Preschool Handbook

Curriculum

Our curriculum is developed by Sterling and incorporates the philosophies of Charlotte Mason. We also utilize curriculum with a primary emphasis on phonics and phonemic awareness as well as developing a foundation for math concepts and vocabulary. Students are exposed to quality literature and activities that encourage exploration which is the cornerstone of our program. We encourage interaction with nature and outdoor play, and incorporate an Early Childhood science program to help students grow in that area. In addition, the curriculum will enable each child to:

  • Experience God’s love for him through loving relationships with other children and adults
  • Learn biblical truths through stories and experiencing nature and the world in which we live
  • Grow in confidence, independence, and ability
  • Develop a natural curiosity to “wonder why” and explore areas of interest
  • Develop fine motor skills through art, blocks, and centers
  • Develop large muscles through movement activities both indoors and outdoors
  • Enjoy creative expression through music and art
  • Think and make choices for individual and small group activities

Specifics on curriculum used and objectives for each class will be shared at Preschool Orientation.

Hours

Students attend class on Tuesday/Thursday

Regular Day Preschool hours are: 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Extended Day hours are: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Health and Medical

  • A current record of your child’s immunizations and physician’s statement must be furnished.
  • Parents are responsible for keeping current in our files the name of the child’s physician, as well as the name of the person to contact in an emergency when the parent cannot be reached.
  • In the event of an accident or illness requiring medical attention, the child’s parent will be called immediately. If we are unable to locate the parents, office staff or the director will take the child to the emergency room specified, or the local hospital emergency room.
  • Always be sure the school knows where to contact you. Keep all phone numbers and addresses current in our records.

Illness

Children may not be brought to school if they are ill. We are depending on you to help us maintain this policy. Parents will be notified to pick up their children immediately if signs of illness occur during the day. An ill child may not come to preschool if one or more of the following exist:

  • The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in facility activities.
  • Fever (within the last 24 hours)
  • Diarrhea (within the last 24 hours) Children will be sent home after two incidents of diarrhea in one day.
  • Vomiting (within the last 24 hours) Vomiting will necessitate our sending your child home.
  • Impetigo (Until all lesions have healed)
  • Pink Eye (24 hours after antibiotic has been administered, follow doctors advice)
  • Strep Throat or Sore Throat (24 hours after anti-biotic has been administered)
  • Persistent Cough
  • Head Lice (all nits removed from hair and proper cleaning treatment received)
  • Chicken Pox (at least one week after eruptions appear or until lesions are dry)
  • Rash
  • Other communicable disease

Medications

Sterling Preschool teachers may not administer any medication to a child. Please do not ask your child’s teacher to give over-the-counter medicines or prescription medication. All medication must be given by the parent.

Hearing and Vision Screening

All children who turn four during the school year or those that are already four must have an annual vision & hearing screening. Please have this completed at your physician’s office or audiologist office.

Potty Training

All children attending preschool must be potty trained. An occasional accident can be expected of any preschool child. However, children who regularly have accidents cannot be enrolled.

Parent/Teacher Communication

Your child’s teacher will request a conference if they have concerns about health, behavior, or development of a child. Monthly newsletters will be sent home informing you of the many activities your child will be involved in.

Bad Weather Days

If Leander ISD closes schools due to bad weather conditions, the preschool will also close. Please check your e-mail for announcements. The school will use Parent Alert to send a message via text and automated phone call. Please make sure the office always has current contact info.

Withdrawal

A 30-day written notice is required before withdrawing a child so another family can be notified to fill the vacancy. The registration fee and the May tuition payment are non-refundable.

Dismissal

The school reserves the right to dismiss a child upon a one-week notice for serious behavior problems or non-payment of fees. It is also understood that Sterling Preschool has the authority to terminate enrollment for non-compliance with policy.

Daily Check In/Out Procedures

You will need to sign your child in and out on the clipboard in their classroom each day. Children will be dismissed only to those adults whose name appears on the registration form.

Clothing

Preschool students do not wear uniforms. They should wear comfortable clothing that parents do not mind getting messy. Preschoolers will be digging in dirt, playing in water, and painting during the day. For your child’s safety cowboy boots, flip-flops, jellies, crocks, and sandals should not be worn. Rubber-soled sneakers are recommended footwear. Label all removable clothing such as raincoats, jackets, hats, backpacks, gloves, etc. Please make sure you dress your child according to the weather. They will have several opportunities to go outside during the day so remember to send a jacket as the weather becomes cooler. Please bring an oversized large shirt to be used for painting.

All children must have a complete change of clothing (this should include socks, underwear, and outer clothing) in their bags every day.

Outdoor Play

We will be outside at times during the day unless the weather is below 38.

Birthday

Every child’s birthday may be celebrated at school. If you wish, you may send or bring cupcakes for your child’s class. Please let your child’s teacher know in advance.

Fire/Severe Weather Drill

These are practiced routinely. An evacuation plan is in place in case of an emergency requiring evacuation of the building.

Lunch

Your child should have eaten breakfast before he/she arrives at school. Each child will bring his/her own lunch.

Rest Time

All children will have a quiet time after lunch and are encouraged to rest. Each classroom follows a routine of toileting, hand washing and listening to or looking at books and quiet tapes/music. Lights are lowered during this time. Special rest items such as favorite blankets or stuffed animals are allowed at this time.

All children must have a plastic, foldable kindermat for use during rest time. Please label your mats.

RenWeb

As a preschool parent, you can access RenWeb and look at lesson plans for your child's class.

Homework

Teachers will send home optional homework packets each week. The work should take a very minimal amount of time and is a great way to see how your child is progressing in their skills. We strongly recommend completing the homework packets if your child is in the 4's class as they enable the teacher to access Kinder readiness. If you feel your child needs more challenging homework, let your teacher know.