PARENT HANDBOOK - 2014 - 2015
PHILOSOPHY
St. Rose of Lima Daniel’s Den Preschool is a faith community of children, parents, teachers and clergy working together to provide a Catholic education.
We believe that each child is a unique creation of God. We respect and appreciate the miracle of each child’s development, therefore materials and surroundings are prepared to challenge a child’s spirit of discovery and wonder.
We emphasize learning through play. Sensory, motor, perceptual and language skills are introduced through materials and activities with are both child centered and teacher directed. Work is planned which emphasizes the process rather than the product, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
We appreciate our faith family’s ethnic diversities and cultural richness. We encourage mutual respect for individual interests and talents, and celebrate the sharing of God’s gifts. Our staff is dedicated to the following goals:
* To create a Christ centered catholic environment in which children will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
* To teach through example, the concepts of fairness, respect and loving one another.
* Meet the child’s individual needs by recognizing his/hers stage of development and fostering growth by offering appropriate materials and experiences.
* To create an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance for each of God’s children.
* To encourage children to explore the world around them, to ask questions, to experiment, and to realize the joy of discovery.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of St. Rose of Lima Daniel’s Den Preschool is to empower students to reach their spiritual, academic, social, and physical potential as they live their lives bases on Catholic values.
ADMISSIONS
Daniel’s Den Preschool serves families in and around the Chula Vista community. Parents must agree to abide by the philosophy and agree with policies and regulations of the Diocese of San Diego and St. Rose of Lima School.
Priorities:
* Families in good standing at St. Rose of Lima Parish, currently enrolled or seeking enrollment.
* Children of families whose siblings are registered at St. Rose of Lima School.
* Children in good standing and registered at other Catholic parishes.
* All other children whose parents by their behavior demonstrate an acceptance of the St. Rose of Lima and Daniel’s Den Preschool philosophy.
AGE FOR ADMISSION
* Children applying for our preschool must be 3 or 4 years of age by September 1st. and fully potty-trained.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
* Registration: The annual registration fee will be $300 for the first child and $250 for each additional child. This fee is non- refundable. Registration fee must be paid by May 27, 2014 to reserve space for your child(ren). After June 3, 2014, registration will be open to students on the waiting list.
The registration fee consists of the following:
Snack $35
Calendar $ 5
Disaster Materials $ 5
PTG Dues $ 10
Student Insurance $ 10
General Supplies $135
8% Annual Building Loan $100 (one payment per family)
* Tuition: Tuition is payable annually in advance (by Jun. 30) or by utilizing the FACTS Management Program with a 10, 11, or 12 month deduction from a savings or checking account. Whatever plan is selected, payments must begin on the 5th or 20th of June 2015 with the last monthly payment respectively ending in March, April or May, 2016.
* The full yearly tuition rate may be paid by June 30, 2014. After June 30, 2015, if you are not enrolled in FACTS (no exceptions will be made) the full tuition must be paid by July 31, 2015. This payment is to be made directly through the FACTS online e-cashier.
* Credit cards CANNOT be utilized at the school office for full tuition payments due to high merchant credit fees. Credit cards can be used through the FACTS online e-cashier, however a 2.5% convenience fee will be charged.
* Preschool services may be withheld from a student should tuition be delinquent for two months or more.
* Tuition Reimbursements will be handled in the following manner:
If a student is withdrawn before August 29, 2015, then 50% of the tuition paid to date will be refunded. If a student is withdrawn after the start of school and payments are being made through FACTS, then the amount paid to date will not be refunded.
If tuition is paid in full prior to the start of school, then the tuition will be prorated and only the unused portion will be refunded.
FAMILY COMMITMENT AGREEMENT
Re-enrollment of your students(s) for the 2016-2017 school year will be based on the completion of the following:
* Full payment of tuition.
* Attending PTG meetings.
* Fundrasing participation
** Not mandatory but suggested attendance at Mass with your child.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San Diego, mindful of their mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, grant admission to children of any race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin. Each is given all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to children at the schools. The Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San Diego do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin, age or sex in the administration of educational policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school-administered programs.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
* A parent bulletin board near the entrance of each classroom on which announcements will be made. Every parent needs to be aware of the information posted there.
* A newsletter will be sent home every week via the white envelope.
* Parent should check their child’s folder on a daily basis for special notices.
* Parent may also check the school web-site for school information.
* Parents who have questions, comments or concerns are encouraged to speak to the director. Please be aware that teachers need to be working with the children during the day. Teachers are not available for conferences during their lunch break. Please schedule a conference ahead of time if you have a concern that requires a more lengthy conversation with the teacher. We are always happy to speak with you about your child.
* Teachers who need to contact a parent will write a note and place it in the child’s folder.
CURRICULUM
Daniel’s Den Preschool incorporates a religious curriculum and a “hands on” development program. Our St. Rose of Lima Schoolwide Learning Expectation are:
* Knowledgeable, prayerful, spirit-filled CATHOLIC
* confident, competent, life-long LEARNER
* articulate, effective, poised COMMUNICATOR
* responsible, loyal, active, COMMUNITY MEMBER
* accepting, responding, globally-aware STEWARD
who then becomes a grateful hopeful, peace-loving CITIZEN
PRESCHOOL HOURS
Full Days: 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. (6.25 hours)
Two times/week $3,700 $370/month
Three times/week $5,000 $500/month
Five times/week $7,100 $710/month (10 months)
Extended Care: 6:30 - 8:30 a.m., ($5.00/hr.)
3:00 - 5:00 p.m., ($5.00/hr.)
A late fee of $1 per minute per child will be assessed for students in extended care after 6:00 p.m.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
When the parent arrives at preschool he/she is to walk the child into the classroom and is required to sign-in. Please be sure that your child is under the supervision of a teacher before you leave. Use the same procedure when you pick up your child at the end of the session, making sure the teacher sees you leave. A full signature is required when children are signed in or out. Only those people listed on the child’s emergency card will be allowed to pick up the child. Any person listed on you emergency card may be asked to show picture identification before the child is released. Preschool is not allowed to go to car-line with older siblings due to safety reasons.
ABSENCES AND ILLNESS
If a student will be absent from class, please notify the school office before 9:00 am. There will be no tuition credit given due to absences or illness. No switching days of attendance due to absences or illness without Director's authorization.
Daniel’s Den Preschool is not able to provide care for children when they are sick, so please do not sent you child to school when they are feeling ill or have a fever of 99 degrees or above. A child must stay home for 24 hrs. after fever is gone before returning to school. If your child becomes ill while at school, you will be contacted immediately. If you cannot be reached, the persons listed on you emergency card will be contacted.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
It is the responsibility of parents to inform the preschool in writing concerning allergies, hypersensitivity to drugs, antibiotics, bee stings, food, etc., physical limitations (hearing, vision, etc) or chronic illness. The director will communicate this information to the appropriate teacher.
EMERGENCIES/MEDICATION
If children become injured while at preschool:
* Paramedics will be called to the to preschool to assess the situation.
* If necessary paramedics will transport you child to nearest hospital for treatment.
* Parents will be contacted as soon as possible.
* The director will accompany your child to the emergency room and remain with your child until a parent arrives.
When a student must take medication during the school day, the medication must be given to the preschool director. We require you to sign the medication form located by the parent sign-in sheet in order for you child to receive medication. The original container must be marked clearly with the child’s name and directions for dosage. If the medication requires refrigeration, it must be clearly indicated.
SCHOOL SAFETY
All visitors must report to the school’s office to obtain a visitor’s pass and badge if they are going to be on campus. Our preschool is licensed with the State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Licensing program analysts have the right to come and inspect the preschool at any time, They also have the right to talk with and interview children.
The school’s gates will be open in the mornings until 9:00 a.m. This will be reopened at 2:30 p.m. Morning session pick up needs to enter through the front office.
DISCIPLINE
The preschool’s discipline policy states that children may not be disruptive to the teaching or to the student’s learning, safety, or development. As a Catholic preschool we include in our policy the teaching of
kindness and gentleness. Corporal punishment or any other violation of a child’s personal rights is strictly prohibited.
First instance of disruptive behavior:
* Teacher will talk to child about behavior
* Child may be asked to choose a different activity
Second instance of disruptive behavior:
* The child will be moved away from the other children for a time out
* After the time out the child will be asked to make amends for the wrong behavior.
Third instance of disruptive behavior:
* The child will meet with the director to talk about any problems which may have arisen in finding a solution to the behavior problem
* If the child has further difficulty in the classroom the parent will be contacted for suggestions on how to make his/her child’s day the best one possible.
* The director will work with the parent to establish a behavior plan that meets the needs of the staff, family and child.
* If the behavior plan fails the child will be permanently dismissed from the program.
It is our hope that the children will learn to be kind and gentle in their behavior with each other.
SNACKS
While at preschool your child will be served a.m. nutritious snack. Morning session snack will be at 9:30 a.m. Afternoon session snack will not be provided by school, but it will be given around 3:30 p.m. Weekly menus will be posted on the parent board. Pre-ordered on a monthly basis hot lunch is available for $4.00/day or TBA.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
We thank and praise God for all the children in our care. We would like to join you in celebrating your child’s birthday. If you would like to bring a special treat such as cookies, muffins, fruit or anything you child really likes, please let your child’s teacher know in advance (about one week). This will allow the teacher to prepare for your child’s special day, be able to tell you how many goodies are needed, and if there are any allergies to be aware of.
FIELD TRIPS
Our field trips are done in house. Rather than transporting children, we invite presenters to come to our facility. Parents are always welcome to share a hobby, expertise, etc.
MORNING ASSEMBLY/MASS
Every Thursday we have morning assembly as a school. Parents are welcome to join us. Preschool students will attend special student body liturgies during the school year (Example: Blessing of the Animals, All Saints Mass, Ash Wednesday, etc).
UNIFORMS
Preschoolers wear uniforms each day the attend school. The dress code is as follows:
* Navy blue shorts or pants (elastic waist) - no belts
* Red or blue preschool T-shirts with Daniel's Den logo
* Navy blue skorts (for girls) only, no skirts
* Navy blue or red school sweatshirt
* Tennis shoes (no slip ons, no motion activated light shoes, tie must be the predominant color of the shoe, no patterns or brightly colored shoes - velcro is permitted). Sandals are not allowed
* No ankle sports socks - tube socks only
* No jewerly, no nail polish or hoop earings
REQUIREMENT TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
All preschool teachers and staff are mandated to comply with the child abuse reporting requirements as stated in the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing, Title 22 Handbook.
HOT/RAINY DAY SCHEDULE
On very hot or rainy days, our program is modified. Children remain inside during playground time.