Policies & Guidelines

Conferences

Conferences with parents are scheduled twice a year for children in the Preschool and the Young 5’s, in the fall and again in the spring. In the Toddler Room conferences are held once a year, typically in the spring. Because we realize that open communication between parents and teachers is a priority, additional conferences can be arranged whenever needed.

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Discipline Policy

We believe that children learn best through experience. We believe that teachers must guide and redirect children to help them to learn to cooperate with their peers. We believe that this will enable each child to have a positive, educational experience. Our ultimate goal is to encourage and enhance each child's growth and development while he/she is in our care.

We believe we can accomplish this by:

• Having a variety of activities available.
• Using group management techniques, limiting children in areas and having sufficient materials as well as giving the opportunity for constructive interactions.
• Speaking with a child if behavior is inappropriate.
• Using positive language with the child to give praise for appropriate behavior.
• Redirecting a child to another area if they are having problems cooperating.
• Children are encouraged to solve relational problems among peers by using their words and their reasoning abilities, with a teacher standing by to provide encouragement or intervene if necessary.
• Our credo at CLU is "you may not hurt yourself, another person, or any equipment." Teachers are trained to help each child adhere to this philosophy.

After exhausting these methods, if a child still has a problem with appropriate behavior the child is asked to sit by the teacher, to think about the behavior and with the help of the teacher, think of better ways to handle the situation.

Children with consistent difficulties are taken through the above steps and the parents are counseled regularly. If necessary, outside help is sought and ultimately the child could be dismissed from our program. This is seriously considered when health, safety, and welfare of this child or another child are at risk.

Please be advised that under the law any form of hitting, corporate punishment, abusive language, ridicule, harsh or humiliating or frightening treatment is illegal and is against our philosophy.

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Biting Policy

Because we do have a Toddler Program, special consideration is given to the issue of biting.  This behavior is a predictable developmental behavior in very young children.  We recognize the fact that biting often presents a very emotional problem for children, parents, and their caregivers.  Because there are many causes for biting, we will deal with each incidence as it occurs.  We will keep the safety of the children at the center as our top priority.  We will do all that we can to insure that the biting doesn’t reoccur.  We will work with all the families involved in a professional manner.  Educational materials regarding biting are available upon request.

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Emergency Procedures

California Lutheran University Early Childhood Center has regular drills for fire and other disasters.  A loud bell is sounded and the children walk out to the upper parking lot and wait at their teacher’s car.  In case of evacuation the teachers will transport the children to the California Lutheran University parking lot at the corner of Olsen Road and Mountclef or other designated area.  The parents will then be notified.

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Arrival and Departure

State law requires a parent/guardian to sign in your child upon arrival and sign out your child upon departure. The parent/guardian must sign their full name and the time of arrival or departure. Children are released only to parents or individuals listed on the sign in/out sheet or emergency information form. If someone else will be picking up your child, permission for that change must be made in writing. Identification will be required. Please pick up your child on time and call if you are delayed for some reason so we can reassure your child that you are on the way.

School Clothes

We believe that child's work is PLAY. Please send your child to school in "Work Clothes". There will be many hands on experiences taking place during the school day. Please remember this in the morning when dressing for school and have your child wear clothes that can get dirty or even possibly paint stained. We suggest clothing that is washable, comfortable and easy to take off and put on for toileting purposes. Inspite of smocks and washable paints, clothes will get dirty and become stained. Shoes with closed toes and non skid soles, such as tennis shoes, are safest for climbing and outdoor play. Sandals and boots pose safety problems and are not appropriate for preschool. Please bring a complete change of clothing (shirt, pants, underwear, and socks to school) and put all of the items in a Ziploc bag, labeled with your child's name. These will be used if your child gets wet at school and needs to change clothes.

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Toys

We have educational toys and equipment in the school.  We ask that children NOT bring toys from home.  They are easily lost or broken.  Special items are welcome when arrangements have been made with your child’s teacher.

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Nutrition

We are a nut free environment!

Wholesome mid-morning and afternoon snacks are served to the children daily. This snack includes water. On your child's birthday, you may bring a snack for the children in his/her age group. We recommend that you do not send in any items that are chocolate or contain nuts of any kind. Please make arrangements with your child's small group teacher for celebrating your child's birthday.

We encourage nutritious birthday treats and if possible, we ask that you send in your child's favorite fruit. Other suggestions include a small cookie, ice cream cup, Popsicle, muffin, or rice krispy treat.

Health

The health and safety of the children is our priority. There will be a visual health check upon arrival. A child may not come if he/she exhibit symptoms of illness such as a runny nose, fever, cough, glassy eyes, rash, sore eyes, sore throat, earache, vomiting, diarrhea or flushed appearance. The child may return to school after these symptoms have disappeared. If we notice any of these symptoms during the course of the school day, you will be called and asked to pick up your child.

Toilet Training

Since we are a Developmental Early Childhood Center, we will work with our families on the toilet training issue. We realize that not all children are toilet trained by the time they enter the preschool. We want your child to feel successful so together we will come up with a plan for your child.

Parent Participation

We believe parents play an important role in their child's first school experience. The success of our program and optimum development of each child depends on your involvement. You automatically become a member of our Parent Board sa soon as your child enrolls at our center.

Please get involved by:

• Reading our newsletters containing important information about your child's school activities, reminders about upcoming events, and items that will be of interest to you and your child.
• Attending conferences or any other meetings with your child's teacher.
• Sharing in all special school events and celebrations.
• Supporting our special fund raising activities.
• Volunteering to help with special projects and/or holiday celebrations, driving on field trips, sharing your talents, or working during the school day as needed. We welcome your presence at our school.
• Being actively involved in the Parent Board. The Parent Board usually meets monthly (mornings or evenings) to help plan special school events, fund raisers, and to give support to the staff and the program.

WE believe that the parents and teachers must work together and we welcome your involvement!