HARRIS YMCA Preschool Academy Parent Handbook 2011-2012 ...

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Safety DrillsTo prepare our students for the possibility of an emergency in the Harris PreschoolAcademy, we routinely conduct safety drills (fire, tornado, fallen child, etc.) during thefirst week of each month. Students will be taught how to leave the building quickly andin an orderly fashion. We will congregate up on the hill; on the far end of the mainparking lot or on the lower soccer field. In case of an evacuation, you will be contactedto pick up your child when the authorities from the fire department and/or emergencyofficials tell us they can be released.DisciplineParents, please encourage your child to follow the instructions of the teachers. Thephilosophy of our program is based on the “Golden Rule” with respect being shown toall. Good manners and personal empathy are traits we will foster. Encouraging goodbehavior helps discourage unacceptable behavior. Therefore, using the principle ofpositive reinforcement, each child will be praised for good work and made to feelimportant and successful. Negative behavior will be confronted and redirected towardpositive behavior.In order to provide the positive kind of discipline desired, we must first begin with theproper student-teacher ratios. The next step is ensuring that our teachers understandthe age group they teach and are well-prepared with a variety of activities. Within eachclassroom positive rules and guidelines are established. When a child does not follow therules, he/she will be reminded. If the reminder in ineffective, the child’s attention will beredirected or there will be some time allotted out of the activities for a child to think andprepare himself for appropriate behavior. Discipline problems that persist or aredisruptive to the class will be shared with the parents so teachers and parents can worktogether to correct the inappropriate behavior.Even though we provide low teacher-child ratios, loving care and plenty of ageappropriate toys and activities, children will sometimes show aggressive behavior(hitting, kicking, pushing, biting, etc.) toward a classmate. All signs of aggression areunacceptable but are not considered abnormal for young children who are learning toget along in group situations.Our desire is to work with families through any difficult stage their child may be goingthrough. If a behavioral problem is recurring, the parent may be called in for aconference with the teachers and or/directors. Our goal is always to come up with a planthat can provide the child with consistency at home and at school. We reserve the rightto request temporary or permanent withdrawal of a child whose parents are unable orunwilling to work with the school or a child whose behavior is dangerous to him/herand/or others.*Please note: Children often bite others because they do not have the words to expresstheir emotions. He/she may have been frustrated or wanted attention. As a staff team,we are dedicated to helping your child use his/her increasing vocabulary to work throughthis phase. However, for the safety of other children your child may be asked to take aday off from the Preschool should the bite break the skin or should biting occur twice inthe same month. Thank you for your understanding.14
We strive to guide children in becoming happy, responsible and cooperative participantsthrough positive reinforcement and teaching techniques.Field Trips / Special Class ProgramsBased on your child’s age, they will periodically participate in an activity outside theregular preschool curriculum. Notices regarding these trips will be sent home inadvance. Please keep in mind that a small, additional fee to for the trip may be required.Birthday CelebrationsYou may celebrate your child’s birthday in class by making advance arrangements withyour child’s teachers. Unfortunately, cakes, cupcakes and other items that includeicing often contain nut products (please check labels). Please check the “SafeFoods List” if you would like to bring in another kind of special birthday snack (ricekrispie treats and jello jigglers are great safe treats).If you are planning an off-site party and would like to invite some classmates, pleasesend party invitations to the teacher so that they can distribute them discretely into totebags, so as to prevent hurt feelings. Presents as well, are not permitted to be exchangedin the classroom.Class PartiesThe classes will celebrate various Holidays and special events throughout the year. Theclassroom room parent will contact parents when food or supplies are necessary. Whenpurchasing or making party treats, please remember that we are teaching healthy eatinghabits at preschool.Contacts DirectoryShould you have any questions or concerns regarding the Academy or other YMCAprograms, you can reach the following staff/departments:• Teachers (Absences, Policies, Student/Parent Needs, etc): 704 716 6851• Academy Enrollment, Comments, Questions; Celeste Bailey, PreschoolCoordinator: 704 716 6851• Preschool e-mail: harrispreschool@ymcacharlotte.org• Tuition/Payments/Tax Information, Rachel Jones: 704 716 6835• Harris YMCA Front Desk: 704 716 6800• Harris YMCA Fax: 704 716 6801• Mailing Address: Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road, Charlotte, NC 28210• Website: www.ymcacharlotte.org/harris/ha/aspx15
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