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PHILOSOPHY
Each child is an individual with their own rate and style of learning. We will strive to have your child learn to live comfortably within a group without loosing their individuality.
A child's ideas allow him to make sense of the world - to think about things, plan, make predictions and decide. Our program will work toward the development of the whole child, including his ability to direct himself.
Directed play will be used as a means to promote intellectual and emotional development, as well as physical and social well being. In all of this we will strive to make the most of your child's learning potential and help the child build a positive self-image as a learner.
We will recognize the presence of God in our lives by sharing some of our knowledge of God's love with your child through seasonal stories and songs, and daily graces at snack time; as well as modeling caring and kindness towards others. We hope these experiences will be naturally integrated into your child's life.
GOALS
1. Learn to share ideas and materials with others, and in so doing, learn to deal with confrontations, conflicts, success and failure; valuing one's own rights and the rights of others.
2. Learn to take pleasure in one's own work and play; learn to take care of one's own belongings.
3. Encourage creativity, imagination, and the development of potentials, so that the child may make his own unique contribution to the activities of the group as a whole.
4. Increase the development of fine and gross motor control.
5. Strengthen vocabulary and sentence complexity; develop a longer attention span.
6. To encourage cognitive skills, memory, organization, pre-reading and pre-kindergarten skills on an individual basis.
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
State regulations through the Department of Early Education and Care require that you be aware and comply with the following items:
1. A health form (filled out, signed, and dated by the physician.) All immunizations
must be recorded on this form, as well as, verification of yearly lead paint screening.
2. A completed enrollment form (two face sheets), authorization for emergency care form, and authorization for release form.
3. Each child needs to have a change of clothes in a zip lock bag clearly labeled with the child's name. (We suggest parents update their child's bag in the spring.)
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Joyful Noise Preschool will not discriminate in providing services to children and their families on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage, national origin, language, political beliefs, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation.
SCHOOL HOURS
Morning classes run from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30. The three-day class has the opportunity to extend one hour by participating in Lunch Bunch (M/W/F 11:30 -12:30). Ten students per day, on a pre-signed basis, parent provides bag lunch, $6.50 additional daily charge.
AGES SERVED
Children in the two-day program must be three years of age by September 1st. Children in the three-day program must be four years of age by September 1st. We will serve children through the age of five.
NUMBER OF CHILDREN SERVED
Our preschool program is licensed to serve eighteen (18) children. Our classes will generally have sixteen (16) children with two teachers.
CALENDAR
Our school will generally follow the Sandwich School Calendar. We will hold orientation the Thursday and Friday following Labor Day, and classes will begin the following Monday. Holidays, vacations, and snow days will generally be the same as those announced for the Sandwich K-8 Schools; however, we will not observe Sandwich Teacher Conference (Inservice) days or Parent Conference days.
SHOW & TELL
Show & Tell is a great language development tool. A good deal of the time we will have Show & Tell by categories (i.e. soft, with your name on it, fits in your hand); this will help Show & Tell be a positive learning situation, rather than "show & brag."
While we encourage you to allow your child to bring SPECIAL items from home for both Show & Tell and Circle Time, WE DO NOT WANT THE CHILDREN TO BRING TOYS FROM HOME ON A DAILY BASIS.
VIOLENCE AND GUN PLAY
No weapons; real, imaginary, or toy will be used as play materials at school. Weapon play is neither creative nor loving and encourages a type of relationship between children that we will not permit at school. Super heroes and all those type of "figures" may be shared at Show & Tell, but will not be played with at school.
SNOW DAYS
School will be closed when the Sandwich Public Schools are closed. We will announce our closing on radio stations: WCIB101.9FM (Cool 102), WKPE (Rock)104.7FM and
WQRC 99.9FM.
REGISTRATTION FEE: $50.00
TUITION 2010-2011 School Year
Fee: 2-day (Tue./Th.) $150.00 - 10 payments (May or July, Sept.-May) = total $1,500.00
Fee: 3-day (M./W./F.) $185.00 - 10 payments (May or July, Sept.-May) = total $1,850.00
Our fee should be regarded as a yearly tuition divided into monthly payments; therefore, there is no reduction in payments for sickness, vacation months, or for days school is canceled due to inclement weather.
Any financial difficulties resulting in nonpayment should be discussed with the Director, so that all efforts may be made for your child's continued enrollment. However, the Preschool Advisory Committee has established that following three (3) months of nonpayment your child will be in danger of being terminated from the program.
Checks should be made payable to the Joyful Noise Preschool. Payments will be due by the 15th of the month.
SNACKS
Snacks are contributed by parents on a rotating basis once every sixteen (16) school days for the entire class.
We ask that you stay away from foods containing excessive sugars, salt, any artificial colors or additives. Therefore, our snacks will consist of pure fruit, pure fruit juice, milk, vegetables, crackers or baked goods from home, hard or cream cheeses. Please bring the snack in a ready to eat form. There may be a few times during the course of the year that we will request a specific snack to fit in with our program theme.
We welcome Birthday Celebrations, and invite parents to provide homemade cupcakes with a light glaze.
ENTRANCE AND DISMISSAL
Children arriving for class should be walked from their cars, up the back stairway and into the main classroom entrance. Please be sure your child/carpool children have been greeted by a teacher before leaving.
All children must be picked up in the classroom by the parent/designated person. No child should leave the upstairs area without an adult.
On those days when we are on the playground each parent is asked to go up to the classroom and collect the artwork from their child's cubbie. Children will be dismissed directly from the playground.
We should be informed if a child is to be picked up by anyone other than the usually authorized person. Please put all names on the authorization form.
FAMILY COMMUNICATION
Teachers will report any significant happenings in the class to the parents on a daily basis. Always feel free to ask us any questions you have. In turn, please inform us of any problems, experiences and events at home, which may affect your child's behavior at school.
Meetings with the teachers may be arranged during non-teaching time. Also, feel free to call Terri Lippman, at school, or at home (508-477-8958) with any problems.
Parent(s) of children in the two-day classes will receive a written observation on their child's adjustment to the preschool setting Oct./Nov., and a full evaluation and conference in March/April.
Parent(s) of children in the three-day classes will receive a written evaluation and conference in Jan./Feb.
OBSERVATION
Parents are free to visit. We wish to preserve the pace of the children and teachers; once you have become familiar with whatever activities are taking place please feel free to join in, if you wish.
CLOTHING TO WEAR
Children learn best through five senses. We will encourage the children to feel, smell, sometimes taste, as well as, see and hear an object to learn about it. Smocks will be available, but sometimes there are accidents. Please allow your child to wear clothes in which they can move freely and be messy without fear of scolding from home.
We will engage in outside activities; please send appropriate clothing LABELED!!
HEALTH AND SAFETY
If a child is mildly ill he/she will be isolated in a quiet spot (within the preschool setting) until parent(s) or designated emergency friend can pick up the child. This includes children who develop gastro-intestinal and respiratory problems, (or) if a skin or direct contact infection is noted by the staff after a child has been dropped off, for the day.
With the exception of influenza, children with viral illness (mild infection of the nose and throat which are very common in young children) will not be excluded if they feel well enough to attend.
Children will be excluded from Joyful Noise with: (1) fever, (2) vomiting, (3) diarrhea, (4) a streptococcal infection diagnosed by a doctor until the child has been medicated for 24 hours, (5) chicken pox (and/or shingles)- children will be required to stay at home for one week or until the rash is crusted over and dry, (6) conjunctivitis ("pink eye") and impetigo until the child has been medicated for 24 hours, (7) ringworm and scabies until treatment has been started, (8) head lice - if discovered, the child will be separated from the other children until said child can be picked up by the parent and the child will not return to Joyful Noise until he/she has been treated.
Parents will be notified, orally by the lead teacher (and/or director), and by a written communication when a communicable disease has been introduced into the center. (Likewise, the school should be notified if your child has been exposed to any communicable diseases.)
No medication will be dispensed in the classroom; with the exception of those medications required to be kept on hand because of a possible life-threatening condition
(ie. bee sting kit or asthma medication). These medications will require both written physician and parental permission. The authorization statement from the physician will include medication, dosage, criteria for administration, and will be signed and dated by the physician for an open span of time (valid for one year).
In the event of illness or emergency children will be transported to the hospital by Sandwich Rescue Squad. The child will be taken to the hospital that their doctor is affiliated with, as listed on the Emergency Procedure Card and parents will be notified by the Director or Lead Teacher. If the parents cannot be reached the closest relative listed on the Emergency Procedure Card or Authorization and Consent Form would be notified. If no relatives are listed on said forms, friends would be contacted in the order of their listing. (Parents should take note of this, so that they may consider carefully the order of their listing when completing said forms.)
During a field trip if a child takes ill the parents will be contacted to come pick up the child. If the parent cannot be reached the child will be made as comfortable as possible, and a teacher will begin calling relatives and friends listed on the Emergency Procedure Card and Authorization and Consent Form. During a field trip if there is an emergency, once again, the Sandwich Rescue Squad would be contacted/ if out of town, that community's E.M.T. service would be called.
REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
Any staff member having a concern over a child being abused or neglected should bring their concern to the director. (If the director does not act in a responsible manner all staff members understand that by law they are mandated reporters and should go over the directors head if they deem this necessary.)
If the teacher and director decide there is reasonable cause a report will be filed. Our local DSS office will be contacted: Southeast Regional and Cape and Islands Area Offices (508)760-0200. A report should be made within twenty-four (24) hours of the suspected abuse with a written report to follow within forty-eight (48) hours.
It will be the Directors decision and responsibility to inform the parent(s) if a report is to be filed.
The director will notify the Department of Early Education and Care immediately after filing a 51A report.
WITHDRAWAL AND SUSPENSION/TERMINATION
A month notice is required for official withdrawal. Refunds cannot be considered. This is necessary because as a function of the First Church of Christ, a non-profit organization, our budget is based on income equaling expenses.
The Joyful Noise Preschool shall use the following procedures for Suspension/Termination of a child from the center:
A child may be suspended/terminated from the preschool under the following circumstances - (1) The health and safety of the child, or other children, at the preschool cannot be assured. (2) The child is repeatedly physically abusive to teacher(s). (3) The child's developmental needs are not being met at Joyful Noise.
Parents will be notified in writing and a face-to-face meeting will be scheduled to jointly, staff and parent(s), agree upon a Behavior Management Plan and or to discuss reasons for suspension/termination. A copy of the written notification and agreed upon Behavior Management Plan will be kept in the child's record.
The director will inform parents of the availability of information and referral for other services through Child Care Network of Cape Cod.
When any child is terminated from the center whether initiated by the Joyful Noise Preschool or the parent(s), the lead teacher will prepare the child for termination from the preschool in a manner consistent with the child's ability to understand.
LATE FEE
A late fee of $5.00 will be charged the parent if a child is picked up fifteen minutes late and $1.00 for every five minute interval thereafter.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
The approach to behavior management is always in a positive, non-threatening manner consistent with the needs and the developmental stage of each child. Children are given positive reinforcement for acceptable behavior.
Each child is helped to feel and know his inappropriate behavior is not acceptable, but that he/she is good and lovable.
Teachers will always try to supply an alternative to the unacceptable behavior. Methods for managing behavior include:
Redirecting the child into another activity; ie. help the child to redirect aggressive energies by pounding clay or hammering nails.
Explain why the behavior is not allowed for safety, health, and happiness of peers; always remembering to care for the child's self-esteem when talking to him.
Help the child to clarify feelings by describing and interpreting them for him/her as needed.
Provide opportunities for the child to express themselves in creative dramatic play.
If a child does not respond appropriately to teacher redirection or continually exhibits the same inappropriate or unsafe behavior then a short time-out will be given. (Time-outs last approximately one (1) minute, a child is asked to sit down on a chair in the main classroom in the midst of all the activity.)
Upon completion of the time-out the teacher will engage the child in conversation to be sure the child is aware that the time-out was a result of the inappropriate behavior exhibited and that the child is good and lovable.
At no time will the behavior management be: corporal punishment of any kind, humiliation, verbal abuse, isolation (completely alone), denial or force feeding of food or drink.
A child will never be punished for wetting, soiling, or refusing to take part in any activity.
STAFF
Organizational Chart - (Line of Authority)
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DEPARTMENT OF EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE
(Taunton Regional Office (508) 828-5025)
PRESCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DIRECTOR
LEAD TEACHER
TEACHER - Responsible to Lead Teacher for their particular session.
ASSISTANT TEACHER
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2010 - 2011 School Year
Terri B. Lippman enters her fifth year at Joyful Noise. Terri is currently the Program Director as well as Lead Teacher for the M/W/F class and co-teacher of the T/Th class. Terri has a B.A. in Education from UMass, Amherst and her Massachusetts Teaching Certificate (PreK-6) and an M.A. from Lesley College in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Special Needs (N-9). Terri has eighteen (18) years of relevant experience; and before joining Joyful Noise served as preschool teacher and curriculum coordinator for Fair Acres Country Day School, Marstons Mills. Terri volunteers her time in Mashpee Public Schools and received the Volunteer of the Year award in 2009. Terri resides in Mashpee with her husband and two sons who are attending college.
Andrea Blanchard enters her third year at Joyful Noise as the Lead Teacher for the T/TH class and co-teacher of the M/W/F class. Andrea has seventeen (17) years of relevant experience; before joining Joyful Noise she was a MA licensed Home Day Care provider, Lead Teacher at the VNA Child Care Center in Falmouth and Director of the Marion Child Care Center. Andrea received her Early Childhood Education at Lesley College and Bridgewater State College and is both Lead Teacher and Director qualified by the MA Department of Early Education & Care. Andrea has served First Church as the Church School Infant Care attendant for many years. She resides in Sandwich with her four children.
TRANSPORTATION POLICY
FIELD TRIPS:
By vote of the Preschool Advisory Committee field trips will be either: walking field trips, by bus transportation, or children will be dropped off and picked up by parent(s) (or carpooling arrangement made by the parent) at the location of the field trip. No field trips will be arranged by Joyful Noise Preschool where parent(s) are being asked to volunteer to provide transportation for said field trip.
EMERGENCY:
In an emergency a "911" call will be made and the child would be transported in a Town of Sandwich Rescue Vehicle, if it is deemed to be necessary. Parents will be contacted immediately.
CAR POOLS:
Child restraints will need to be provided by parent(s) of each child. In order to meet U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard guidelines all children must ride in a federally approved car seat until they are five (5) years old and weigh forty (40) pounds. (Children over forty (40) pounds, but under five (5) years old must ride in a booster seat.)
Please be sure that all children in your car pool are securely protected by a federally approved car seat/booster seat meeting the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard guidelines.
If car pooling parents will need to sign the Authorization and Consent Form indicating ALL persons allowed to pick up your child.
PRESCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Preschool Advisory Committee will serve as the governing board of the Joyful Noise Preschool. They will act as a liaison between the membership of the First Church of Christ and the school. The PAC will also be involved in policy making, hiring, setting tuition rates, budget development, scholarship policies, registration priorities, and curriculum policy.
Members of PAC will include one member from each of the following standing committees of the church: Trustees and Christian Education; also, the Director of Christian Education, the Joyful Noise Director, two interested church members, and three parents of attending children.
REFERRAL PLAN
REFERRAL PROCESS
The JOYFUL NOISE PRESCHOOL shall use the following procedures for referring parents to appropriate social, mental health, educational and medical services for their child should the center staff feel that an assessment for such additional services would benefit the child.
Whenever ANY staff member is concerned about a child's development or behavior, and feel that further evaluation should be done, they should report it to the child's Lead Teacher, who will review concerns with the Director.
If the Director agrees, the Lead Teacher is requested to complete an observation report and review the child's record prior to making a referral.
REFERRAL MEETING WITH PARENTS
The Director schedules a meeting with parents to notify them of the center's concern and prepares a current list of possible referral resources.
At the meeting, the Director and Lead Teacher will provide to the parent(s) a written statement including the reason for recommending a referral for additional services, a brief summary of the center's observations related to the referral and any efforts Joyful Noise may have made to accommodate the child's needs.
The Director will offer assistance to the child's parents in making the referral. Parents will be encouraged to call or request in writing an evaluation. If parents need extra support, the Director of Joyful Noise, with written parental consent, will contact the referral agency for them.
FOLLOW-UP TO THE REFERRAL
The Director will, with parental permission, contact the agency or service provider who evaluated the child for consultation and assistance in meeting the child's needs at the Joyful Noise Preschool. If it is determined that the child is not in need of service from this agency, or is ineligible to receive services, the staff of Joyful Noise shall review the child's progress at the center every three months to determine if another referral is necessary.
RECORD OF REFERRALS
The Director/Lead Teacher will maintain a written record of any referrals, including the parent conference and results. A referral checklist will be kept in the child's record.
at school.
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