Welcome to St. Paul’s Nursery School. This handbook contains all the policies and procedures of our preschool as well as all the requirements for schools licensed by the State of Ohio as stated in rule 5/01:2-12-30. It is very important that you read this handbook and refer to it while your child is enrolled in our program. It will answer many of the questions you have about St. Paul’s Nursery School. At the end of the handbook you will find an attachment from the State of Ohio regarding licensing and other valuable information. There will also be a release form acknowledging that you have received a copy of the school handbook, have read it and agree to follow all the policies outlined in the handbook. This release form must be signed, dated and returned on the first day your child attends school. MISSION STATEMENT: St. Paul’s Nursery School is committed to providing a quality, fun and safe educational experience for young children. We offer a warm Christian environment carefully tapping each child’s individual potential with creative and stimulating activities. Children will learn and discover free from academic pressure, feeling happy, successful and develop a healthy self-concept. LOCATION: St. Paul’s Nursery School is located in the lower level of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1361 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio, 44313, with easy access from Kenilworth Drive. Phone (330)836-2355. Fax (330)836-1012. PROGRAM GOALS and OBJECTIVES: Social and Emotional Development:
Language, Math, and Science Development:
Creative Development:
Health and Physical Development:
We strive to work with each child at his or her own developmental level, respecting individual differences. We provide a warm, friendly environment offering a large assortment of toys, games, fine motor manipulatives, art media, gross motor equipment, music and creative play, to enhance each child’s own creativity, while allowing them to explore and develop new skills. We want children to know that learning is fun and exciting. Play is the avenue through which a variety of learning experiences occur and is essential to healthy development. Through play, children begin to understand others and the world around them.
LICENSE: St. Paul’s Nursery School has been licensed by the State of Ohio and has met all the conditions prescribed by the State of Ohio under Chapter 5104 of the Ohio Revised Code and Chapter 5101:2-12 of the Ohio Administrative Code to operate as a preschool. Our license has been issued by the State of Ohio Department of Human Services and is periodically renewed subject to examination, investigation and inspection by the Department of Human Services personnel. Our preschool licensing records are on file in Columbus, Ohio, and a copy of our license is posted in the classroom. A copy of the laws and rules governing child day care is available upon request. Our fire and building inspections, as well as our licensing reports are also available. The Ohio Department of Human Services has a toll free number you may call with any concerns or questions. 1-866-635-3748 or www.state.oh.us/odjfs. Our state license capacity is 48 preschoolers (3, 4, and 5 year old children) per session. St. Paul’s limits our class sizes to less than the state standards to allow the children more individual attention with 35 to 40 children per session. OPERATION: St. Paul’s Nursery School began operation September 15, 1954. Our name, “Nursery School” is part of our history. At that time the idea of a school for three and four year olds was a new concept. It was called a “Nursery School” because of the age of the children. The school is owned and operated by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, as a nondenominational outreach to the community. A six member Board of Directors, including a preschool parent and the nursery school director manage the operation of the school. St. Paul’s Nursery School is affiliated with the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children (OAEYC), and the Akron Association for the Education of Young Children (AAEYC).
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Our preschool operates during the public school year (September through May). Vacations, Teacher In-service Days and Holidays are noted on our St. Paul’s Nursery School Calendar. Our preschool is open Monday through Friday. 9:00AM to 3:00PM with extended hours before or after school until 6:00PM as needed with arrangements made in advance. Extended care is $4.00 per hour or $2.00 per half hour, 8:30AM to 6:00PM. LATE FEE: If a parent realizes that circumstances are beyond their control and they are going to be late, a phone call is requested. This is very important as some children fear they are forgotten when parents do not arrive on time. A late fee of $5.00 will be charged for anyone who is
ten minutes late. If you are more than
ten minutes late, an additional $2.00 per minute will be added to the $5.00 fee. Late charges must be paid at the time you are picking up your child. PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY and REGISTRATION: St. Paul’s Nursery School is open to all children regardless of race, religion, sex, nationality or ethnic origin. A child is considered to be enrolled only after the school has received the completed registration form and (non refundable) registration fee. The director will confirm the availability of space for the desired time and days of the week. All additional forms must be completed and returned before your child attends school. A medical form signed by your physician or certified nurse practitioner must be updated annually. Any health changes, allergies etc. address or phone number changes must be communicated in writing to the school immediately. Current information must always be on hand for the safety of your child. PRESCHOOL FORMS: 1. Application for Admission 2. Personal Data 3. Child Release 4. Child’s Enrollment and Health Information (complete both sides) 5. Child’s Medical Statement (physician signature required) 6. Method of Payment 7. Parent Permission Form
STAFF:
Some of our teachers work half days. At our Open House and the first few days of the school year, all of our teachers will be present at both the morning and afternoon classes. This gives the teachers, parents and children an opportunity to meet one another and we have additional help for anyone who needs some extra T.L.C. When there is a need for a substitute, we try to work within our own staff, so your child will see a familiar face at school and their class routine will not be disrupted. Note: To our advantage, most of our staff members, including some of our substitutes, have been St. Paul’s parents while their own children attended the nursery school. We have a long history and excellent reputation within our community.
STAFF TO CHILD RATIO: 3 Year Olds: Children must be three years old by September 30th of the current school year. Children must be potty trained, must independently recognize when he or she needs to use the bathroom, and be self-sufficient when using it. The State of Ohio requires one state certified teacher for every twelve children. Because we desire to provide a higher level of quality care, rather than the 1:12 ratio, St. Paul’s provides two state certified teachers for 16 to 18 three year olds per class for a 1:8 or 9 ratio. 4 to 5 Year Olds: Children must be four years old by September 30th of the current school year. Children must independently recognize when he or she needs to use the bathroom, and be self-sufficient when using it. At four or five years of age your child should be able to zip, button, snap or buckle their own clothes as well as wipe their own bottom, flush the toilet and wash their hands. The State of Ohio requires one state certified teacher for every fourteen children. St. Paul’s maintains a lower teacher/child ratio to provide your child with a quality preschool education. Rather than the State of Ohio 1:14 ratio, we provide two state certified teachers for twenty, four and five year olds per class for a 1:10 ratio. Our daily schedule is flexible enough to provide adaptability when needed to accommodate visitors, special activities or the needs of the children each day. We also provide enough structure and predictability for the children to view school as a safe and comforting place, where they know what to expect and when to expect it. A typical preschooler’s day would include some of the following activities. Note: Children may arrive five minutes before class begins. ST. PAUL’S NURSERY SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE 9:00AM – 9:15AM or 12:30PM – 12:45PM Arrival, welcome, introduce today’s theme and the day’s activities Job Chart: Each child gets a different job to do each day. The job gives the children responsibility and helps them to feel like an important part of the classroom. 9:15AM – 10:00AM or 12:45PM – 1:30PM Free Choice / Playtime & Creative Activities The children have the opportunity to use toys, which include, thinking, learning, & creativity. Play includes table games, puzzles, fine motor manipulatives, role playing / pretend area, blocks, science center, cars, trucks, legos etc. Creative activities include the painting easel, marker easel, chalkboard, flannel board, drawing, coloring, cutting and gluing. Whatever the children create they may take home. These art projects enhance the children’s creativity and also give them a sense of accomplishment and pride. 10:00AM – 10:10AM or 1:30PM – 1:40PM Clean-Up Time The children learn to take care of the classroom toys – a respect for another’s property, learn how to clean up and a sense of helping others. 10:10AM – 10:20AM or 1:40PM – 1:50PM Quiet Time The children listen to quiet music, choose a book from the shelf and relax while they look at the book. As children finish looking at their books, they may individually use the restroom and wash their hands before snack time. 10:20AM – 10:30AM or 1:00PM – 2:00PM Snack Time The children learn table manners, taste different foods and share conversation. 10:30AM – 11:00AM or 2:00PM – 2:30PM Circle Time The children will learn new songs and finger plays that pertain to the weekly theme. They may also use this time for “Show and Tell.” The children will participate in circle games, music, musical instruments and rhythm activities, stories and flannel board activities. We will discuss our themes, daily activities, the calendar, days of the week, special days, and the weather. 11:00AM – 11:25AM or 2:30PM – 2:55PM Large Muscle Activities The Children will develop their large muscle co-ordination, learn new skills, a sense of fair play and sharing. The children will either go outside or into the gym depending on the weather. Both areas have a variety of riding and climbing toys, plus a variety of age appropriate toys. 11:25AM – 11:30AM or 2:55PM – 3:00PM End of the Day Prepare to go home, get jackets, backpacks, art work, and information to take home. TUITION: Registration: $50.00 Activity Fee: $60.00 This one time annual fee covers the cost of all field trips, special visitors, classroom activity photos, theme related events and classroom parties for the entire year. St. Paul's T-Shirt is available for $10.00 Tuition for each class: The Three Year Old – 3 days per week class (Tues. Wed. Thurs.) Annual Fee: $990.00 You may pay your child’s tuition annually $990.00 (one payment) Monthly payments of $110.00 due Sept.1, through May 1. Your child's tuition is due the first day of the month, but no later than the 5th of each month, to avoid a late fee. (nine payments) The Four/Five Year Old – 3
days per week class (Your choice
of three days) Annual Fee:
$1,035.00 You may pay your child’s tuition annually $1,035.00 (one payment) Monthly payments of $115.00 due Sept.1, through May 1. Your child's tuition is due the first day of the month, but no later than the 5th of each month, to avoid a late fee. (nine payments) The Four/Five Year Old – 5 days per week class (Monday thru Friday) Annual Fee: $1,260.00 You may pay your child’s tuition annually $1,260.00 (one payment) Monthly payments of $140.00 due Sept.1, through May 1. Your child's tuition is due the first day of the month, but no later than the 5th of each month, to avoid a late fee. (nine payments) Your child’s tuition and fees may be paid by cash, check or credit card. All check may be written to St. Paul’s Nursery School. We do not keep money in the classroom. If you are paying by cash, please have the correct amount in an envelope with your child’s full name, date and amount on the outside of the envelope. We will be happy to provide you with a receipt for your payment. Forms are enclosed for credit card or automatic withdrawal payments. No monthly statements are mailed. You are responsible for your child’s timely payments. All payments must be made no later than the 5th of each month. A $30.00 fee will be charged for any NSF check returned from the bank. A $20.00 late fee will be assessed to anyone who has a late tuition payment. There are no exceptions to these policies. Sibling Discount: There is a 15% tuition discount for the second child enrolled from the same family. Sibling Discounts for monthly payments: The second enrolled in the
Three Year Old – 3 day program
is $93.50 The second enrolled in the
Four/Five Year Old – 3 day
program is $97.75 The second enrolled in the
Four/Five Year Old – 5 day
program is $119.00 Please Note: Your child’s tuition is an annual fee. Because our enrollment is limited and we have fixed expenses, we cannot operate on a fluctuating budget. We cannot give families a discount if your child misses school for inclement weather, vacations, or illnesses (unless they are hospitalized for an extended period of time). You are expected to pay the full tuition unless your child is asked to be removed from school or you move out of town. ABSENCES: When a child is absent due to an illness or other reason, please notify the school (836-2355). This allows us to keep track of what illnesses are affecting the children and what signs to look for or warn other parents about. It is not mandatory to attend preschool, but tuition is not refunded for absences. Please notify your child’s teacher with a written note if your child will miss several days due to a vacation. This assists the teacher when planning special class activities. EMERGENCY CLOSING: In the event that school is closed due to the weather, you will be notified by public T.V. and radio announcements. We normally follow the Akron Public School schedule for closing. If a situation occurs that St. Paul’s Nursery School closes independent of other schools, we will make every effort to contact you by phone as soon as possible. These are the T.V. and radio stations for complete closing information:
OUTDOOR PLAY: Research has shown that children stay healthier when they have daily outdoor play. Based on this information and state requirement 5101:2-12-24, we will attempt to provide outdoor play on a daily basis. We will limit the amount of time outside when the temperatures are very warm or very cold. Children will not be taken outside when the temperature drop below mid 20’s or rises above 90 degrees. If the situation requires it we will also adjust outdoor time due to rain, threatening weather, ozone warnings, etc. On days that outdoor play is not provided due to these conditions, we will include a time for indoor gross motor activities. Please send your children with the proper clothing so they may be comfortable and safe whenever we are outside. This includes snow pants, hats, mittens and boots in the winter time. Please label your child’s boots, coat, backpack etc. PARENT – TEACHER – COMMUNITY – PARTNERSHIP: At St. Paul’s we see ourselves not separate from families or the community, but as partners. We offer support and service to one another. We strive to create an exciting learning environment for your child. Because you know your child better than anyone else, your involvement is vitally important for your child to experience a successful transition from home to school and from school to the larger community. We invite parents and family members to share directly in your child’s preschool experience. Become a Room Parent, help plan a party or a field trip. Bake cookies or create an art project with your child’s class. Parents and Grandparents can add tremendous richness to our program. Share your talents, careers, interests and history with the children. We encourage you to talk with your child’s teacher and plan an activity or visit us anytime. Remember it is normal for some children to cry the first week or two of school. Separation anxiety will lessen with time. Your constant reassurance will help build your child’s trust in us. Explain to your child “school is fun…” “the teachers love to play with the children at school…” “mommy or daddy will always pick you up as soon as school is over…” As soon as you have said your good-byes and reassured your child leave the classroom quickly! We realize that as parents we have our own fears of leaving our children, but we don’t want to transfer any of our fears to them. The longer you linger the more difficult the separation becomes and your child may begin to feel there is a reason to be fearful. The sooner the parent leaves the more quickly the child will relax. If there is a serious problem we will call you at home or on your cell phone and you are always welcome to call us. Our main concern is your child’s best interest. The teachers will alert parents of any concerns when you pick your child up after school. We are available to discuss your child’s progress or needs at anytime in person or by phone. However, due to staff responsibilities and schedules, parents are asked to make an appointment when it is necessary to engage in a lengthy conversation. Teachers want to be able to focus on you and your child at this time. Please feel free to bring concerns up when they occur. Often they can be addressed when they are little problems, before they grow into bigger problems. Our teachers fully realize that you trust us with your little ones and we want you to feel comfortable with the staff at St. Paul’s. If you have any concerns please speak with your child’s teacher or the director. FAMILY DIRECTORY: A class Family Directory will be passed out at the beginning of school. If you do NOT want your name, address and phone # to be printed in the Family Directory, please let the director know. Family Directories are not printed on our website or available for any person or group not enrolled at St. Paul’s Nursery School. The Family Directory is only given to the families in your child’s classroom. SNACKS: Parents are asked to provide a nutritious snacks for their child’s class on a monthly basis. The children not only enjoy the snacks but are also socializing with their friends. The Snack Calendar is located near your child’s classroom door for easy access and sign-up when dropping off or picking up your child. You may bring whatever you’d like with the exception of nuts. Note: Please do not bring nuts of any kind to school or any baked goods with nuts or peanut butter. Please let your child’s teacher know if the snack you provided contains nuts, peanut butter or peanut oil of any kind.
Here’s a list of snack suggestions… *The children enjoy juice or milk with a small snack* bananas, mini yogurt cups, mini muffins, trail mix (no nuts), apples, crackers & cheese, veggies & dip, rice crispie treats, grapes, ½ bagel & cream cheese, graham crackers, banana bread, pretzels, fish crackers, cereal, raisens oranges, animal crackers, oatmeal cookies, finger jello BIRTHDAY TREATS: We realize that birthdays are special. We will help you to make your child’s day special with a Birthday crown and sticker and leader for the day. You may send in a special snack that day or take home treat, but please keep it simple. We are sorry, but cake with candles, ice cream, party hats etc. take up more time than we have available for our little snack time. Check with your child’s teacher for birthday treats. PAPER PRODUCTS and SOAP: We always welcome any donations of liquid soap to help clean up all our sticky and paint covered little fingers. Napkins and cups for snack time or tissues to catch all those runny noses would be very helpful. With an average of 70 children a day we use lots of paper and soap products. CLOTHING: Please remember that preschool activities tend to be somewhat messy… Your child should wear comfortable play clothes! No matter how careful we are, glue, paint, clay, grass-stains and dirt are some of the stains your little one may wear home to you! Rubber soled shoes are also important for safety when running and climbing. We also ask that you bring an extra set of clothes to school, in case of an accident or spill that would necessitate a fresh change of clothes. Please label your child’s extra clothing and put them in a shoe box to be kept at school. We will try to go outside as often as possible (even in the winter). Please dress your child appropriately for the weather (boots, mittens, hats, etc. especially in cold weather). *PLEASE label your child’s coat, backpack, boots, etc. with his/her name clearly to avoid confusion. BOOK BAG: It’s a good idea to bring a book bag or backpack to school. Children can carry their art work and other papers to and from school. Don’t forget to put your child’s name on the inside of their backpacks in case we have more than one of the same design. CONFERENCES: Our teacher will send home a brief progress report in the fall. Formal conferences will be scheduled in the early spring to discuss your child’s progress, accomplishments, as well as any difficulties they may be experiencing. Parents should always feel free to request a conference at other times if they have any questions or concerns. St. Paul’s Nursery School believes that helping the child to learn self-control is very important. Our hope is that each child will learn self discipline through careful guidance. Your child will be treated with love and respect. If children are treated with respect, they in turn, learn to respect the teachers and their friends. Our expectations will be kept within the child’s capabilities and the child will be made aware of these expectations. Positive reinforcement (commenting on children doing "the right thing") and positive redirection (removing the child and giving them an appropriate activity) will be used. A child may be asked to sit for a short period of time to give the child a chance to regain control if they are having a difficult time. Our "Time to Think" will be age appropriate in length and done within the classroom. During our "Time to Think", a staff person will talk with the child and help them to calm down, regain control, discuss ways the child could have behaved more appropriately during the situation and discuss what action they will take now (apologize, share, other helpful actions...). Staff will not impose punishments for failure to eat or toileting accidents. Our teachers will guide the children to resolve conflict and model appropriate behavior through gentle intervention in the following ways: 1 Teacher anticipates and eliminates potential classroom conflicts. This discipline policy applies to all staff and parents while they are at the preschool. Aggressive Behaviors:
If your child demonstrates aggressive behavior that requires frequent extra attention from the teachers and becomes a problem for the other children, we may choose to develop and implement a written behavior management plan. This plan would be developed in consultation with the parents, teachers and director and would be consistent with the requirements of Rule 5101:2-12-22 of the State of Ohio preschool regulations. If the situation does not improve and the child continues to endanger himself or harm other children or our staff, it may become necessary to terminate the child's enrollment in preschool. Every attempt will be made to work together with the parents and the child to correct the inappropriate/aggressive behavior. However, the safety of all children is always our primary concern. The director will be in communication with the parents prior to any child being disenrolled. Unacceptable Behavior:
If your child displays any unacceptable behavior, parents will be called and we will ask you to pick your child up from school immediately. It will be the parents responsibility to deal with this unacceptable behavior at home. If the unacceptable behavior continues to occur, your child's enrollment in preschool may be terminated. SHARING TOYS: We will have “Sharing Day” each Wednesday. Children will not be allowed to bring toys from home to school on other days. The children do not have to bring something from home on Wednesday, but if they would like to bring something related to our weekly theme they may do so, on Wednesdays only. We will allow time for each child who brings in a theme related item to talk about it during “Circle Time”. Talk with your child at home about what they are bringing, why they chose that item and how it is related to our weekly theme. Your child will feel much more comfortable about talking in front of their class if thy have an idea about what they are going to say. *No guns or violent toys will be allowed at school. Remember we have little ones here…expensive, delicate or toys with small parts could be easily lost or broken. NEWSLETTER: A preschool newsletter will be sent home monthly to keep you informed of our weekly themes, field trips, daily activities and upcoming events. This gives parents some detailed information about what your child is learning in school, as well as time to plan for field trips or other parent/child activities.
FIELD TRIPS: During the school year we will be taking several field trips. These field trips will be noted in the newsletter and you will receive a permission slip with more information about the trip. You must sign and return the slip for your child to participate. Any fee requirements for the children on field trips are covered by their Activity Fee. The children should wear their St. Paul's T-shirt whenever possible, this helps the children and chaperones recognize the children in our group and to keep the group together. Children will be transported via parent car pools. State regulations require children 4 years old and 40 pounds and under to ride in a car seat. Parents must bring their child's car seat to school the day of the trip, so that their child may attend. Parents are welcome to attend our field trips, and may be asked to transport and supervise children while on the trip. Any parent who is transporting children other than their own child/children must present a valid Ohio Driver's License. We will copy the drivers license as well as a list of children the parent will be transporting. Parents who are transporting and supervising children on the field trip will receive a list of the children they are transporting as well as any necessary information about the children. We will make every effort to have a teacher and another parent ride with the parent who is driving. Parents must walk out of the school building with the children they are transporting when departing for a school field trip, they must stay with the group of children they are responsible for the entire trip and must walk the children back into the building when returning from the field trip. Any fees required for a field
trip, for St. Paul's students
will be paid through their
Activity Fee. If a parent
chooses to attend the trip, they
are required to pay all fees for
themselves and any siblings who
attend. Fees must be
paid one week in advance of the
trip. EXTENDED CARE: St. Paul’s provides a safe, enjoyable environment for your child if you need extended care. Extended Care Sign-up: The sign-up sheet for extended care is located on the “Parent Board”. There is a limited number of spaces on a first come, first serve basis. Parents are asked to sign up at least 24 hours in advance. This advance notice allows us to plan for additional staff if needed, to insure your child’s safety. Please remember you can not sign your child up for extended care without 24 hour advance notice. Our staff have families and other commitments. We need advance notice to schedule a staff person for extended care. Extended Care Fees: Parents may purchase an
extended care card in advance.
These cards will be kept at
school. Each time your child
stays for extended care we will
punch and date the number of
hours used. This eliminated the
need for handling money on a
daily basis, since we do not
keep money in the classroom.
When the card is completed we
will return it to you. You may
purchase a $20.00 card (5 hours)
or $40.00 (10 hours) card.
Extended care is $4.00 per hour or $2.00 per half hour. Extended Care Lunch: Parents must provide lunch for their child if they are staying during lunchtime. We have included a copy of the State of Ohio nutritional guidelines for preschoolers. In the event that your child forgets his/her lunch, St. Paul’s will provide a lunch that follows these guidelines.
THE NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A PRESCHOOL LUNCH : The State of Ohio requires that lunch constitutes at least 1/3 of the preschool child’s recommended daily dietary requirements. Therefore, St. Paul’s Nursery School recommends that you include foods from each of these basic food groups in your child’s lunch if he/she is staying for extended care. MEAT GROUP
VEGETABLE-FRUIT GROUP Sources: All fruits and vegetables. A source of Vitamin C needs to be served daily and a source of Vitamin A every other day. Sources of vitamin A & C are as follows. Vitamin C (daily) Vitamin A (2-3 times weekly) VEGETABLES Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussell sprouts, Carrots, Cabbage (head or red) Cauliflower, Green leafy vegetables: beet greens, chicory, collards, cress, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, turnip greens, Okra, Mixed vegetables, sweet red or green Peppers, Potatoes, Squash, Turnips Sweet potatoes, Tomatoes, juice, puree, paste, soup FRUIT Cantaloupe, Apricots, Grapefruit or juice Cantaloupe, Guava Cherries, red sour, Honeydew melon, Mango, Nectarine, Orange juice, Persimmon, Papaya, Peaches (except canned), Raspberries, red Plums, purple (canned), Strawberries Prunes, Tangerine GRAIN GROUP ½ slice of bread or equivalent Sources: Whole grain, fortified, or enriched grain products. MILK GROUP Milk or calcium equivalents: ¾ cup (6 oz.) ARRIVAL: For the first week of school, we ask all parents to walk their child into their classroom to help them feel comfortable with their new school, teachers and friends. After the first week parents may continue to park in the parking lot and walk their child into their classroom or you may pull into the circular drive off Kenilworth and one of the teachers will come out to your car and walk your child into their classroom. Please do not park in the circular drive. The circular drive is reserved for those parents who are dropping their children off to be walked into or out of school by the teacher. *Please do not drop your child off outside if a teacher is not there to walk them into the building. No child should be left unattended. Teachers will be outside five minutes before class begins. Parents may walk their child into their classroom five minutes before class begins. It is the parent’s responsibility to give any notes, special instructions, permission slips, money, medications etc. directly to your child’s teacher. Please do not depend on your child to remember to relay any messages to their teacher. LATE ARRIVALS: If a child is more than 20 minutes late, the entrance off Kenilworth will be locked. The parent or guardian must ring the buzzer to the left of the door and a staff member will let you into the school. The parent must walk the child into the classroom and initial the time the child has arrived and tell the teacher the reason for the child's late arrival. As noted in the State of Ohio regulation 5101:2-12-20. Appropriate arrival times are listed below: Morning: 8:55-9:15am
Afternoon: 12:25-12:45pm DEPARTURE: For the first week of school, we ask all parents to walk into their child's classroom to pick them up and help them feel comfortable with their new school, teachers and friends. After the first week parents may continue to park in the parking lot and walk into school to pick up their child or you may pull into the circular drive off Kenilworth and one of the teachers will walk your child out to your car. Please do not park in the circular drive and walk into your child's classroom, as this stops the flow of traffic for those parents picking up their children. Appropriate departure times are listed below: Morning class: 11:25-11:35am Afternoon class: 2:55-3:05pm
EARLY OR LATE DEPARTURES:
If a parent is picking up their child earlier or later than the normal class dismissal time, that parent or guardian must go to the entrance off Kenilworth and ring the buzzer to the left of the door and a staff member will let you into the school. The parent must walk into the child's classroom and initial the attendance book and the time the child will leave and tell the teacher the reason for the child's early/late dismissal. Parents are asked to always talk with their child's teacher to ensure that the teacher is aware that the child is being picked up. As noted in the State of Ohio regulation 5101:2-12-20.
Normal class times are listed below
Morning class: 9-11:30am Afternoon class: 12:30-3pm Custody Agreements: If there are custody issues involved with your child, you must provide the school with court papers indicating who has permission to pick up the child. The staff may not deny a parent access to their child with proper documentation.
The State of Ohio regulation
5101:2-12-20. Child Abuse Reporting: All staff members are mandated reporters of child abuse. If staff has suspicions that a child is being abused or neglected, they MUST make a report to the local children’s services agency state rule 2151.421. The safety of the children is always our first concern. REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE SPECIAL NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION: Whenever possible please make every effort to administer medicine at home before or after school. The school staff will administer medication, special medical needs attention or a special modified diet on a limited basis to those children who have a Medical Plan of Action. We must have a special written Plan of Action with step by step procedures, symptoms to look for, medications in their original containers with dosage and times listed. Please talk to the director for these special medical forms. The forms must be completed and signed by your child’s physician as well as the parents. State of Ohio regulation 5101:2-12-33. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE and ILLNESS POLICY: Our staff members have been trained with the American Red Cross in First Aid, CPR, recognition and management of communicable diseases and appropriate hand washing and disinfecting procedures. An Ohio Department of Health “Child Day Care Center Communicable Disease Chart” is posted in the classroom. If a child has any of the following symptoms he or she must be kept at home until all symptoms are gone for 24 hours. Parents will be contacted to pick up their child IMMEDIATELY if he or she exhibits ANY of the following symptoms at school: State of Ohio regulation 5101:2-12-33. 1 Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea 2 Severe coughing 3 Difficult or rapid breathing 4 Yellowish skin or eyes 5 Red, discharging eyes 6 Temperature of 100 degrees or more without Tylenol 7 Rash or infected skin patches 8 Sore throat or difficulty swallowing 9 Heavy nasal discharge 10 Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool 11 Stiff neck, headache or earache 12 Evidence of lice, scabies or other parasitic infestation Note: EACH CHILD MUST HAVE ON FILE A COMPLETE HEALTH FORM SIGNED BY A LICENSED PHYSICIAN OR REGISTERED NURSE PRACTIONER AS WELL AS TWO (2) EMERGENCY CONTACTS IN ADDITION TO PARENTS, THAT ARE AVAILABLE WHEN PARENTS CANNOT BE REACHED. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE AND ILLNESS POLICY *If a child appears to have symptoms of illness at school, the following actions will be taken: 1. Parents will be called. If parents can not be reached the emergency contacts will be called. 2. The child will be isolated and cared for in a section of the room not being used by other children. 3. An adult will be within sight of the child who is isolated due to illness. No child will be left alone or unsupervised. 4. The ill child will be made comfortable and provided with a place to rest. 5. The child will be observed for worsening condition. 6. The child will be discharged to a parent, guardian or person designated in writing by a parent or guardian as promptly as possible. *A child should be free of all “sick symptoms” for 24 hours preceding the child’s return to school. A child may return to school when he/she is no longer contagious or has been diagnosed by a physician as not being contagious. Please promptly call the school if your child ahs any communicable diseases, lice, etc. which they may have contracted and exposed other children to. A notice will be posted on the “Parent Board” as well as sent home if children are exposed to any serious communicable disease. A child who is experiencing MINOR cold symptoms, but who is not exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms may come to school. If your child does not feel well and is fussy or cranky because of minor symptoms, it will be best to keep him or her at home. *Remember, if your child does not feel well, they will hot have a good day at school. A staff member with communicable disease will not work with children until she is non-contagious. All communicable disease and illness policies of St. Paul’s Nursery School are in compliance with regulation 5101:2012-33 for the State of Ohio.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLAN – ACCIDENT POLICY: All staff members are required to complete a course in First Aid and the recognition and prevention of Communicable Diseases. First Aid supplies and a copy of each child’s emergency medical form are available in the first aid backpack as well as in their class file. The First Aid backpack is located in each classroom to the right of the teacher’s desk. It is a backpack marked “First Aid”. This backpack will accompany us on all field trips. *Parents must alert their child’s teachers throughout the school year if there is any change of address, phone number, emergency contact or medical condition so that all forms will be updated in case of an emergency. In the event of a more serious emergency and if all attempts to reach parents or guardians are unsuccessful, the emergency squad will be called and the child will be transported to the hospital providing the child’s parents have signed the Emergency Medical Form to grant treatment or transportation.. Emergency Numbers:
Emergency Procedure: 1. Administer necessary first aid. Second staff member will assist if necessary. 2. Locate Child’s Emergency Medical form. 3. Director or Teacher will contact parents or guardian if needed. Emergency numbers are located in child’s file. 4. If unable to reach either parent or guardian, call another responsible adult listed on child’s emergency contact form. 5. If it becomes necessary to transport a child to the nearest hospital, contact the emergency medical services at 911. 6. Copy the preschool Emergency and Medical Forms to accompany the child to the hospital. 7. Isolate the child and the Director or Teacher will remain with the child until his/her parents, guardian or emergency transportation arrive. 8. Continue efforts to contact parents. 9. All emergencies requiring First Aid (no matter how minor) will be reported to the child’s parents both verbally and in writing (Accident Form). A copy of the accident report will be kept in the child’s personal file. SAFETY POLICY: The following measures are taken to insure your child’s safety: 1. No child is ever left alone or unsupervised. 2. Children are assisted out
of cars upon arrival by a
teacher. (Morning class 9:55 and
Afternoon class 12:30) *Parents,
please do not drop your child
off if a teacher is not outside. Parents may also pull into
the circular drive off
Kenilworth to pick up your child
after school. A staff
member will walk your child out
to your car after school.
If you would like to walk into
school to pick your child up you
may park in the lot and walk
into St. Paul's. 3. Children are supervised by a teacher whenever going from one room to another, to and from the gym and the playground. 4. All tables, plastic toy shelves, blocks, door and cubbies are sprayed with a germicide daily. 5. Bathrooms are cleaned daily. 6. Equipment and materials are routinely safety-checked. 7. Children will be closely supervised when using sharp utensils during cooking activities and scissors for art projects. 8. Safety caps will cover wall outlets. 9. There is immediate access to a working telephone in the classroom. 10. Whenever the children are transported away from the school on field trips, the staff/child ratios will be maintained, along with additional parent supervision. 11.The First Aid Kit and emergency files for each child are in the classroom and will also accompany us on all field trips. 12. Medical and dental emergency plans, as well as evacuation plans, are posted in the classrooms. 13. All staff members are trained in first aid, CPR, communicable disease prevention, and child abuse recognition. 14. St. Paul’s is required under Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code to report any suspicion of child abuse or child neglect to the appropriate agency. 15. Children are instructed in fire safety and fire drills are conducted at varying times. A record of fire drills will be maintained by the director. 16.Each classroom has a posted emergency plan, including a diagram of evacuation routes and plan of action for fire, weather alert, and emergency evacuations. 17. St. Paul’s has a 24 hour weather alert radio and the school will be notified in the event of a weather emergency. 18. All outside exits are clearly marked, accessible, and locked from the outside. 19. A person must use a buzzer to enter the building during class time. 20. Door will only be unlocked during arrival and departure times when a teacher is present to monitor children who will be walked into or out of the building. DENTAL FIRST AID: Following a Head or Mouth Injury: Calm the injured person: Check to determine the type of injury: If serious, contact parent and arrange to take child to emergency room Check for knocked out tooth Find tooth and refer to 1 below If minor bleeding: Apply direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth If bleeding doesn’t stop within ten minutes, contact parent and arrange to take child to emergency room. If bleeding profusely: Contact parent and arrange for emergency services by an emergency squad
ACTION PLAN 1. Knocked out tooth Find tooth – do not handle it by the roots If it’s dirty, rinse tooth gently – don’t scrub or use antiseptic For permanent tooth, (age 5 and older) Gently place tooth back in socket, have child hold with finger or tissue. If you can’t easily replace tooth, place tooth in glass of milk For primary to baby tooth, (under age 5): Place tooth in glass of milk **If milk is unavailable, wrap tooth in clean wet cloth or gauze Contact parent and arrange to TAKE CHILD AND TOOTH TO DENTIST IMMEDIATELY 2. Loosened/chipped tooth Clean the area with warm water Find the chipped portion of the tooth Avoid movement of tooth Apply cold compress to face to minimize swelling Contact parent and arrange to take child and the tooth chip to dentist immediately 3. Tooth pushed into gums Wash area with warm water Do not attempt to move tooth into correct position Contact parent and arrange to take child to dentist immediately 4. Toothache Do not place aspirin on gum tissue of aching tooth (aspirin will burn tissue!) Contact parent and arrange to take child to dentist immediately 5. Injury to lips, tongue cheek Rinse affected area with warm water Place cold compress over area to minimize swelling If lip injure due to fall or if tooth chipped, contact parent and arrange to take child to dentist immediately (foreign matter lodged in lip may cause infection) Also, see number 2 6. Broken or dislocated jaw Immobilize jaw by placing a scarf, necktie or towel under the chin and tying the ends on top of the head Contact parent and arrange to take child emergency room immediately Emergency Dental Joanne & Tom Semans 330/867-4461 Emergency Medical Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron 330/543-3000 Emergency Squad #911 FIRE & FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE 1. There is a fire evacuation plan posted in each classroom as well as the Assembly Hall. 2. The preschool teachers shall be responsible for the children who are assigned to them. 3. When the alarm has sounded, one teacher will immediately lead the children to the designated exit. Walk! Don’t run! 4. The second teacher will ascertain that all children are safely evacuated, pick up the class record binder, close the door and follow the group through the exit for a distance of at least 50 feet from the building. 5. The teachers will take attendance and account for all members of the group. The director should be notified of any missing children. 6. The director shall be responsible to bring the cell phone and First Aid Kit outside. 7. The director shall confirm with the teachers from each class that all children are accounted for. 8. There should be NO talking or laughing and no one should re-enter the building until the all clear signal is given. 9. The Akron Fire Department shall be notified in the event of any fire. Phone 911 10. In the event that the children have to be removed from the premises, St. Paul’s Emergency Evacuation Plan will be followed. EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN In case of a general emergency where there is a threat to the safety of the children St. Paul’s Nursery School will evacuate the child to a safe alternate location. Reason for Evacuation: 1. Fire 2. Store damage 3. Bomb threat 4. Power, water or heat outage 5. Gas leak 6. Natural disaster 7. Environmental emergency BUILDING EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN PROCEDURE: 1. Notification of building evacuation through fire alarm. There is a fire evacuation plan posted in each classroom as well as the Assembly Hall. 2. Take the children’s coats if necessary and the safety of the children will not be jeopardized. 3. The preschool teachers shall be responsible for the children who are assigned to them. 4. When the alarm has sounded, one teacher will immediately lead the children to the designated exit. Walk! Don’t run! 5. The second teacher will ascertain that all children are safely evacuated, pick up the class record binder, close the door and follow the group through the exit for a distance of at least 100 feet from the building. This will be the holding and evaluation area. 6. The teachers will take attendance and account for all members of the group. The director should be notified of any missing children. 7. The director shall be responsible to bring the cell phone and First Aid Kit outside. 8. The director shall confirm with the teachers that all children are accounted for. 9. There should be NO talking or laughing and no one should re-enter the building. 10. The designated safety area for the school fire drill will be used as a holding area to determine if evacuation from the premises is necessary. Note: Should an alternate location be necessary, the teachers and children will walk to the location. 1st alternate location: Our Lady of the Elms. 2nd alternate location First Assembly Preschool Our Lady of the Elms: 1. The teachers will walk with the children south on Kenilworth to West Market Street. 2. We will cross West Market at the street light at West Market and Elmdale. 3. We will walk east on West Market Street one block to Our Lady of the Elms. 4. We will walk to the gym at Our Lady of the Elms. The teachers will stay with the children the entire time. 5. The safety of the children is our main concern. The teachers will calmly reassure the children they are safe while the Director contacts parents. First Assembly Preschool: In the event that our first alternate location is not a safe location for the children, we will walk to First Assembly Preschool our second alternate location. We will follow the same evacuation procedures. 1. We will not cross the street at West Market Street. 2. We will walk two blocks east on West Market Street to First Assembly Preschool. 3. We will be in the Fellowship Hall at First Assembly. 4. Teachers will stay with the children reassuring them of their safety. 5. The Director will contact parents. Location of First Aid Kits: There is a First Aid Kit in each classroom in a backpack to the right of the teacher’s desk. Each First Aid Kit contains all the items required by the State of Ohio. Location of Fire Extinguishers: 1. A fire extinguisher is located on the wall in the west entrance (preschool entrance) hallway 2. A fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen next to the stove 3. Two fire extinguishers are located in the Assembly Hall Location of the Fire Alarm System: 1. A fire alarm is located on the wall at the west entrance (preschool entrance). 2. A fire alarm is located on the wall at the east entrance – lower level. 3. A fire alarm is located on the wall at the south west entrance (staff entrance). Location of the Electrical Circuit Box: The electrical circuit box for the school is located in the south hallway, behind a door on the east wall. Location of Children’s Records: Each classroom has a file box to the right of the teacher’s desk, next to the First Aid Kit, which contains the current class filed. Location of ODH Dental and First Aid Chart and Communicable Disease Chart: Each classroom has the communicable disease chart, dental and medical first aid charts posted on the back of their classroom door (facing the inside of the classroom). Emergency: In the event of an emergency and a child needs to be transported, 911 will be called and an emergency squad will transport the child – providing the child’s parents have granted St. Paul’s or an emergency squad permission to transport the child. St. Paul’s also has a car seat which could be used by a staff member to transport the child in an emergency if an emergency squad can not be reached. Please note: A staff member used to transport a child in an emergency situation would only be used as a last resort after all other procedures have been exhausted. Procedures: 1. Call parents (home number, work number, cell phone number) 2. Call guardian (home number, work number, cell phone number) 3. Call emergency contacts 4. Call 911 – If the situation is serious first call 911 to ensure the child’s safety. Emergency: In case of a dental emergency, depending on the type of injury, the steps to follow are located on the Dental Emergency Chart on the back of the classroom door. They are also listed in the school handbook. St. Paul’s Nursery School
Note: Communication is always available. Telephones are located in each classroom, the school office, the church office, the kitchen and the copy/work room. The teachers also have walkie-talkies while outside on the playground, to communicate with the other teachers inside the school, the staff in the church office and the church custodian in the event of an emergency on the playground.
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