Brilliant Beginnings
2016-2017
Welcome Packet
Sossaman Early Learning Center
Front office: (480) 279-8600
First Day of School
Your child will begin their first day of school on Monday, July 25 or Tuesday, July 26. You are probably excited and somewhat nervous for this big event! Your child may feel the same way. There are going to be many new things for you and your child to experience – a new teacher, new children, new school, and new experiences in the classroom. I want to do everything I can to make your child’s first day of school as pleasant and fun as possible. This Brilliant Beginnings information packet is designed to fill you in on specifics.
Before the program starts, you may want to read your child a few books with a starting school theme. These stories can help your child get in touch with his/her feelings about going to a new place and separating from you. Reading also gives your child an opportunity to talk about these feelings or ask you questions about what to expect. It’s also a good idea to go over the attached daily schedule with your child and talk about some of the things he/she will be doing in class.
Every child will be signed in and out by an adult that is listed on the emergency card or otherwise specified on a written notice. Your child may cry on their first day, and even the second or third day. This is normal, and we are used to this. We are comfortable with you leaving, even when they are crying. In past experiences, the sooner you leave the sooner your child will engage in the activities of the school day.
Attendance
If your child will not be at school, please let Stephanie Kennedy in the front office know at (480) 279-8600 or send me an email.
Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures
Each parent will bring their child into the classroom and sign them in. We will have a few things for you to help your child with before you leave. After your child hangs up their backpack, please help them with hand washing, next help your child find their name on one of the tables and take it to the question of the day.
If you arrive early, please wait for us to open the classroom door before coming in, as we are most likely busy preparing for the day or meeting with a family. When you pick up your child, please wait outside the door until I open it for you. If you come in and we are not ready it will disrupt the process, especially as we are
establishing our routines early in the year. Thank you! You must sign your child in and out everyday. This is to ensure their safety as well as being a licensing requirement.
Late Pick-up
Morning class times are 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Afternoon class times are 12:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Please make sure you pick your child up on time. They get scared when you are late and think they are forgotten. I know emergencies happen, so please call the office and let me know if you will be late so arrangements can be made for your child. There are fees associated with excessive late pick-ups. If you need after school care through Kids Club please let me know and we can attempt to arrange this. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Extra Clothing
Because children learn best by doing, sometimes we get messy. Please bring an extra pair of short/pants (depending on the season), T-shirt, socks and underwear in a gallon Ziploc baggie labeled with your child’s name. This baggie will be left in your child’s backpack. Please do not take it out unless you are washing it or switching it out for something else. If we need a replacement set we will bring it to your attention.
Weekly Newsletter
At the end of the week a newsletter will be emailed to you. It will also be posted outside the classroom. If you prefer a hard copy, please let me know. The newsletter will have all the vital information about upcoming events and the week’s objectives, classroom requests and overall communication about what we are doing in Brilliant Beginnings. Please make a habit to check this every week.
Dress Code
Each child needs to be dressed according to the dress code set forth by the Higley Unified School District. As a reminder, shirts and tops may not expose bare midriff or bare shoulders (no spaghetti straps or halter tops). Every day your child will be engaged in outdoor activities and gross motor development skills that require running, jumping and quick movements please send them in shoes they are comfortable wearing while participating in these activities. Our primary goal is to keep our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Snack Schedule, Water Bottles, and Birthdays
We will share snack together each day. At the end of each month there will be a calendar near the sign-in/out area for you to sign up for a day to provide snack for the class. There will be some healthy snack suggestions for you to choose from. Please send enough snacks for the number of children in the class at the time. Watch the snack calendar for these details. Please send a water bottle with your child each day. Make sure it is labeled with their name. If you want to send in a birthday treat, please let me know ahead of time. Please – no cupcakes (they are very messy!) Items must be store bought – not homemade (school district policy). When purchasing food for snack or birthdays, be aware we have students with nut allergies. Please read food labels and do not purchase foods that have the following statements; “May contain tree nuts or peanuts” or “Made on the same equipment as tree nuts or peanuts”. Thank you for helping keep our students safe.
Early Childhood Center Webpage
Access calendars, upcoming events, and teacher webpage’s at http://husd.org/Domain/1846
PTO
Please “like” HigleyEarlyChildhoodDevelopmentCentersPTO to get updates on PTO events and news. Be on the lookout for the PTO board in the front office.
**Caution**
In preschool we learn by doing. Our learning is frequently messy! Please dress your child to explore, paint, color, crawl, jump, and learn! We try to help with art smocks, but they don’t always work!
Brilliant Beginnings Daily Schedule
A.M. / Activities / P.M.8:15-9:15
9:15-9:30
9:30-10:00
10:00-10:30
10:30-11:00
11:10-11:15 / Free Choice Centers
Morning Message
Snack
Circle Time
Outdoor Play
Dismissal / 12:15-1:15
1:15-1:30
1:30-2:00
2:00-2:30
2:30-3:00
3:10-3:15