Mountain View Core Knowledge School

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Handbook

2015-2016

Wee Wolves

890 Field AvenueCanon City, Co. 81212

www.mvcks.org

719-275-1980FAX 719-275-1998

Table of Contents

Mission Statement......................................................................................................................5Introduction................................................................................................................................5MVCKS Governing Board........................................................................................................5MVCKS Staff.............................................................................................................................5Statement of Purpose and Goals................................................................................................6Curriculum.................................................................................................................................6Enrollment..................................................................................................................................6Registration................................................................................................................................6Schedule.....................................................................................................................................7Pre-Screening Requirement.......................................................................................................7Special Needs.............................................................................................................................7Tuition, Fees and Dues..............................................................................................................7Class Size...................................................................................................................................7Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Program Developmental Objectives......................................8 Cognitive Growth..................................................................................................................8 Social/Emotional/Physical Growth.......................................................................................9Policies and Procedures...........................................................................................................10 Goals for the Year...............................................................................................................10 Inclement Weather..............................................................................................................10 Arrival/Departure................................................................................................................10 Parking/Traffic....................................................................................................................10 Emergency Procedures........................................................................................................10 Security...............................................................................................................................11 Signing In and Out..............................................................................................................11 Policy on Late Pick-Up of Children....................................................................................11 Outdoor Play and Walks.....................................................................................................11Care for Child Who Arrives Late For Field Trip or Excursion..............................................11 Snack Time.........................................................................................................................11 Rest Time............................................................................................................................11Emergency List........................................................................................................................12 Clothing...............................................................................................................................12 Cubby/Personal Belongings................................................................................................12 Transportation.....................................................................................................................12 Toilet Learning....................................................................................................................12 Infection Control.................................................................................................................13 Toys/Show and Tell............................................................................................................13 Weapons and Rough Play...................................................................................................13 Weekly Reports...................................................................................................................13 Parent Conferences.............................................................................................................13 Parental Input......................................................................................................................13 Fire Drills/Evacuation Procedures......................................................................................13

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Reporting of Child Abuse...................................................................................................14 Withdrawal from MVCKS Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten.............................................14 Grievance Policy/Chain of Command................................................................................14Behavior Management.............................................................................................................15Illness Policies and Procedures................................................................................................15 Guidelines Regarding Illness/Suspected Illness.................................................................15Parent Signature Page..............................................................................................................16

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Mission StatementThe mission of Mountain View Core Knowledge School is to stimulate wonder and curiosity, engage the mind, and promote vision and understanding of the world to all students. Goals include giving students the opportunity to maximize potential by exposure to a common foundation of an organized body of knowledge sequentially presented by grade level. Character values including integrity, respect, responsibility, and compassion will be strongly encouraged. The School achieves these goals through emphasis on a structured educational philosophy, strong encouragement of parental involvement and commitment to treating each child as a unique individual in a safe environment.

IntroductionMountain View Core Knowledge School has been in operation since the fall of 1996. The preschool and pre-kindergarten programs will provide children with the opportunity to explore, observe, experiment, and learn. Activities will be focused around the stimulation of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Throughout the school year, the children will develop skills while learning about themes that are meaningful to their lives, using the Core Knowledge preschool curriculum. The learning environment encourages a preschooler to ask questions, make conclusions, and develop independence.

Mountain ViewCoreKnowledgeSchool Governing BoardBrad Mitchell, President Jeff Piquette, Vice PresidentCarla Braddy Treasurer Kim Rupp, SecretaryLisa Beicker, Assistant Secretary

Preschool – Pre-Kindergarten StaffKarenSartori, Pre-K-8 AdministratorDirector/Lead Teacher-Pam CaprioTeacher Assistant-Kathy Slattery

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Statement of Purpose and GoalsTeaching emphases are based on the emotional, social, and intellectual development of each child. Our classrooms offer developmentally appropriate learning centers in a warm and friendly environment. Each day in the classroom includes teacher-instructed activities, which promote individual encouragement to all children in achieving their goals. This approach exposes the children to a variety of choices so that our teachers can enrich and challenge all types of learning styles. Choices vary depending on the specific classroom and ages of children. Significant time is spent on multi-media arts, dramatic play and storytelling, music, interactive science experiments, constructive play, sand/water activities, library instruction, outdoor play, nature walks, and field trips within our community.

CurriculumThe Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence will teach children the necessary skills to help them grow emotionally and socially, while also developing independent thinking and problem solving skills. Our literacy-rich environment, which includes a strong emphasis on language development, provides many learning opportunities that will encourage young children to develop an interest in reading and writing. There is also a strong emphasis in mathematical reasoning, orientation in time and space, scientific reasoning, music, movement, physical education, and visual arts. We will also employ the Core Knowledge Assessment tool, ensuring that your child has received the highest quality of a preschool education. In addition, the staff will write individual goals for each child and assess progress regularly. Social skills and core virtues will be woven throughout daily instruction. See http://coreknowledge.org/CK/Preschool/index.htm for more information.

EnrollmentStudents are enrolled on a first come, first served basis and are put on a waiting list according to the post date on the envelope in which the Preschool Letter of Intent was mailed. Exceptions are made for children and grandchildren of MVCKS Governing Board Members, teachers, staff, and those who are on Colorado Preschool to Kindergarten Program scholarships. Students who attend the 3 year old preschool class will have automatic entry into the pre-kindergarten (level II Preschool) program.. A separate Letter of Intent is required for those interested in the K-8 school. The waiting lists for the preschool/pre-k will also be separate from the K-8 school. You may fill out the separate Letters of Intent for all levels at the same time.

RegistrationAll students must have a complete and up-to-date student file before they are allowed to attend. The following items must be completed and given to the school administrator prior to the first day of school:

Emergency Contact / Authorized Persons Who May Pick Up Our Child Health Examination FormImmunization RecordsEcho (or other) Screening PaperworkSigned Parental Responsibility In Case of Child’s Illness FormSigned form stating agreement to follow the policies and procedures of MVCKS, as stated in handbook

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SchedulePreschool: 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Monday-Thursday and an occasional Friday for Professional Developement

Age Requirement: The child must be 3 years old by December 31st of the school year. Children who do not meet the 4 year old age requirement for Pre-Kindergarten will also be eligible.

Pre-Kindergarten: 12:00-3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday

Age Requirement: The child must be 4 years old by June 1st prior to the start date. Children who do not meet the 5 year old age requirement for Kindergarten will also be eligible.

Our calendar will follow the Mountain View Core Knowledge School calendar, which is similar to the RE-1 schedule.

Pre-Screening RequirementStudents will be required to go through a complete screening process prior to registration for both new preschool students and new pre-kindergarten students. We encourage the use of ECHO as it is a thorough and free service available to everyone. Appointments can be made by calling 719-276-6174. We will also have routine hearing and vision screenings throughout the school year.

Special NeedsIf it is determined that your child is in need of special services, those will be available to you through Canon City Schools. All services are provided by licensed therapy staff and are in compliance with IDEA and the Colorado State Special Education mandates. Services are fully inclusive with the therapists working in the child’s classroom. Regularly scheduled consultation occurs between the therapists and the classroom staff and the therapists are available for informal consultations upon request. The classroom staff and therapists work together to plan for and determine child outcomes throughout the school year.

Tuition Fees and Dues. Registration Fee and supply fee for either class is $100 (yearly/non-refundable) due at the time of registration. Preschool $200 monthly/non-refundable (Aug-May) regardless of breaks. . Pre-Kindergarten $215 monthly/non-refundable (Aug-May) regardless of breaks. . Each child will provide one box of snack crackers per month.

*Tuition is due on the 30th of each month for the next month of preschool. There will be a $20.00 a month late fee when fee is 10 days past the 30thof the month due date.*If tuition is not paid or arrangements have not been made after two months of tuition not being paid the child will be asked to leave.*Tuition will not be reimbursed for absences regardless of the reason.

Class Sizepg. 6

There is a lead teacher and an assistant in each class with a maximum of 16 children at any one time.

Preschool&Pre-Kindergarten Program Developmental Objectives

Cognitive Growth

To develop a positive attitude toward learning:· To be successful in learning activities· To make discoveries· To take risks· To continue with tasks after making a mistake

To enhance learning skills:· To ask questions· To use perceptual motor skills such as figure/ground discrimination, part whole discrimination, and configuration· To explore and investigate something new in the environment· To recall experiences

To expand logical thinking skills:· To identify similarities and differences among objects (shapes, colors, texture, sizes)· To sort objects according to common characteristics (i.e. things that look alike, things that belong together). To identify common characteristics of objects or events. To arrange events in a sequence (i.e. what happened first, second, and last)· To recognize patterns and be able to repeat them· To explain simple cause and effect relationships on the basis of concrete experiences· To identify solutions to problems

To acquire concepts and information leading to a better understanding of the immediate world:· To demonstrate an understanding of time concept (sequence of day's activities, yesterday, today, tomorrow)· To identify and use the names of objects and things in the environment (i.e. plants, animals, people)· To make comparisons (i.e. more/less, tall short, large/small)· To identify and use words to describe the characteristics of objects (i.e. colors, sizes, shapes)· To identify the roles people play in society (i.e. family, doctors)· To identify where objects exist in space (i.e. below, inside, under)· To use numbers in correct sequence· To match one to one when counting

To expand on verbal communication skills:· To listen to a story and explain what happened· To recall words in a song or finger play· To identify word order and sentence patterns· To follow simple directions· To use words to explain ideas or feelings· To talk with other children during daily activities· To use correct grammar· To participate in group discussions

To acquire beginning written communication skills:· To make increasingly representational drawings· To move from scribbling to using some letters and numbers· To recognize written names

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· To print one’s name· To demonstrate an interest in using writing tools for a purpose (i.e. making signs, sending letters)

Social/Emotional/Physical Growth

To experience a sense of self-esteem:· To identify oneself as a member of a specific family and cultural group· To demonstrate confidence in growing abilities· To demonstrate increasing independence

To exhibit a positive attitude toward life:· To demonstrate interest and enthusiasm in classroom activities· To try new activities· To demonstrate trust in adults· To be able to separate from parents with ease· To participate in routine activities easily

To demonstrate pro-social behavior:· To develop friendships with adults and children· To identify and appreciate differences· To accept some responsibility for maintaining the classroom environment· To help others in need· To respect the rights of others

To enhance large muscle skills: · To use large muscle skills with confidence · To walk up and down steps · To run with increasing control over direction and speed · To jump over objects or from objects without falling · To use large muscles for balance (i.e. walk on tiptoe, balance on one foot) · To catch a ball or bean bag · To throw an object in the intended direction · To ride and steer a tricycle · To climb up or down equipment without falling

To enhance and refine small muscle skills: · To use small muscle skills with confidence · To coordinate eye and hand movement (i.e. assemble puzzle pieces of increasing

Difficulty, string beads, use scissors) · To use small muscles to complete tasks (i.e. build with blocks, stack Graduated cylinders, place pegs in pegboards) · To use small muscles for self-help skills (i.e. pour without spilling, use eating utensils, zip and button) · To manipulate objects with increasing control · To use writing and drawing tools with increasing control and intention To use all senses to increase physical capabilities: · To identify similarities and differences in sounds · To identify how things are visually alike and different · To identify foods by taste · To identify how things smell · To balance with increasing skill · To respond to rhythm · To use directionality · To refine eye-hand coordination

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Policies and Procedures

Goals for the Year

We work on being consistent with everything we do, and we follow through with all of our rules in the classroom (sitting down, raising hands, listening to one another, and we use words - not hands - to communicate to our friends). Our curriculum is designed to help each child grow socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively in an environment where he/she is having fun and learning at the same time. We follow Developmentally Appropriate Practices based on NAEYC recommendations. Updates on your child’s individual goals and progress will be given to you at conferences. Feel free to arrange a meeting with the teacher in the event that you are concerned or need more information on progress monitoring.

Inclement Weather

In the case that school is closed or delayed due to inclement weather, please listen to local radio station KRLN AM 1400, Star Country 104.5, or watch news Channel 5 for details. If it is stated that Fremont RE-1 schools are closed or delayed, assume that MVCKS is also. On late start days, there will be no a.m. preschool. There will be one make-up day offered for every missed day passed three. We will be open on hot days as our school has fully functioning air conditioning.

Arrival/Departure

Our first priority is your child’s safety! Children will only be released to people whose names are on the child’s information form. There will be no exception at any time.

Doors will open 10 minutes prior to start time. Please do not drop off you r child earlier as teachers are busy preparing for the school day.

It is required that you walk your student into the classroom daily making sure to sign in upon arrival. You must also come into the classroom and sign the child out when departing at any time.

It's normal for children to have a difficult morning, from time to time; but lengthy good-byes often do more harm than good. Let us know if we can assist with your departure and make it easier for both you and your child. Also, al-ways say good-bye at your child's eye level.

If you need to speak to your child’s teachers, feel free to schedule a meeting with the lead teacher. It is important that the teachers are involved with the children at all times, including arrival and pick-up. If you would like to speak to the teachers you may call the office, and leave a message or call your child’s classroom.

Parking/Traffic

We understand that traffic can get pretty hectic at both drop-off and pick-up times. Our staff will park in the back of the building to allow for more room in our front parking lot. We have also staggered the start and stop times by 15 minutes to alleviate as much congestion as possible. Please allow adequate time for all parking and traffic situations. Vehicles must never be left running unattended with children in them.

Emergency Procedures

Parents or guardians shall be notified immediately of any illness or injury to their child, and specific instructions regarding action to be taken shall be obtained. In case of an emergency, if the parents cannot be reached, the Head Teacher/Assistant Teacher, the Director, or the Administrator, will contact those individuals designated on the

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emergency contact form. Please make sure you advise the teacher and school office of any changes in contact information.

Security

It is required that you sign in and out of the front office at all times when visiting school (other than arrival and departure sign in/out). You will be given a visitor’s badge and must wear it at all times while on campus.

Signing In and Out

It is extremely important that you sign your child in and out. This is done in the hall by the preschool classroom door. In case of an emergency, this is the form of attendance that we use to show your child is present. These sign in/out sheets are dated and should not be removed from the clipboard for any reason. No child should ever be in the classroom without a teacher present.

Policy on Late Pick-Up of Children

MVCKS will charge $5.00 for every 15 minutes you are late picking up your child after your scheduled pick-up time. This is payable at time of pick-up, unless other arrangements have been made. Children that are left beyond a half hour of school closing and staff dismissal (3:30 p.m.), will be released to the Department of Human Service’s custody if no one has been reached on the emergency contact forms.

Knowing Where Children Are

Preschool and Pre-K children will never be left unattended. We follow best practices for ratios in the classrooms. If there are any questions, please refer to our lost child plan posted in the classroom.

Outdoor Play and Walks

Outdoor play is a scheduled part of the daily program. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the day's weather conditions and is wearing an appropriate pair of shoes (sneakers). If your child wears sandals or dress shoes to school, please bring a pair of sneakers as well so the teachers can help your child change his/her shoes before going outside. If you would like your child to wear a hat on the playground and on walks, please bring one to school labeled with your child's name. The times and routes for the walks are posted in the classroom. Occasionally we may go on unscheduled walks as well.

Care for Child Who Arrives Late For Field Trip or Excursion

In the event that a child comes late to preschool and his/her class has left for a fieldtrip, the parent has the choice of driving the child to the event and signing him/her in with the staff in charge or keeping the child out of preschool for the day. Teachers will be available by cell phone.

Snack Time

We encourage healthy eating habits and are requesting each child provide a box of crackers or whole grain cereal to help with snack this year. We will be adding a variety of fruits and vegetables to enhance our snack time. We will be serving the snack family style so the children have the opportunity to practice table manners and learn self- help skills.

Rest Time

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Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten students will not take a nap or rest during preschool hours due to the short amount of time they are with us. Please make sure that your schedule allows for your child to be well rested so that he/she is as successful as possible. The classroom however does have a cozy corner where children can take a break .

Emergency List

It is very important that you know whom you are putting on the emergency list. In the case that we cannot contact you, we will contact the next person on the list. We will not let a child go to someone who is not on the emergency list. If someone comes to pick up the child, and they are not on the list, we will call you to let you know that your child cannot go with that person. In the case that you do not want the other parent/guardian to pick the child up, we will need a restraining order from the courts. If the parent with the restraining order becomes violent, we will let them take the child, get the license plate number and call 911 immediately. It is our policy not to endanger the safety of our staff.

Clothing

Children are very active and spend long periods of time in school. For that reason, dress your child in comfortable, loose clothing. Shoes should be close-toed to provide support for walking (no sandals, jelly shoes). There are many activities that may be messy, so do not dress your child in expensive clothing. Also, be sure to have an extra set of clothing in your child's cubby, and be certain to label everything.

Cubby/Personal Belongings

Each child is provided with a cubby that has his/her name and picture on it. We believe that providing the children with a picture of them makes it easier for them to find their cubbies when putting items away. Please make sure any items you bring from home are clearly labeled and everything fits inside your child’s cubby. Items will have to be taken home daily. Please do not send money in your child’s backpack, but instead give it directly to the front office or teacher. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items at school.

Transportation

Occasionally, a short field trip (within our community) may be taken as an extension of a learning activity. Students must have written parental permission to ride in an employee’s vehicle. The following requirements will be met when transporting:

-The number of staff members who accompany children when being transported in the vehicle must meet the child care staff ratio.

-Parents are required to supply a booster seat when necessary due to weight/height/age limits, according to law.

-Children must not be permitted to ride in the front seat unless they are 4 years old or older, more than 40 pounds, and are secured in a child restraints system that conforms to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Children must remain seated when the vehicle is in motion.

-Children must be loaded and unloaded out of the path of moving vehicles.

-Children, must not be left unattended in the vehicle.

-Prior to a field trip or other excursion, the center must obtain proof of liability insurance from parent and staff who transport children in their own cars, and verify that all drivers have valid driver’s licenses.

Toilet Learning

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Children must be potty trained and not wearing a pull-up to attend preschool and pre-kindergarten.We understand that all children occasionally have an accident. Please send in an extra change of clothes.

Infection Control

The MVCKS preschool staff strives to maintain a sanitary room. Toys, dishes, and tables are all washed with hot soapy water and rinsed with a water/bleach solution to keep items sterile. Remember that germs are easily passed with this age group and that daily baths will keep the risk of germs from getting passed around when they get home. Upon arrival and departure children are encouraged to wash their hands .

Weapons and Rough Play

Research has proven that toy weapons increase aggression and negative interactions. Therefore, no such toys are permitted. Hitting, fighting, biting, and destructive (Ninja, Power Ranger, etc..) role-playing is discouraged at all times.

Communication

You will receive a monthly newsletter, describing the activities and topics that will be studied in the upcoming month. Behavior issues, successes, injuries, illnesses and any special needs of your child will be given on a daily basis as needed. The preschool also has a Facebook page that is updated with important information and also activities for home.

Parent Conferences

Conferences are scheduled 3 times during the year. The first conference is a scheduled orientation prior to the child’s entrance into a new classroom. It is an opportunity for parents to share information about their child with the teachers. The second conference is midyear. Each child will receive a developmental observation to be discussed at the scheduled meeting. The last meeting is at the end of the year. This is an optional meeting based on the child’s progress and needs.

Parental Input

Parents are encouraged to make suggestions and bring up any concerns to the head teacher or the Administrator. The staff believes that no concern is too small. We genuinely do want parental input. This exchange of information will help create the optimal learning experience for your child. We also encourage parental involvement and have an open door policy. You are welcome to participate in your child’s learning at all times. If you know when you will be available to volunteer, it is helpful to give advance notice to the teachers so that they can plan for help. We believe that home and school are partners in the education of children.

Fire Drills/Evacuation Procedures

Everyone must quickly exit the building during a drill and remain at the designated areas until the "All Clear” signal is given. We ask that you do not enter the building while we are conducting a fire drill. You may join your child's class at its designated spot.

In the case of a suspected danger on campus, all students and staff will be evacuated and dispersed to pre-designated locations. We will begin calling all guardians to notify them of the location at which to pick up their students. Notification will also be given via local radio station KRLN AM 1400 or Star Country 104.5.

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We ask that in emergency situations, you not call the school in order to keep all lines open for crucial communication by proper authorities.

Reporting of Child Abuse

A. We require that all employees of MVCKS preschool read and sign a statement clearly defining child abuse and neglect pursuant to state law and outlining the staff member’s personal responsibility to report all incidents of child abuse or neglect according to state law.

B. Any caregiver or staff member in a child care facility who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subject to abuse or neglect or who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect must immediately report or cause a report to be made of such fact to the Fremont County Department of Human Services or local law enforcement agency.

C. If the guardian of a child in our child care facility suspects abuse or neglect by a staff member, it is expected that a report will be made to the Administrator immediately. The Administrator will ensure that the person of suspect is temporarily suspended from the duty of child care while an investigation by law enforcement takes place. Such suspension of duties will remain in effect pending the outcome of the investigation by the appropriate authorities.

A report can be filed with the Fremont County Department of Human Services at 719-275-2318.

Withdrawal from Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten

A two week notice is expected if it is decided by either the parent/guardian or the Administrator that a student will no longer be attending MVCKS Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten. Monthly tuition will not be reimbursed for the month of termination, but the continuation of tuition will not be expected.

Grievance Policy/Chain of Command

The effectiveness of our early childhood program is dependent upon excellent communication between Mountain View Core Knowledge School’s Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten staff and parents. Please follow the order below.

1. Discuss the problem with the staff member involved.2. Discuss the problem with the Lead Teacher.3. Discuss the problem with the Administrator.4. Put your concerns in writing to the attention of the President of the MVCKS Governing Board and have the

school secretary place letter in the President’s mailbox in the school office.

Behavior Management

The purpose of discipline is to help children learn ways of behaving that are acceptable to themselves and to others. With very young children, this usually means setting limits for their safety, the safety of others and the safety of property. Young children need to be reassured that the people who care for them will guide and protect them. All behavior has a reason and it is part of our behavior management to find out the cause of the behavior before setting a program to help a child deal with those difficult times. We use the foundations of the Love and Logic approach as a means of re-directing behavior.

We understand and agree to the following discipline policy of MVCKS Preschool as required in Section 7.702.66 of the Colorado Department of Human Services Child Care Facility Requirements.

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No discipline shall be severe, humiliating, or frightening. No discipline shall be associated with food, rest, or toileting. Spanking and any other form of physical punishment is prohibited. Teachers facilitate the development of self-control in children by using positive guidance techniques such as modeling and encouraging expected behavior, redirecting children to a more acceptable activity, and setting clear limits for the benefits and safety of all children. In the event that the unacceptable behavior is not resolved, a child’s teacher will call his/her parent(s).

In the event that the unacceptable behavior is not resolved with redirection or parental contact a parent/teacher/director/Administrator conference will be arranged immediately and enrollment may be terminated at the director’s discretion.

Illness Policies and Procedures

The MVCKS preschool is a “well childcare facility.” This means if your child is not feeling well, for any reason, you must make other arrangements for his/her care until he/she is feeling well and/or is no longer contagious.

 Under no circumstances will parents be allowed to bring a sick child to MVCKS. Sick children expose other children, parents, staff, and their families to the spread of their illness. Sick children want care from their parents in the comfort of their own homes. Please read over our exclusion policy and note that once excluded, your child must be out for 24 hours before he/she will be allowed to return to school. We will not take a doctor’s note or have your child return before the 24-hour period. Your cooperation is extremely important to ensure that we will be able to provide all of our children, families and staff with a happy and healthy preschool.

Guidelines Regarding Illness/ Suspected Illness

Certain symptoms in children may suggest the presence of a communicable disease. Children, staff, or parents who have the symptoms listed below WILL BE EXCLUDED from the child care setting for 24 hours and until: 1) a physician has certified the symptoms are not associated with an infectious agent or they are no longer a threat to the health of other children at the center or 2) the symptoms have subsided.

Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. A child needs to be fever-free

for 24 hours before returning to school. That means the child is fever-free without the aid of Tylenol or any other fever reducing substance. Parents will not be allowed to come over and give Tylenol and go back to work. You must take your child home.

Diarrhea If your child gets diarrhea while in our care he/she will be sent home after 2 loose stools. He/she is not to

return to school until a 24 - hour period has passed and he/she has been free of any diarrhea. Likewise, if your child gets diarrhea at home either in the evening or on the weekend, he/she is not to come to school until a 24 - hour period has passed.

Runny nose  Thick yellow or green mucous requiring wiping more than 5 times per hour.

Respiratory Symptoms Difficult or rapid breathing or severe coughing Child makes high pitched croupy or whooping sound after he/she coughs Child unable to lie comfortably due to continuous cough Coughing that results from or induces vomiting Barking cough Any other signs of respiratory distress

Eye drainage White, yellow or green mucus draining from the eye(s)

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The child is excluded until he/she has been on treatment for 24 hours or after 24 hours has a doctor’s note stating he/she is no longer contagious.

Strep Throat/Tonsillitis    Is diagnosed by a doctor after child is sent home.  The child must be out of the center and on medication for

24hours.

Vomiting  One or more episodes of vomiting while in school or within the previous 24 hours at home.  Excluded for 24

hours.  If the vomiting is caused by a child being upset, they will not be excluded.

Skin Rashes- contagious rashes such as: Varicella (chicken pox), measles, rubella, roseola infantum, scarlet fever.

Any child having such symptoms will be excluded until all lesions are crusted or one week after onset.  Erythematic Infectuosum (5th disease)

If your child has a rash & fever, he/she will be excluded for 24 hrs.  5th disease is no longer contagious after the rash has appeared.  Please be advised that Rubella and 5th disease can both have devastating effects when a fetus is infected during maternal infection.

Any suspicious, undiagnosed rash will require a doctor’s note for the child to return to school if he/she continues with lesions.

Infected Sores Sores with crusty, yellow or green drainage which cannot be covered by clothing or bandages A culture will be required if cellulites or an abscess is diagnosed.

Impetigo and Ringworm A common contagious skin infection transmitted from child to child. To prevent spreading, an infected child will be excluded until treatment begins AND lesions are not in the

pustular stage.

Lice If a student is suspected of having lice, the parent will have to pick up the child immediately from school

and proceed with appropriate treatment. A student that has lice may not return to school unless he or she is free of nits (lice eggs). More information and instructions will be provided for parents of children suspected of having lice.

 Itching Persistent itching (or scratching) of body or scalp

 Appearance Child looks or acts differently: unusually tired, pale, lacking enthusiasm

Your child may not attend school with the following symptoms. You will also be required to pick up your child from school if he/she gets any of these symptoms while in our care.

Unusually sleepy or drowsy Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing Rash, other than diaper or prickly heat Vomiting Diarrhea Severe sore throat with a fever Pain in stomach with fever Pain in stomach (constipation) when going to the bathroom/potty A cut that cannot be covered and is running pus or blood Fevers of 100 degrees Fahrenheit *Severe allergic reactions Fainting spells or dizziness Headache

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It is extremely important that parents notify the school nurse, the student’s teacher and the office of any health problem their child may have like diabetes, asthma, seizures, life threatening allergies or any other serious medical condition. The school nurse will provide a health care plan that will be filled out by the student’s physician and signed by the parent on a yearly basis. We want to provide the best care for your student by complying with their doctor’s orders.

*If your child is allergic to any foods, such as milk products, peanuts or peanut products, or he/she is allergic to any insect bites, we need to have this information in his/her file so we can post it in the classroom. We also need to have a bottle of Benadryl or an epi-pen prescribed only by your doctor in the nurse’s office. 

You are required to pick up your child within 30 minutes of notification. If you cannot be reached, then your emergency contact will be called.  We need to have all current phone numbers where you or your designated emergency contact can be reached.

Medications    Mountain View Core Knowledge School will not administer over-the-counter or prescription medications to Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten students. The needs of students with chronic health conditions (asthma, severe allergies, diabetic, etc.) who have a medication plan written by a physician will be treated. For those students with chronic health conditions, the following criteria for the administration of medication must be met:

Labeling and Containers Please make sure that any medications that are to be given to your child comply with the following

criteria: Any prescription medication must be in the original childproof container, clearly labeled with the

child’s name, physician’s name and number, instructions on administration and expiration date. Topical ointment may be applied if it is in the original tube, clearly labeled with the child’s name, and if

it has been ordered by a physician. Please do not put any medications in a bottle of formula, milk or juice sent from home.  Please do not put any medications in your child’s cubby, lunch box or cups. This could endanger any child, as accidental ingestion may occur.

Care and StorageMedications administered in school are stored in a locked, clean container and kept under conditions as directed by the health care provider or pharmacist. Medications that require refrigeration will be stored in a leak-proof container (locked box) in a separate refrigerator used only for medication.

Nebulizers If your child’s doctor prescribes nebulizer treatments, please be sure to supply the preschool with appropriate written documentation.  It is important to note that the staff will administer treatments only for the time period stated on the original prescription.  If the period of treatment is extended, please provide an updated prescription. Parents need to provide the child’s own tubing and mouthpiece. The school has a nebulizer machine.

pg. 16

I have read and agree to comply with all of the policies and procedures set forth in the Mountain View Core Knowledge School’s Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten

Handbook.

__________________________ ________________Signature (Parent/Guardian) Date

__________________________ ________________Signature (Parent/Guardian) Date

Received at MVCKS Date

pg. 17