GRIFFIN FIRST UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL
“A CHILD’S PLACE”
Parent’s Handbook 2020-21
A Ministry of
Griffin First United Methodist Church
1401 Maple Drive
PO Box 595
Griffin, Georgia 30224
770-228-0166
A “Program of Excellence for Young Children”
with the North Georgia Preschool Director’s Association
Member of the Georgia Preschool Association,
the North Georgia Preschool Director’s Association,
and the Southern Crescent Preschool Collaborative
www.griffin-fumc.org
http://griffinfirstumcpreschool.blogspot.com/
Facebook.com/First Methodist Preschool
What We Believe a Preschool Should Be
We believe a preschool should be child-centered, offering a program of learning through concrete experience.
We believe in providing a place for children to develop their literacy and motor skills as well as providing situations which nurture social, intellectual and spiritual development.
We believe in creative expression, and we provide activities through which a child can explore his or her own creativity. Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) drive the curriculum.
We believe that children learn by doing, according to their readiness level.
I hear…….and I forget
I see……..and I remember
I do……....and I understand
We believe that children should learn to accept themselves, learn to interact with and show respect for others, learn to control their bodies and environment, learn by their relationships with adults, learn through their senses, and mostly learn by success.
We believe Griffin First United Methodist Preschool is “A Child’s Place.”
Our Mission
The Preschool is an outreach ministry of the Griffin First United Methodist Church. Its mission is to provide a strong educational foundation in a safe and loving environment where children learn about God’s Word and their place in God’s world.
Our Vision
We at Griffin First United Methodist Preschool believe that Christ reveals himself to others through us and by our actions. We do not teach Methodist doctrine, but we strive to provide an atmosphere whereby Christ’s love is revealed through us to the children. We celebrate and discuss the meanings of Christian holidays in all of our classes. We have blessing with our snacks, and we discuss God and God’s love in our small groups as it relates to the needs of our children.
Our Policy
Our Preschool is a non-profit organization whose policies and amendments to policies are determined by a Preschool Board of Managers who are nominated and elected at a Charge Conference and serve under the Work Area on Discipleship. These members include both church members and non-church members. Funds gathered are exclusively for the purpose of maintaining the school, and not to benefit any individuals. Should the school close for any reason, all assets belong to Griffin First United Methodist Church.
Tuition
Tuition is set in an annual amount divided into 10 equal payments (August through May) for your convenience. Tuition is due on the first of each month. If tuition is paid later than the tenth of the month, please add a $10 late fee. No refunds are made for absent days or early withdrawals. A reminder will be sent to you at the end of each month for the next month’s fee. We generally follow the Griffin-Spalding County School System calendar for major holidays. Tuition is due in full even when breaks occur in the calendar, or if a child is absent for an extended period of time.
In the event of a returned check, the financial office will send it through the bank again. If returned twice, a $15.00 charge is applied and payment must be made in cash. Failure to pay tuition for two months is reason for immediate dismissal from the program unless other arrangements are made with the Director.
Our registration fees and monthly tuitions are as follows:
Class Registration Monthly Payment
Kindergarten $190 $215
Pre-K $175 $190
5 Day 3’s $165 $180
3 Day 3’s $145 $160
5 Day 2’s $165 $175
3 Day 2’s $145 $155
2 Day 2’s $130 $140
Young 2’s $130 $135
Walkers $130 $135
The registration is a one-time, non-refundable fee. Monthly tuition includes a monthly snack fee for all classes. Tuition for Kindergarten, Pre-K, and 3’s includes specials (STEM and Spanish). Tuition for 2's includes one special (STEM).
Snacks
Our snacks are part of our curriculum and used to reinforce skills being taught. Teachers will provide the snack, taking into consideration allergies or other nutritional concerns. Any extra monies will be used for special event snacks. We avoid red food coloring and high fructose corn syrup. We are also peanut free to avoid any problems with a peanut allergy.
Payment Options
We take cash, checks, debit or credit cards. You may pay through the church website at “GIVE” or you may pay online though your bank. (Please allow 4-5 days for bank processing with online payments). A processing fee will be charged to all debit/credit card transactions that are through the church website, and $5.00 for any charges through the Preschool office with Square Reader.
Scholarships
There are limited funds available for assistance with tuition payments to address financial need in an emergency. Through the Ruby Freeman Scholarship Fund, families can request financial aid on a temporary basis. Requests involve completing a scholarship application form.
Health Forms
It is required that your child’s immunization record be up-to-date. We must have an official, current certificate of immunization, which is issued by the Health Department, or by your private physician. All immunization records must show proof of Hepatitis B vaccinations or the schedule of its completion. Requirements for children are as follows:
• Immunization form #3231 (all ages) and Eye, Ear, Dental form #3300 (for Pre-K)
• For non-immunized children on a religious exemption waiver (which must be notarized and on file), students may be asked to stay home in the event of a health outbreak.
Health records must be turned in within 30 days of starting school. After 30 days, your child will not be allowed to return to school until these documents are received.
At times, children will need to be administered medication while at school. If this need should arise, parent(s) will need to bring in the medication in its original labeled container to the preschool office and complete an Authorization for Medication form. Medications will then be kept in a locked box in the classroom.
Parents are asked to complete a Medical Authorization form giving permission for treatment of emergencies. This form includes the use of over the counter (OTC) medications from the office First Aid kit in the event of a minor injury, such as a scrape or insect bite. If there are any OTC medications that your child cannot utilize due to allergies, please complete the necessary information on the form.
In the event of an ongoing health issue, a Health Care Plan will be completed with input from the parent(s) and primary health care provider, to ensure the proper attention to your child’s medical needs.
If your child has been ill, but is on the mend and you are not sure if he/she should return to school, consider this: Is your child able to participate in school activities? If the child is lethargic and slept poorly, the child should probably take a rest day. However, a sore throat, cough, or mild congestion does not necessarily mean the child cannot be active and participate. Trust your instincts.
Never send a child to school who has a fever, is nauseated, is vomiting, or has diarrhea. A child should be fever and symptom free for at least 24 hours without needing any fever-reducing medications. Some mild conditions such as head lice, pink eye, pinworms, etc. require treatment before the child can return to school. Please follow medical advice in these matters.
School Hours
Walkers (Mother’s Morning Out), Young 2’s, 2’s, and 3’s 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Pre-K and Kindergarten 8:30 am -12:30 pm
Children registered in the Walkers through 3-year classes should arrive promptly at 9:00 a.m. and no earlier than 8:50 a.m. These classes will be dismissed at 12:00 noon.
Children registered in Pre-K and Kindergarten should arrive promptly at 8:30 a.m. and no earlier than 8:20 a.m. These classes will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.
It is very important that children be picked up on time after school. A fee of $5.00 will be charged for every 15 minutes that a child is repeatedly picked up late.
Nursery (Before/After School Care)
The hours of the nursery are 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Nursery is designed for children enrolled in the Walker’s through 3-year classes who have an older sibling in the Pre-K or Kindergarten classes, which begin 30 minutes earlier and end 30 minutes later. However, other children may utilize the Nursery with consent from the Director or Financial Director. Children under age 2 may attend no more than twice per week, so as not to exceed 8 hours of care per week. These conditions are required to maintain exemptions from licensure.
Pre-K and Kindergarten sibling rate:
5 days per week = $10 per month
3 days per week = $8 per month
2 days per week = $6 per month
Drop in rate (for your convenience, if there is available space)
5 days per week = $20 per month
3 days per week = $12 per month
2 days per week = $8 per month
$2 per day for occasional drop-off
Attendance Policy
It is essential for your child to attend school on time each day in order to meet standards and prepare your child for the next step. This requirement is especially true for Pre-K students. New skills are taught and built upon formerly taught skills. Please let your child stay the entire class period. Should your child be absent, please send an explanatory note. We keep a daily record of attendance, absences and late arrivals.
School Closings/Inclement Weather
The Preschool generally follows Griffin-Spalding County Schools for weather closings. Should Griffin-Spalding County Schools or Griffin First United Methodist Church close for 2 weeks or less for inclement weather, natural disaster, or pandemic, tuition will not be refunded. If a closure is over 2 weeks, parents will be issued a prorated credit or a prorated refund. Staff will not work or be paid after the 2-week period. You should receive a call from your child’s teacher confirming the closing. If you have further questions, please call your child’s teacher or the Director.
Safety
The safety and well-being of your child is our primary concern. We know you want us to be diligent in assuring that your child is cared for during the time that he/she is in our care. In accordance with our Policies and Procedures (available for viewing in the office) we require the following:
1. All persons will sign in/out when entering/exiting our facility, regardless of the time of day. You will receive a VISITOR tag before proceeding through the building.
2. All preschool staff , substitutes, and regular visitors will have a current background check on file.
3. All preschool staff will wear picture identification tags.
4. We will conduct monthly emergency safety drills (including fire, tornado, and lock-down/intruder drills).
5. Doors to the Education Building will be locked during school hours. Come to the courtyard door and ring the doorbell for entry. You may exit any door.
6. All staff will adhere to the method of discipline policy of positive reinforcement, redirection, time-out, and parental consultation. At no time is physical discipline to be administered.
7. Should a child receive an injury at school, such as a from a fall on the playground, the child is attended to by staff who are trained in CPR/First Aid and parents are notified. An Incident Report is completed and kept on file in the office, and one sent home.
8. Right to Refuse: We reserve the right to refuse to release a child to someone who appears to be incompetent to drive, or if a car lacks a proper child restraint seat. We will keep the child on the premises until a secondary approved contact can be reached.
9. The custodial parent(s) must complete registration forms and release forms. If there are guardianship/custody issues, we require documentation of guardianship in order to protect our families and maintain confidentiality, and to ensure that the child is released only to those authorized to receive the child.
Photography and Social Media
Parents are required to complete a Photography Release Form when a child begins school. We ask for permission to make photographs of your child for classroom purposes, such as a portfolio. In addition, we ask for permission to post pictures on FACEBOOK. We will not use your child’s name, in order to protect your child’s identity. Occasionally, there is a unique photo of a child that we would like to put in the local newspaper. In that instance, you will be asked if you agree for the photo to be sent in and if you wish the child’s name to be included. You have the right to forbid any or all photographs.
N.B. While the preschool will obtain the right to take and post photographs on Social Media, individual parents do not have the same permission. For example, you may take and post pictures of your own child on FACEBOOK, but you do not have formal permission to post pictures of other children. Please note that some of your child’s classmates may not have permission to be on FACEBOOK.
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
Children in all classes can be dropped off at school under the covered drive-thru located at the back of the Education Building. An adult will be available to help children from your cars and into the building safely. Pre-K and Kindergarten children are asked to arrive between 8:20 and 8:35 a.m. Children aged 3 years and younger should arrive between 8:50 and 9:05 a.m. and will be walked to their rooms. Please do not park and leave your car in the carpool line, as this blocks someone else from using the line.
Preschool children 3 and under will be picked up under the drive-thru between 11:55 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. The carpool line for Pre-K and Kindergarten will run from 12:25 to 12:40 p.m. We typically can load 3 children at a time and keep the line moving quickly. An adult will put your child in your vehicle, but it is the parent’s responsibility to buckle the child. Please pull ahead once your child is in the car, stop to the side off of the grass, and fasten your child securely.
If you are not using the carpool line to pick-up/drop-off a child, or if you need to get your child early, please enter through the playground/courtyard side door, sign in at the office, and sign your child out. Please do not enter the double doors where we are loading children for the carpool line at any time. In addition, the street side door will be locked.
Display car rider identification tags prominently on the side of the dash in order for our staff to see the name. These tags will be given out at Orientation. You will also be asked to fill out a Permission for Pick-up Form indicating those persons whom you authorize to pick up your child. In order for any child to ride with someone else we must have these names listed on the form. These persons must be 18 years of age or older.
Car tags must be displayed throughout the year, as they serve as your identification. If you do not have your car rider tag, you will have to come inside and sign your child out, even if you called ahead and come through the carpool line regularly. In order to comply with regulations regarding releasing children, we must adhere to this tag policy.
We cannot accept a phone call or text message for an unauthorized person to pick up your child. A change must be sent in writing. You may FAX us a note if there is an emergency, for your written documentation. Our FAX is #770-228-3069. The new person will be asked to show a picture I.D.
Messages
The teacher cannot accept a verbal message from the child. Please write a note and send it in the folder in the book bag if communication is needed. You may also call the teacher after school hours.
Outside Play/CEC
Outside play is a regular part of our daily schedule. Everyone plays outside, unless the weather is rainy, extremely cold, or otherwise disagreeable. In general, if children cannot play outside because of illness, they should be kept at home.
When the weather is too wet or cold to play outside, teachers may opt to take their classes to the CEC for play. Students will only utilize the facility if no adults are present on the basketball court. You are asked to sign a Use of Facilities Form giving your consent for this opportunity.
Field Trips
Field Trips will be planned by the teachers and submitted to the Director. The dates of the field trips will be left to the discretion of the teachers. One chaperone per child is required.
Children must return a permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian in order to leave the campus. If such permission is unavailable at the time of departure, the child will remain at school with supervision. Refunds for field trip fees will be given only if a trip is cancelled by the school or venue.
Siblings, younger or older, are generally not allowed on field trips. Field trips are a special occasion for the children enrolled in our classes and these outings are appropriate for their ages. When you accompany your child on a trip, please make other arrangements for the care of your other children. If there are extenuating circumstances, please contact the Director. In addition, there may be a family-oriented trip when siblings are welcome.
Book Orders
Your child will have the opportunity to purchase quality children’s books at very substantial savings. Several times a year, a Scholastic book order will be sent home. If you want to purchase these books, please return the order form along with the money before the date stamped on the order form. Please make checks payable to the book company.
Birthday Book Club
Children may have a book purchased for the Children’s Library in their honor. A bookplate is placed in the book with the child’s name, and the child can check out the book first. The child’s picture with the book is posted in the hall.
Birthdays
A young child’s birthday is one of the most important days of the year for that child. From the office to the classroom, we try to give the “birthday child” special attention. If you plan something special to celebrate your child’s birthday with his/her classmates, please let your teacher know.
Please be considerate of children’s feelings. If you are planning an off-site party for your child and wish to distribute invitations, invite everyone in the class. If you must be selective, mail your invitations.
Parent Opportunities
Parents and grandparents are welcome! All parent helpers will have an opportunity to sign up for special days at the Parent Orientation Meeting. We recognize how important it is for your child to be exposed to adult role models. You may also contact your child’s teacher at any time to come for a visit.
Parent Helper Guide
1. Always set a good example; remember children learn from watching you.
2. Use a quiet and pleasant voice when talking to children.
3. When talking with children, kneel down to their eye level.
4. If a problem of dispute arises, let the teacher settle it.
5. State suggestions or directions in a positive rather than a negative way.
6. Avoid trying to change behavior by methods, which may lead to loss of self-respect, such as shaming or labeling behavior as “naughty” etc.
7. Avoid motivating a child by making comparisons between one child and another. Remember each child is an individual and should not be expected to be like everyone else.
8. When working in any art medium, allow the child to be creative. “Kid art” is preferable to “Adult art.”
9. Do not expect too much from your own child as s/he usually acts differently when you are around.
10. Help children before they become frustrated. Try to enable independent work. If failure is inevitable, suggest another activity.
Guidelines for Children
1. Please dress your children in play clothes. They will be painting, running and climbing. We ask that girls wearing dresses should also wear shorts underneath their skirts. Flip-flops and backless shoes are not safe on the playground. Tennis shoes or sandals with backs are preferred.
2. Please mark all outer clothing and a book bag with your child’s name.
3. Fresh air and exercise are important for children. Please dress your child appropriately for outdoor play.
4. Prepare your child for the first day of preschool by talking about the day and how much fun it will be. When you arrive at school, be cheerful, matter-of-fact, and as brief as possible. Your extended presence may prolong distress, and our teachers are well prepared to meet your child’s needs with love and understanding.
5. For all 1, 2, and 3-year old children please bring a change of clothes. This bag may also be used to transport articles to and from school. Please keep clothing current with your child’s growth and changing seasons.
6. If your child is not toilet trained, please bring a bag with the child’s name displayed in a prominent place. Please include diapers, wet wipes, and an extra change of clothes with the child’s name.
7. Children should not bring toys to school (unless it is Show and Tell). Toys from home cause friction among students and may get broken or lost.
Inclusion of Children
It is the belief of the Preschool that children, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, disability, etc. are all children of God and deserve the opportunity to be a part of the program. When children with developmental or social delays present themselves, efforts will be made to include them fully in all aspects of the program, through reasonable modifications and accommodations. It is understood, however, that some children may need more individualized interventions and instruction than our staff can provide. In those instances, the Director and teachers will encourage parents to pursue assistance through Babies Can’t Wait, the local school system, or other means.
2020-21
Griffin First United Methodist Preschool
Calendar
August 6..……......………….........................................................Parent Orientation (Fellowship Hall)
August 7……....…………………………………………………9-noon Open House Child Visitation
August 10…….....…………………………..............................................................First Day of School
September 7……….………………………………………………………………...Labor Day Holiday October 12-16…………..…….……………………………………………………………....Fall Break
November 23-27……….…………………………………………………………..Thanksgiving Break
December 17-January 1……….……………………………………………………….Christmas Break
January 4 ………..…………………………………………..Teacher/Staff Development (No students)
January 5……………………………………………………………....Teacher Workday (No students)
January 6………...…………………………………………………………………….Classes Resume
January 18………..……………………………………………………Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
January 21-22……….………………………………………….Parent Conferences (school in session)
January 24-26………..……………………………………………………………..Registration begins
February 5………..…………………………………………………………………….Winter Çarnival
February 15-19………....………………………………………………………………...Winter Break
April 2……………………………………………………Good Friday Holiday/Snow Day (if needed) April 5-9….……….…..…………………………………………………………………...Spring Break
May 20……….………………………………………………….Last day for T/Th and TWTh Classes
May 21………..………………………Last day for 5-day and MWF Classes/Kindergarten Graduation
May 24-25………. ...……………………………………………………………….Parent Conferences
May 24-28………..…...…………………………………………………………………..Post-Planning
N.B. In order to maintain an exemption with Bright From the Start, student participation in classes is age specific. BFTS requires a child to be the correct age before beginning a program.
Wonderful Wednesday
Wonderful Wednesday is an afterschool program offered by First United Methodist Church and open to students in the preschool. Volunteers provide supervision, and parents are asked to provide a sack lunch for participating students. Students are to be picked up in the carpool line promptly at 2:00 pm. The cost is $10.00, ($15 for 2 children) with checks made out to First United Methodist Church and payable in the preschool office. Children ages 2-Pre-K are eligible to attend.
Parent Signature
I certify that as the parent of _______________________________________________
I have read the Parent Handbook in its entirety and understand its contents.
_________________________________________________ ____________________
(Parent’s Signature) (Date)
_________________________________________________
(Child’s Teacher)
Please sign and return on your child’s first day of school.
