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Parent Handbook 2011-2012
Our Philosophy
Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool is an outgrowth ministry of the Educational Division of the Methodist Church that offers experiences and activities that promotes the growth and development of the whole child. We believe in ministering to each child’s needs academically, spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally while offering Christ to all.
Each child is unique and is presently in their own stage of development. Our goal is for each child to reach their own potentials through the most appropriate methods while providing a nurturing environment.
We strongly believe the importance to promote children to develop a positive self-esteem, be accepting of others, be curious, be expressive, feel loved, feel secure and be full participants in God’s world.
Our program is constructed to meet the needs of young children by providing a variety of activities. Activities include stories, music, art, crafts, cooking, dramatic play, Bible lessons, games and other experiences that will promote a positive and productive learning environment.
We are committed to preparing your child for life’s experiences by molding a healthy and strong individual that is confident and ready for the world of education. It is also our sincere desire that the seeds planted through the spiritual guidance your child receives at Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool will blossom and flourish for many years to come.
Program Days and Hours of Operation
Program Hours: 8:30-11:30 or 8:30-2:30 (includes lunch and a nap/rest time)
The two day per week program operates on Tuesday and Thursday.
The three day per week program operates on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The preschool is in operation from September-May following the Marble Falls ISD calendar for vacation days. In the event of severe weather, we will follow Marble Falls ISD’s decision to cancel school. Please tune into one of the local radio or television stations for current school information.
Should MFISD start late due to bad weather, Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool will cancel school for the ENTIRE day. Typically, MFISD starts at 10:00 so we would only have enough time to eat lunch, and have rest time. If MFISD dismisses early due to bad weather, we would close early as well. Please let your child’s teacher know if you do not have a child enrolled in Marble Falls ISD so that they may call you in the event of severe weather.
Registration and Fees
Registration will be open to all children ages two through five years of age. Your child does not need to be potty trained to participate in the program. The following forms must be completed and returned prior to your child’s first day.
~Admission information form ~Medical forms (shot record, health-care professional’s statement of eligibility for child to participate, vision/hearing screening results if applicable, TB test results if applicable) ~Parent’s acknowledgement of the handbook ~Parent’s acknowledgement of discipline and guidance policy
Registration fee: $50.00. This fee is due at the time of registration and is non-refundable. If you withdraw from the program at any time and wish to return at a later time during the year, there will be another fee due. Registration fees are annual and are due prior to the beginning of each program year. After a child is enrolled in the program and has attended, a registration fee cannot be transferred to another child. Parents will be notified in writing of any policy changes.
Tuition fee: $140.00 tuition for the two-day per week (3hr.) program (3-5 yr. olds) $160.00 tuition for the two-day per week (3hr.) program (2 yr olds.) $200.00 tuition for the two-day per week (6 hr.) program (3-5 yr. olds) $215.00 tuition for the two-day per week (6hr.) program (2 yr. olds) $205.00 tuition for the three-day per week (3hr) program (3-5 yr. olds) $260.00 tuition for the three-day per week (6hr) program (3-5 yr. olds)
Tuition is due on the 25th day of the month, prior to the month attended. Tuition is figured on a yearly basis and therefore the amount is not flexible with long or short months. Tuition is not pro-rated due to absences or holidays. Staffing and other operational expenses are arranged on the basis of fixed enrollment levels and must be met on a continuing basis. Refunds or reductions in tuition are not available for the time a child is absent. A late fee of $10.00 per day will be assessed after the third business day. Full payment is due each month, regardless of any absences, holidays, or school closures. Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool requires a 30 day written notification of intent to withdraw your child from the program. All fees must be paid in full at the time the notice is given. If you withdraw during the summer prior to August 15th, you will be refunded any tuition paid, minus the $50.00 registration fee. If you withdraw August 15th or after there will not be any refund issued. Withdrawals require a 30 day notice at any point during the year. Parents will be notified in writing of any policy changes.
Returned Check Charge: There is a $25.00 fee charged for all returned checks.
Parents will be notified in writing of any policy changes prior to the changes taking effect.
Arrival Policy and Release
Our program begins promptly at 8:30 A.M. Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool has a separate entrance at the rear of the church for easy access to classroom areas. Parents are asked to utilize this entrance as other activities will be conducted daily at the church. Parents need to accompany their child to their classroom and are to be left only with a Bluebonnet Preschool staff member. Parents must sign their child in and out on the sheet provided each day. Teachers may arrive early to prepare materials for the daily lessons. Please respect this time for the teacher’s by waiting in the lobby until 8:30 to bring your child to class. If you arrive after 8:35, please wait in the doorway of the classroom until the teacher is able to take your child into the classroom so that the other children will not experience a disruption in their schedule. We encourage you to bring your child promptly at 8:30 in order to experience the full day’s activities. It is distracting when children arrive late and they will miss out on exciting activities planned for the day. Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool is not a drop-in preschool, therefore, children should not be brought in after 8:45. The doors will be locked at 8:45 for the safety of the children and staff.
To encourage your child to view preschool as a positive experience, parents are asked to exhibit attitudes of happiness, confidence and anticipation. When you bring your child into the classroom, please make a positive statement of leaving with the assurance of your prompt return at pick-up time and leave immediately, without lingering. Distress at your departure is usually overcome within minutes. The staff will call you if the need arises.
Please do not allow your child to bring his or her breakfast into the classroom. If your child has not finished their breakfast at their time of arrival, please sit outside the classroom with your child until they have finished.
It is our goal for your child to have a rewarding and successful experience at BMP. The core part of your child’s daily academic activities will occur between 8:45 and 10:00 A.M. If your child is tardy and misses this period of the day, the activity will not be repeated for your child. Teachers will request a parent conference when tardies are excessive. Excessive tardies will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Classroom time is very valuable to the children in the classroom. If you have any questions concerning your child, please speak to the director or arrange a parent conference. Parent conferences can be scheduled from 2:30-2:45.
Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool has an open-door policy. Parents and visitors are welcome into the building at any time. Visitors must “check-in” in the office and will tour with the director. There will be many opportunities throughout the year for parent’s to volunteer! Please check with your child’s teacher to see when these wonderful opportunities arise.
Departure: Please do not pick your child up before 2:15 unless you have made arrangements with the teacher in advance. This is an important time of the day when the children are waking up from the rest time and are preparing to go home. It is distracting to the class for children to be picked up before dismissal. Please sign your child out on the sign-in/sign-out sheet located in the classroom. There will be a late pick-up fee of $5.00 per 5 minutes starting at 2:35 or at 11:35 for the three-hour-day, payable by check or cash to the attending teacher. For emergencies, please call the office at (830) 693-4925. Children will be released only to the parent or other individuals specified on the child’s file. Anyone not recognized by the classroom teacher will be asked to show their driver’s license for identification purposes. Parents must notify the office of any changes in individuals to pick up a child.
We understand a parent’s joy in sharing their experiences and knowledge with others during this developmental time in your child’s life. It is best that visiting with other parent’s be done outside the classroom area so that children can settle quickly and start their day, or so that teachers may straighten up the classroom at the end of the day.
Early Pick-Up
Please notify your child’s teacher of the need to pick up your child early when you arrive in the morning so that your child’s belongings may be gathered together and be ready to go at the designated time. Parents who come to pick up their child early are asked to go to the director with their request. Your child will be brought to you so that the other children in the classroom will not be disrupted.
Emergency Release
In the event an emergency affects your child, every attempt will be made to contact the parent or guardian. Should an emergency occur and a parent cannot be reached, an emergency release form, signed by their parent, kept on file will allow us to notify a physician or emergency medical services. This release states that a doctor may administer any necessary treatment should an emergency occur.
Health Policy and Medications
We appreciate your cooperation and assistance maintaining a healthy environment for our school.
In order to maintain a healthy environment for children and staff, please use the following guidelines for determining if your child needs to be kept home from school:
An ill child must not be admitted if one or more of the following exists:
~ The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in facility activities ~ The illness results in a greater need for care than the staff can provide without compromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children ~ The child has a temperature of 100 degrees or more (must be fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school) ~Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness (such as lethargy, uncontrolled breathing, uncontrolled diarrhea, vomiting illness of two or more episodes in 24 hours), rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling, wheezing, behavior change, or other unusual signs until a medical evaluation indicates that the child can be included in the center’s activities ~The child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease, until medical evaluation determines the child is no longer contagious and is able to participate in the center’s activities.
A child must be fever free for 24 hours/and or on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to the center.
Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool does not take responsibility for administering medication. Please make adjustments in order to give dosages of medicine before or after program hours. If your child has a special medication need, please speak to the director. BMP staff does not administer medications to children.
If your child has a contagious illness that has been diagnosed by a doctor, please notify the school immediately so that other parents can be alerted to the fact that their child may have been exposed. This includes the flu, strep throat, impetigo, chicken pox, etc. Please make sure we have every number available to reach you at any given time. If parents cannot be reached, BMP will attempt to contact a person listed as an emergency contact on the enrollment form.
Parents will be notified of less serious injuries such as minor cuts, scratches, bites from other children etc. when the parents pick up the child from the center.
Parents will be notified within 48 hours if BMP becomes aware of an outbreak of lice or other infestations in your child’s class or group. A notice will be posted or a note will be sent home to each parent in the group. Your child will need to stay home if he/she shows signs of having lice or other infestation until the condition is cleared up.
Parents will be notified in writing within 48 hours if BMP becomes aware that a child or employee has contracted a communicable disease that is required by law to be reported to the Texas Department of Health.
Medical Emergencies
The staff of Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool will do their best to try to prevent injuries to children in their care. However, we understand that accidents and injuries will sometimes occur despite our efforts to prevent them.
If a child should become critically ill or injured, Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool will: ~contact emergency medical services ~give the child first-aid treatment or CPR if needed ~contact the physician listed on the child’s enrollment form, if possible ~contact the child’s parent or person listed as an emergency contact if the parent cannot be reached.
If an injury appears not to be critical but the BMP staff determines the injury may need further medical attention, BMP will contact the child’s parent. If the parent cannot be reached, BMP may call EMS and will follow their advice. Parents will be responsible for payment of medical services associated with the child.
Immunizations
All children enrolled at Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool must have been immunized in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Department of Health. Parents must provide immunization records showing all immunizations are current prior to enrollment. Parents may obtain exemptions for immunizations in some situations. Exemptions for immunization requirements must be obtained from the Texas Department of Health. Please speak to the director if you need a copy of the recent vaccine requires of the Texas Department of Health.
Tuberculin Testing
Documentation that your child is free of tuberculosis will be required if the Texas Department of Health in our region or local health authority determines that TB testing of children is required. Parents will be informed of this requirement at the time of enrollment or after BMP becomes aware of this requirement.
Vision/Hearing Screenings
The Texas Department of Health requires that all children 4 and 5 years of age be screened for hearing and vision problems. This screening should be done at a licensed or certified screener or health-care professional. BMP will need a copy of the results. Screening may also be done here at school.
Transportation
Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool does not provide transportation to or from the center. Parents will need to provide transportation for their child.
School Supplies
School supply lists will be provided. Please bring school supplies to the parent orientation. Once brought to school, supplies will be community use and are non-refundable or transferrable. A portfolio fee of $25.00 will be due prior to your child’s first day of school. This fee is non-refundable and will cover costs to develop pictures to provide your child with lifelong memories of preschool. Bluebonnet will provide your child with a complimentary tote bag. Replacements can be purchased for $10.00. Please do not allow your child to bring the following items to school:
Money Gum/Candy Sodas Red or Purple Drinks Pretend Weapons Glass Containers
Meals and Snacks
It is both mentally and physically beneficial to children when they are taught good nutrition. Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool is committed to help lay the foundation of the importance of nutritious foods. All children need to bring a nutritious and balanced snack and lunch from home each day. We encourage snacks and lunches that contain protein which produce increased attention span and health benefits. Please pack snacks and lunches that do not require refrigeration or the microwave. Please make sure to put food in containers that are easy for children to open. Please label all containers, lunch boxes, and thermoses. Please be sure to include a cold pack with your child’s drink in their lunch. Please cut hot dogs, grapes, nuts, and raw carrots into small pieces as they may cause choking in young children. Please do not send food items that contain peanut butter.
Children also need to bring an additional sippy cup to drink during the morning and for outside play. Please label the sippy cup with the child’s name with a permanent marker.
Water Activities
Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool will not have swimming, wading or splashing pools. Water activities will be limited to sprinklers on special occasions and water tubs or tables with just a few inches of water for measuring and pouring or other curriculum activities. Parents will be notified in advance of plans to play in a sprinkler. Animals
Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool will only allow animals if the following requirements are met: ~approval is obtained from the director at least two weeks in advance ~parents are notified in advance and have no objections ~the animal will not create any unsafe or unsanitary conditions ~the animal shows no signs of possible illness ~documentation is provided at least two weeks in advance that any dogs, cats, and ferrets have been vaccinated according to the Texas Health and Safety Code ~a statement of health from a local veterinarian is provided at least two weeks in advance for all animals other than rodents (guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, etc) ~Chickens, ducks, reptiles (such as snakes, turtles, lizards, iguanas), and amphibians (such as frogs and toads) will not be allowed at the center. ~Other unfamiliar or exotic animals may not be allowed.
Field Trips
Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool will not have any field trips as car seats would be needed for each child, making transportation very difficult.
Birthday Parties
Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool welcomes birthday celebrations. Birthdays are a special day in a child’s life. Birthday celebrations may be set aside by arranging the event in advance with the child’ teacher. Birthday gifts will not be exchanged, but the honoree may donate a book to our library to commemorate the occasion. The teacher will read the book for the birthday child’s class during story time. Children who are having a birthday party away from the center and wish to distribute invitations in the classroom may do so only if every child in the class is receiving an invitation.
Holiday Parties and Special Events
Parties will be held to celebrate Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and the last day of school. Special chapel services will be held at Easter. Classes will also hold special activities throughout the year. For these events, teachers will ask for parent volunteers An activities fee will cover your child’s participation with the fall festival, Thanksgiving Feast, and end of the year picnic.
Dress Code
Children should wear comfortable clothes so that they can participate in activities planned in the classroom and outside. Some activities may be messy and could possibly stain clothing. All children must wear tennis shoes or soft-soled shoes. For your child’s safety, boots or hard-soled shoes are not allowed. On cold days, children should wear warm clothes, coats, hats, and gloves. Please label all outdoor clothing. Staff is not available to allow a child to stay indoors while the rest of the class goes outside. Before returning to class after an illness, your child needs to be well enough to go outside. If the weather is inappropriate for outdoor play, we will have activities in the gymnasium, have a video, or library activity.
Outdoor Play
Two playgrounds are available for children to use for outdoor play. The 3-5 year old age groups will usually use the larger playground located next to the north side of the First United Methodist Church building. The 2 year old class will usually use the small playground located between the gym and the education wings on the east to northeast side of the First United Methodist Church building.
Toys
Toys may only be brought into the center for special occasions such as show-and-tell. Anything brought from home will be put away by the teacher until dismissal time.
Discipline
Taken from the Texas Admistrative Code, Title 40, Chapters 746 and 747, subchapters L, Discipline and Guidance.
Discipline must be individualized and consistent for each child. It must be appropriate to the child’s understanding and directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and control.
A caregiver may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control, self-direction, which include at least the following:
1. Using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing on unacceptable behavior.
2. Reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements.
3. Using brief supervised separation or time out from the group, when appropriate for the child’s age and development, which is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age.
Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool is committed to helping your child feel safe and secure while providing sensible limits and genuine encouragement.
Aggressive Behavior
Any child who repeatedly shows aggressive behavior will be asked to withdraw from the preschool program until he/she gets through this stage. Each case will be handled on an individualized basis as decided by the director.
Emergency Evacuation and Relocation Plan
In case of fire (explosion, toxic fumes, chemical release, natural events, medical events, or human caused events)
In the event of tornado, natural events, or severe weather: Follow the procedures above except DO NOT EXIT THE BUILDING. Instead, take the children to the designated severe weather shelter in room 404 (shown on diagram) Have the children sit on their knees and cover their heads and faces with their arms.
In the event of a human-caused occurrence: The teacher will lock their classroom door, turn off the lights and sit quietly with the children with their back against the wall adjacent to the hallway where they are not able to be seen by the window.
In the event we cannot remain in our classrooms or exit the building to our standard emergency locations, and need an alternate shelter, we will re-locate to the gym, the building located next to the school or to the chapel which is straight down the hallway towards the church office.
Parent Information and Communication
Newsletters will be sent home monthly to keep you informed of activities, monthly curriculum themes, and learning areas. A parent bulletin board will also be posted in the hallway. Please take the time to read all published or posted information. Special notices will be sent home if there are special activities or materials requested for projects.
You are entitled to see the minimum standards for this center. A report is available online at www.dfps.state.tx.us. The most recent inspection form is available at www.dfps.state.tx.us or from your local licensing office.
Parent Participation Parents are encouraged speak with the director regarding concerns about the program, policies, procedures, or questions about their child. Parents are more than welcome to visit the center at any time as well as volunteer in their child’s classroom. It is our goal for parent’s to feel that they are working in a partnership with the staff of Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool. Parents may volunteer to help with parties or celebrations, or share their special skills, hobbies, or interests with their child’s classmates. Please feel free to let your child’s teacher know of your interest to help.
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