Preschool Policies

Accidents

We write an Ouch Report for every bump or bruise a child may incur while on campus. The report describes the event, including where and when it occurred, and what the preschool provided to comfort the child, such as an ice pack, a cold compress, or TLC (tender loving care). We wash scrapes with clear water and cover them with Band-Aids. We contact parents by phone to notify them should anything more serious happen on campus.

Apparel

Comfortable, casual clothing that can become soiled without causing stress to parent or child is best. Pants or shorts with elasticized waists aid toileting independence. Belts, buckles, and overalls can frustrate little fingers struggling at the last moment. We like to foster success!

Dresses and tights inhibit full participation in Motor Lab, so we request that girls wear pants on Thursdays and Fridays.

We require children to wear socks and closed-toe shoes while engaged on the playground. We prohibit sandals and other open-toed shoes, cowboy boots, and smooth-soled shoes.

To help the preschool return abandoned outer wear items to their owners, we request that parents affix to each item a label bearing the child’s name.

Arrival & Dismissal

We require parents to deliver children and pick-up children promptly. The children should be checked in and out via the Brightwheel app.

The preschool office as well as each classroom maintains release/emergency records, in which all parents/guardians list names and contact numbers for those authorized to pick up preschoolers. We will permit only those authorized on these forms to pick up and take children from the preschool. Parents and guardians may edit release/emergency records at their convenience during preschool office hours.

Birthdays

The preschool allows each child to have one day to celebrate a birthday during the regularly scheduled snack time. Parents of the birthday child supply a simple treat for each child in the class. Cupcakes are an excellent choice. Parents hosting a birthday party off the preschool campus should distribute invitations to the entire class or selectively invite guests privately, outside the classroom.

Discipline

Graham Memorial Preschool prefers the word guidance to discipline. Teachers design class environments that promote a community feeling through activities that encourage free expression within boundaries of pro-social behavior. This guidance helps children to become happy, fully functioning individuals who can make decisions and direct themselves.

We remove from any group a child who repeatedly struggles to manage his behavior or who infringes upon the rights of others. When the child feels able to control himself, he is free to return to the group.

Illness

A child who is not well enough to be outdoors is not well enough to attend preschool. Staff & children must be free of fever or vomiting for at least 24 hours before returning to the preschool after illness. Children with heavy coughs or nasal passages draining thick mucus should remain at home until symptoms subside.

Parents/guardians must notify the preschool whenever the following conditions exist:

• a child has a communicable disease, including skin diseases

• a child is taking medications that could influence coordination or behavior

Parent Visitation

The preschool invites all parents/guardians to visit without prior notice at any time during school hours. We warmly welcome extended family members, too!

Graham Memorial Preschool teachers gladly schedule parent conferences to allow them to express concerns or ask questions. Parents may schedule a teacher conference with either the preschool office or the teacher.

Communications

Graham Memorial Preschool directors publish a monthly newsletter called the Graham Cracker. Once a month, children take home this publication that announces upcoming events and changes to the annual calendar. Look for it!

Record Keeping

To ensure child safety, our own standards are as strict as California State licensing when it comes to current, complete & accurate preschool records. The office relies upon prompt parent/guardian compliance in completing and returning all forms. Whenever release/emergency contact information changes, the preschool office must know immediately.