Welcome to the Puddle Jumpers
Dear Parents,
We would like to welcome you and your family to the Puddle Jumpers. We hope that you will enjoy your time with us. Below you will find some general information that will explain various parts of our day. We hope that you will find this information helpful. We would like to stress that our curriculum revolves around the philosophy that children learn through play. If you have any questions or concerns or just need clarification on anything relevant to your child’s school life, please don’t hesitate to ask. Communication is an essential part of our program. Open and honest communication avoids any misunderstandings and helps to build good parent/teacher relationships.
We are looking forward to getting to know you better! If you would like to set up a brief meeting or if you would just like to see the class before your child‘s move to the Puddle Jumpers, please call Lea at 215-241-7012.
Sincerely,
The Puddle Jumpers Teachers
Puddle Jumpers Teachers and Schedules
Lea Ramuno 7:30 - 3:30
Zakiyah Williamston 8:30 - 5:30
Erica Mason 9:30 - 5:30
Renee Terry 12:00 - 6:00
Things You Will Need:
1. Sheet and blanket (A standard crib sheet works best. Please make sure the elastic still has some elasticity in it).
2. Two changes of weather appropriate clothing (including undershirts & socks)
3. Lunchbox
4. Diapers
5. Wipes with a plastic container
6. Diaper cream, if desired
7. A list of food allergies and dietary restrictions, if applicable.
**Please label all of your child’s belongings with his/her name. This includes but is not limited to: jackets, hats, gloves, blankets, sheets, cups and lunchboxes.
Goodbyes
Goodbyes are usually hard on everyone in the beginning. It is helpful if you establish an arrival routine the very first day. Please wash your child’s hands upon arrival! Most of the children start the day by helping to put their things away (Lunch in the refrigerator, coat in the cubby). The breakfast table is open until 9:30 and free play options are available. (If your child will be arriving after 9:30, please feed them breakfast at home.) You can set your child up with breakfast or they can choose to play. A reassuring hug and kiss and a quick goodbye usually work best. Rest assured that any tears usually end by the time you cross the courtyard.
Puddle Jumpers Daily Schedule
7:30 - 9:00 Greetings and Breakfast
7:30 - 10:00 Free Play, Table Toys. Small Group Activities
10:00 - 10:30 Diaper Changes, Hand washing, Snack Time
10:30 - 10:50 Circle Time
10:50 - 11:15 Art Activity / Special Activity
11:15 - 12:15 Outdoor Play
12:15 - 12:25 Diaper Changes, Hand washing
12:25 - 12:45 Lunch Time
12:45 - 3:30 Nap Time
3:30 - 4:00 Diaper Changes, Hand washing, Snack Time
4:00 - 4:45 Circle Time, Free Play, Table Toys, Small Group Activities
4:45 - 6:00 Outdoor Play, Diaper Changes, Goodbyes
Circle Time: We sing songs and finger plays. We also read books. We talk about our theme for the day and other relevant information.
Free Play: Children have time to play with toys of their own choice.
Small Group Activities: Children will do activities in smaller groups. This could mean any type of activity: playing games, cutting with scissors, circle time, doing a floor puzzle, visiting another classroom, painting at the easel, etc.
Table Toys: We bring out specific toys such as puzzles, stringing beads, counting bears, musical instruments, etc.
Art/Special Activity: Activities involving painting, gluing, coloring, ripping; cooking activities; Water/sand table; other various tactile experiences.
Snack Time: Examples of snacks are fruit, crackers, cheese, cheerios, corn pops, chex, graham crackers, animal crackers, pretzels, etc. Snack donations are always welcome and appreciated.
Helpful Reminders
Label all of your child’s belongings: sheet, blankets, coats, hats, and lunchboxes. This is very important. Occasionally, parents become upset when we lose track of something. Many of these incidents can be avoided with the simple use of a sharpie.
Write your child’s name on new bags of diapers and wipes when you bring them in. It helps us ensure that your child’s things are not accidentally given to another child. We try to write names on unlabeled items but if we get distracted between thinking about and actually writing it, items can be given to the wrong child.
Please call when your child is going to be out on any given day regardless of whether your child is sick or simply having a fun day with mom or dad. Our classroom phone number is 215-241-7012.
Keep in mind that you will likely be sharing a cubby with another child. Please try not to bring in big diaper bags or other bulky items that need to be stored in your child’s cubby. If you need to bring one, please use a smaller bag. This is especially important during the winter when the children have bulky coats that need to fit in their cubbies.
Prescription medicine needs to be in the original container with your child’s name and dosage on it. Over-the-counter medicines need to be accompanied by a doctor’s note stating the correct dosage. Medicine needs to be signed for on the form on the refrigerator.
It is a good idea to read the sick policy BEFORE your child is sent home sick. This helps to prevent misunderstandings when your child does get sick…..and they will get sick! Certain symptoms/illnesses may require a doctor’s note for your child to come back to school.
Our breakfast table closes at 9:00
Please wash your child’s hands upon arrival.