V. WHAT IS A PRESCHOOL?

            The concept of preschool has been around for many years. Centers for children aged three to five (or under school age), can be called a variety of names (e.g., nursery school, preschool, day care, etc.). Basically, they all try to promote children's growth in the areas of development; intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially.

V. OUR PRESCHOOL

            Champion Christian Preschool is designed to facilitate children's growth. Unlike other preschool programs, it also seeks to provide a Christian atmosphere in which this growth takes place. Our desire is to help children develop a Christian worldview with which he or she will be able to understand the world.

            Play is seen as children's "work,” or the primary way the child learns. Our preschool's curriculum is, therefore, built around children's play. Our preschool classroom has several different play areas such as the block area, housekeeping area, cognitive (academic) area, computer area, art area, sensory area, and others which the child is free to explore under the guidance and supervision of the teacher.

            This type of programming is necessary for our developmental focus, allowing the staff to see each child as an individual with different likes and dislikes, different needs and levels of growth, and provides ways to maximize each child's experience at preschool. In a typical day at preschool, there are both structured and non structured times which include individual and group activities.

PRESCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE*

Morning Preschool Schedule

9:00 - 9:50                   Self Directed Play / Clean up Time

9:50 - 10:20                 Group Time:

This will be a time when we discuss the unit/lesson, read Bible stories, do the calendar, discuss the weather, sing songs, do finger plays, share our feelings and thoughts, as well as have a time of prayer.

10:20 - 11:30               Activity Time:

This time will be a special group learning experience and will be divided between Outside Play or Physical Activity (20 minutes), Snack (20 minutes), and Arts and Crafts (20 minutes). Times will be adjusted to the activities of the day.

11:30 - 11:45               Closing:

                                    During this time we will review songs and Bible stories and will prepare for parent

                                    arrival. Once a month a Secret Reader will tell or read a story to the children.

Afternoon Preschool Schedule

12:45 - 1:35                 Self Directed Play / Clean up Time

1:35 - 2:05                   Group Time:

This will be a time when we discuss the unit/lesson, read Bible stories, do the calendar, discuss the weather, sing songs, do finger plays, share our feelings and thoughts, as well as have a time of prayer.

2:05 - 3:15                   Activity Time:

This time will be a special group learning experience and will be divided between Outside Play or Physical Activity (20 minutes), Snack (20 minutes), and Arts and Crafts (20 minutes). Times will be adjusted to the activities of the day.

3:15 - 3:30                   Closing:

                                    During this time we will review songs and Bible stories and will prepare for parent

                                    arrival. Once a month a Secret Reader will tell or read a story to the children.

 *Schedule varies at the teacher’s discretion depending on weather and unit focus.

Notes:

*     We would like parents to wait outside of the classroom until we dismiss the children. You are welcome to come into the classroom

     after dismissal if you would like to see what we have done that day. Thank you for your cooperation with this, we want to make the

     children’s transition at the end of the day as smooth as possible.

*      If you need to pick up your child early, please make arrangements as soon as possible so we can have your child ready without

      disruption to the class. Thank you.

*     Parents are asked to take turns bringing snacks.

When dropping off your child, please leave him/her in the care of the preschool teacher only.

Your promptness during the drop off and pick up times is greatly appreciated and necessary to maintain the schedule for the morning and afternoon programs. For your child’s safety and for the convenience of the Champion Christian School bus drivers, we ask you not to park in front of the building, or to block the Preschool entrance. Please park in the lower right side parking area when bringing or picking up your child. Please walk them into the preschool classroom. When picking up your child, please wait in the hallway until your child is dismissed. This is to ensure that each child is safely in the care of an authorized adult in an orderly fashion.

VII. ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE

MAKING YOUR DECISION. We believe that choosing a school is a process that takes time. We require families to do the following:

1. Take a tour of the facilities. Tours can be arranged through the development office. With  various schedules and school

    ending in May, it’s important to start early.

            2. Schedule a visit day in the classroom.

3. Review the handbook. Questions? Ask us!

            4. Meet with the executive director and preschool teacher.

MAKING APPLICATION. After you have examined Champion Christian Preschool and decided that this is the program for you and your child, you will need to complete an Application for Enrollment. This form is available from the school office. If the application is accompanied by the registration fee, and there is room in the preferred session, a spot will be held. Acceptance will be based on space availability and your child must meet the following criteria to be enrolled in preschool: 

            1. Is at least three years old and toilet trained.

            2. Is developmentally appropriate for preschool.

            Programs are filled on a first come, first served manner. After a program fills, applications with registration fees will be placed on a waiting list in case an opening arises.

            Applications submitted after June 1 will be considered after all previous applicationshave been processed. Registration fees will not be refunded unless your student is not accepted.

As openings become available, children will be admitted based on the following criteria:

        1.Children’s readiness for preschool.

        2.Group dynamics, in the context of the child's behavior and developmental characteristics.

        3. Position on the waiting list.

        4.   Family's need for preschool service.

The preschool staff will then set up a meeting called an “intake.”

VIII. INTAKE PROCEDURE

            The intake is done on an appointment basis, and must be completed before your child starts preschool. Please contact the preschool staff to set up a meeting time to complete a developmental history. Both parents should be present, if possible, to supply the needed information. Additional paperwork will also need to be completed with the office staff.

            The developmental history is a history of your child's development such as when (s)he sat up, walked, was toilet trained, etc. This background is helpful because it gives the staff a better understanding of your child and an opportunity for staff to become better acquainted with your family. Bringing your child's baby book along to this meeting may be helpful.

            You will need to see the accounting office (at our North Campus in Donegal) to fill out various forms and to sign the Service Agreement. You will arrange with the bookkeeping department which payment option best suits your family's needs (see section on Fees for more details about payments). Your signature on the service agreement signifies your commitment to financial accountability between you and the Center. These forms can also be completed during Preschool Orientation. 

IX. PREPARING FOR PRESCHOOL

           Even after you've made the decision to send your child to preschool, most parents have a period of questioning before that first day. “What if he's not ready to leave me yet?”, “What if he says a bad word, or hits another child?” “What if he cries the whole time?” “What if...?”

            Starting preschool is a new and different experience for both parents and children and will take some adjustment on both parts. It is perfectly normal to feel a bit apprehensive. Your child's teachers are available to talk to you about any questions you may have.

            Sometimes preschool is the first time a child will be away from home on a regular basis. That's a BIG step! Children will be excited about this new adventure, but also a little anxious. For this reason, it is very important to talk with your child about preschool before it is actually time for him to go. To adults, children are frightened about the most unreasonable things. For example, some children are afraid that they will be abandoned at preschool never to see home again! Explain to your child that they are going to preschool, where you will be while they are there, what they will be doing during the day, and when you will be picking them up. Even if your child doesn't seem to be listening, (s)he is! It will be a few weeks before your child will adjust to his new schedule. Children may be more irritable during this time. Continue to be firm but assuring and make sure daily routines are consistent.

            You and your child should visit the preschool a few times before the first day. This allows both of you to become more familiar with the Center and what goes on here. Please contact the Center to arrange a convenient time. At least one visit is required before your child's first day of preschool. Additional visits may be arranged if you like, or if the staff feels it is important.

            In the latter part of August, parents are required to attend orientation which will make you aware of preschool procedures, and give you other important information.

 X. THOSE FIRST DAYS

            During the first few days of preschool, your child may experience what is called separation anxiety. (S)He may cry and cling to you, begging you not to go. Leaving the Center at this time is one of the most difficult things you will have to do. Again, this is a big step for a child and they need your help to get through it. Just as going to the doctor can be a scary experience, so can preschool. As parents, we need to remind ourselves that children do not always know what is best for them. Once this separation issue is dealt with, your child will love preschool! It helps to talk to parents whose children are already in the program. They have lived through this and can be a great support to you.

            Even the hardest criers usually settle down a few minutes after parents leave. However, if you get home and still need a little reassurance, PLEASE CALL! The staff will tell you how your child is doing and ease your mind. You may call as often as you wish.

            To make the adjustment to preschool easier for both you and your child, you should stay with him for 15 or 20 minutes before leaving those first few days. This lets the child explore the preschool while having the comfort of his parent around. Also, it is a good idea to let your child bring something of their own from home. A familiar toy or object sometimes makes it easier for him to get used to the newness of preschool.

XI. CENTER AND FAMILY WORKING TOGETHER

            The Christian Family & Children's Center views Champion Christian Preschool as a very important component of a child's life. We know the only way the preschool experience will be a meaningful one is for families and the school to work together. Therefore, we have tried to provide ways for parents to become involved in the Center. Feel free to call your child’s teacher if you need more information about the activities at school. You are encouraged to come and spend time at the preschool during arrival and departure times. If you are a working parent, please plan your days so that you can have a few minutes with your child when he arrives or returns from preschool. We will appreciate your involvement throughout the year (e.g. field trip chaperones, help with parties, work days, etc.). 

            Our newsletter, the CENTER ADVOCATE, is published periodically. It reports activities that are occurring at the Center, contains classroom articles written by our teachers, and much more! Please note upcoming events and schedules on your home calendar. The Center is a multifaceted organization, please take the responsibility for recording important events, or you may miss many valuable opportunities for growth.

PRINCIPALS’ NOTES are sent home every other Thursday during the school year. These notes are designed to keep you up to date on school and Center activities and events. Principals’ Notes, the abbreviated Administrators’ Updates along with the Center Advocate are your keys to getting information. If you do not receive a weekly Principals’ Notes or the Center Advocate, call the office. Principals’ Notes are also found on our web site at www.champion.org.

The parents of children enrolled in our preschool program regularly meet at the Center for PARENT MEETINGS. This is a supportive time for parents to discuss with the faculty, staff, and each other the operations of the school and their child’s preschool experience. We also have presentations of interest, and just have fun getting to know one another.

PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAC). The Parent Advisory Committee is a group of parents who have been involved in the school program for at least one year, and have been appointed by the Board of Directors to help coordinate parental involvement in the school. You can expect to hear from them periodically. Please let them know your ideas! The PAC is part of the Center's leadership team along with the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, Pastoral Advisory Council, faculty and staff, P.T.F., and student council.

PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP (PTF). All parents and teachers at Champion Christian School are a part of the PTF, which is in charge of providing ways for parents and teachers to work together. The executive committee of the PTF meets regularly to help parents and teachers organize activities at the school. Its role is primarily social, although it does take on certain administrative tasks. 

What kinds of things does the PTF do? Organize trips to Christian concerts, snow tubing,

Christmas caroling, bowling, dinners, baseball games, roller and ice skating, men's events, women's events, etc. If you have an idea, let them help you organize it!

PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES will be held three times per year (fall, midwinter, and end of year) to give you and your child's teacher an opportunity to discuss your child's progress and address any concerns that you may have. Any materials, notes or charts that would be helpful for you will be made available at this time. If you would like, the preschool staff will meet with you more frequently.

PARENT RESOURCES. There are books, magazines, videos, and periodicals available for you to borrow from the Center library. These publications pertain to parenting and Christianity. Check with the staff for more details.

            Because parents do not usually get to see anything but self-directed play in the preschool, we have set up PARENT VISITATION DAYS. Parents can arrange with the staff to 'sit in' and observe for all or part of the day.

VOLUNTEERS. There are various ways you can volunteer your time at the Center. WORK DAYS are scheduled periodically to help make improvements in the appearance and maintenance of our building. If you are unable to come on a scheduled work day but would like to help, please contact us. You are encouraged to get involved and assist in the upkeep of our facility. We also schedule volunteers to type, fold newsletters, clean, assist in the library, help landscape, as well as other things the Lord might lead you to do. We always need you, so please speak up with your ideas!

CONFIDENTIALITY. It is important for you to know that the Center maintains the strictest rules of confidentiality. Due to the intimate relationship that exists between the Center and the home, information that you give to the Center concerning you or your child will remain between us; persons not affiliated with the Center will not have access to our files without your permission. The Center will communicate appropriate educational information about students with staff members and contracted personnel when it is necessary to fulfill their responsibilities at CCS in meeting the legitimate educational interests of the children they serve.

You are welcome here!

Please take part in the Center and its activities,

Your input is valuable to us!

XII. WHAT IS EXPECTED OF PARENTS AT CCS?

              We realize that everyone can't do everything at Champion Christian Preschool. We do not expect you to attend every event or function of the school or Center, however, we do believe your involvement in the ministry is important.

              There are a variety of events occurring at the Center, and many parents have asked for guidelines about what commitments we would like from them. The following are suggested guidelines:

       A.REQUIRED COMMITMENTS

              1.Attend orientation in August.

              2.Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences for your child.

              3.Pray for Champion Christian Preschool, the Center and its many ministries.

4.Read Principals’ Notes and Administrators’ Updates thoroughly each week.

5.Read the Center Advocate (our newsletter) thoroughly.

              6. Help in the class room when asked.

       B.   SUGGESTED COMMITMENTS

1.Attend parent / teacher group meetings per school year.

2.Attend two work days each year (there are four scheduled in the year).

3.Actively participate in three fund-raisers per year (there are five scheduled fund-raisers throughout the year).

4.Help with at least one field trip.

C.SEASONED PARENT COMMITMENTS

As a parent who has been involved with our school for two years or more, in addition to the required and suggested commitments, we ask that you serve in a leadership capacity. Here are some areas that need parental leadership.

1.Serve on the Parent Advisory Committee or Parent/Teacher Fellowship.

2.Serve on a fund-raising committee.

3.Assume leadership of a club, athletic group or other student group at the Center.