Parent Handbook
2017-2018
A Non-Profit Ministry of
Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church
384 Fox Chapel Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2398
(412) 963-8243
www.fcpc.us
Dear Families,
Welcome to the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Preschool! We are a Christian Preschool committed to the philosophy that each child is a special gift from God. Our staff is dedicated to offering the highest quality faith-based program and to providing an environment, in which each child may be enriched in faith, grows in mind, heart and spirit.
“And the child grew, and became strong, filled with wisdom and the favor of God was upon him.” Luke 2:40
Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Preschool
PHILOSOPHY
The Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Preschool is a Christian Preschool where children are loved and encouraged to explore their wonderful world using their senses, feelings and minds. Through play, children learn to think more clearly, share, cooperate, be sensitive to the needs of others and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them. Their thoughts and feelings are important and meaningful. Our programs and teachers help children build self-confidence and a love and respect for others, as well as nurture their spirituality and appreciation of the wonders of God’s amazing world.
GOALS
FCPC Preschool programs strengthen children and families in these important areas:
Faith and Spiritual Growth - Teaches each child that God loves and cares for all of us and gently guides each child to be more loving, caring and Christ-like in his/her thoughts, words, actions and relationships.
Self-Esteem and Independence - Encourages each child to take pride in his/her unique talents and qualities and teaches each child to be responsible and caring in his/her words and actions.
Interaction and Cooperation - Nurtures each child’s social skills and models the importance of listening; taking turns; following directions, simple rules and daily routines; working together as a team; and problem solving in healthy ways.
Communication - Helps each child understand and express his/her emotions and ideas through the use of listening, observing visual cues and signs, talking, singing, drawing and writing.
Discovery and Exploration - Fosters a love for learning that encourages curiosity about the world around them.
Physical Growth - Allows growing and active children to develop small and large motor skills and physical coordination through movement and play.
CURRICULUM
We offer a child-centered and developmentally appropriate program for two through five year old children. FCPC has chosen to implement a play-based learning framework similar to “Creative Curriculum for Preschool”. Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive system of learning based on research and knowledge regarding all areas of child development: social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language.
FCPC preschool offers diverse programming, each based on principles and ethics set by The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Programs are developmentally appropriate, emphasizing play as the primary source of learning. Various curricula are implemented, each encompassing the Department of Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Toddlers/Preschoolers.
Teachers use their own experiences, as well as the children’s interests, to adapt the curriculum to be unique to each FCPC class. This is known as “intentional teaching”
Play allows children to learn about the world and themselves. As children play, they learn new skills, develop coping mechanisms, test new ideas, and master their bodies. Creative Curriculum for Preschool provides extensive guidance for teachers in the content areas of literacy, math, science, social skills, and the arts. As children make choices about where to play in the classroom, they are learning a variety of skills. For example, building with blocks promotes material exploration, as well as spatial planning, symbolic representation, dramatic play, and social interactions. In the area of art, teachers emphasize the process rather than the finished product. As children use art materials, they are planning and carrying out a task and also using symbols to represent their ideas.
DIVERSITY/SOCIETAL VALUES
We welcome every opportunity to expand the child’s view of the world as a place rich in many cultures, races, religions and customs. FCPC is open to all families, regardless of ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. We will work with families to provide an inclusive preschool environment for all children. Diversity extends to the family structure as well, and we are committed to the philosophy of treating all family situations equally and without bias. FCPC respects each family’s religious traditions and we encourage you to share your family’s traditions with our children and staff.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality plays a vital role in promoting respect for every individual and fostering a strong community. FCPC takes confidentiality very seriously and makes every effort to protect each family’s privacy. Communications among staff and parents about children should be kept confidential at all times. If a parent has a question or concern, we suggest that this parent first contact the teacher via email or in person to arrange a time to discuss.
COMMUNICATION
Communication between home and preschool is vital to a successful program. FCPC will communicate with families through email, telephone, website, written notices sent home with children and directly with families. It is our philosophy to communicate openly with parents regarding their child’s development. Classroom observations are important tools for the teachers to use as they communicate with parents throughout the year. Any issues or concerns that may be observed will be brought to the Director’s attention and then immediately addressed with parents. It is vital that we communicate our assessment of a child and their progress all through the year. Formal parent conferences with a written assessment are held in the spring for our Pre-kindergarten children. This assessment documents your child’s full preschool experience and his/her Kindergarten readiness. This written assessment is often requested by the Elementary School your child will attend.
Each classroom has an email address. Staff will send classroom specific information weekly at minimum. Parent/teacher/classroom specific emails may be addressed here, however, if attention to your email warrants or is time sensitive, it should also be emailed to the Director for prompt response.
Each classroom has a telephone for emergency use only. Teachers cannot accept phone calls during preschool hours at their designated extension. If you have a message for a teacher during preschool hours, please call or email the office. The teacher will respond as soon as possible. If an emergency arises, please call the church directly for an immediate response.
Please communicate any changes at home or within the family with the teachers and/or the Director. These changes can affect your child’s behavior, and it is useful for staff to be aware of these developments. FCPC will always respect your privacy.
It is our responsibility to inform our families of communicable or contagious diseases that have been reported in our preschool. Confidentiality prohibits us from identifying the specific child(ren) or classroom. We ask that you contact us immediately in the event your child is diagnosed with a communicable or contagious disease.
During arrival time, staff members must devote full attention to all of the children. Please keep conversations brief and relevant to your child‘s day at preschool. If additional meeting time for parent and staff is needed, we ask that you inform us at drop off and a parent/teacher/director meeting will be scheduled without hesitation.
OUR PROGRAMS
PRIMARY PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
· MORNING PROGRAMS: TWOS, THREES, AND PRE-KINDERGARTEN
· AFTERNOON PROGRAMS FOR 3s INCLUDE: EXPLORERS CLUB, ART, SCIENCE AND A MIXED 3’S AND PRE-KINDERGARTEN, GAME TIME CLASS.
· AFTERNOON PROGRAMS FOR PRE-KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN INCLUDE: ART, SCIENCE, GLOBETROTTER AND A MIXED PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND 3’S, GAME TIME CLASS.
INTEGRATED MONTHLY PROGRAMS
· CHILDREN AND WORSHIP/CHAPEL WITH MISS DELINDA
Delinda Donovan, Director of Christian Nurture, facilitates a special worship time for the Twos, Threes and Pre-K classes. As children enter the peaceful worship center they learn to focus on the stories of God. They learn that this is a place where we talk and listen to God and where others are gathered to do the same. Children experience Bible stories through hands-on three dimensional materials followed by thoughtful wondering questions, expressing awe and amazement which lead into prayers of thanksgiving and praise.
· BELLS WITH MISS DELINDA
Children in the Pre-K classes will have the unique opportunity to play hymns and songs of praise on the Bells. Preschoolers will be exposed to concepts of rhythm and melody as they learn and practice playing familiar songs and, at the same time, learn the meaning of ‘worshiping through music’.
· LIBRARY WITH MELANIE MOORE/PENNY YOUNG
Once a month children have an opportunity to engage in interactive storytelling with Melanie Moore from Cooper-Siegel Library or Penny Young, former Preschool teacher and current Administrative Assistant to our Head Pastor. Days and times vary according to scheduling needs. Melanie and Penny will often coordinate stories with teachers’ classroom themes and activities.
· MUSIC WITH DR. RACHEL WHITCOMB
Twice a month, the children will have the opportunity to explore using their voices to learn to sing together and to utilize simple musical instruments to produce rhythmic sounds. The children will surely enjoy this experience as it will allow them to explore their own abilities as they relate to music.
· STORYTIME WITH PASTOR CHRIS
Several times throughout the preschool year children have the opportunity to gather for story time with Pastor Chris Taylor. Pastor Chris often creates his own stories and is a wonderfully, animated story teller. The children often will illustrate these stories, using their imagination to create the characters and environments they envision.
ADMISSION, ATTENDANCE AND RECORDS
OUR ADMISSION POLICY
Admission to any program is based on space availability. Registration is open first to children of families currently enrolled in any Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Preschool Program and to members of Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. We welcome families of all denominations and backgrounds.
PRESCHOOL CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS
If the Fox Chapel Area School District is closed due to inclement weather, The Preschool and Church Office are closed. Our Preschool does not do “Delayed Start Times”. We are either open or closed. We may close for other issues that would impede the safe operation of the Preschool (power outages, flooding, etc.). Closing information for Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Preschool is listed on local news channels, as early as possible. Also, as early as possible, an email will be sent to all preschool families about the closure.
When the weather is questionable, you may find closing information on:
* KDKA television Channel 2
Website www.kdka.com
* WTAE television Channel 4
Website www.wtaetv.com
* WPXI television Channel 11
Website www.wpxi.com
CHANGE OF INFORMATION
It is your responsibility to please inform the Preschool Business Office of any change in information that relates to our ability to contact you. Changes such as home address, email address, health insurance and PHONE NUMBERS are crucial to your child’s well-being and safety, in the event of an emergency.
WEBSITE INFORMATION
Information regarding Preschool Programs, Teachers’ Contact Information, Enrollment Forms, Change of Information, Release Authorization, Preschool Calendar and our Preschool Upcoming Events are available through our website at www.fcpc.us. Please be sure to visit our website for changes in our schedule and other information.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
For more information on these policies, please refer to the Child Protection Policy available in our Preschool Office.
ILLNESS
Because your child is an important part of his/her classroom and our Preschool Family, if they will not be attending class on a scheduled day, please let us know by emailing the Preschool Business Office at . Please notify the Director immediately if your child has a communicable disease or contagious condition. By law, we have to inform everyone, including church personnel. Confidentiality is maintained at all times. If a child has/had a suspected contagious or communicable illness, a physician’s release will be required upon his/her return to Preschool.
Preschool is difficult for a child who is not feeling well and unable to energetically participate in class. For the health and well being of all of our children and our staff, please keep your children home when they are sick. FCPC Preschool staff reserves the right to send a child home when they believe a child is not feeling well or is possibly contagious. If a child displays symptoms of a contagious or infectious disease, including (but not limited to) the following list, we request that you keep your child home for a minimum of 24 hours, or until typical routines and appetite are restored if that takes longer to establish.
Some examples of symptoms indicative of potential contagious illnesses include:
· Diarrhea (with or without fever)
· Feverish and persistent cough
· Thick yellow or green mucous drainage from nose or eyes, or has symptoms of ear or throat pain
· Vomiting has occurred within the past 24 hours
· Difficulty breathing (not asthma related)
· Abnormal temperature for 24 hours without medication
· Unusual rash
· General malaise
Other scenarios shall be determined on a case-by-case basis, regarding the ability of the child to return the following day. Please consult with the Director if your situation does not fit into one of the above mentioned criteria to see if we will permit the child to return to school following the event that led to their being sent home.
MEDICATIONS
In accordance with our Child Protection Policy, only emergency medicine (epi-pen, rescue inhalers) may be administered by staff. We require a written prescription for emergency medicines. We also require that these medicines (epi-pen, inhalers) are left at the preschool as long as your child attends. Please hand them to your child’s teacher. During your child’s preschool day, these emergency medicines travel with your child (playground, gym, PM class, etc.). A preschool wide Allergy Alert Listing is created, identifying the child, classroom, location of and instructions for the use of your child’s emergency medicine. This listing is posted in every classroom and lunch areas.
NUT ALLERGIES
Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church (FCPC) is committed to providing Christian nurture to all children and youth (these terms refer to anyone who is less than 18 years of age). This nurture includes the safety, welfare and protection of all children participating in the activities and programs of FCPC, including the preschool.
Because a number of persons of all ages with severe life threatening allergies (both oral and air-borne) to peanuts, peanut products, and other forms of nuts attend activities held in our facility, FCPC endeavors to maintain a safe environment for these persons as well. Parents, participants and leaders should NOT bring any peanut or nut products in snacks or lunches into the Church. Everyone’s cooperation in helping our church to be a safe environment for all who enter is greatly appreciated.