Preschool Orientation Preschool is a special place see

Preschool Orientation Preschool is a special place, see the big smile on my face. Games to play and songs to sing, we learn about lots of things. Sharing, caring, loving others, how to separate from the family. There’s time for work and time for play, learning new things everyday. Preschool is a special place, see the big smile on my face.

Bethel Early Childhood Program Philosophy • Children, their families and society benefit from high-quality early childhood programs. • There is a critical link between a child’s early experiences and later success in life. • Children learn best through their play, interactions, and experiences.

Bethel Early Childhood Program Goals • To increase student learning through meaningful parent and family involvement. • To facilitate student learning by developmentally appropriate expectations. • To enhance student learning by strengthening the partnerships of the Bethel educational system and the community.

Bethel Early Childhood Program Vision • To work in partnership with families. • To enhance the abilities of the whole child. • To develop social, physical, intellectual, communication and emotional skills. • To provide unified developmentally appropriate curricula. • To provide preschool experiences that build a foundation for learning.

Transportation • Will notify parents about pickup/drop off times and location. • Allow 5 or 10 extra minutes for getting use to new routes and schedules. • No note or phone call received your child will be put on the bus. • Parent responsibility to call the classroom and transportation for absences.

Student Release Only individuals listed on file and presenting picture identification will be allowed to pick up your child at school and the bus stop. No preschooler will be released to a person under the age of 12.

Volunteering • A volunteer background check must be completed and approved prior to volunteering. • Contact the Family Support Specialist.

Medication Administration at School • Only medication prescribed by a physician are to be administered at school. • Medication must be in the original container from the pharmacy and the label must state: student’s name, name of medicine and dosage, instructions, name of doctor who prescribed medication, date medication was prescribed and expiration date. • Students cannot be in school if there is current needed medication at school. • A copy of the doctor’s orders must be brought in to create the student’s health care plan before starting school.

Keep your child home if they have: • • A runny nose with green/yellow discharge A temperature of 100 (F) or more Vomiting Rash, lice or nits Diarrhea Eye infection Sore throat, barking cough or earache “not feeling good”

Please dress your children in: • “play clothes” and weather-appropriate clothing. • Tennis or closed toed shoes---No flip-flops • No clothing with inappropriate language or images.

Weather closures • School closures due to weather will be broadcasted on the local news and radio stations. • The information can be found on our district emergency hotline at 253 683 -6001. • You may receive a call through the district’s automated message system.

Attendance • If your child will not be at preschool due to illness or appointments contact the teacher and transportation. • If we do not hear from you – we will be contacting you. • If you will no longer be attending the preschool contact the family support specialist.

Child Abuse and Neglect All district employees are required by Washington State law to file a report with Children’s Protective Services if they suspect a child has suffered child abuse or neglect.

Child Support and Guidance • Purpose – to create an environment in which children can experience success. • Behavior support is a partnership between program staff and families. • Positive guidance techniques will be used; including redirecting children and assisting children in problem solving.

Classroom/Family Celebrations • Program activities and celebrations will be designed so that all children and their families are included. • Organized celebrations of commercialized or religious holidays and birthdays will not occur in the classroom. • Families are encouraged to share interests, hobbies, and cultural information; please contact the family support specialist.

Community Complaint • Complaints may be presented to the appropriate person(s) about preschool staff, preschool program and policies. • Names of staff and contact information will be given at orientation or upon request.

Confidentiality • All information gathered by preschool staff is confidential. • Written consent is not necessary when sharing information within the district such as: transportation, school nurse, school counselor. • Written consent must be obtained for out of district programs and agencies (e. g. mental health professional). • Parents may request and be granted access to their child’s files – contact the family support specialist for further information.

Drug and Alcohol Free Work Place • All preschool related programs and activities are drug and alcohol free. • All staff, parents, and volunteers must adhere to the policy when participating in preschool programs and activities.

Additional Information More information can be obtained by reading the Preschool Orientation Guide or contacting the Family Support Specialist.