dismissal from school, the following procedures are to be followed:

During an earthquake, the children are told by their teacher or assistant teacher to “Drop and Cover.”  When it is determined safe to do so, the children will be led by their respective teachers through the main parking lot south of the school  They will se seated with their classes at the “South Park” section of the parking lot.

Each teacher will have her class’s emergency backpack.  In that backpack, in addition to first aid supplies and food items, are the blue emergency release forms filled out and returned by parents at the beginning of the school year (as amended, where applicable).  Ample supplies of water, emergency blankets and food bars are stored in the bike shed, which remains unlocked during school hours.

When picking up a child, please follow this procedure:

Drivers enter the parking lot at the NORTH entrance and park in a designated parking place away from the children.  Remember, the children will be in the “South Park” area of the parking lot.  The Director or Assistant Director will have each child’s emergency release form grouped by class.  You (or the person previously designated by you) will be asked to sign that form and, if necessary, to provide identification before any child will be released.  Please exit by the SOUTH exit.

Monthly all-school practice drills are held beginning the first week of October (alternating each month between an earthquake or a fire drill throughout the school year).  Please take care to update emergency release forms as needed.

15.Written Communications.  It is important for the Nursery School to have an ongoing program of written communications.  These may take the form of:

A.Newsletters available online or, if requested, sent home each month;

B.“Highlights” emailed or sent home periodically from each class containing curriculum plans and special information regarding the class or containing pertinent information about the previous week’s activities in the class;

C.Informational notes or memos from the child’s teacher or the director to parents;

D.Family Handbook and Directory (which includes the year’s calendar of events);

E.Emails may be sent directly to the nursery school office and will be answered in a timely fashion.  The address is nswanson@smccpby.com.

If parents have concerns, they are encouraged to speak with their child’s teacher.  The director is ALWAYS available for conferences with parents, and she appreciates any comments, concerns or suggestions brought to her by parents.  All matters discussed will be held in strictest confidence.

16.Child’s Records.  All information and records obtained from or regarding children shall be confidential.  The school is responsible for safeguarding the confidentiality of record contents.  Except as specified below, or as otherwise authorized by law, the school and all employees shall not reveal or make available confidential information.  However, all children’s records shall be available to a representative of the Department of Social Services to inspect, audit, and copy upon demand during normal business hours.  Records may be removed if necessary for copying by the Department of Social Services.  A child’s records shall also be open to inspection by the child’s authorized representative.

17.Nursery School Board of Directors.  In addition to staff, San Marino Community Church Nursery School has a strong and supportive Board of Directors.  The Board members are parents of children currently enrolled at the school.  The executive Board members are active members of San Marino Community Church.  Board members take an active part in policy decisions, admissions, accounting, public relations, fundraising, equipment care, parents’ activities and many other areas.  Without the help of these Board members, the school would not be able to offer to the children, the parents, and the staff the fine environment which is provided.  Parents are encouraged to volunteer for these leadership roles.

18.Scholarship Program.  Scholarships are awarded each year according to financial need.  More information regarding scholarships may be obtained by contacting the Scholarship Chair.

19.Accreditation.  The school is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  To obtain accreditation, the Nursery School has voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, has invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Academy’s criteria, and has been found to be in substantial compliance with the criteria.  This process is repeated every five years.  Nursery School has been accredited since 1991 and is due for re-accreditation in 2012.

20.Mission.  Being part of the Educational and Spiritual Development Committee (E&SD Committee) of the San Marino Community Church and under the direction of the Nursery School Board, the mission of the Nursery School is to provide a Christian atmosphere that offers young children the opportunity to learn through developmentally appropriate practice.

21.Philosophy.  Our philosophy is based on what is developmentally appropriate for each individual child and how we can help children reach their potential socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically.  Children ages three, four and five learn through active play, exploring their environment, and interaction with others.  The teachers are guides who create an environment that encourages exploration, creativity, discovery, and problem-solving.  Nursery School is a place of joy and laughter where each child is met with unconditional positive regard.

To quote Mr. Rogers: “A berry ripens in its own good time… and so does a child’s readiness.  Just as the one needs water and sunlight, the other needs the patient reassurance of loving adults who can trust children to grow according to their own timetables.”

22.Curriculum.  Curriculum is planned for the children in a way that is age appropriate.  Children are encouraged to ask questions and do their own problem-solving.  Self-esteem is enhanced as children are free to choose from a wide array of activities provided by the teachers.  Group time is a time for singing, stories, games, sharing and listening.  Children are exposed informally to the written word through stories and poetry.  They explore mathematical concepts by manipulating materials, sorting, counting and comparing.  Hands-on science experiences correspond to daily life activities requiring children to use all five senses.  Cooking, mixing and observing changes are all part of this process.

23.Language.  English is spoken throughout the school day.  Parents of English learners choose our school because they want their children to learn English.  They use outside sources to increase proficiency in the child’s home language, e.g., Saturday school, tutoring, etc.  The staff uses families as resources to understand bi-lingual children proficient in their home language who are learning English.  In some cases a teacher or assistant teacher may be helpful in translating a child’s home language to English.

24.A Short History.  On July 10, 1953, the Evening Guild of San Marino Community Church sent out a survey to parents of three and four year olds who attended Sunday School.  The purpose of the survey was to see if there was any interest in forming a weekday preschool.  On September 21, 1953, a meeting was held by preschool mothers who were interested in participating in a nursery school program.  The first Board was elected to carry on the business of the school through the year.  Policies and Procedures were written and approved.

School opened on October 1, 1953, to forty-nine children – 25 three year olds on Tuesday and Thursday ($10.00 per month) and 24 four year olds on Monday-Wednesday-Friday ($15.00 per month).

As of January 1, 1955, seventy-six children registered with a staff of five teachers.  The total budget in 1966 was $16,860.  In 1970, the proposal to turn the nursery school in to a full day care center was brought up and defeated.  The scholarship fund was established by donations from the Deacons of the church in 1972.  In September, 1978, Mrs. Jil Sheldon was hired to start the five-day program in Room 5.  Picnic Days began in 1979 on Wednesdays and Thursdays for a fee of $4.00 per afternoon.  In 1979, Mrs. Nancy Swanson began as an assistant teacher and became a lead teacher two years later.  When the third director, Mrs. Sally Cramer, retired in 1987, Mrs. Swanson became the fourth director in the history of the school.  In 1991, SMCC Nursery School was accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and has been re-accredited every year since that time.

SMCC has been a church related nursery school since its inception.  The school is not separately incorporated but exists under the incorporation of the church.  The school reports to the Session of the church through the Educational and Spiritual Development Committee.  Although priority in registration is given to church members, the school welcomes all families of all cultures, traditions, and religions.  A short prayer is said before snack time and the story of the first Christmas and the birth of Baby Jesus is told at Christmas.  Chapel is not provided.

The school operates at full enrollment of 75 children per day and a staff of ten teachers and one director.  Parents are encouraged to volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors as church members or non-church members.  Other opportunities for involvement include volunteering as one of two room parents for each class.  Teachers welcome volunteers in the classroom during the school year as well.

Suggestions for Parents:

The preschool years pass by rapidly.  Studies have indicated how important these few years are to the growth and development of children.  Take the time now to be with your child and to be involved in his/her time at Nursery School.  We invite you to use the time to communicate with your child’s teacher when dropping off or picking up your child.  Parents are encouraged to have regular contact and communication with their children’s teachers and to work as a team.  Teachers will be happy to set up appointments and conferences beyond those formally scheduled in the fall and spring.  The staff respects and values verbal contributions from families regarding their children.  The teachers and director encourage families to give them input both verbally and in writing.

Suggestions for program improvement are welcome.  Program evaluations, questionnaires, or surveys are handed out in the spring of each year.  Parents are asked to fill them out and turn them in anonymously to the director’s office where they will be tallied.  Final reports of the findings are available soon after in the director’s office.

Parents are encouraged to contribute to the newsletters by submitting information about community activities, books they have enjoyed reading, recipes, available family services, helpful hints, and so on.  Books and periodicals regarding child development, discipline, sibling rivalry, self-esteem, and other pertinent topics are located in the director’s office and are available for parents to borrow.  In addition, there are books published by NAEYC regarding various aspects of curriculum such as science, literacy, mathematics, visual art, music, and other topics also available for parents to borrow.  The director’s door is always open.