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SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL LTD.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL, LTD.
1080 BERRUM LANE
RENO, NEVADA 89509
PHONE: 826-0977
FAX: 826-2552
EMAIL: snflwer@nvbell.net
WEBSITE: www.sunflowerpreschoolreno.com

OWNERSHIP:

SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL, LTD. IS A FOR-PROFIT, SECULAR, MULTI-CULTURAL
SCHOOL, OWNED AND OPERATED BY KATHLEEN COOKE. THIS PROGRAM
COMPLIES WITH NON-DISCRIMINATION LAWS COVERING HIRING STAFF,
ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS, AND TERMINATION OF STAFF AND STUDENTS.
SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL, LTD. IS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED BY THE NATIONAL
ACCREDITATION COMMISSION FOR EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS, AND
IS SUPPORTED ENTIRELY FROM PRIVATELY PAID TUITION AND WCSD EDUCATIONAL
FUNDS THAT SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL, LTD. UTILIZES TO BENEFIT ALL CHILDREN
WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

Revised Jan. 2016

SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

Play is our work! Each child is unique and remarkable. The cornerstones to Sunflower’s philosophy are to foster the individual development of each child and enhance confidence and self-direction by celebrating the whole child.

Parents Handbook of Policies and Procedures

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES AND POLICIES VERY CAREFULLY.

REGISTRATION

1. Formal registration for the coming year is held in the spring.  Our school year operates from June to June of each year.  We do not formally begin children in the fall.  There is a pre-registration period available to students currently enrolled and their siblings prior to formal registration.  Mid-year openings do occur and are filled from our waiting list. 
   
   
2. Parents on the waiting list and wishing to be involved in formal registration are contacted by mail and given a date and time for registration.  We maintain a balanced program for children ages two years and six months (must be reliably potty- trained) through age six and fill vacancies according to age, date on waiting list, and group availability.
   
   
3. A yearly non-refundable registration fee is charged at registration.  These fees ensure an enrollment spot for each child for the requested program for the current school year. Should there be a delay or change in enrollment plans, no fees will be refunded, but can be applied during the current school year.  All registration fees are placed in our school improvement fund to update and purchase materials and equipment for the school.  This fee may not be credited toward any program.
   
   
4. Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten registration:  vacancies will be filled according to age, date on waiting list, and group availability.  Priority is given to families currently enrolled and siblings.  At registration, a non-refundable summer deposit for preschoolers and pre- kindergarteners is required that will be credited towards your account in August.  (This ensures your commitment through the summer). This deposit is not refundable.
   
   
5. Sunflower Kindergarten Enrichment Registration:  In order to maintain a balanced program, Sunflower limits the number of full time openings available for the Kindergarten Enrichment program.  In the event there are more students than spots available, a lottery will be held in order to fill full time Kindergarten Enrichment openings.  September Sunflower Kindergarten tuition is due in full at the time of registration for families who enroll their children in our private kindergarten.  This is in lieu of August deposit.  This is a non-refundable tuition.
   
   
6. Public Kindergarten registration:  contact your zoned school for information.  Please see the Director for additional information concerning public Kindergarten in conjunction with Sunflower’s Kindergarten Enrichment Program and shuttle.
   
   
7. Soon after registration in the spring, we hold a mandatory new parent orientation in the evening to discuss Sunflower’s policies and procedures and to answer questions. We also hold a fall orientation for families who begin programs after the June program begins. It is required that at least one parent from each new family attend.  Each family will receive an orientation packet thoroughly explaining the program, philosophy, and curriculum.
   
   
8. Please return your completed registration packet as soon as possible.  It is helpful to get your children’s files started before they begin the school year.  This information is important before your child begins.

WAITING LIST

1. Sunflower has an ongoing waiting list.  In order to be put on the waiting list a parent must tour the school with an administrator. Interested parents must receive the school’s literature and talk about the programs offered.  To be placed on the list, a non-refundable waiting list fee is assessed. This nominal fee eliminates an overburdened list and creates a more realistic view of those families who are interested in Sunflower.
   
   
2. We utilize the waiting list throughout the year to fill any vacancies.  The date you place your name on the waiting list, the age of the child, and program availability determines how spots will be filled. 

TUITION

1. Tuition is payable at the beginning of each month no later than the seventh of each month.  Tuition is non-refundable and there will be no deduction made for absences, vacations, snow days or school holidays.  Absences due to illness or vacations, etc. do not relieve the school of financial responsibility.  Tuition is paid monthly, rather than weekly, so there are 23 + days that parents are not charged for.  The holidays when Sunflower is closed balance that difference.  We encourage families to utilize automatic bill pay for monthly tuition.  Cash or check only, please.  Please place tuition check or cash in an envelope with your name on it in the gold mailbox on the wall in the cubby room.
   
   
2.  Moving out of the area or family emergencies (including financial) clearly are reasons for not continuing through the year.  However, ending your child’s program the last day of May or the last day of July, for example, does not relieve parents of the June tuition or paying the balance of the Aug. tuition. It is important that you understand this policy.
   
   
3. Requests to adjust payment schedules must be discussed with the administration.  All tuition, however, must be paid in advance.
   
   
4. Tuition paid after the seventh of the month is subject to a late charge of $15 added to the current month tuition.  An additional late fee of $15 will be added to tuition paid after the 15th of the month totaling $30.
   
   
5. A 10% discount is given for a second child who is attending concurrently with a sibling attending Sunflower…a third child attending concurrently would be a 15% discount. 
   
   
6. There is a Return-Item charge (whatever current bank fee is) on all returned checks.
   
   
7. Two weeks advance notice of withdrawal must be made to the Director prior to the date of leaving.  Parents are responsible for tuition for an entire month if we are not notified two weeks in advance of withdrawal.  This policy does not apply to the months of May or June as those months are at the end of our regularly scheduled programs and no tuition reduction is made.  Please request a withdrawal form from the office.
   
   
8. Increases in tuition will be limited to cost factors we incur to assure a quality preschool program.  We normally increase tuition once a year in June.
   
   
9. All past due accounts will be processed through the Small Claims Court / Reno Justice Court.
   
   
10. Sunflower offers limited partial scholarships to qualifying families.  Please see an administrator for more information.
    
    
11. We are closed a full week in June.  Parents are not charged for this week.  We are closed a full week in October. There are no tuition deductions in October as it is a five-week month.
    
    
12. A ONE-WEEK vacation credit is offered during the summer (June, July, or the first week in August only) for families who have been at Sunflower for at least one calendar year

ATTENDANCE

1. Classes offered in the morning:  Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Pre-K/Kindergarten Enrichment blend.  There are two classes offered in the afternoon: Pre-K and Pre-K/Kindergarten Enrichment blend.
   
   
2. The hours available for the morning program are 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The structured morning program hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.  The hours available for the afternoon program are 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The structured afternoon program hours are 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   
   
3. The full day program hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  The minimum hours for a full day program are 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.  However, children may be picked up at any time through the day if a parent desires.  A child attending any portion of both A.M. and P.M. programs is considered full day.
   
   
4. All children who attend during the morning session (half or full day) should be here no later than 9:15 a.m.  Our structured activities begin at that time, and interruptions after that time make it difficult for the child to orient to activities already in progress. If you are going to be late because of a doctor’s appointment, etc. please call us and let us know.  Otherwise, we will assume your child will not be attending that day.  Should you be unable to consistently arrive by 9:15 a.m., you will be asked to delay your arrival until 12:00 noon (full day children) or not attend that day (a.m. children).  While this may seem rigid to some, we want to remind you that we must meet ratio and group sizing requirements and late-comers cause aides to be moved numerous times to classrooms later in the morning or afternoon.  We ask your complete respect and cooperation regarding this policy. 
   
   
5. Children who come to Sunflower after public kindergarten (not on our shuttle) may come at 12:15.  Children who attend any afternoon session may NOT come before 1:00 p.m.  We must maintain the proper teacher-child ratio during the lunch hour.
   
   
6. A staff member will check your child in upon arrival by checking his/her name on the enrollment sheet.  At the end of the session, a staff member will initial your child’s departure.  Each parent or authorized caregiver is responsible for ensuring that a staff member is aware of the child’s departure.  Parents need to alert us when someone different will be picking up their child.  Individuals not previously authorized in writing to pick up a child will be asked to show photo identification (which is copied and placed in child’s file) in addition to parent’s consent for pick-up.  Please enter and exit through the front door (facing the driveway).
   
   
7. Please be prompt and pick your child up at the designated times for your program.  It is imperative that children not be left past 12:15 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.  A late charge of $2 per minute is charged for every minute after those times.  If lateness persists after several late charges, parents will be asked to make other school arrangements.
   
   
8. We do not allow children to attend school on any days other than what they are scheduled for.  We do not allow “make-up” days for illness or vacation.  We must maintain our capacity limit and cannot risk having student overages.
   
   
9. Please call and let us know when you will be on vacation or when your child is ill.
   
   
10. Our guidelines for school closure due to heavy snow follow the Washoe County School District policy.  In the event that heavy snow forces closure of Washoe County Schools, Sunflower will also be closed.  If there is to be a “delayed start” of public school (one or two hours later), Sunflower will open at its regularly scheduled time on delayed start days.
    
    
11. The school is closed for repair and maintenance in June (no charge) following the Traditional Track of the Washoe Co. School District.  Sunflower is also closed for a week in October for repair and maintenance.  Tuition remains the same for October (five week month).  Sunflower is also closed for all State and Federal Holidays.  A holiday calendar is available on our website.
    
    
12. Children who have been registered for the year who must delay their start because they are not potty trained, for example, may do so.  However, should it appear that they might miss part or all of the year, the registration fee and Aug. deposit are non-refundable.  If that child begins at Sunflower within one calendar year of registration date, the paid fees will be applied.
    
    
13. Sunflower Preschool reserves the right to suspend a child and/or family from the school.  This would include non-payment of fees, difficulty in following school policy set forth in this document, or parents and/or children who display inappropriate physical or verbal behavior toward staff or other children.  We will attempt to reconcile differences so that a child may continue attending Sunflower Preschool.  We will consult with a family a maximum of three times (conferences) to establish payment of debts, non-compliance of policy or disruptive behavior by either parent or child.  Should those attempts fail, the owner and/or director of Sunflower Preschool Ltd has the discretion of dismissing the family from the school immediately and permanently.
    

1. The wages and duties of the staff shall be in accordance with the Sunflower Staff Handbook and individual job descriptions.
   
   
2. The staff at Sunflower has degrees and backgrounds in areas ranging from Pre-Kindergarten Education, Elementary Education, Child and Family Development, Human Development, Psychology, and Early Childhood Education. 
   
   
3. Sunflower is an Equal Employment Opportunity organization in regards to all employee-hiring practices.  All federal and state hiring statutes are strictly applied and followed.

CURRICULUM AND CLASSROOM PROCEDURES AND COMMUNICATION

1. Our preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten enrichment lesson plans are available to our parents at any time. They are also posted in each classroom every week.  This would include individual teacher lesson plans, newsletters, arts and crafts schedules, field trip schedules, etc.  Each week’s lesson plan includes domains and objectives for each activity.
   
   
2. We stress multi-cultural awareness, tolerance and acceptance as a very important part of our curriculum. Our curriculum will always embrace new lessons and activities that enhance acceptance and tolerance of gender, ethnicity, cultural diversity and disabilities.
   
   
3. Children are placed in classes according to age and developmental level.  No exceptions.
   
   
4. In keeping with our developmental philosophy, we will not move children mid year to another class based on birthdays.  Birth dates do not encompass the “whole child”, and while parents place a great deal of importance on them, it is inappropriate to assume all children who turn five are socially, emotionally and cognitively ready for the next step.  There will be no exceptions, so please do not ask.  Children typically move to new classrooms at the beginning of our school year (third week in June).  Kindergartners who will begin public school in August move to the Gecko class in June.  Kittens and Pandas will follow suit as room in classrooms dictate.
   
   
5. Each classroom shall have a team of professional teachers sometimes with an assistant teacher.  Teacher assistants will be assigned to different classrooms throughout the year depending on ratios and group sizing. Teachers will communicate with parents each day in a variety of ways including verbal conversations, phone calls, notes home, and email.  Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers each day as well.
   
   
6. Curriculum shall be in keeping with sound principles of early childhood education.  Parents need to remember we develop our program based on the philosophy that “play is our work” and that the process of play is our focus, not the product of that play.  All teaching staff is required to have all developmental domains covered in their lesson plan books weekly. If you are looking for individual desks and “homework” plus French lessons you will not be happy at Sunflower.
   
   
7. Each month parents receive a newsletter with information about upcoming events including announcements.  A monthly calendar is included to indicate themes, special visitors and events.  Both will be distributed via email and copies available in the cubby room and on the parent bulletin board. 
   

1. Parents may visit at any time during the school day.  We ask that you allow the staff to continue with their work with the children.  Parents are welcome to volunteer in the classroom.  Helping in the classroom and assisting with special projects are greatly appreciated by staff.
   
   However, please do not “chat” with teachers while in the classroom or on the playground.  Staff members need to be observing and working with the children and cannot take time away from the children or risk their supervisory duties to “chat” with you.  Also, parents who bring toddlers (or un-enrolled siblings/friends) to Sunflower at drop off and pick up times must be aware that the Sunflower staff is not responsible for their whereabouts or safety.
   
   
2. Observations are also encouraged if parents feel the desire to do so.  You do not need to schedule visits or observations.  Feel free to come at your convenience.  Please communicate with us any concerns or issues that we need to be aware of.  It is so much more helpful if we all communicate and work together to solve problems or concerns.  All discussions are confidential.  Parents may have serious concerns or complaints and the administrators are always available for meetings or conferences to resolve any issue.  We make every effort to find common ground and solutions. We have found through the years that parents have had many helpful suggestions and ideas and we have ultimately put those into place at Sunflower.  A suggestion box is in the cubby room.
   
   
3. Parents are always welcome on field trips.  Remember, a child’s behavior will be more demanding when parents join us for activities.  Please be ready to discipline appropriately.
   
   
4. We have a Parent Literacy Program at Sunflower and ask parents to participate in reading to our children at story time (books, music, puppet shows, felt board stories, etc.).  We have story time upon arrival and dismissal each day as well as in the classroom.  Please join in! Ask a teacher for calendar dates to sign up to read, sing, share poetry, or play an instrument.
   
   
5. In your registration packet, there is a form titled “What About You?”  It is for each parent to fill in telling us of hobbies, occupations and interests that they would be happy to share with the children during the year.  We enjoy and appreciate the talents and time parents share with us.
   
   
6. Parents are asked to participate in surveys regarding the program.  These surveys are in accordance with NAC accreditation standards.  Each year, program goals are established based off of parent surveys as well as staff surveys.

ASSESSMENT PORTFOLIOS AND CONFERENCES

1. Assessments are conducted in August, January and May on each child enrolled by November 1st. (Beginning in August, teachers begin to screen children in order to track progress through the year.) These assessments are followed by conferences with parents in September and February.  These assessments are not report cards…they are to be used only as guidelines to indicate how your child is doing in our preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten enrichment programs.  Assessment portfolios are available at any time for parents to view.
   
   
2. Conferences are held twice a year, normally in September and February.  Sign-up schedules are placed in the cubby room.  Also, parents may schedule additional conferences throughout the year if desired. 

SAFETY – Weapons of any kind are prohibited at Sunflower Preschool.

1. All members of our staff have current certification in CPR and basic first aid. Each teacher must also complete 21 clock hours of Professional Development classes and Early Childhood Education (ECE) workshops every year, including such choices as Administrative Principles, mandatory health classes such as Infectious Diseases, Childhood Nutrition and Obesity, Curriculum Planning, Multicultural Activities and Effective Discipline, etc.
   
   
2. Transportation for field trips is done in our own school van, which is insured and supplied with certified booster seats with shoulder harness seat belts.  Two teachers are required to ride in the van on any field trip. Children must weigh 40 lbs. to be included on field trips using the school van. Children under 40 lbs. may come on field trips if their parents provide transportation.  Children under 60 lbs. must sit in a booster seat with shoulder harness.
   
   
3. Throughout the year we present various units to the children concerning home and school safety, strangers, and sidewalk safety.  The police and fire departments visit, and instruct the children on bicycle and fire safety, crossing streets, stranger danger, etc.
   
   
4. Teachers are always required to be on the playground when children are outside.  There is a 1-10 ratio required at all times.
   
   
5. Sunflower Preschool, Ltd. has its own employee Safety Program. Safety issues are discussed and addressed at each monthly staff meeting.  The Employee Safety Program follows OSHA guidelines. 
   
   
6. Sunflower also has in place a disaster procedure for both staff and children.  Please request to see emergency/disaster plan for children and staff.
   
   
7. Parents should not park in the crosswalk in front of Sunflower Preschool nor should they park in red zones, Anderson School Parking Lots or adjacent apartment parking areas.  Cars will be towed.  We realize parking is at a premium at certain times of the day.  Please be courteous and drop and pick up your child in a timely manner.  Parking in school driveway is reserved for staff only.    Do not make U-Turns in the school zone, park in red zones or crosswalks as you will be ticketed for a traffic violation by RPD.
   
   
8. Parents need to always shut the cubby room door coming and going into the building, as well as the half door in the cubby room leading to the rest of the school.  This is a safety issue and we must all be vigilant about enforcing this policy.
   
   
9. We have the entire school sprayed one Saturday a month during the months May through October for “critters” such as ants, spiders, bees, earwigs, etc.  This includes the foundation and siding.
   
   
10. The doors that are exposed to the driveway require a security code in order to open.  Each family will be given the security code upon enrollment.  The code is changed at the beginning of each school year.   A doorbell is available for people who do not have the security code.
    
    
11. A janitorial service comes and cleans the school each night.  They vacuum and sanitize all surface areas including, but not limited to bathrooms, sinks, counters, walls and drinking fountains. They do a deep laminate floor clean each spring.  Carpets are cleaned quarterly.
    
    
12. Classrooms are cleaned throughout the day as well.  Teachers always clean tables in accordance with W.C.H.D. regulations before food is served and after class times.  Teachers vacuum as needed throughout the day.  Each classroom has a set of cleaning supplies kept out of reach from the children.   At the end of the day each classroom brings into the kitchen materials and toys that are sanitized with bleach and hot water.
    
    
13. Teachers and children always wash hands before any food is served.  Children are instructed to wash hands after using the bathroom.  Any time a teacher sees students with their hands in their nose, pants, mouth, etc, teachers ask them to wash their hands.  All children wash hands after recess.  We encourage proper hand washing throughout the day.  Available to all adults and children are strategically placed hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the school so hands can be sanitized at any time.
    
    
14. Children are required to be reliably potty trained to attend Sunflower.   They must be capable of wiping and cleaning themselves after using the restroom.   Teachers will change children into fresh clothes if an accident occurs and help is needed.  However, they will not help on a daily or regular basis. 
    
    
15. Complete Certified First Aid Kits are placed in each classroom as well as the kitchen.
    
    
16. As required by state and county laws and ordinances, Sunflower Preschool employees are “mandated reporters” of suspected child abuse and neglect.  NRS 432.B220 requires that reports must be made immediately by persons who, in their professional or occupational capacities; know or have reason to believe that a child has been abused or neglected.   Nevada law requires that the reports be made within 24 hours, if there is reason to believe a child has been abused or neglected.  Washoe County Department of Social Services regulations #17.9 defines immediately as within one (1) hour of suspected abuse or neglect.

FIELD TRIPS

1. A signed permission slip is necessary for your child to participate in any of our field trips away from school. Children must weigh at least 40 lbs. in order to ride in our school van and 6 years old and 60 lbs. to ride without a booster seat. Children who are not big enough to go in the van may have a parent come with us and ride in their own car.  Staff/personal cars are strictly used for public school kindergartner transportation with a signed permission slip.
   
   
2. Please be aware of departure and arrival times.  All field trips will be posted in the school newsletter, calendar, and on the bulletin board.  We leave promptly at designated times.  We are unable to wait for late children.  Parents are welcome to join us on any of our field trips.  We ask that you keep in mind that sometimes when a child has his/her parent along on a field trip, the child’s behavior can tend to be demanding.  We ask that you understand if we must remind your child of appropriate manners, or remove him/her from the situation if necessary.
   
   
3. We generally alternate children on field trips so that everyone may go occasionally.  For instance, one month we may take a.m. preschoolers and the next month p.m. kindergartners.  However, we schedule many field trips so that all children can participate.  It depends on availability and time allowances. Children are not required to go on field trips.  Should a parent not feel comfortable with field trips, that child may remain behind with the group not going that day.

LUNCHES AND SNACKS

1. All children who attend full day must bring a cold lunch in a lunch pail/sack with cold ice packs.  This includes public kindergartners who arrive at noon.  We provide milk at no extra cost if you do not have a thermos.  PLEASE LABEL LUNCH PAILS, SPOONS, TUPPERWARE, etc.
   
   
2. Lunch is eaten from 12:15- 12:45 p.m. each day.  When the weather is nice we eat picnic table-style in the back yard.  At all other times we eat inside at tables in the Kitten and Gecko room.
   
   
3. Teachers always sit with the children at lunch and are available to help them open their lunches.  They will also make sure they are eating “grow foods” first.  We encourage children to eat all of their lunches, but will never force them to eat. 
   
   
4. Snacks are provided daily at 9:45 a.m. and at 3:15 p.m.  The menu is on the parent bulletin board in the cubby room.  We serve chilled water with our snacks.  Multicultural snacks, where we feature foods from a different culture, are on menu monthly.
   
   
5. If your child suffers from food allergies you may be asked to provide their daily snacks, depending on the severity of the allergy.  You will also be asked to fill out an Allergy Action Plan and have it signed by a doctor.  You will also need to provide, if needed, the medicine used to treat a reaction.
   
   
6. In complying with the Washoe County Health Dept. and NAC Accreditation policy, celebratory food may not be brought in by parents. The purpose of this is to eliminate
   non-commercial foods that potentially have not been cooked/baked fully and to reduce the number of sweet treats children ingest.  It also eliminates issues for children who have serious allergies.
   
   
7. Please send nutritious lunches. Sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt are excellent choices, accompanied by a smaller quantity of chips, fruit roll-ups and desserts. Please balance protein and carbohydrates.  We require that the children eat their “grow food” first and desserts last.  Children will not be forced to eat food if they say they are full.  Please do not send candy or excessively sweet/caloric desserts. To keep lunches cold, please place an ice pack in the lunch with their name on it. To keep food warm place in thermos.
   
   
8. Health regulations do not allow us to cook or otherwise prepare food for children.
   Please do not send food that needs preparation.  We do not recommend Lunchables.  They have very little nutritional value and are high in fat and salt content.
   
   
9. Children love “Happy Notes” from parents in their lunches.  We encourage parents to send these notes as often as possible.  There is nothing like an “I love you!” note in a child’s lunch to brighten his/her day.
   
   
10. Birthdays will be celebrated on or as close to your child’s actual birthday.  Your child will get to decorate his or her own birthday crown and get a prize from the prize bin. Parents may bring non-food goody-bags for the class. 

MEDICAL INFORMATION

1. The medical form that is included in your registration packet must be completed before your child starts school.  A doctor or a public health nurse must complete it. Please let us know of any allergies your child might have.  You will be asked to fill out an Allergy Action Plan.
   
   
2. Each child needs an immunization certificate from a physician.  Children will not be admitted to school without one.  All immunizations must be current.  Children may be given immunizations by private physicians, the health department and other licensed health care providers.  Please provide an immunization exemption form if you are opting out of scheduled immunizations.  Religious exemptions are valid, but must be accompanied by an appropriate exemption form from a physician/ health care provider.
   
   
3. No medications will be given under any circumstances by the staff to your child.  Children also are not allowed to bring any kind of medication to school and administer it to themselves.  Exceptions are made for life threatening cases such as extreme allergies that require Epi-Pens, as well as for asthma that requires an inhaler.  These cases will require parents to fill out and return an allergy action plan as well as doctor’s instructions/signature.
   
   
4. Please keep your child home if he/she is not feeling well. We are not an infirmary for sick children.
   
   
5. Any child who shows signs of discomfort, regardless of temperature, will be sent home.  We will call you and ask that your child be picked up.  They will be excluded from the group and placed in the office or by a toilet with appropriate bedding and comfort.  We ask that you be prompt in coming to get your child.  If your child is sent home from school, he or she may not return until symptoms have subsided for a full 24 hours (medication free).  In some cases, a physician’s note may be required.
   
   
6. We are not concerned necessarily with runny noses that are clear.  Discharges that are colored, however, indicate infection and we ask that you keep your child at home. Please refer to Guidelines for Sick Children in your registration packet.
   
   
7. Please let us know if your child has contracted a contagious infection such as Strep Throat, Chicken Pox, Fifth Disease, Bronchitis, etc. It is helpful to alert other parents and the staff to possible infections.

GUIDANCE

1. Teachers are encouraged to re-direct children if they are exhibiting undesired behavior.  If re-direction is ineffective, teachers will use The 1,2,3 Magic program by Dr. Thomas Phelan, Ph.D., which is a type of “time out”.  It is not used as a punishment, but a tool for preventing a situation from going from bad to worse. Oftentimes children need separation or “alone time” in order to make better decisions.  We have a video and book available for parent use.  The Author also has a website: custcare@parentmagic.com
   
   
2. We do not necessarily designate a specific amount of time for children to sit out.  Children bring themselves back when they feel they are ready to take care of themselves.  However, we generally use the typical and appropriate procedure, which is one minute per year of age.  In other words, a three year old would sit out for three minutes.
   
   
3. We do not get into a lengthy discussion about why they have been in “time out”, although for new children we try to help them understand the process.  We do not negotiate with children concerning behavior problems.
   
   
4. If re-direction or 1-2-3 Magic does not seem to be working, we will come to you and work out another form of discipline, such as loss of choices at school.  It would never involve physical punishment or depriving a child of food or rest or other basic needs.
   
   
5. Guidance of young children at Sunflower Preschool includes the following:
   -Teaching children what boundaries and limits are within the school structure
   -Teaching More Helpful Behavior
   -Setting up Practice Sessions and give On-The-Spot Guidance
   -Giving signals and cues for newly constructed behavior
   -Changing a context or setting
   -Identify Problem Ownership
   -Giving meaningful feedback to children
   -Identify mistaken goals and use encouragement
   -Ignoring behavior when appropriate
   -Redirect, divert and distract
   -Listen Actively
   -Deliver “I” messages
   -Teach conflict resolution
   -Recognize stress, anxiety, over-stimulation, strong emotions, teaching calming techniques
   -Managing strong emotions

OTHER BASIC INFORMATION

1. If your child shares a cubby, please be sure to look at names on artwork, so that the projects go home with the right child.
   
   
2. Gum or cough drops are NOT allowed at school.
   
   
3. Show and Tell is the first (full week) Monday and Thursday of the month.  Please do not allow your child to bring toys on other days.  We do not allow Super Hero toys or weapons of any kind at any time.  Children may bring books and CDs at any time.
   
   
4. Please send your child in adequate, weather-appropriate clothing.
   
   
5. Please label all clothing, lunch pails, backpacks, coats, jackets and books.
   
   
6. Please do not allow your child to get out of the car alone.  Someone must escort your child into the school.  This applies to picking up your child as well.  We do not offer “valet service” at arrival or pick-up time unless it is a dire emergency.  Being late does not constitute an emergency.
   
   
7. Do not use the driveway to drop off children or to park.  It is for staff parking only, and is to be used as a walkway for parents and their children.
   
   
8. If you send your child in boots in the winter, send an extra pair of shoes.   Boots are hot and heavy to wear all day.  Thong type shoes, cowboy boots, shoes with higher heels or backless shoes are not allowed, due to children tripping and stubbing toes.  Inappropriate footwear is the leading cause of playground injuries.
   
   
9. Please send a seasonal change of clothing to keep here at school in case of accidents.  Please send them in a storage size Ziploc bag with your child’s name on the outside.
   
   
10. Send a snapshot of your child to put in his/her cubby for easy finding.
    
    
11. Children who are here for a full day and are 3 years 6 months or younger are required to nap/rest.  Nap is optional for older children.  We require that you purchase a “nap-mat” from Sunflower that belongs to you and your child.  Please take it home and wash it at the end of each week.
    
    
12. All announcements are placed in the monthly newsletter and on the parent bulletin boards in the cubby room.  Please read them as often as you can.
    
    
13. Invitations, notes, tuition information, etc will be filed into your family file.  The family files are organized in alphabetical order.  They are located in the cubby room.  Please be sure to check them daily.
    
    
14. Sunflower is dedicated to working with the community in many ways.  An example is encouraging young people to mentor with our teachers in order to develop a budding interest in the teaching profession.  Another example is a scholarship program offered to families who qualify and have a child who will start preschool or kindergarten.
    
    
15. Sunflower has a parent library (also books for children covering sensitive subjects) that is available to parents.  There are many books and periodicals that we loan to parents for 2-3 weeks at a time.  We only ask that you return material promptly so that other parents may utilize the material. Ask to see our parent library list.
    
    
16. There is a suggestion box located in the Cubby room for parents to make suggestions.  Formal complaint sheets are also in the cubby room and may be submitted to the director.  The director will address the issue and document the outcome.
    
    
17. Sunflower is a non-smoking establishment.
    
    
18. Sunflower is a CELL PHONE FREE ZONE.  Please finish your calls before you enter the school.  Being on the phone when you pick up your child makes it difficult if a teacher needs to talk to you about your child’s day.
    
    
19. Sunflower orders school supplies each year in August for the entire school year.  Some of these supplies include, but are not limited to, construction paper, markers, crayons, color pencils, glue, paint, water colors, chalk, art supplies (pompoms, pipe cleaners, tape, foam, tissue paper, etc.)

PARENTS: IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING OUR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, PLEASE MAKE US AWARE AND WE WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PROVIDE YOU WITH SATISFACTORY RESPONSES.

Thank you for your cooperation.
We look forward to working with you and your child.
THE SUNFLOWER STAFF
826-0977
snflwer@nvbell.net
www.sunflowerpreschoolreno.com

Kathleen Cooke, Owner