1. We are not Presbyterian. Can our child attend the preschool?
Children from all religious backgrounds are welcome to attend the preschool. Your child will enjoy Bible stories, Biblical songs, prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The program admits children of any race, national and ethnic origin.
2. Where do I get Registration Forms?
Please download a 2010-11 registration form here. This file is an Adobe Acrobat Reader file.
3. What type of curriculum do you follow?
We offer a theme-based curriculum with flexibility for the teachers to draw on the children’s interest. For instance should a class have an interest in subject matter, teachers are encouraged to follow through on the theme and offer more activities. Our themes include senses, the farm, seasons, holidays, circus, bugs, ponds, oceans, and more. Our curriculum is designed to aid in the development of the whole child, assisting in the physical and mental needs that are unique to these ages. We stress Christian principles in our every effort, in addition to our daily prayer and Bible stories, our daily routine also includes activities geared at the development of: Language Acquisition; Gross and Fine Motor Skills; Emotional and Social Development and Music.
4. What are the goals of the preschool?
Since the early years of childhood are of great importance, Allison Creek Preschool strives to provide programs to develop the whole child in a Christian atmosphere.
The development of the entire child is achieved by:
Teaching God’s love.
Creating good self concepts
Developing gross and fine motor skills
Promoting cognitive skills
Encouraging positive social skills
5. What if my child cries? How do you handle separation anxiety?
We invite the parents to join us at our Sip 'N Sob, in order for you to stay within listening distance after settling your child in his/her classroom during the first week of school. These first days may be more difficult for some children and you may be pleasantly surprised at how quickly they adjust. However, to ensure positive interactions between the children and the teachers, we do ask that the parents do not stay in the classroom past 9:15.
The teachers are experienced at getting the child’s attention focused on objects and engaged in activities. We will not allow a child to cry for a long period of time. If this is the case, we may contact you to pick up your child and try again the next day scheduled. We want your child to feel comfortable and appreciate any thoughts you may have in helping your child become accustomed to the program. Please know that we are here to work with you and your child to make the transition as smooth as possible.
6. Can I help out in the classroom from time to time?
We encourage parental participation in our preschool program. Parents are encouraged to help by assisting with special projects, sharing talents, chaperone field trips, or sending special treats and items needed. Please speak with your child’s teacher about your interests if you wish to share and become involved.
7. Will my child learn values?
Yes, a different value is focused on each month. These include: sharing, helping, respecting others, and following rules.
8. How will my child learn?
"Good teaching requires good planning.” "If a child does not learn the way we teach, then we must teach the way a child learns." We are aware that children have different learning styles.
Some children are visual learners; auditory learners, and tactile learners while others are a combination of styles. By offering all of these styles in the classroom we will help each child learn and build on a strong sense of identity. When children are comfortable in their classroom they are ready to learn. Staff members can stimulate a child’s sense of wonder by creating an atmosphere that sparks curiosity everyday.
9. What snacks will be offered?
Families are asked to pay a minimal yearly snack fee before your child begins school. This allows Allison Creek Preschool to provide a daily snack for your child. A variety of snacks will be purchased each month. Snacks include choices from fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, yogurt, crackers, cereal, applesauce, fruit snacks, pretzels, etc. Many snacks are often prepared to correlate with a unit of study. Food allergies are taken into consideration.
10. What is your policy on sickness?
These are occasions to allow your child to rest at home due to illness including: fever, suspicious rash, constant sneezing, excessive drainage, vomiting or diarrhea.
If in doubt please consider how you would react if you noticed a child at school displaying similar symptoms.
11. What happens if my child gets hurt and needs medical attention?
In case of an emergency we will call the parents immediately. If we are unable to reach you, we will call the contacts listed on the emergency contact form. If necessary, we will call the child’s physician or transport him/her to an emergency room. The parent assumes full responsibility for any expense. Please keep personnel advised on all emergency information and any number where you may be reached, even if it is on a daily basis.
Tips
Talk with your child about school prior to the beginning of school.
[New items, books, music, puzzles, toys, and new friends]
Always allow yourself enough time so that your child doesn’t feel rushed in the morning.
Arrive at school on time.
Label everything.
Reassure your child that you will return to pick him/her up and please don’t be late, this really causes anxiousness in most children.
Let the teacher know where you can be reached by phone at all times.