PARENTHANDBOOK

2018-2019

JOHNWESLEYPRESCHOOL

5830BERMUDADUNESHOUSTON,TEXAS77069

SchoolOfficeHours8:30a.m.–2:30p.m.Monday–Friday

(281)893-5881

Fax(281-444-4313)www.jwumc.org

KimHallDirector

khall@jwumc.org

KarenMuhlAssistantDirectorkmuhl@jwumc.org

CareyHarrison

AdministrativeAssistantcharrison@jwumc.org

WinnieMuery

FinancialAssistantwmuery@jwumc.org

TABLEOFCONTENTS PageMISSIONOFTHEJOHNWESLEYPRESCHOOL……….……………………………………………………… 1

PROGRAMDESCRIPTIONS………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2-4

POLICIES Animals………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5ArrivalandDismissal……………………………………………………………………………………………… 5BirthdaysandClassParties...…………………………………………………………………………………. 5Biting...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6Calendar………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6CancellationofClasses...………………………………………………………………………………………..ChildAbuseReportingLawRequirements..……………………………………………………………

66

Communication…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7ConsumerProductSafetyRecalls….……………………………………………………………………….DisciplineandGuidance………………………………………………………………………………………….

77-8

Discrimination…………………………………………………………………………….............................EmergencyPreparednessPlan..……………………………………………………………………………..

88-9

EmploymentStandards....………………………………………………………………………………………EnrollmentForms…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

910-11

FoodandNutrition…..……..……………………………………………………………………………………..Gang-FreeZoneInformation...………………………………………………………………………………..

1111

Handbook……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….HealthandIllness..………………………………………………………………………………………………….

1212-13

HoursofOperation………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13Licensing..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Orientation………….....………………………………………………………………………………………………

1414

OutsideProfessionalServices……………………………………………………………....................... 14ParentConcerns..…………………………………………………………………………........................... 14ParentObservation...……………………………………………………………………………………………..ParentVolunteers…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

1415

ParkingLotSafety...……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15PottyTraining…...…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15-16PreschoolEvaluation……………………….…………………………………………………………………….. 16Registration………………………………………………………………………………............................... 16Security……………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………. 16Staff-ChildRatios…………………………….……………………………………………………………………… 16TuitionandFees..…...……………………………………………………………………........................... 17Weather…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17WhattoBringtoSchool…..…………………………………………………………………………………….. 18WhatNottoBringtoSchool…………………………………………………………………………………… 18

PARENTACKNOWLEDGEMENT………………………………………………………………………………….. 19

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PARENTHANDBOOK

JOHNWESLEYPRESCHOOL

MISSIONOFTHEJOHNWESLEYPRESCHOOLJohnWesleyPreschool isaministryforthechildrenofJohnWesleyUnitedMethodistChurchand its surrounding community. John Wesley Preschool is committed to focusing on thewelfare,education,andsupportofallchildrenintheprogramsothateachchildcangrowanddevelop spiritually, cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially within a Christianenvironment.Whileexperiencingchallengeandsuccess,everychildisgiventheopportunitytobuildself-esteemandaloveforlearning.TheprogramisgovernedbypoliciesandproceduresapprovedbytheChurchCouncilandisoverseenbytheJohnWesleyPreschoolCommittee.GOALSANDOBJECTIVES

l Topresentcurriculumthroughdevelopmentallyappropriatepractice. l Tohelpeachchilddevelopcreativity. l Tohelpeachchilddevelopappropriatesocialbehaviors. l Tohelpeachchildexpressfeelings. l Tohelpeachchildbecomeself-reliant.

l TopromoteChristianvalues. l Toprovidelanguageenrichment. l Toprovideanenvironmentfordevelopingcooperativeworkskills. l Toprovideaprogramforparenteducationandparentparticipation.

l Toprovideanexperiencedprofessionalstafftrainedinthemostcurrentpracticesinearlychildhood.

JohnWesleyPreschoolislicensedbytheTexasDepartmentofFamilyandProtectiveServices.

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PROGRAMS

INFANTSANDTODDLERSThegoalsoftheinfantandtoddlerclassesaretoprovideasafeandnurturingenvironment.Thechildren are encouraged to explore their world as they increase their coordination in thenatural progression from rolling over to sitting, crawling, cruising, walking, and climbing.Vocabulary development comes through presentation of books, songs, finger-plays and dailyadventurewalks.Explorationcontinuesasthebabiesareintroducedtodifferenttypesofmusicranging from rock to Mozart. Through structured times of play the children have theopportunitytoexploreactivitiesattheirownpaceandinteractwithotherchildren.Theywillencounterdifferentformsofsensoryandtactileexperienceswhileplayinginthesensorytableandwhileexploringart.Behavioraldevelopmentiscloselyobservedsothateachchildisloved,encouragedandnurturedinapositiveatmosphere.The curriculum for these special little ones promotes activities that stimulate growth anddevelopment that canbe incorporated into the routinesof theday. These classesprovideawarm, loving,and richenvironment thatencouragessocial, cognitive,andphysicalgrowth tofullyenhanceandnurtureeachchild’sschoolexperience.TWOYEAROLDSThecurriculumforthetwoyearoldclassesprovidesinteractiveactivitiesthatenablechildrentodevelopaloveoflearningwhiletheyareplayingandhavingfun.Theclassesprovideawarmand friendly environmentwith hands on center-based activities to encourage early learning.Storytellingandlisteningalongwitharespectforbookshelpchildrendeveloppre-readingskills.Themath/manipulativeareasfocusonbuildingfinemotorcontrol,spatialawareness,eye-handcoordinationandproblemsolvingskills. Science isamulti-sensoryareaencouragingchildrenwith hands on activities. Blocks furthermath concepts of spatial awareness and proportionalongwithallowingchildrentobuildfinemotorcontrol.Creativeartsallowchildrentoincreasemusclecontrolandbuildself-esteemwhileexploringtheirownindividualcreativity.Dramaticplay allows young children to develop socially and emotionally, learn to function in a group,taketurnsandplay.Weeklyandmonthlythemeunitsprovideforactivitiesinbothlargegroupandindividualareasthatmovechildrentowardtheirpotentialastheyexplorethematerial intheclassroom.

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THREEYEAROLDPRESCHOOL

The three year old curriculum is based on learning through play. Our goal is to introduceconceptsand learnbyexperience. The curriculumoffershands-on learningexperiences thatpromotethecognitive, social,emotional,physicalandcreativedevelopmentofeachstudent.Wepromote independencebyworkingonself-help tasks throughout theday. Eachday thechildrenaregivenmanyopportunities toengage in fineandgrossmotoractivitiesandnamerecognition.Bydoingthis,wesupportboththedevelopmentoftheseskillsandthegrowthofthebrain.

Color,number,andshaperecognitionarereinforcedthroughthematic learningactivitiesthatareageappropriateandchilddirected.Weapproachsciencewithmanyhandsonexperiencessuchascooking,sensorytables,exploringplantlife,andcollectinginsects.Thecentersinthethreeyearoldclassroomsincludethefollowing:math,writing,reading,art,dramatic play, housekeeping, emotions, listening, block building, manipulative, and science.Childrenareencouragedtoworkinthesecenterscooperativelywithotherchildrenintheclass.FOURYEAROLDPREKINDERGARTENThe four year old curriculum continues to build upon prior knowledge of the three year oldpreschoolcurriculum.Activelearningisencouragedthroughmanyhandsonexperiences.Thefour year old curriculum is literature based and thematic in nature. Monthly themesincorporateandintegratelanguage,literature,mathematicsandsciencewhilefocusingonthedevelopmentofphonemicawarenessandemergingliteracy.Thecurriculumprovidesavarietyofdevelopmentallyappropriateactivities,experiences,andmaterials to engage children in active andmeaningful learning. The curriculum encouragescuriosity,developsaloveoflearning,fosterspositiveself-identityandsenseofemotionalwell-being, develops social skills, and encourages children to think, reason, question, andexperiment. Language and literacy development are included in the units through learningcentersandsmallgroupactivities.Physicalskillsaredevelopedandsoundhealth,safety,andnutritional practices are encouraged. The children are offered many ways to create andappreciateart,andtorespectculturaldiversity.Thegoalofthefouryearoldprekindergarten is topreparechildrensociallyandacademicallyforkindergarten.

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BRIDGECLASSThe curriculum in the Bridge Class is literature based. Phonemic awareness is taught andpracticed in themeaningful context of Big Books, picture books, poetry, stories dictated bystudents,andhigh-interestbookswithfewwords. Mathactivities,socialstudies,andsciencearecorrelatedwiththemedbooks,poems,stories,orevents.Specificletter/soundassociationsencouragemasteryofhighfrequencywords.Ourgoalistoprovideopportunitiesforchildrentoexperienceeveryconceptinamulti-sensoryway. Every effort is made to accommodate the learning styles of each child. The interestsexpressedbythechildrenandtheirparentsofteninspiretopicsofstudy.Centersareprimarilyopen-endedandencouragecreativity,problem-solving,andsocial skills.These centers on a typical day include home living, art, manipulatives, building materials,reading, listening,writing, and the sensory table. Other centers areusedduring the year toenhancelearningaboutcurrenttopicsofstudy.Music, movement, body awareness, and performance skills are led by our excellent musicteacherandextendedinourclassroomactivities.Celebrationsfromotherculturesencouragerespectforourdiverseworld.CHAPELThepreschool isan intentionalministryof JohnWesleyUnitedMethodistChurch,aChristiancommunity.Childrenenrolled in the twoyearold,preschool, andbridge classes gather for atime of worship and learning each week. During chapel, through songs, Bible stories, andprayer,wefocusonGod’samazingloveforusandareencouragedtoloveothersinHisname.ChapelisbasedoffoftheOrangecurriculum,‘FirstLook.’Thiscurriculumallowstheteacherstouseactivitiesbasedonthechapellessonintheirclassroom.MUSICANDMOVEMENTMusic helps develop several parts of a child's brain simultaneously. Song lyrics developlanguage, instrumentation and rhythm develop logic, and dynamics and tone encouragecreativeexpression.Music is an integralpartofourpreschoolusing songsandmovement tostimulatebraindevelopmentalongwithcreatingaloveformusic.Ourmusicclassesencourageyourchildtoexploretheirworldthroughcreativityandsound,aswellashelpingtobuildtheirself-esteemandrelationshipstootherchildrenaroundthem.

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POLICIESANIMALSFrom time to time, the preschool may have classroom pets thatmeet the requirements byTexasChildCareLicensing.Anoticetoparentswillbepostedoutsideanyclassroomdoorwhenapetispresent.ARRIVALANDDISMISSALPleaseallowenoughtime inthemorningtoensureasmoothtransitionfromhometoschoolforyourchild.Theclassesbeginwithactivitiesatthebeginningoftheday.Ifachildislate,itisverydifficultforhim/hertotransitionintotheclasswiththerestofthechildren.Pleasehaveyourchildinclassby9:10toeasethistransition.

• Texas Child Care Licensing mandates that each child be signed in and out each daynoting time of arrival and departure with the signature of the parent or caregiver.Whenescortingyourchildtotheclassroompleasesignin.Duringthistime,yourchildwill be greeted by the teacher and given a “visual check”. If a staffmember noticesanythingunusualtheyarerequiredtopointthisouttotheparentatthattime.Childrenmaynotenterthebuildingaloneandmustbeescortedbyanadulttotheirclassroom.

• Out of consideration for your child and your child’s teachers, please be on time atdismissal. Whenyouare late, your childmayexperienceanxiety. If for some reasonyoufindyouwillbeunavoidablydelayed,pleasecalltheschoolsowemayreassureyourchild thatyouarecoming. A late feeof$5.00perchild forevery fiveminuteswillbecharged.Thefeewillbeassessedonyournextmonthlystatement.

• Childrenwillbereleasedonlytoparentsorapersonauthorizedbytheparentsontheenrollment information form. In addition, teachers must be informed in writing ifsomeoneotherthanyourselfwillbepickingupyourchildattheendoftheday.Photoidentificationwillberequiredofanyonepickingupyourchildwhoisnotknownbytheteacher. NO childwill be released to anyone under 18 years of age or unauthorizedadults.Namesmaybeaddedtotheinformationformduringtheyear.

• Please notify the preschool office of any person to whom your child should not bereleasedunderanycircumstances.

BIRTHDAYSANDCLASSPARTIESBirthdaysarealwaysaspecialtime!Parentsmaymakearrangementswiththechild’steachertoprovideaspecialbirthdaytreatduringsnacktime.Pleasesendasimplestoreboughttreatsuch as cookieswith the ingredients listed on the container. Birthday invitations for partiesoutsideofschoolmaybesenthome ifallchildren intheclassare invitedtotheparty. Classdirectorieswillbeavailable.Throughout the year the classes with children two years old and older have specialcelebrations.Parentsmaybeaskedtosign-uptobringspecialtreatsforthecelebrationsandweaskthatthesealsobestoreboughtwiththeingredientslistedonthecontainer.

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BITINGBiting is a common issue in early child development. The best way to deal with biting isconsistency between providers and parents. Biting occurs for multiple reasons and propercommunicationwillhelpdeterminewhyachild isbiting. Theteachersanddirectorwillworkwithparentsifbitingbecomesaproblemandwillmakeeveryefforttosolvetheissueassoonaspossible.Fromtimetotimeitmaybenecessaryforachildtotakeabreakfromschooluntiltheproblemisresolved.CALENDARParentswillreceiveacalendarfortheschoolyearatthetimeofregistration.TheschoolyearstartsinSeptemberandendsinMay.Specificholidaysandteacherprofessionaldevelopmentdaysarelistedonthecalendar.CANCELLATIONOFCLASSESIntheeventofcancellationofschoolduetocircumstancesbeyondourcontrol,therewillbenomake-updaysorrefunds.CHILDABUSEREPORTINGLAWREQUIREMENTS:JohnWesleyPreschoolstaffareREQUIREDbyTexasStateLawand licensingrequirements toreportimmediatelytothepoliceorChildProtectiveServices(CPS)anyinstancewhenthereisreasontosuspecttheoccurrenceofphysical,sexual,oremotionalchildabuse,childneglect,orexploitation. Our staff receives annual training on recognizing and preventing abuse andneglect, including sexual abuse. The preschool has made a commitment to help increaseawarenessandpreventiontechniquestoemployeesandparentsthroughtrainings,memosandmonthly newsletters. The preschool will also coordinate with community organizations onstrategiestopreventabuseandneglect.Staffwill not be able to notify parentswhen the police or CPS is called about possible childabuse,neglect,orexploitation,exceptontherecommendationofCPSorthepolicewhentheyarecalled.Someexamplesofabuseandneglectare:leavingachildinavehicleunattended,notsecuringa child in a seat belt or booster seat, unexplainedmarksor bruisesonopposite sidesof thebody,andchildhygieneissues.If parents feel they need assistance with possible child abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse, weencourageyoutogethelp. Pleasecall theNationalParentHotlineat1-855-427-2736orvisitwww.helpandhope.org/find-help.html.ThestatewideAbuse&Neglectphonenumber is1-800-252-5400, ifyouwould like toreportanysuspectedabuseorneglect.

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COMMUNICATIONJohnWesleyPreschoolworkshard to stay in touchwithparents toprovidedevelopmentallyappropriateandpositive learningexperiencesforeachchild. It isvery importanttomaintainopen communication in case of any concerns,nomatter how small. Parent’s concerns andquestionsareimportantinordertocontinuallyimproveupontheeducationalprocesses.Briefcommunicationisencouragedbetweenparentsandteachersbeforeandafterschool.Parentsshouldrequestaconferencetodiscussmattersinneedofmoreattention.Onceaconferencehas been requested, please allow three to fiveworking days for the actual conference date.Situations that parents feel need immediate attention can be addressed with the Directorwithin a 24-hour period, or one working day. Parents needing to contact a teacher duringschoolhoursshouldcalloremailtheschool.TexasChildCareLicensingprohibitscellphoneuseforstaffwhilesupervisingchildren.Theschoolandindividualclassnewslettersareemailedtotheparentsatthebeginningofeachmonth.Theschoolnewslettercontainsparentingtips,holidays,specialevents,policychangesandotherschoolrelatedtopics.Theindividualclassnewsletterscontaininformationabouttheactivities for the specific class. Classroom calendars and schedules are posted outside eachclassroomaswellasashortdescriptionoftheclassactivitiesfortheday.Pleaseremembertoupdatetheofficewithanyemailaddresschanges.Preschoolchildrenareassessedthreetimesannuallyondevelopmentallyappropriateconceptsandskillscoveredinclass.Formalparent-teacherconferenceswillbeheldonceeachyearforall children. If special attention in any area of concern is noticed at any time, teacherswillcommunicatethistotheparents.Discussionofachildshouldnevertakeplaceinthepresenceof that child or other parents. All conversations between staff and parents must be keptconfidential.CONSUMERPRODUCTSAFETYRECALLSJohn Wesley Preschool receives email notifications from the CPSC whenever infant/childproducts and sports and recreationproducts are recalled. Ifwehave an item thathasbeenrecalledweimmediatelyremoveitfromuse.Asaparentyoumayviewalistofcurrentrecallsand notices on the DPSC website at www.cpsc.gov. You may also sign up to receive emailnotificationfromtheCPSCbygoingtohttps://www.cpsclist.aspx.DISCIPLINEANDGUIDANCEJohnWesleyPreschool staffmembers are trained touse apositivemethodof discipline andguidance that encourages self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction. Just a few examplesusedinthissituationare:praiseandencouragementofgoodbehaviorinsteadoffocusingonlyupon unacceptable behavior; reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clearand positive statements and redirecting behaviors. Theremay be times when a supervisedseparationtimeisneeded.Ifseparationisnecessary,itwillbeusedaccordingtothechild’sageanddevelopmentandlimitedtonomorethanoneminuteperyearofthechild’sage. Therewillbenoharsh,cruel,orunusualtreatmentofanychild.

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Researchhasshownthatpositiveguidanceteacheschildrenskillswhichhelpthemgetalongintheir physical and social environment. This aim is to develop personal standards in self-discipline,nottoenforceasetofinflexiblerules.Givingchildrenunderstandableguidelinesandredirecting their behavior helps them to develop internal control of their actions andencouragesacceptablebehavior.For persistent or excessive behavior problems, parents will be notified and a conferencescheduled. Parents and school staff must work together closely in developing consistentguidelineswhentheseproblemsarise. FurthercorrectivemeasuresmayalsobetakenastheDirectordeemsnecessary, including,butnotlimitedto,suspensionordisenrollmentfromtheprogram.DISCRIMINATIONEnrollment shall be grantedwithout discrimination in regard to sex, race, creed, or politicalbelief. Enrollment shall be open to any child, provided thatwe canmeet the needs of thatchild.EMERGENCYPREPAREDNESSPLANJohnWesleyPreschoolhasanEmergencyPreparednessPlan inplace.EmergencyProceduresandEvacuationRoutesarepostedineveryclassroom.Firedrillsarepracticedmonthly,severeweatherdrillsareheldeverythreemonthsandlockdowndrillsarepracticedfourtimesayear.Shelter-in-PlaceIf local authorities declare a shelter-in-place emergency due to release of dangerouscontaminantsintotheatmosphere,thechildrenwillberelocatedtotheWesleyActivityCenterwhichhasbeendesignatedasasaferoom.Thebuildingwillbeclosedandwillnotreopenforanyreasonuntillocalauthoritieshavedeclaredthedangerpassed.Donotcometotheschooltopickupyourchildduringashelter-in-placeemergency;rather,seekshelterforyourselfandrestassured thatyourchild iswell cared forand is safeat school. Childrenwill remainwiththeirteachers inthesaferoomuntil thedangerhaspassedandcivildefensehasnotifiedthecommunitythatitissafetobeoutdoors.FireAll staff members will acquaint themselves with the emergency exits and routes from thebuildingintheeventofafireorotheremergency.Allclasseswillgodirectlytothefarsideofthe parking lot backing up to Yeager Elementary. Upon exiting or entering the classroomand/orthebuildingteacherswillhaveanaccuratecountofthechildrenintheircare.Classeswillnotre-enterthebuildinguntilanall-clearsignalisgiven.

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NationalorLocalDisasterIn the event of a national or local disaster or an emergency other than fire, all childrenwillremain on the school premises until the Director feels they can be safely released to anauthorizedperson.Ifthereshouldbeanemergencyordisasterthatwouldmakeitnecessaryforthepreschooltoevacuatethebuilding,YeagerElementarySchool,13615ChampionForestDrive,281-440-4914,willbetheplaceofrelocation.Parentswillbecalledtopickupchildrenthereandstaffwillremainwiththechildrenuntilallarepickedupbythoseauthorizedtodoso.LockDownIn the event of a threat to thewell-being of the children by an intruder, the facilitywill beplacedin“lock-down”untiltheproperauthoritiesdeclarethecampusissecure.Ifclassesareinthebuildingatthetime,thestaffwillescortthechildrentotheclosestroom,lockthedoorand cover the windows, play “The Quiet Game” with the children and wait for furtherdirections. If classes are outside the building, the staff will escort the children to YeagerElementarySchool. Oncetheintruderisdeclaredbytheauthoritiestonolongerbeathreat,parentswillbecalledtopickuptheirchildrenandstaffwillremainwiththechildrenuntilallarepickedupbythoseauthorizedtodoso.TheRoleofParentsinanEmergencyInaschoolemergency,thefirstinstinctasaparentistopickupthetelephoneandstartcallingthe school or to rush up to the school and get your child(ren). The truth is, this onlycomplicatesmatters fromasafetyandsecuritystandpoint. Parents tooclose to the incidentoftenhindertherescueattemptsofthefirstrespondersonthescene.Thebestactionparentscantakeinanemergencyistostayclosetotheirphoneandemailwaitingforcommunicationfromtheschoolstaff.It’s very important for parents to keep all contact information up to date on themselves,emergencycontacts,andthoseauthorizedtopickuptheirchildren.

EMPLOYMENTSTANDARDSThemostimportantassetofthepreschoolisthequalityoftheteachers.Allstaffmembersareexperiencedinworkingwithyoungchildrenandparticipateyearlyinprofessionaldevelopmentdays,workshops, and training sessions. All staffmembers areorientated in thePolicies andProceduresManualoftheJohnWesleyPreschool.Inordertomeetthe“MinimumStandards”thestaffmustobtaintherequiredcontinuingeducationhoursannually.Inaddition,staffmustbecertifiedinCPR/FirstAid,fingerprinted,andpassacriminalbackgroundcheck.EmployeeImmunizationPolicyWhilesafetyofouremployeesandthechildreninourcare isparamount,wehaveelectedtomakeimmunizationsforvaccine-preventablediseasesoptional.Iftheemployeeisnotexemptfrom having these immunizations, John Wesley Preschool recommends that employeesconsiderreceivingtheInfluenzaandPertussisvaccines.

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ENROLLMENTFORMSAll enrollment formsbelowmustbe received in thepreschool officeprior to the childbeingadmittedtoclass.Therearenoexceptions.RegistrationFormThisformmustbecompletedandsignedbytheparent.Pleasekeeptheinformationcurrentatalltimes.StatementofHealthFormThis formmustbecompletedandsignedbythechild’sphysician. Parentswillneedtomakenote of any special needs, medications, previous surgeries etc. or check “none”. A signedAllergyActionPlanisrequiredfromthedoctorifanyallergiesarelisted.ImmunizationRecordsAn official copy of your child’s current immunization records must be attached. TheimmunizationrecordmaybeprintedandsignedbythephysicianorprintedbyImmTrac(TexasImmunizationRegistry).Texaslicensingrequirementsstatethatallimmunizationrecordsmustbecurrent.Asyourchildreceivesnewimmunizations,pleaseprovidethepreschoolofficewiththeupdatedimmunizationrecord.Children who are not current on their immunizations may be excluded from attending theschoolbythestateofTexas.Ifachild’simmunizationrecordisnotcomplete,anotefromthephysician listing the medical reason for the child not having current immunizations and animmunizationplanisacceptable.Fromtimetotimethepreschoolmayhavechildrenenrolledthathavenotreceivedimmunizationsduetopersonalbelief.Anotarizedaffidavitmustbeonfileforthesechildren.HearingandVisionScreeningAll children in the 4 and 5 year old classes are required by The Special Senses andCommunicationsDisordersAct,TexasHealth&SafetyCode,Chapter36tohaveanapprovedhearing and vision screening performedby a certified evaluator or registered physician eachschoolyear.TheresultsmayberecordedontheStatementofHealthFormorattached.Forparent’sconvenienceacertifiedhearingandvisionscreenerwillbescheduledtocometothepreschoolinthefall.Parentsmayelectonthisformtohavetheirchildtestedatthistimeforanominalfee.Dates,costs,andotherinformationwillbesenthomeseveralweekspriortothescreeningdates.EmergencyContactInformationandMedicalAuthorizationFormThis formmust be completed by the parent and notarized. Should you have any changes inemergencycontactnumbers,pleasenotifythepreschooloffice.ReleaseandHoldHarmlessAgreementThisformmustbecompletedbytheparentandnotarized.

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ParentAcknowledgmentofHandbookFormThis formmaybe found in thebackof this handbook andmust be signed anddatedby theparent.FOODANDNUTRITION

PLEASELABELEVERYTHINGWITHYOURCHILD’SNAME

SnacksEachchildneedstobringalightsnackeveryday.Snacksshouldbenutritiousandreadytoeat.Coldwaterwillbeprovidedthroughouttheday.LunchEach child needs to bring a lunchwith a drink every day. Lunches should be nutritious andreadytoeat.Allfoodshouldbefingerfoodsifpossibleandreadytoeat(fruitpeeledandcutup,sandwichescutinsmallpieces).Pleasesendeatingutensils,spillproofcups(infantsandtoddlers),napkins,waxedpaper foraplacematetc.Baby foods,breastmilk,milk, and juice shouldbe inplasticcontainersorathermos.Glasscontainersandpull-tabcansarenotallowed.Grapesshouldbecutinhalfandcarrotsandhotdogscutintostrips.Allfoodshouldbepackedincontainersthatwillkeepithotorcoldifnecessary.Pleaseincludea balance of foods chosen from the Basic 4 food groups: Dairy, Meat/Meat Alternative,Fruits/Vegetables andGrains. Well balancedmeals provide the food childrenneed to grow,think, fight infection and fuel their bodies. Drinks should be 100% fruit juice,whitemilk orwaterwithnoaddedsugars.Waterwillbeavailableforthechildrenallday.Although families are encouraged to bring a wholesome, nutritious snack and lunch, JohnWesleyPreschoolisnotresponsibleforthenutritionalvalueofachild’ssnackandlunchwhichisbroughtfromhome.BreastfeedingPolicyMothers arewelcome to breastfeed their baby in theWelcome Center. If youwould like amoreprivateplace,youmaygotoRoomA-206.Mother’smaybreastfeedatthepreschoolorprovidebreastmilkfortheirchild.GANG-FREEZONEINFORMATIONFORCHILDCARECENTERSA gang-free zone is a designated area around a specific locationwhere certain gang relatedactivity is prohibited and is subject to increased penalty under Texas law. Specific locationswherecertaingangrelatedcriminalactivity isnowprohibited include,butarenot limitedto,publicschools,playgrounds,videoarcadefacilitiesanddaycarecenters.Gang-relatedcriminalactivityorengaginginorganizedcriminalactivitywithin1000feetofourprogramisaviolationofthislawandisthereforesubjecttoincreasedpenalty.

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HANDBOOKParentHandbookswillbegiventoeachfamilyatregistrationandanytimerevisionsaremade.Additionalcopieswillbeavailableinthepreschooloffice.Thehandbookisupdatedeachyearwith any policy changes. Please keep this handbook for future reference. Theacknowledgementformatthebackofthehandbookneedstobecompletedandreturnedwithallotherregistrationpapersorwhenrevisionshavebeenmade.HEALTHANDILLNESSJohnWesleyPreschoolwilltakeprecautionstoprovideahealthyenvironmentforallchildren.This includes refusing to admit sick children into the classroom and isolating children whobecomeillwhileatschool.Iftheteachersuspectsthatachildisill,theteacherwillconductabasichealthcheckwhichincludestakingthechild’stemperatureandavisualassessmentofthechildtoidentifyanyotherpotentialconcernsaboutthechild’shealth.Parentswillbenotifiedimmediatelysothattheymaypickupthechild.Inaddition,theteachersmakeeveryefforttohelp children observe good health habits such as using tissues for cleaning noses, washinghands,wearingjacketswhenneeded,etc.Thesedailyhealthpracticeswillhelpkeepdowntheincidentsofvirusesandotherillnesses.Achildshouldnotbebroughttoschooliftheyhaveexperiencedorareexperiencinganyofthefollowingsymptoms:

• feverof100.4°orhigherinthelast24hours• diarrheaorvomitinginthelast24hours• takingantibioticsforlessthan24hours• heavynasaldischarge• constantcough• sad,fussy,cranky,orgenerallynothimself/herself• contagiousskinrash• headliceornits• anysymptomsofpossiblecommunicabledisease

Allchildrenwillbeinvolvedinphysicalactivitiesindoorsandoutdoorsasanimportantpartofthecurriculum.Ifachildiswellenoughtocometoschool,theywillbeexpectedtoparticipateinallactivities.Parentsshouldnotifytheschoolby9:30a.m.ifachildistobeabsentwiththereasonfortheabsence. Ifyourchildhasacommunicabledisease, (chickenpox,strepthroat,pinkeye, fifthdisease,ringworm, impetigo,headliceetc.),please lettheschoolknowsothatotherparentsmay be notified that their child has been exposed to a contagious illness. John WesleyPreschoolisrequiredtofollowguidelinessetbythestatewhenthechildmayreturntoschoolafter being absent due to a contagious illness. Children excluded from school because of acommunicablediseaseorinjurymaybere-admittedwhenthechildhasreceivedaletterfromthe physician, stating that he/she are no longer contagious and/or is free of symptoms andinfection,andmayparticipatefullyinallactivities.

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If your child has experienced or is experiencing any type of traumatic emotional or stressfulexperience,pleaselettheteacherknow.Thiswillenableyourchild’steachertounderstandanddealwithanybehaviordifferencesordifficulties.AllergiesIfyourchildhasanallergy,pleasenotetheallergyonyourchild’sStatementofHealthForm.Ifyourchildrequiresmedicationfortheallergyallconditionsregardingmedicationsbelowmustbemet.Inaddition,anActionPlanforEmergencyCaremustbecompletedbythedoctorandmustaccompanythemedication.IncidentsandAccidentsIfaminorinjuryorincidentshouldoccur,thestaffwilladministerfirstaid.AnIncidentReportwill be completed describing the nature of the injury and the first aid that was applied ifnecessary.Theparentwillsignthisformanditwillbefiledinthechild’sfile.Acopyisavailableuponrequest.If a major injury should occur, our staff will administer first aid, dial 911 for assistance, ifnecessary,andcontacttheparents.IftheparentscannotbereachedthechildwillbetakentoWillowbrookMethodistHospital. Thestaffwill staywith thechilduntilaparentarrives. AnIncidentReportwillalsobecompletedthesameasforaminorinjury.EachchildmusthaveanotarizedMedicalReleaseFormonfileinthepreschoolofficebythefirstdaythechildattendsclasses.MedicationWeprefertheparentgiveanyprescribedmedicationtothechildeitherbeforeorafterschool.However, ifmedicationduringprogramhours isnecessary, themedicinemustbebrought tothepreschoolofficeandthefollowingconditionsmustbemet:

• Allmedicationmustbeintheoriginalcontainerandmaynotbeexpired.• Allprescriptionmedicationmustbelabeledwiththechild’sname,physician’sname,the

name and strength of the drug, the amount to be given, the frequency ofadministration,andthedateoftheprescription.

• Nonprescriptionmedicationmust be labeled with the child’s name andmay only beadministeredbyfollowingthemanufacturer’srecommendationonthelabel.

• Parents must complete theMedical Authorization Form daily in the preschool officebeforeanymedicationwillbeadministered.

• Theinitialdoseofanymedicationmustbeadministeredathome.• Sunscreenandinsectrepellentshouldbeappliedathome.• Medicationmustbetakenhomethelastdayitistobeadministered.

Nomedicine,vitamins,inhalers,ointment,coughdrops,sunscreen,insectrepellantetc.shouldbeplacedinthechild’sbackpackorlunchbox.AllmedicationisstoredinalockedclosetandmayonlybeadministeredbytheDirectororAssistantDirector.HOURSOFOPERATIONClassesareofferedMondaythroughFridayfrom9:00–2:00withchoiceofschedules.

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LICENSINGJohn Wesley Preschool is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Family andProtective Services and we follow the TexasMinimum Standards for Child Care Centers. Acurrent copy of the minimum standards is kept in the preschool office and is available forparents to review. In addition, themost recent Licensing inspection report is posted in thepreschooloffice.

DepartmentofFamilyandProtectiveServices713-940-30092221WestLoopS.Houston,TX772222

ChildAbuseHotline1-800-252-5400

ORIENTATIONIn order to help your child feel more comfortable about attending our program, you arewelcometobringyourchildforavisitata“MeettheTeachers”timepriortothebeginningoffallclasses.Childrenstartingafterclasseshavebegunarewelcometovisitduringourmorningclasses.Wewillbehappytoworkwithyouinmakingtheprocessofenteringanewpreschoolassmoothaspossible. Havingchildrenmeettheirteachersintheschoolsettingisavaluabletool in building a trusting relationship between the child and their teachers and is mostbeneficialinhelpingtoensureasmoothandsuccessfultransitionfromhometoschool.OUTSIDEPROFESSIONALSERVICESDuring the school year, outside professionalsmay be asked to observe classrooms tomakerecommendationsaboutprogrammingand/ormodificationsforspecificchildren.Thismaybeattherequestofparentsoroftheteachers.Childrenwillnotbeobserved,tested,orinformallyquestioned by an outside professional without notification and written permission of theparents.

PARENTCONCERNSParentsmaymake appeals or raise concernswith the JohnWesley Preschool Director. Anyparent,afterhavingworkedwiththeDirectoraboutaconcern,whowishestofurtherappealamatter,maydosofirstwiththeJohnWesleyPreschoolCommitteeandthenwiththePastorofMinistryDevelopment,ifnecessary.PARENTOBSERVATIONParentswhowishtoobservetheirchildatschoolmaydosoatanytime.Pleasekeepinmindthat particularly for infants, toddlers and children new to out of home care, a visit can beconfusinganddemandsyetanotherseparationadjustmentforthem.Toobservetheirchild,orassistteacherswithactivities,parentsmustsigninatthefrontdeskandwearanametagwhileintheschool.

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PARENTVOLUNTEERSAn informational volunteer meeting will be held at the beginning of the school year. Allvolunteer opportunities for the year will be discussed at the meeting. Parents are alwayswelcometohelpwithspecialpartiesandprojectsduringtheschoolyear.Yourchild’steacherswillaskforvolunteersaseventsareplanned.PARKINGLOTSAFETY

• Children should never be allowed to run freely in the parking lot. Please hold yourchild’shandatalltimesintheparkinglot.

• Donotleavetheenginerunningintheparkinglot.• Driveslowlythroughtheparkinglot.• Refrainfromcellphoneuseatalltimeswhiledrivingintheparkinglot.• Makesureyourchildisproperlyrestrainedintheircarseatbeforeleavingyourparking

space.Itisunlawfultotransportachildwithoutasafetybeltorrestraint.• Donotparkinhandicappedspotswithoutapermit.• Donotleavepersonalarticles(purses,etc.)inyourcarwhileenteringthebuilding.The

schoolandchurcharenotresponsibleforitemsstolenordamagedinyourcar.• Thedrivewayclosesttothebuildingisforexitingtrafficonly.Parentsshouldenterthe

parkinglotbyusingthetwodrivewaysfarthestfromthebuilding.• Thecircledriveway is reserved forparentswithspecial circumstances thatneedextra

helpgettingintothebuilding.Parkinginthedrivewaywillnotinsurequickaccesstothebuildingsinceparentsneedingextratimearealsoparkedinthedriveway.

• Pleasedonotleaveachildunattendedinacar.Thisisagainstthelaw!Ifyouneedassistancepleasecallthepreschoolofficeandaskforassistance.

POTTYTRAININGItisexpectedthatchildrenenteringathreeyearoldpreschoolclasswillbepottytrained.TheJohnWesleyPreschooldefinitionof“pottytrained”is:

• Thechildisabletoinformtheteacheroftheirneedtousethepottyortheycangointotheclassrestroomindependently.

• Thechildcanindependentlytakeclothingonandoff.• Thechildshouldnotbewearingpullups.• Thechildcanindependentlygetonandoffthetoiletandwipehis/herownbottomand

washtheirownhands.

If parents feel thismaybedifficult for their child, they shoulddiscuss the situationwith theDirectorassoonaspossible. Ifaftertwoweeksofschooltheteachersfeelthatachildisnotpotty trained, the child will be asked to take a break from school until potty training isaccomplished.For children in the younger classes that are potty training,we require cotton training pants,underwearorrefasteningpullupstobeworn.

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Whenpottytraining,childrenneedtobeabletoremoveandputontheirownclothes.Belts,overalls,pantswithsnaps, longdressesorshirtsthat fall intothetoiletaredifficult forthechildrentomanage.PRESCHOOLEVALUATIONOnceeachschoolyear,usually inthespring,parentswillbeaskedtocompleteanevaluationquestionnaireaboutthepreschool.Wehopeyouwillusethistooltogiveusfeedbackonhowwearedoing.REGISTRATIONRegistrationisheldinFebruaryofthepreviousschoolyear.Parentswillbenotifiedofthedatesandtheywillbepostedonthewebsite.Families that are John Wesley UMC church members are able to register first. Currentlyenrolledregistrationisheldthefollowingday.Familiesaregivenanumberandregistrationistakeninarandomorderasnumbersaredrawn.Registrationisopentonewfamiliesafterthecurrentlyenrolledregistrationonafirstcome,firstservebasis.Registrationfeesaredueatthetimeofregistration.Registrationforthecurrentschoolyearistakenanytimeduringtheyearifspotsareavailable.SECURITY

• Duringdrop-offandpick-uppeaktimesallparentsmustenterthroughthemaindoorsto the Education Building which will be open during this time. All other timesthroughoutthedaythemaindoorswillremainlocked.

• After drop-off and pick-up peak times, all visitors will be asked to sign in/out of thepreschool area and wear a name tag. All other visitors will be directed to otherentrancesthatdonothaveaccesstothepreschoolarea.

• Bothsetsofdoubleglassdoors in thepreschool lobbyareaare lockedfrom8-3daily.VisitorswillbeabletogothroughthesedoorstotheWelcomeCenterbutre-entrywillnotbepossible.

• Thedoorsattheendofthehallsarealsolocked8-3dailyandvisitorsmayexitthroughthesedoorsbutre-entrytothepreschoolhallswillnotbepossible.Pleasedonotusethesedoorstodropofforpickupyourchildren.

STAFF-CHILDRATIOSThe staff/child ratios of the classes in the John Wesley Preschool are under the specifiedrequirementsallowedbyDFPSMinimumStandards.Smallerclassesincreasetheopportunitiesforpositiveinteractionwithchildren.

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TUITIONANDFEESTuitionandfeesaresetyearlybytheJohnWesleyPreschoolCommittee.Acurrentscheduleoftuitionandfeesisavailableonthewebsitewww.jwumc.org.Registrationfeesarerequiredatthetimeofregistrationandarenon-refundable.Paymentofthisfeeisrequiredbeforeaplaceinaclassroomwillbeheldforachild.Tuitionisayearlyfeedividedintoequalmonthlypayments.Thefirstmonth’spaymentisdueon the first day of class. Themonthly payment amountwill stay the same regardless of thenumber of days of attendance for themonth. Tuition is due on the 1st of themonth andconsidered late on the 11th of themonth. A $20.00 late fee will be added to your child’saccount if tuition has not been paid by the 11th of the month. If you anticipate that yourpaymentwillbelate,pleasecontacttheDirectororAssistantDirectortodiscuss.

• Tuitioncanbepaidbycash,checkorautomatedpayment(chargetoyourcreditcardordirectly withdrawn from your bank account. Automated payments are charged ordeductedfromyouraccountbythe5thofthemonth.

• Therewillbea$20feeforreturnedchecksandfuturepaymentsmustbemadeincash.• MakecheckspayabletoJohnWesleyPreschool.• Tuitionpaymentsshouldbedroppedoff inthetuitionbox locatedonthereceptionist

desk. Youmay also choose tomail in your payment. Pleasemail your payment inadvancetoensure itwillarrivebefore it isconsidered late. JohnWesleyPreschool isnotabletomakeallowancesforpaymentsreceivedlateduetomail.

• Teachersmaynotaccepttuitionpayments.Pleasedonotputtuitionchecksinachild’sbackpackorlunchbox.

• Tuitionfeeswillnotbemodifiedforabsencesduetoshort-termillnesses,vacations,etc.• Iftuitionismorethanonemonthlate,thechildforfeitshis/herplaceintheprogram.

NO EXCEPTIONS will be made unless prior arrangements have been made with theDirector.

WEATHERShouldbadweatherrequirethattheKleinISDorCy-FairISDschoolsbeclosed,ourschoolwillalsobeclosed. Pleaseconsultradioandtelevisionstationsforofficialwordconcerningtheseclosures. If any natural or emergency events take place, the Director will make decisionsregardingschoolattendance for thatspecificday. Thepreschoolofficewillnotifyparentsbyemailorphoneregardingschoolclosureifpossible.

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WHATTOBRINGTOSCHOOL• Alightsnack,andalunchwithdrink.Pleasesenditemseasytoopenandreadytoeatand

pleaseuseasmanyreusablecontainersaspossible.Pleaseincludeasheetofwaxpaperforaplacemattohelpmakeclean-upeasier.Toddlersneed2cupswithlids.

• Achangeofclothesincaseofspillsoraccidents.Includeshirt,pants,socks,andunderwearinagallonsizeziplockbag.

• Onelargeunopenedcontainerofwipes,ifyourchildisindiapers.• Oneboxoftissues.• AnapmatifyourchildisgoingtobeaTeddyBear,Duck,Monkey,Panda,orFrog.PLEASELABELEVERYTHINGWITHYOURCHILD’SNAMETeacherswillgiveparentsamoredetailedlistfortheirclassroombeforethechild’sfirstday.

WHATNOTTOBRINGTOSCHOOLItisverydifficultforayoungchildtoshareafavoritetoybroughtfromhome,therefore,weaskthattoysbeleftathome.Someclasseswillhaveregular“ShowandTell”daysandthesewillbeonthecalendarorinthenewsletters.Guns,swords,knives,andotherwartoysarenotallowedinourschoolevenon“ShowandTell”days. Pleasedonotallowyourchild tobringmoneyorothervaluable itemssuchas jewelrywhichmightbelost.

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PARENTHANDBOOKACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ThisistoacknowledgethatIhavereceivedacopyoftheJohnWesleyPreschoolParent Handbook. I understand that it contains important information on thepolicies and procedures of this program. I have familiarized myself with thematerialandIunderstanditscontents.IhavereceivedthehandbookandIunderstandthatitismyresponsibilitytoreadandcomplywithitscontents.___________________________________________ParentName(PleasePrint)______________________________________________________________ParentSignature Date