Philosophy:
Immaculate Conception Preschool has its fundamental educational goal based on the spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of its students in a spirit of love and dedication based on the teachings of Christ.
We believe:
-that children should be valued as individuals
-that children need to feel safe, supported and loved
-that PLAYING and TALKING are the ways in which young children learn about themselves and the world around them
-that all learning should be meaningful and fun
-that children are actively involved in learning
-that children learn through hands-on experiences
-that children learn through taking risks, making mistakes and celebrating success
-that the process of learning is more important than the end product
-that children develop their spiritual, emotional, physical and cognitive skills at differing rates
-all aspects of a child’s development are equally important and interwoven
-that parents are the first educators of children and have a vital part to play in the establishment of their child’s learning environment
Our Goals for Preschool:
-To foster the development of a healthy self-image which will assist the child to regard themselves as children of God, people who are important, good friends of classmates, good learners and eager participants in Preschool activities.
-To ensure that each child in our care feels safe, secure and loved.
-To develop in each child an active curiosity about the world and an enthusiasm for learning information and knowledge.
-To provide opportunities to enable children to be expressive and creative through the use of language, physical activity, play materials, art and music.
-To develop the “whole child” socially, emotionally, spiritually, cognitively and physically.
-To ensure parents and teachers work together in the interests of the individual child.
Programming:
Immaculate Conception Preschool offers a two-day two's strucured play group, and a three day three and four-year-old program. We offer a well rounded curriculum that is enhanced by hands-on activities supplemented by the High Reach curriculum as well as a religion curriculum. In addition to our preschool curriculum, we incorporate “special area” classes in Spanish and a health and physical education class weekly through “Stretch-‘N-Grow.”
All children attending our program should be their appropriate class age by October 1 of their year.
Children's Rights:
a. The right to be free from physical or mental abuse.
b. The right not to be subjected to abusive language or abusive punishment; and
c. The right to be in the care of adults who shall meet their health, safety and developmental needs.
Parents' Rights:
a. The right to have access to their children at all times the child is in care and access to the provider caring for the children during normal hours of provider operation and whenever the children are in the care of the provider;
b. The right to be provided with information about regulatory standards if applicable; where to direct questions about regulatory standards; and how to file a complaint;
c. The right to file a complaint against a child care provider without any retribution against the parent, custodian, guardian, child.
Center Rights:
If a child’s behavior continually interferes with his or her success within the classroom, then parents may be contacted. Together parents and staff will work to create a plan to assist the child. It is our goal that every child has a positive experience. However, in some cases a child is unable to be successful despite the efforts of caregivers. The center reserves the right to dismiss a child when it is felt to be in the best interest of the child or when the safety of the other children and staff is questioned. The final decision will be that of Immaculate Conception Pastor.
Hours of Operation:
We will follow the Oldham County School’s calendar for weather closings/delays and vacations. Since snow days will be made up, payments will remain the same.
We are open 9:00a.m. until Noon Monday-Wednesday with an extended day on Wednesday.
Tuition and Registration:
Registrations may take place year around. A non-refundable $75.00 registration fee is due at that time. There is a one-time activity fee of $100. The activity helps to supplement speakers, fieldtrips, holiday parties, Stretch-n-Grow program and other family events.
Tuition is done by direct deduction from your checking or savings account by electronic fund transfer, September 1st-May 1st. If funds cannot be collected, the payment will need to be made by check or cash before the child can return to school. Consistent (two times or more) difficulty in making tuition payments will result in termination of services. Changes in the type of care must be received in writing two weeks prior. This enables us to staff accordingly.
2-day two's (M-T) $125 monthly
3-day three's and four's (M-W) $190 monthly
Extended day until 2:00: Chidren must bring their lunch.
All fees and forms including electronic funds/voided check, photo release, handbook acknowledgement, birth certificates and immunizations are due at the time of registration. A child may not attend class until all forms are received. A child with an expired immunization may not attend class until updated.
Late Fee Policy:
A late fee will be billed if your child is not picked up according to the designated pick-up time. A fee of $5.00 per child per 5 minutes late will be charged. The fee must be paid within 2 business days of notice. Consistent late pick-up may result in termination of services.
Communication:
Teachers and administration may send home information on a daily basis in the child’s backpack Please be sure to check the sign-in area for updates and important information. Information from home needs to be in writing and given to the teacher upon arrival. We have an open door policy. Feel free to contact us at 222-0255 or e-mail us at preschool@irange.org. Lesson plans will be posted each week. Newsletters and parent reminders will also be sent home. On some occasions we utilize the “One Call” system for closings and reminders.
Absences:
If your child will be absent, please call by 8:30am and let the staff know. This helps us staff and prepare snack accordingly. Preschool shall not involve itself in custody issues. In accordance with State Law, in the event of a divorce, BOTH parents have full parental rights and access to the child and center, UNLESS a copy of a court ordered mandate is filed with Immaculate Conception Preschool.
Arrival and Dismissal:
*Time of arrival and dismissal must be signed in each day.
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* For the safety of the children, all school doors are locked. Please ring and escort your child to their classroom(s) to be signed in/out. AT NO TIME SHOULD A PARENT OR ANYONE ELSE PULL UP AND LET A CHILD OUT OF THE CAR UNATTENDED. Please watch children at all times. CHILDREN MUST BE ESCORTED BY THE PARENT TO AND FROM THE PARKING AREA.
*Children will not be released to anyone other than the custodial parents/guardians. If changes in transportation arise, the parent must give written permission for the IC Staff to release the child. Please inform the staff of any changes. A list of adults approved to drop off and pick up your child should be recorded at enrollment. The center will make the assumption that anyone listed as an emergency contact will also be permitted to pick up your child in an emergency situation or if a parent cannot be reached. The person picking up the child must present a photo ID. It is the parent’s responsibility to inform IC Staff of any custody concerns and legal documentation must be on file.
Lunches/Snack:
Children are served a morning snack that includes two of the following: milk, protein, fruit or vegetable or 100% fruit juice. Lunches from home need to meet the nutrition guidelines and consist of protein, fruit, vegetable. Milk will be served unless there is a doctor’s statement due to allergy.
Food Allergies:
For the safety of all of our children, especially those with a specific food allergy, party food must be purchased from a commercial vendor. We appreciate your understanding of this matter.
It is the parent’s responsibility to inform staff if a child cannot eat what is offered due to a documented food allergy and supplement if needed. If a food allergy is listed, please discuss with the child’s teacher. If a food allergy is listed, we will assume that your child cannot eat any product with that ingredient and it is the parent’s responsibility to send in something appropriate for that child. Discuss with your child’s teacher the use of Epi-Pens.
Items for school:
Each child needs to bring a backpack to school. NO TOYS, unless requested for educational purposes such as show-and-tell, are to be brought to school. IC Preschool is not responsible for damages or loss of personal items. Bring at your own risk.
We ask that all preschool children bring a full change of clothes in a large zip-lock bag that will remain in the classroom. Please change these with the seasons.
Two-year-olds: Teachers and parents will work together with children that are not potty-trained during the time that the children are at school. SEVERAL COMPLETE, SEASONAL CHANGES OF CLOTHES AND DIAPERS need to be provided daily.
Discipline:
We utilize positive reinforcement and redirection. When these strategies fail to be effective, a “think-time” away from the activity is utilized as a disciplinary tool. The length of time is determined by the child’s age. We also utilize notes home to parents, loss of privileges, and conferences. Immaculate Conception Preschool reserves the right to terminate services if a child is unable to control their emotions with staff and other children.
Child Abuse and Neglect:
The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville are bound by the state and local laws for reporting child abuse and neglect. As a part of our in-service training, all staff are required to participate in a class that covers child abuse and neglect in addition to the Archdiocese “Safe Environment” training.
KRS 620.030 of Kentucky law states that “ any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is dependent, neglected or abused shall immediately cause an oral or written report to be made to a local law enforcement agency, or the Kentucky state police, the cabinet or its designated representative, the Commonwealth’s attorney by telephone or otherwise. Any supervisor who receives from an employee a report of suspected dependency, neglect or abuse shall promptly make a report for investigation.
Teachings:
Immaculate Conception Preschool doors are open to everyone. Our school is Christian in atmosphere. We strongly believe in teaching children about Jesus by words and actions. We want children to experience God’s love at our preschool. Prayers are said before all meals and Bible Stories are read each week.
Dress Code:
We ask that all children be dressed in comfortable clothing that they can handle EASILY BY THEMSELVES. Play clothes work best, so the child does not have to worry about getting their clothes dirty. Please label all outerwear with your child’s name.
We also ask that your child wear tennis shoes to school for their comfort and safety.
Jellies are cute, Sandals are cool.
Swim shoes are neat for a backyard pool.
BUT…
When coming to school, where we jump and run,
Tennis shoes, please, for safety and fun!
Children will be going outside to play and as long as there is no precipitation and it is above freezing and the heat index in the summer is not extreme. Outside time is 30 minutes unless too hot or too cold, in which case a shorter time to get fresh air will lessen the amount of time the children are exposed to the elements.
Medication /Illness:
Immaculate Conception Preschool is a well center. No child shall come visibly ill or if a child has been ill during the night (diarrhea, vomiting, fever, earaches, eye infections, etc.) or who display any symptoms of a cough or cold such as a runny nose. If a child shows illness upon arrival, he/she will be sent home immediately. If a child becomes ill while at school, he/she will be made comfortable until a designated person arrives. If a parent cannot be reached, the first person on the child’s emergency form will be contacted. Your child must be fever/symptom free for 24 hours before returning to preschool. Children unable to fully participate in planned activities will be asked to be picked up from the center regardless of fever.
We must have daily written permission to administer any type of medication including lotions.
Parent Involvement:
Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classrooms or help prepare items at home! There are family involvement opportunities such as holiday parties, field trips, Parish related activities, Thanksgiving Feast, and End-of-the-year Celebration.
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Please sign and return at time of registration:
I have received, read and understand the Immaculate Conception Parent Handbook.
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Parent/Guardian Signature Date |