PARENT HANDBOOK
This handbook is intended to provide general information and guidelines to parents. A CHCP Directory will be issued at the beginning of each school year containing specific and changing information (e.g., holiday schedule, class rosters, fees, etc.) Please use both of these for reference throughout the school year.
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
School holidays follow the Seattle Public School schedule. See the CHCP Directory for this year's holiday schedule.
If it snows and the Seattle Public Schools are closed, we will also be closed. If the Public Schools are open but we feel it is dangerous to drive, a "phone tree" will be initiated to advise parents of our closure. If in doubt, call a Board member and, if you feel it is dangerous to drive, please stay home even if school is open. Days missed due to snow will not be made up.
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC)
As part of its affiliation with SCCC, each cooperative elects at least one representative to participate in the Parent Advisory Council (PAC). PAC is exclusively comprised of representatives from each cooperative preschool who meet monthly throughout the school year.
PAC functions as a forum where the affiliated cooperatives can share concerns, questions and ideas. It sponsors fundraisers so it can provide scholarships to parents in need, when the individual co-ops to which those parents belong do not have the funds available. It also sponsors events and workshops of interest to all parents of young children to bring public attention to the areas of parent education and co-oping.
PARENT REQUIREMENTS
1. Completion of required school forms by the first day of school.
2. Attendance at monthly parent meetings. Parents host these meetings and provide snacks on a rotating basis. Two absences may result in a review of member's eligibility in the preschool.
3. Sharing in the cooperative operation by holding and carrying out a Board or school job position.
4. Working in the classroom as scheduled. This includes:
• Arriving on time.
• Responsibility as an assistant teacher in the classroom.
• Cleaning up and making school ready for the next class.
• Staying at the end of school until all children have been picked up.
• Finding a replacement when you cannot be there.
5. Assisting with fundraisers.
6. Paying of fees per contract. Tuition will be considered in arrears as of the 15th of the month and a $15.00 late charge will be added.
7. Providing snack on a rotating basis.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall consist of all elected officers. The Board of Directors conducts monthly meetings to evaluate the operation of the school. The President chairs the meetings. All co-op members are welcome at Board meetings although only Board members vote on issues before the Board. Teachers and the Parent Educator attend meetings but do not vote. The Board keeps the membership informed regarding all issues, and may put forth a major issue for vote by the entire CHCP membership. The teachers work with the Board to transact necessary co-op business between parent meetings.
ELECTIONS
The co-op is run by the parents. A nominating committee presents a slate for the Board of Directors at an all-school spring meeting. Parents will vote on the slate for the up-coming school year at that time. The officers will assume their duties in May. Any vacancy in an office shall be filled as it occurs by approval of the Board.
All voting shall be done by those parents present at parent meetings. Each family shall have one vote per child enrolled. If both parents are present at a meeting and wish to vote differently, each shall have 1/2 of their allotted votes. Voting shall be done by a show of hands, or upon request of one member, by a written ballot. Results shall be decided by a simple majority of votes.
TUITION/REGISTRATION FEES
Tuition is paid on a monthly basis. See the CHCP Directory for current tuition rates. A late fee is assessed if tuition is not paid by the 15th of each month. The co-op reserves the right to withdraw a child if tuition is two months in arrears. A warning notice will be sent to parent(s), followed in two weeks by a letter of termination
A registration fee and last month’s tuition are due at the time of enrollment. See the CHCP Directory for current registration fees and tuition rates. Neither fee is refundable
Fees are kept at a minimum to encourage enrollment by any family interested in joining the co-op. Monthly expenses include teachers' salaries, FICA, rent, insurance, art and paper supplies, and maintenance and equipment, including repairs and equipment replacement
In the event that a parent wishes to withdraw a child from the school, the parent must give one month's notice. The registration fee and the last month's tuition are not refunded.
Twins/ Siblings in the same class
Twins or siblings enrolled in the same class will be charged 100% tuition for each child, and the parent(s) will work as if co-oping with one child.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Scholarships
No one will be turned away due to inability to pay full tuition. Partial scholarships are available and are based on financial need, individual circumstances, and available funds. Scholarships are granted quarterly and reviewed by a Scholarship Committee which consists of the Registrar, Treasurer and President. Applications are available at the preschool.
Flexible Payment Plan
A flexible payment plan can be arranged if payment of full tuition would be difficult for a short period of time. The payment plan might, for example, take the form of a reduced tuition payment one month to be repaid in a later month. Contact the Treasurer by mid-month to make such an arrangement.
OTHER POLICY INFORMATION
Siblings in the classroom
Working parents are expected to provide alternate childcare arrangements for all siblings not enrolled in the class. In the event that alternate childcare can not be arranged, and the working parent can not exchange their work date with another parent, then with the permission of the teacher, a sibling can be present. Such an occurrence should not happen on a regular or frequent basis and would be considered an emergency or exceptional situation.
Maternity leave for a period of 6 weeks is available following the birth or adoption a child.
Clothing
Dress your child in comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Leave a change of clothes and diapers when applicable in your child's cubby. Remember to provide adequate outdoor clothing.
Discipline
CHCP enforces a positive discipline environment. We do not allow the use of physical discipline (i.e. spanking). Always be positive and reassuring with the children. Get down on the child's level to talk with her/him. Try to avoid the use of the word "don't", rather tell the child what he/she can do. Ask questions when you are unsure of how to handle a situation.
Animal Policy
CHCP welcomes the presence of gentle, obedient animals for the enrichment they bring to the children's lives. If you wish to bring a pet to school, please consult with your child's teacher in advance. The co-op will respect and abide by Seattle's Comprehensive Animal Control Ordinance when animals are present at the school or at school functions.
Clean-up
Always encourage the children to participate. Praise them for work well done.
Other
Share ideas with the teacher. Parents are the co-op’s greatest resource. When the teacher is absent, a parent will substitute in her/his place. Learn and use the name of each child as soon as possible. Spell each name clearly and correctly.
SNACKS
During each class the children have a snack provided by the parents on a rotating basis. You will be responsible for snack for the week you are scheduled. Please bring food for both the children and the adults. Avoid excessive sweets. Birthday treats are fine, after an initial healthful snack, but should not be a substitute for snack. Simple, healthful snacks are appropriate. Imaginative snacks are welcome, as long as they are healthful. Cooking projects with the children are encouraged. Children love to be involved in snack preparation. As often as possible bring a snack that will allow the children to cut, mix, bake, etc. A list of any allergies among the children will be posted. Please try to be sensitive to them. There are usually emergency supplies in the refrigerator.
Snack ideas
Cheese and crackers
Pancakes
Fish Sticks
Muffins
Cottage cheese
Sandwiches
Non-sugared breakfast cereals
Pizza on English muffins.
Eggs deviled or scrambled
Peanut butter and crackers
Noodles tossed with cheese
Smoothies - blend yogurt & fruit
Macaroni and cheese
Tater Tots
Jello
Apple sauce
Carrots & Celery spread with peanut butter or cream cheese
Fruit, fruit salad or fruit chunks on skewers
Tortillas spread with grated cheese and melted
Cheese Puffs - 1 cup grated cheese, 1/2 C. flour, 2 T melted butter. Form into balls and bake 12 min. at 400
Peanut butter balls - 1 C peanut butter, 1/4 C honey, 1/4-1/2 dry milk. Form into balls.
Play-Dough Recipe
Mix together 3 t. cream of tartar, 2 C flour, 1 C. salt. Add to pan of 2 C boiling water, 2 T oil, food coloring. Stir until mixture comes away from the pan. Remove from heat and knead. Add flour if necessary. Store in covered container.
CHCP JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Board Positions
President
Preside at all board meetings; arrange orientation in the fall; handle nominations in the spring; oversee all board members to assure jobs are being done and the business of the Co-op is running smoothly; sign checks as necessary; meet with church and community leaders as necessary to resolve issues; responsible for lease and other negotiations as necessary.
Vice President
Assist President; oversee all non-board position jobs and assure they are being done; arrange schedule, and phone tree for board meeting; help coordinate special events, gift giving and check signing.
Secretary
Keep minutes of board meetings; make a copy for the board president to approve before distributing it to the board; submit a typed copy for publication in the newsletter; maintain all legal and business documents.
Treasurer
Keep financial records; pay all bills, receipts, salaries and taxes, oversee scholarships; monitor financial condition of Co-op and report to board; maintain monthly records; prepare yearly financial statement and proposed budget.
Class Coordinators
One for each class. Liaison between Board and class parents. Coordinate class communication. Plan for and preside at monthly parent meetings (post reminders); create and update phone tree and roster as necessary; report class issues to the board; work with Registrars in the spring; help President with fall orientation, send introductory letters to respective class parents in late summer; work with Vice President to ensure jobs are getting done; ensure that a high level of communication exists between parents in each class with regard to activities and events of both Board and the classroom.
Parent Advisory Council Representative - PAC Rep
Attend SCCC meetings monthly to coordinate activities and ideas with other Co-op pre-schools; report to monthly board meeting so class coordinators can deliver information to class. Provide information about PAC to newsletter.
Registrar
Take phone calls and questions from prospective parents; mail information to prospective parents; seek out prospective students; keep registration records for school and update as necessary; maintain a waiting list; create class rosters and distribute updated rosters to the parents; work with Assistant Registrar throughout the year and in the spring with prospective parent visits; see that Assistant Registrar has all necessary information and forms for visits; work with Publisher to create the school directory.
Fundraising Chair
Organize/oversee fundraising committees for different fundraising events; attend board meetings and report to board on fundraising event issues; coordinate project and job assignments; write appropriate
report and thank you letters after the event; work with board to define scope of the project and financial goal. Reports to Vice President.
Other Co-op Jobs
Assistant Registrar
Check for phone inquiries weekly (twice weekly during peak registration times: April – June, September) Make initial contacts. Provide updates on addresses and phone numbers to Registrar, Vice President, SCCC Educator and Coordinators; meet with registrar to organize spring visits by prospective parents; advise Assistant Treasurer of new enrollment; insure all forms are completed by new members and those seeking placement in next year’s classes; notify teachers about visitors.
Assistant Treasurer
Collect, record, and deposit monthly tuition checks; monitor late payments and distribute late payment notices to boxes by mid month; collect “last month’s” tuition for coming year; assess late fee payments; report to President on members in arrears monthly.
Bulletin Board
Maintain bulletin board; keep notices tidy and current; post photos of board members with job descriptions in fall; post newsletter; post and maintain large, all-school calendar listing special events, holidays all monthly meetings, field trips, etc. Gather information from Schedule and Field Trip Organizers. Maintain separate calendar on dry erase board located outside classroom doors.
Class Cupboard Maintenance
Go through cupboards every two weeks to insure there is order and cleanliness. Check markers monthly and throw away unusable ones. (Two positions – 2’s classroom, 3-5’s classroom).
Costume Coordinator
Repair and maintain existing costumes; coordinate some of the costumes with teaching curriculum at the suggestion of the teachers. Add a few new items at your discretion (second-hand or sewn). Maintain dress-up area.
Earthquake Preparation/Kitchen Maintenance
Prepare and update earthquake readiness kit and supplies to store in kitchen. Check refrigerator weekly for unused food. Be sure that sink area is cleared.
Field Trip Organizer
Work with teacher on dates, times and location; initiate phone tree for drivers and ensure enough seat belts are available; inform Scheduler and bulletin board person of dates, times and locations. Announce upcoming trips at parent meetings. (P.M. 3-5’s class)
Fundraising Assistant
Help Fundraiser Chair coordinate with class groups; serve on committee and assist as requested by Chair.
Health & Risk Management
Collect all health forms in fall; maintain first aid kit for use in class and on field trips; collect copies of drivers licenses and car insurance from any potential drivers and give second copy to class coordinator; organize fire drills and insure all parents know fire exits and procedure; arrange yearly check of fire extinguisher; contact and advise Class Coordinators of health procedures in the classroom before first fall parent meeting, (including information on snack preparation and clean up; use of cleaning supplies in classroom and bathroom, etc.).
Librarian
Check out books for classroom use from the public library, coordinating with the teachers with regard to upcoming themes/topics, and books appropriate to the curriculum. Gather borrowed books and return them. Maintain bookshelves in classrooms; maintain a check-out system for parents library; repair books as necessary.
Maintenance/Repair Coordinator
Report to teachers; monitor equipment, toys, supplies for upkeep and repair; assist Work Party Organizer with duties of that job; help School Party Coordinator with Clean up. Straighten out and organize tricycle closet monthly.
Newsletter Editor
Publish monthly newsletter. Newsletter should include board minutes, date for next board meeting, parent education information, notices and a classified section. Post deadlines for submission; acquire materials from Historian for publication from classes.
Assistant Newsletter Editor
Gather materials (stories, book reviews, children’s submissions) from classes for newsletter position.
Paint/Easel/Art Supplies
(Weekly job.) Keep paint and paper available at easel; keep easel area tidy. Wash empty paint containers. Maintain separate food and art sponges in kitchen.
Playhouse Coordinator
Work with teacher to coordinate playhouse with curriculum, reorganize/add to existing house as necessary; purchase new materials to enrich playhouse. Contact Maintenance Coordinator if playhouse requires structural attention (This is a 3-5’s position.)
Publisher
Work with Registrar to produce and have printed the new CHCP Directory at the beginning of the school year; distribute to co-op members. Keep brochures printed and up to date. Work with Fundraising Chair to produce printed materials for the Auction (program, invitations, thank you notes, bid sheets, etc.)
Purchaser
Purchase general supplies as needed for the school, including all paper supplies for snacks. Report to Nancy Nugent (P.M. 3-5’s teacher).
Scheduler
Create Working Parents/Snack Parent schedule. Find out any food allergies and schedule restrictions from the parents. Post job schedules for respective class parents at least two weeks in advance for the next 2 months; list birthdays, monthly meetings, school holidays, field trips and special events on the schedule, notify Bulletin Board.
(Four positions – M/W 2’s class, T/TH 2’s class, A.M. 3-5’s class, P.M. 3-5’s class)
School Party Coordinator (2 positions)
Organize team to plan all school events; put notice in newsletter, post sign up sheet for events and jobs; coordinate clean up, purchase necessary supplies; arrange for scheduling permission from church; assist Fundraiser when appropriate.
See Saw Book Orders
Distribute monthly book orders in timely fashion; collect money and orders; send order; distribute books.
Sign Maintenance
Responsible for weekly storage of outdoor signs and indoor play equipment. Involves displaying and storing outdoor CHCP signs, putting it out on Monday and taking it in on Thursday.
T-Shirts
Organize the printing of Co-op t-shirts. Research t-shirt print shops. Report to the Board with prices, etc. Make up and distribute t-shirt order forms for adult and child t-shirts with the CHCP logo.
Teacher’s Aide/Substitute Teacher
Report to teacher; help teacher prepare class curriculum materials one time per week; keep abreast of curriculum to be prepared to assume teaching responsibilities in the teacher’s absence. (Four positions – M/W 2’s, T/TH 2’s, A.M. 3-5’s, P.M. 3-5’s)
Wash Towels
Pick up dirty towels from both classrooms, bring them home to wash them, and return clean towels to the classrooms on a regular basis. (Make sure that there are always clean towels available.) Solicit donations of old towels from co-op members via the newsletter.