Children are a gift from God, entrusted to parents and community for preparation for life. The preschool years of a child's life lay the foundation for success in school and life. While parents are the child's first and most significant teachers, it is vital that parents and educators work in partnership. As your child's teachers we share with you the responsibility for nurturing family life and healthy child development.
Growing Tree Preschool strives to provide a comprehensive preschool experience designed to enhance the child's physical, social, emotional, spiritual and cognitive growth. Our focus is to develop a positive environment in which children are respected, accepted, and allowed to develop their potential for growth. Our curriculum is based on the belief that young children learn best by doing. Learning results from the children's active exploration and interaction with adults, other children, and materials in a prepared environment.
Our child-centered classroom offers opportunities for both quiet and active play. Activities are both self-selected and teacher-selected and may occur in individual, small or large groups. Group interactions are based on experiences that are concrete, real and relevant to the child's life. As children investigate, manipulate, and experiment with materials through play, they learn. Our environment provides for intellectual stimulation, social and language development and physical development. Above all, experiences are thought-provoking, open-ended, and fun.
Teachers guide, expand, encourage and stimulate the growth process of each child according to his/her timetable for growth. Concepts are introduced, extended and reinforced throughout the year in ways that enhance individual growth and promote self-esteem. Teachers move among groups and individuals to facilitate children's involvement with materials and activities by asking questions, offering suggestions, or adding more complex materials or ideas to a situation.
The Growing Tree Preschool endeavors to:
It is our privilege to discover God’s presence and uncover God’s action in our lives. As teachers, we will share this discovery process with young children. We can help them name God in their life experiences. Through exploration and reflection on their experiences, young children grow in their understanding and appreciation of the meaning and value of these experiences in their lives.
A goal of Growing Tree Preschool is to construct curriculum that is challenging, interesting and developmentally appropriate. The Christian curriculum is integrated into the content of the preschool curriculum. The following Christian curriculum components include some examples of content areas that would provide opportunities to develop an awareness of God in children’s lives:
Seasons Plants, trees
Animals, birds, fish, insects Wind and Air
Water Light
Multi-cultural experiences
Family Friends
Community Books
School Art
Recycling
Gardening
“Clean up time”
GOD MADE US AND LOVES US. WE LOVE GOD.
I Am Special Five Senses
Our Bodies Colors
GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US.
Safety Feelings
Daily Routines Dramatic Play Experiences
GOD WANTS US TO BE KIND TO OTHERS.
Sharing Pet Care
WE PRAISE AND GIVE THANKS TO GOD.
Prayer at snack Holidays
Special Times:
Thanksgiving – We give thanks to God.
Advent – We get ready for Christmas.
Christmas – We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Valentine’s Day – We love one another.
Easter – We thank God for new life.
There are three enrollment options:
Enrollment is limited to 24 three-four- and five-year old children with three teachers.
Maximum group sizes are as follows:
Main classroom – 24 children with three teachers
Snack room – 24 children with three teachers
Idea room – 12 children with one/two teacher(s)
Big Play room – 12 children with one/two teacher(s)
Licensing regulations require a staff/child ratio of 1:12. Growing Tree maintains a staff/child ratio of 1:8.
The Growing Tree Preschool is staffed by experienced, early childhood educators. The Director of the school is Cathy Bigger.
Teachers include:
Cathy Bigger 21 Farhills Dr./Athens 594-5097
Laura Calentine 14969 St. Rt. 329/Amesville 448-2402
Nancy Sand 29 Graham 592-3410
Applications for fall enrollment may be obtained by calling, writing, e-mailing, or visiting the Director. Children must be three years old on or before their first day of attendance. Child must also be toilet-trained. Completed applications plus a non-refundable $10 application fee will be accepted beginning March 1 of the year of enrollment and continuing throughout the school year. When maximum enrollment is reached, applications will be placed on a waiting list, if parents/guardians so desire. Upon receipt of the completed application and fee, the Director will schedule a pre-enrollment visit and interview.
Families who apply for admission in the spring will be notified in writing of their acceptance into the program the first week of June. Families who apply later in the year will receive acceptance notification within three days of the pre-enrollment visit and interview. A child is considered officially enrolled upon receipt of a non-refundable $50 deposit which will be deducted from the first month’s tuition.
Families who wish to re-enroll their children for a second year do so by completing a re-enrollment form and returning it along with a $50 deposit by the end of April. Re-enrolling children, whose forms are received by the deadline, will be given priority when the class rosters are developed in the summer. Re-enrolling children whose forms are not received by the deadline will be enrolled in chronological order according to the date on which their form is received and space is available.
All children must have paperwork required by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on file at all times. This paperwork includes the Child Enrollment and Health Information form and a medical form signed by a physician or certified nurse practitioner. The medical form must be submitted within 30 days of admission and must be updated yearly.
Tuition for the school year will be based on the enrollment option:
Tuition scholarship assistance is available on a limited basis. Contact the director
Tuition for the month of December will be half the regular amount. Tuition is due the first of each month. If withdrawal during the school year becomes necessary, there will be a penalty unless a suitable replacement can be found. If none is available, payment for the month of withdrawal, plus payment of one additional month's tuition is required. In cases where more than one child from the same family is enrolled at Growing Tree Preschool, a 10% tuition discount is offered to the second and each additional child. Please make all checks payable to FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH and place in the brown tuition envelope on the Parent Information Board in the classroom. The bank charges a $10 fee for a check that does not clear properly. In this case, you will be asked to write another check that includes the fee. Our Tax I.D. number is available upon request.
Registration Fees: See ADMISSIONS
Portfolio Fee: A fee of $10.00 is charged to cover the cost of supplies used in the preparation of each child’s portfolio.
The school shall not discriminate in the enrollment of children upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
A Parent Meeting is held in August, before school starts. Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring. We are available to meet with you to discuss your child's behavior, progress, social, physical and spiritual needs, or any other pertinent matter. Of course, all information we receive is kept strictly confidential. The teachers' telephone numbers are available and we welcome parents to phone us at home. Any problems or complaints related to the school should be discussed with us as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of the parents to notify the director of any changes in the family situation which may occur during the course of the school year. Such changes include: change of residence and/or phone number, change of employment, change of child’s physician/dentist, change of emergency contact persons, change of persons approved to pick up child, change of marital status, change of child custody arrangements. This information is essential to insure the teacher’s appropriate interaction with as well as the health and safety of each child.
Parents are welcome at any time to visit with their child at school. We encourage parents to share any special interests, careers, hobbies, travel experiences, or cultural events with our program. We welcome parents’ involvement as teacher helpers both in the classroom and on field trips. Please contact us if you are interested.
Morning class sessions begin at 8:45 A.M. and end at 11:30 A.M. School starts the day after Labor Day and ends the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, with a break in mid-December for the holidays and a week’s vacation at spring break. The school calendar allows for 5 calamity days due to bad weather or emergency situations. If school is cancelled, an announcement will be made on Power 105 (105.5 FM) and WATH (970AM) radio stations before 8 a.m. You may also call the school at 592-5027. Information about school closings will be included on the voice mail greeting. A mass e-mail will also be sent before 8am to all families for whom we have addresses.
This is a sample of daily activities:
8:45-9:15 (M-F, am) Arrival - Individual greeting of children and parents.
Arrival – 10:20 Choice Time- guidance to interest areas and choices of small
motor activities, table toys, block play, dramatic play, sand and water play, science and art experiences, books, and project work encompassing a relevant theme.
Letter of the Week – Tuesday and Wednesday, am and
10:20 – 10:30 Cleanup Time – children and teachers work together to tidy and
straighten classroom.
10:30 – 10:45 Snack Prep – Snack Helpers accompany teachers to snack room to
set tables, prepare menus, etc.
Gathering Time – Other children gather for songs, fingerplays, and story or activity reinforcing theme or area of interest.
10:45 – 11:00 Snack Time – children share snack, practice table manners &
appropriate conversation, self-help skills.
11:00 – 11:20 Idea Time - children read stories, sing songs, play learning games,
share ideas as directed by teacher in support of a specific theme, topic, or project.
Big Play Time – children engage in a variety of gross motor activities as directed by teacher.
(Children are divided into 2 small groups which alternate/ spend approximately 10 min. in each room)
11:20 – 11:25 Last Story of the Day
11:25 – 11:30 Dismissal and Departure
2009– 2010 CALENDAR
November 5 and 6 –Parent-Teacher Conferences, No class sessions
November 26, 27, 30 – Thanksgiving Break, No school
December 17 and 18 – Last school days of 2009
January 4 and 5 – Classes resume in 2010
January 18 –Martin Luther King Day, No school,
February 15 –President’s Day, No school
March 22through March 26 –Spring Break Week, No school
April 2 –Good Friday, No school
April 22 and 23–Parent Teacher Conferences, No Class Sessions
May 27 and 28 – Last Days of school
AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS
All licensing records including compliance report forms, health, building, and fire inspection reports are available upon request. The roster of names and telephone numbers of parents, guardians, custodians of children attending the school are available upon request. However, by indicating such on your application for admission, you may prohibit the inclusion of your personal information on the class roster.
Growing Tree staff prepares snack menus for each month. Each snack will contain foods from at least 2 of the major food groups. Copies of the menus are posted at school and sent home with each month’s newsletter. Snacks at Growing Tree are parent-provided. Parents are asked to provide snack for their child’s class as indicated on the monthly menu. Families are asked to provide snack approximately 3 to 4 times throughout the school year. Special diets are dealt with on an individual basis.
A major responsibility of the staff is to ensure the health and safety of each child entrusted in our care. Staff persons are alert to the safety needs of their children, anticipate possible hazards, and take necessary appropriate precautionary and preventive measures.
Arrival/Departure: Parents are required to bring their children into the classroom each morning. Any special messages, instructions, etc. are given to a teacher. Children may not be dropped off at the entrance of the building or be sent inside alone. Staff must be made aware of each child’s presence before the parent departs. At the time of pick up parents are asked to make contact with a teacher to ensure that staff is aware that the child has been picked up. At no time will a child be left unattended. Staff will supervise children at all times. If a child becomes ill, they may be isolated in a section of the room not in use, but within the sight and hearing of a staff member. A staff member will accompany children to the restroom and remain in the open doorway within partial sight and hearing.
Release of a Child: Staff will release children only to persons approved by the parent. If an emergency arises the parent must provide a written signed note giving the person permission to pick-up their child. Staff will check ID’s of anyone they do not recognize. Please let people know about this ahead of time so they bring a picture ID and are not offended. The children’s safety is our priority!
Staff will not release children to anyone, including parents, who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Emergency contacts will be called to transport the child home. Police will be notified if necessary.
Custody Agreements: If there are custody issues involved with your child, you must provide Growing Tree with court papers indicating who has permission to pick up the child. Growing Tree may not deny a parent access to their child without proper documentation.
Child Abuse Reporting: All staff members are mandated reporters of child abuse. If staff has suspicions that a child is being abused or neglected, they MUST make a report to the local children’s services agency. The safety of the children is always our first concern.
Teachers have had first-aid training and a first-aid kit is available in the classroom. In the event of an accident during the session, the procedure indicated on the child’s emergency medical record is followed. If necessary, 911 will be called to provide emergency treatment and/or transportation to a hospital. A telephone is located in the classroom for emergencies. Monthly fire drills will take place according to our posted procedure. A written record is maintained and available.
A fire emergency, dental emergency, weather alert, and general emergency, plan is posted at the school. We will follow the procedures posted.
The children will not participate in any swimming activities while at school.
Parents are notified in advance and must sign permission for all field trips. The location, date and duration of the trips are explained on the permission form. At least one person trained in first-aid will be on each trip as well as the required first-aid kit, health records, and emergency transportation forms. Each child will wear an identification badge with the school’s name, address, and phone number. Transportation will be provided by parent volunteers in their respective vehicles. Each child will be provided safety belts when passengers to and from these trips. Children will not be seated in front seats of cars with air bags. Car seats will be used if requested and provided by parents.
Before departing, a count will be taken of all of the children, and they will be marked on a separate attendance sheet, specifically created for the trip. Upon arrival at the destination, another count will be taken to assure that all of the children have safely arrived. This process will be repeated periodically throughout the trip and upon leaving the destination, and returning. During the course of field trips, each staff member will have specific children that they are responsible for supervising.
Growing Tree Preschool will not transport children in emergency situations. If a child requires transportation, the parent and emergency squad will be contacted.
MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
Growing Tree Preschool provides children with a clean and healthy environment. However, we realize that children become ill from time to time. If this is your child’s first group care experience, it is possible that they may experience more frequent illnesses at the beginning before their immune system becomes more active. We observe all children as they enter the program to quickly assess their general health. We ask that you not bring a sick child to the preschool. They will be sent home! Please also plan ahead and have a back up care plan in place if you are not able to take time off from work/school.
A child with any of the following symptoms will be immediately isolated and discharged to the parent or emergency contact:
If a child becomes seriously ill while at school and the parents are unavailable, we will follow the procedure on the emergency medical form, which states parental consent (or refusal of a consent) for the child to be treated by a specified physician, or if unavailable, by another licensed physician and the transfer of the child to the preferred hospital. The Southeast Ohio Emergency Medical Services will be contacted to transport the child to the hospital. Staff may not transport children in their vehicles. One teacher will accompany the child.
Children are required to have all immunizations up to date and be examined by a physician annually. A completed medical form must be received within 30 days of the first day of school.
Teachers will follow this same policy so as not to expose the group to communicable disease.
Teachers have been trained in prevention, recognition, and management of communicable diseases by a licensed physician or registered nurse.
Because our session is so short, we feel that there is no necessity for us to administer medications, other than those required to mange extreme allergic reactions. If your child requires an Epi Pen, paperwork, completed and signed by your physician, and current dated medications must be on site your child’s first day of attendance at Growing Tree.
At Growing Tree Preschool, discipline is viewed as the respectful guidance of young children and the teaching of problem solving skills. The goal of discipline is to develop children who are responsible, confident and have self-control. By creating an interesting environment with materials and activities that encourage hands-on exploration for children, we hope to limit inappropriate behaviors. A warm, caring, nurturing relationship between teachers and young children provides a feeling of trust.
Teachers use positive guidance techniques to help children develop the social skills needed for solving interpersonal problems. These skills include cooperating, helping, negotiating, and talking with the person involved. Children learn by observing appropriate behavior demonstrated or modeled by their teachers. Teachers are consistent and predictable in dealing with inappropriate behaviors. As children experiment with what is appropriate or inappropriate behavior, they do make mistakes in judgment. Teachers encourage the expected behaviors and redirect children to a more acceptable activity. Teachers set limits clearly and positively, and enforce appropriate rules firmly and fairly.
Teachers have the responsibility to protect children and property in the classroom. Children who are "out of control" and exhibiting antisocial behavior which harms others, are removed to another area until they regain control. A teacher will stay with the child at all times.
When a child exhibits a chronic pattern of disruptive, destructive, threatening or inappropriate behavior, the following steps may be taken:
Step 1: An in-person conference will be held between the Director of Growing Tree Preschool and the parents/guardians of the child involved to develop a plan of action for managing the child’s behavior at school and at home.
Step 2: If above-mentioned behaviors continue, the Director of Growing Tree Preschool may call the parents/guardians and request that child be removed from the classroom for the remainder of that class session and for one additional class session.
Step 3: If behaviors continue, Step 2 may be repeated as deemed necessary by Director and teachers of Growing Tree Preschool.
Step 4: If behaviors continue, parents/guardians may be asked to withdraw child from Growing Tree Preschool
These steps will be used as determined necessary by the Director and teachers of Growing Tree Preschool. The determination will be based on teacher observation, documentation and evaluation of the child’s classroom behavior.
Teachers do not use corporal punishment, restraint, or any discipline techniques that humiliate, shame or frighten a child.
All guidance techniques and procedures will be consistent with the requirements of
Rule 5101:2-12-22 OAC.
Food Allergy Information:
At Growing Tree, we want all children to have a positive first school experience. When children come to us with food allergies, we attempt to exclude allergens from our menu to the best of our ability while continuing to provide satisfying snack for all children. Parents will be given a brand specific snack list for shopping for this purpose. No substitutions can be made.
Growing Tree Preschool has devised several procedures to follow in the event that an emergency would occur while a child is in the preschool’s care. In the event of a fire, tornado or other emergency, staff will follow the written instructions posted in each classroom, describing emergency evacuation routes, and the procedures to be followed to assure that children have arrived at the designated evacuation locations as follows:
Fire Emergency Evacuation Location – motorcycle parking lot behind church.
If it becomes necessary to move further away from church building – Seigfred Hall parking lot.
Other emergency Evacuation Location (bomb threat, gas leak) – First Presbyterian Church
– basement level – 2 N. Court Street
In order to prepare children for the unlikely need to evacuate, the preschool does conduct monthly fire drills, and periodic tornado drills.
There is always at least one staff member present who has received training in First Aid/Communicable Diseases and CPR. In the case of a minor accident/injury staff will administer basic first aid and TLC. If the injury is more serious, first aid will be administered and the parents would be contacted immediately to assist in deciding an appropriate course of action.
An incident/injury report will be completed, and given to the person picking up the child, on the day of the incident/injury, if any of the following occur: the child has an illness, accident, or injury which requires first aid; the child receives a bump or blow to the head; the child has to be transported by emergency squad; or an unusual or unexpected event occurs which jeopardizes the safety of the child. If a child requires emergency transportation, the report shall be available within twenty- four hours after the incident occurs.
Parking:
Please, do not park your car anywhere in the church staff parking lot or in the lot of the house behind the church building. The yellow curbed street along the left side of the church is Church Street. Parking is prohibited along this street, but short periods of drop off and pick up parking are allowed. Put your emergency flashers on and try to keep these periods short in duration, no longer than 5-10 minutes. The nearby city parking garage can be used when you plan on staying longer. Car pooling will help ease the parking difficulty.
Many children enjoy celebrating their birthday at school by bringing in a snack. To avoid a conflict or duplication, please make arrangements ahead of time. Children whose birthday falls during the summer months may have an un-birthday, or half-birthday celebration.
Play clothes are most appropriate as children engage in art activities regularly. Physical education is an important part of the day so it is recommended that soft soled shoes be worn. Please, LABEL ALL OF YOUR CHILD’S OUTER CLOTHING: hats, coats, sweaters, boots, mittens, etc.
What To Send the First Day:
Sharing Time:
One day each week for each class (Thursday for the T-Th class, Friday for the M-W-F class) is designed as “Sharing Time Day”. Children may bring special items (photos, books, items from nature, child-made art work, etc.) to school to show to their friends in our version of “show and Tell”.
Toys from Home:
Children are allowed to bring toys from home to school. Typically, the child plays with the toy and shows it to friends for the first 10 or 15 minutes of the morning, after which it is placed in the cubby for the remainder of class time.
(revised 8/12/09)
Growing Tree Preschool
First United Methodist Church
2 South College Street
Athens, Ohio 45701
Director’s Office: 740 • 593•3977 ext. 14
Classroom: 740 • 592•5027