1. To create a "Home like/classroom atmosphere" so children may become aware of themselves as the unique individuals that they are.
2. To accept peers as persons with their own worth, regardless of real or imagined differences.
3. To help children accept mature authority and loving interest outside the home.
4. To work and play well with other children, in-group settings.
5. To create an atmosphere in which a child may develop self-confidence and independence.
6. To make choices, think, and problem solve, for one’s self, and live with those choices.
7. To learn what it means to be part of a classroom setting/group.
8. To speak and express self clearly.
9. To develop an appreciation of literature, and the arts
(music, drama, poetry, art, and more).
10.To provide an atmosphere of co-operation in which parent, teacher and child can learn together.
SPECIFIC GOALS
1. Develop Gross Motor Skills- Young children need opportunities to develop their bodies and coordination by running, jumping, climbing, lifting, pushing, and pulling. Physiological readiness precedes other learning.
2. Develop Fine Motor Skills- Small muscle, hand-eye coordination. Young children need opportunities to practice with things to put in, take out, match, fit, connect, and disconnect. The environment provides the developmental materials- (manipulative, puzzles, pegs, play-dough, beads, etc.)
3. Develop Language Arts- Children learn vocabulary and the rhythm of speech through listening to their own peers and other languages as they are spoken and sung in many forms. Classroom libraries, story telling, self expression (puppets, telephones), games, alphabet letter, calendar, recognition (name, address, phone number,) expression through show and tell are only a few of the means of communication which are vital to both personal and academic success.
4. Develop Social Concepts- Sociodramtic play helps a child to progress from solitary role playing, to sharing and understanding rules and limits. Through housekeeping, dress up, blocks, field trips and snack, the child begins to feel secure in himself, family, and community.
5. Develop Creative Expression- Experimentation, discovery, the experience itself, is the value of arts and crafts at an early age. They learn about basic colors, and shapes, through painting,coloring, cutting, gluing, play-doh, and sand/water play. Children learn to control the medium and satisfaction comes with learning the creation of something that is uniquely their own.
6. Develop Science and Nature- The more the young child knows and understands about their world, the more independent and confident they can become. Learning about seasons, weather, bodies, senses, health and nutrition are only a part of the concepts. ORGANIZATION NAME: Fort Mill Preparatory Preschool BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Policies are handled and directed at a monthly Board of Directors meeting of FMPS Preschool. The Board consists of: Chairman, three members at large, a parent representative from each class, the Administrator of the Preschool as ex-officio member. All parents and teachers are welcome to all board meetings and are welcome to participate. The time of our Board meetings will be posted on our calender page. LICENSE: FMPS Preschool is licensed by the Dept. of Social Services (DSS), which is posted in the preschool office and reflects the number of children licensed to serve. The law and rules governing child day care are available at the school for review upon request.
OPPORTUNITY FOR PARENTS We like to have our parents involved with running the school. This gives an opportunity for parents to help with the education of their child. 1. Representative on the School Board- Responsible for attending a monthly meeting to discuss various aspects of procedures, goals, planning, etc. of the Preschool. 2. Fund Raising- The Preschool holds fund raising projects during the school year. The intent of these events is to provide equipment as needed to improve our facilities. The responsibility of this committee is to plan these fund raising events. 3. Refreshment Committee- The Preschool holds an Open House (Family Night) for parents during the school year. The responsibility of this committee is to help set up, serve, and clean up the refreshment area for this event. The school does provide the refreshments. 4. Room Mother- To attend one meeting, and plan and help with holiday parties during the school year. More information on these committees will be available by request
SPONSORSHIP: Fort Mill Cooperative Preschool, as a non-profit, non-sectarian, interracial, and non-political institution, FMPS Preschool is open to anyone in the community, our doors are open to everyone. However, the school is in a Christian Atmosphere.
Spring Registration
Spring Registration schedule will be determined by; governing board. Due to limited class size, a priority system of registration will be used:
1. Children currently enrolled in the school.
2. Children whose parents preregistered younger siblings.
3. Children who were on the previous years’ waiting list.
4. Children with an older sibling who attended FMPS Preschool in the past.
5. Children from the community at large.
Any remaining requests will be placed on a waiting list to fill vacancies as they occur.
HOURS AND ENROLLMENT
Hours are from 7am-6pm Mon-Fri NOTE: The school reserves the right to recommend the withdrawal of a child from the preschool program for reason of immaturity. This decision is to be made within the first two months of school. Children may also be removed from the program for behavioral problems. The teacher and admin team of FMPS Preschool will always discuss specific behavioral problems with the parent. SCHOOL VISITATIONS Prior to the beginning of the School year, the teachers will call and talk to each child and parent (who is new to the school). Approximately 5-10 minutes in length, the school visit gives the child a chance to become acquainted with the teachers in the school. This will help the child find a familiar person in a strange, new environment. The children will be given a name badge at visitation to wear during the first couple of weeks of classes. During the school registration, the teacher will give each family a copy of the FMPS Preschool Handbook. A class roster with the names, addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and parent names of the students in the class will be checked at visitation. A parent roster will be made available to parents (upon request). Parents are under no obligation to have their names, etc. on this roster. This list is available to only the families in that particular class. This list can help parents begin to make carpools,if desired. ORIENTATION DAY It is a day for everyone- parents, teacher and children to come to school together. The children will meet with the teachers in their classrooms. Parents will meet with the admin team in the classrooms, to go over the policies of the school and to sign forms. It is important that at least one parent attend this informational meeting. It will last approximately one hour, and snack will be provided for everyone! CLASSES BEGIN The first full day of class begins August 17. PRESCHOOL CLOSING DATES You will be given a calendar at Orientation. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY 1. When FMPS Preschool will be closed, please call the school by 6am to hear a recording. 2. The owners cell phone # is 803-487-0850 Christine Boatwright. 3. Of course, parents have the final decision as to how safe it is to travel, even when school is open. 4. Tuition is due for snow days and days we are not in session such as all holidays and teacher workday. There are no adjustments to tuition for the days that school is not open. LAST DAY OF CLASSES- Before Summer Camp (all ages) Classes will run through the end of May. There will be a class picnic and graduation. It is held at Pineville Park. PARENT/EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION POLICY The staff of the Preschool is available to meet with parents any time. The directors cell phone number is also listed on the children’s class list. If you would like to set up a time to meet in person with your child’s teacher, please call the admin team any time during school hours. The school office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The admin team is available any time for calls, drop-in meetings, etc. If parents or employees need further assistance with any problems or concerns, please contact the director. LEARNING CENTERS- Children will have an opportunity to choose a variety of activities (free play) every day, including manipulative, dramatic play, blocks, listening center, library, science corner, and cooperative play. This time is also for the creative activity of the day, connected with the day’s lesson plan. GROUP TIME- Periods of quiet alternating with periods of activity, pledge of allegiance, weather, calendar, story time, show and tell, games, records, songs, musical instruments, finger plays, conversations, and other activities for the group together. ARTS AND CRAFT- Challenging gross and fine motor activities, hand-eye coordination with all kinds of painting (easel, finger, water color, feather, string etc.), cutting, gluing, pasting, including collage items. Activities with play-doh, water play, games, and small manipulative play, which includes readiness activities (basic colors, shapes, math skills, matching, and change of seasons). OUTDOOR PLAY/GYM- Teachers encourage outside play, weather permitting. A variety of equipment is provided for children to develop their bodies and coordination with climbing, crawling, and sliding. Sandbox, circle cycle, and snaps crawl set develop gross motor skills. The GYM is used when the children are unable to go outside. We will not go out if it is raining, snowing, or too cold. The staff will decide to limit outdoor play due to weather or safety concerns. RESTROOM, HANDWASHING & SNACK TIME- Children can go to the restroom any time during the day. Teachers take all children to the restroom before snack, to make sure all hands are washed. Snack time gives children an opportunity to talk together as a group, have prayer, practice manners, pass snacks, share, and clean up. Nutritious snacks will be provided each day. There will also opportunities for the children to do cooking projects. Birthdays will be celebrated during snack time. You may sign up at Orientation day for a date to celebrate your child’s birthday. On this day, you may provide snack for the class. POSTED ON THE BULLETIN BOARD- Teachers will post monthly newsletters and lesson plans so parents may know what stories and activities are taking place in their child’s classroom. Newsletters are written and sent home with students at the beginning of each month. Please read newsletter for important dates. NON DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
FMPS Preschool admits and does not discriminate students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, or disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, in administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarships, or other school administered programs. SAFETY The teachers in charge of a child, or group of children, are responsible for their safety. In order to insure the safety of each child in their care, teachers adhere to the following regulations: 1. The teachers are responsible in governing the arrival and departure of the child, and are aware of each child’s presence at school at all times. One teacher greets children at the door, while the other teacher greets children in classroom. 2. No child shall be left alone or unsupervised. 3. The staff has access to school phones at all times including their own cell phone so that they can call the office at any time. The schools emergency plan is posted in the office. 4. Should an accident or injury occur, an incident report is duplicated with a full description of the incident with signatures of the teacher, administrator, and given to the parents on the day of the injury. One copy is sent back to school with the parent’s signature/date to confirm they received the notification. This copy is filed in the child’s folder. 5. The school has monthly fire and weather alert drills. With a plan placed in the office notebook for action of the alert. The children are moved to the designated safe area posted. 6. Any threat to the safety of the children due to environmental situations and threats of violence will be handled by having a lock down, all doors and windows closed and locked. All parents will be called, and an alert will be sent out on the T.V. and radio stations. 7. In case of loss of power, heat or water, the parents are called. 8. A staff member by law must immediately notify York County Children Services if they suspect that a child has been abused or neglected. 9. No bug/fly spray aerosol will be used when children are in attendance. 10. Emergency medical plan is in the office and posted on this page. MEDICAL POLICIES Each child attending the school shall have on file: Child Enrollment and Health Information forms which include health records, emergency transportation information, and parent/guardian roster permissions for all children attending the center Children's records must be in each child’s folder on the first day of school. FMPS Preschool requires that all parents grant permission for transportation for emergency treatment. All records are kept confidential. The admin team will always go over all forms that are required by state during enrollment of a child and orientation. Sometimes it will be necessary to not admit a child because of a health problems.This is for their safety, as well as the safety of others. Please do not send your child to school ill. Parents MUST notify FMPS Preschool of any changes of address or phone number, work, cell or home. It is essential that the school be able to contact parents at any time for emergencies. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND ILLNESS 1. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL IF THE CHILD SHOWS THE FOLLOWING SIGNS OF ILLNESS: Symptoms observed which require isolation and immediate discharge: A child with any of the following signs, or symptoms of illness shall be immediately discharged to their parent/guardian: (a) Temperature of 100 degrees (axillary), in combination with any other sign or symptom of illness. (b) Diarrhea (3 or more abnormally loose stools within a 24 hour period). (c) Severe, continual, or constant coughing, causing the child to become red or blue in the face, or to make a whooping sound. (d) Difficult or rapid breathing. (e) Yellowish skin or eyes. (f) Pink, or red swollen, itchy eye, seeping eye. (g) Untreated infected skin patches, unusual spots or rashes. (h) Unusually dark urine, or white or gray stool. (i) Stiff neck with elevated temperature. (j) Evidence of lice infestation, scabies, or other parasitic infestations. (k) Sore throat or difficulty on swallowing. (l) Vomiting more than 1 time, when accompanied by another symptom. 2. IF A CHILD SHOWS ANY SIGNS OF ILLNESS/OR MILDLY ILL WHILE IN SCHOOL: (a) The parents will be contacted and asked to take the child home. If the parent or guardian is unable to come, the child will be discharged to the next person designated on the form. The child will be isolated until they can be picked up. The child will be within the sight and hearing of an adult at all times. The child will be cared in another room, away from other children. The child will be provided with a cot, and made comfortable. After use, the cot will be completely disinfected, and cleaned with appropriate germicide. 3. The communicable disease chart is posted on the door of the Office Parents will be sent a notification if their child has been exposed to any communicable disease. 4. A child may be re-admitted to school: (a) As soon as all signs of illness are gone. (b) A doctor has examined the child and given permission for the child to return. (c) The parents feel that the child’s own health is not in danger. (d) After the isolation period. 5. NO MEDICATION/VITAMINS WILL BE ADMINISTERED AT SCHOOL AT ANY TIME, EXCEPT IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS WITH WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FROM A DOCTOR: If a child is on a special diet, we will be in compliance to the parent’s instructions as to what the child can or cannot eat. In case of an extreme emergency, the school will administer epi pens to a child, with permission from a doctor, or call poison control. A currently authorized American Heart Association instructor has trained the Preschool staff in communicable disease. The training includes the following: (a) Signs and symptoms of illness. (b) Hand washing- to make sure their hands are free from germs by using soap and running water-drying hands with a single towel, upon all necessary occasions. (c) Disinfections of furniture and toys periodically to insure freedom from germs. 6. Each staff member is required to have an examination by a licensed physician at the time of employment: stating they are free of any apparent communicable disease, including TB. If any staff members become ill, they are to stay home until all signs and symptoms are gone. GUIDANCE AND MANAGEMENT We believe in discipline and structure in our classrooms. We do use “Time Out” only as a last resort. The child is set on a chair in the room for a few minutes depending on their age and the teacher lets the child know why they have to sit in “Time Out.” The staff will recognize, encourage and praise children. They will be positive and constructive. They will use consistent and fair rules. They will communicate clearly their directions and expectations. They will assist the children with problem solving. They will encourage children to control their behavior and cooperate with others. They will help the children feel successful at tasks, and give options for other tasks if those chosen prove too difficult. They will notify children of a change in activity prior to, and allow for a comfortable transition. We will also protect the children from abuse and neglect. When the behavior is unacceptable, the staff will use developmentally techniques suitable to the child’s age and circumstances. They will redirect the children to another activity, talk to the children about the situation, state alternatives, and use separation from the situation only as necessary. We speak to the children so that they understand what is unacceptable is the behavior,not the children themselves, or their feelings. The staff will communicate with the parents if so necessary. Discipline problems are at a minimum because our teachers are well trained and the number one requisite is that each teacher understand and love children. A child does not intentionally and maliciously disobey one whom he loves. The policy of love and understanding by the teachers will give the child the boundaries he needs to feel secure and set the freedom he requires to become himself. The teachers will guide themselves by the belief that “busy children are happy children.” If a child’s discipline becomes a problem, the parents will be notified and the problem will be discussed and worked out with them. Childcare staff members assigned to supervise a child or group of children shall be responsible for their guidance and management. Specifications of the Guidance and Management Rules apply to all employees of FMPS Preschool. ATTIRE Your child will be a very busy child during their day at school. Remember that each day your child will be given the opportunity to use paints, clay, sand, and sometimes water; therefore, please do not dress him in good clothes, which may become soiled. Children should wear clothing appropriate for preschool activities. Washable play clothes are best. As pretty as lacy dresses and fancy shoes are, they are not appropriate for daily preschool wear. Children should wear clothes easy for them to manipulate themselves. Tennis shoes are the best shoe for preschool play. Please do not put belts on your child unless they know how to manipulate them. (The same with overalls.) EXAMPLE: To put on their own coats, sweaters, hats, and mittens; they should be able to fix their own pants. During the winter, please dress the children warmly. We can always take off a sweater or sweatshirt if the child gets too warm. Dress the children in warm coats, or sweaters in the fall and spring, to go outside to play. MARK ALL CLOTHING WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME. Sometimes more than one child has the same or similar coats, etc. It makes it easier for everyone. RELEASE OF CHILDREN A parent/guardian consent form is kept on file at the school. For the child to be released to anyone other than parents/guardians, the names must be listed on this form. Notify the school if anyone other than an authorized person is sent to pick up the child. List the name of anyone who is NOT allowed to pick up the child. Please make the teacher/administrator aware of any potential problems. CUSTODY If there is a custody issue involving your child, please inform the director. If legal custody is given to only one parent, the preschool will need to have copies of the court agreement. If one parent is not permitted to pick up your child, we will also need copies of that court agreement. Unless we have legal documentation saying you are the custodial parent, we cannot keep the noncustodial parent from coming to the school. If a problem arises during school hours, the York county sheriff will be called. TIME The doors of the school will NOT be opened before 7:00 am. If on certain occasions it is necessary for you to drop off your child before the designated time, please make arrangements with the teacher, IN ADVANCE.School is over at 6:00 pm Please be prompt when dropping off and picking up your child. If you must be more than 5 –10 minutes late, please call the school, or make arrangements to have someone else pick up your child. The excessive lateness in picking up will result in fees. The fee is $1 every minute you are late Please remember, we are not a baby-sitting service.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP OF YOUR CHILD There is a set procedure for dropping off/picking up your child. The children are not allowed to walk from the parking lot alone, please hold your child's hand- The director is very serious about this!.If someone comes to pick up your child up from school, please call to inform us. they will have to come to the office and show I.D. PHONE CALLS When calling the school, please leave a message. It is hard for the teachers to leave the children to talk on the phone. Please let the school know if your child will not be in school, and the reason. RATES REGISTRATION FEE: $50.00 This is a non-refundable fee, which must accompany enrollment application.
TUITION: Payment Information: Please ask the business Manager as all aspects of school finance are handled by her.
Tuition is based on an weekly fee and is kept as modest as will insure a thoroughly professional school, on a non-profit basis. Because FMPS Preschool is non-profit, tuition MUST be paid promptly. In case of a returned check, you will be charged the fee that the bank charges us ($25.00), along with that payment. After FMPS Preschool has received one returned check, all payments must be made in cash or by money order. All payments must be made by Friday/Monday. If you do not pay your complete tuition by the end of the month, (your tuition plus the late fees), your child will not be able to attend preschool the next week until all fees and tuition is paid in full.
Refunds cannot be made for snow days, or absence, with one exception. During days a child is actually hospitalized, no tuition is due.
At least 2 weeks notice must be given before withdrawing a child. FAMILY RATE: Registration fee: 10% reduction for second child in same year. Tuition: First child full tuition, with a 10% reduction for each additional child, same year. SCHOLARSHIPS: In keeping with the idea that FMPS Preschool should fill a real need within our community, a limited number of scholarships are available for families in financial need. The Business Manager determines the number and amount of these scholarships. WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP Preschool experiences are not a substitute for the home or parents. Rather, they should complement the child’s growth within the family. Thus, FMPS Preschool welcomes a close relationship with our children’s parents. One parent-teacher conference is scheduled each year. A “Family Night” (Open House) takes place in the fall, so family and friends may visit the child’s school and meet the staff. If at any time a parent would need assistance with any problem or complaint related to the school, call the administrator for a conference. The matter will be taken to the Preschool Board for review. The Board will then have a conference with the parent, the teacher, and the administrator. A casual, reassuring attitude from the parents goes along way towards helping a young child accept and profit from the exciting adventure of preschool. Time taken to show an active interest in anything the child brings home and requests to “tell me about it” are so very important. Promptness and good attendance will impress children with the importance of their school day. Parents should help their children observe Show and Tell Days. At other times, children should not bring any toys, food, gum, etc. to school. Toy guns and knives are not permitted at school at any time. Invitations for personal birthday parties in the home should be handled through the mail. If the entire class is being invited, parents may send them into school, and the teacher will see that they get put into the children’s school bags. FIELD TRIPS On the day of the field trips. Parents, children, and staff will all meet at the field trip destination at the time the field trip is scheduled. Parents will be responsible for only their child. Siblings are welcome to attend. The administrator will send home a form with each child to notify the cost, where, time, and to ask if you will be attending the field trip. If you are unable to attend and would like your child to go, the school will give you a list of parents’ phone numbers in your child’s class. You may call a parent and work out an arrangement with them. The staff is not responsible for the children, only the parents are responsible. VISITATION Parents may feel free to observe a child’s class at any time. There is no need to call for an appointment. The staff at FMPS Preschool wants everyone to feel welcome at anytime. We greatly encourage parent involvement. However, we ask that when coming in to observe, that you confer with the teacher before the class begins.
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBSERVATION 1. Take your belongings to the room in which you are observing; please put them in the closet, so the children won’t be able to get into them. 2. If there are two or more observers in the room, it is better to separate, so that conversation with each other is limited, giving more attention to the children. They will react better if you are on their level, sitting on a chair rather than standing. 3. Feel free to ask a teacher any questions concerning your child; be sure the child being discussed is not around or able to hear the discussion. Ask questions when the teacher is free to talk. 4. In order for you to gain as much as possible from your observation, the teacher may ask you to be of help- this will help the children, you, and the teacher. The teacher, in all instances, will take the initiative and the observer will follow her suggestions, interacting with the children only when they reach out to you. 5. Report all injuries (even slight) to the teacher. Report to the teacher any situations of danger that you see. 6. Ask the teacher for a parent observation form, as a guideline. 7. Be natural with and enjoy the children they can teach us a lot. 8. Please feel free to ask the teacher any questions or concerns you may have during this time. 9. The teachers are here to teach, keep the children safe, and are here for the parents as well. It is important to us that you feel comfortable with your child’s environment at the school. Please feel free to talk to us about any concerns. 10. The admin team will always be available at your convenience. We are here to assist you in any way possible.
