FBCM Preschool Center

PARENT HANDBOOK

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 653, Morrisville, NC 27560Physical Address: 209 Church Street, Morrisville, NC 27560Telephone: 919-467-8317Website: fbcmprek.comE-Mail: fbcmpreschool@fbcmorrisville.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTSMission Statement………………………………………………………………………………………………….1Program Description……………………………………………………………………………………………….1

Class Ratios……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..1Curriculum………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…...2

Class routines…………………………………………………………………………………………….……...….2Governance………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….……3Daily Operating Procedures……………………………………………………………..………………….…3

Hours of Operation……………………………………………………………………………………………….3Arrival to School……………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Parents of 2 year old’s…………………………………..……………………………..………….3Parents of 3 year old’s…………………………………….……………………………………….3Parents of 4/5 year old’s……………….…………………………………………………………4

CARPOOL Arrival…………………………………………………………………………………………………..4Departures……………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Ages 2, 3, 4/5…………………………………………………..………………………………………4Late Departures……………………………………………………………………………………….5Walk-Up 11:15…………………………………………………………………………………………5Early Pick-Up……………………………………………………………………………………………5Release of Children…………………………………………..........................................5

Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………………………..6HEALTH & SAFETY……………………………………………………….………………………………………..6

Security Door Bell………………………………………………………..………………………….…………..6Teaching Good Health Principles…………………………………..………..……………….………….6Teaching Safety Rules……………………………………………………..……………………….………….6Illness……………………………………………………………………………..……………………….………….6Accidents………………………………………………………………………..……………………….………….7Child Abuse and Neglect………………………………………………..………………………….………..7Pictures of Students………………………………………………………..…………………….…………….7Medication………………………………………………………………………..………………….…………….8Discipline Policy………………………………………………………………..………………….……………..8Child Safety Seats……………………………………………………………..………………….……………..8Fire Drills…………………………………………………………………………..…………………..…………….9Insurance……………………………………………………………………………………………..………………9

GENERAL POLICIES………………………………………………………………….....………..……………….9Dress Code…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………9Age Requirement………………………………………………………............................................9Substitute Teachers……………………………………………………………………………..………………9Field Trips……………………………………………………….……………………………..…………………..10Schedules……………………………………………………………………………………………………………10Show and Tell……………………………………………………………………………………………………..10Snacks…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10Newsletter……………..…………………………………………………………………………………………..11

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Scholastic News……………………………………………………………..…………………………………..11Birthday Celebrations…………………………………………………..…………………………………….11

Book Donation…………………………………………………..…………………………………..11Classroom Parties……………………………………………………………..………………………………..11

FINANCIAL POLICIES…………………………………………..………….…………………………………….12Tuition………………………………………………………………..………………………………….12Dismissal from Program…………………………………………..……………..……………..12Late Fee………………………………………………………………..…………………..…………..12Discounts……………………………………………………………..………………………………..12Other Fees…………………………………………………………………………………..…………12

Registration Fee………………………………………………………….…………….12Graduation Fee…………………………………………………………………………13Supply Fee………………………………………………………………………………..13Art Show Fundraiser………………………………………………….………………13

WITHDRAWING FROM PRESCHOOL…………………………………………………………..………..13Tips for Parents……………………………………………………………………………………..…………….142016-2017 DAYS OFF SCHEDULE……………………………………………………………………….END

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PRESCHOOL MISSION STATEMENTFBCM Preschool Center’s mission is to provide a Christian-based

learning environment.  Children learn academics and develop social skills as they interact, play with, and enjoy children their own age.   Our goal is to prepare children for academic success in kindergarten and teach them about the love of God through

His son Jesus Christ.   The staff will reflect Christ, thereby providing an atmosphere of spiritual and academic growth.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONCLASSESA variety of half-day developmentally appropriate classes are offered. To keep children on track for grade school classes (K-12), preschool eligibility is in accordance with the North Carolina Schools cut-off for birthdays. A child is registered according to their age as of August 31st.

Two Year Old’s - Have the option of attending two days a week on Tuesday/Thursday or three days a week Monday/Wednesday/Friday.

Three Year Old’s – Have the option of attending two days a week on Tuesday/Thursday, three days a week on Monday/Wednesday/Friday or five days a week Monday through Friday.

Four Year Old’s – Have the option of attending three days a week Monday/Wednesday/Friday or five days a week Monday through Friday.

CLASS RATIOSThere will be a maximum of 8 students in two-year-old classes, 12 students in three year old classes, and 14 students in four-year old classes. It is the Director’s responsibility to ensure that all students are enrolled properly. Although a gender balance is not required, it is recommended to help ensure diversity in the classroom. The Director reserves the right to place the child in a class that best fits everyone.

The classes and class size is determined by demand and space availability and may fluctuate slightly.

CURRICULUM1

We provide the children with theme-related and age-appropriate activities in circle time, literacy, crafts, science, math, stories, snacks, music, art, and occasional field trips. Parents receive a monthly calendar with teaching themes and related information. We allow the children to learn at their own pace, while encouraging them to meet their fullest potential. We understand that God has created all in an individual and unique way, and each child develops differently. The staff continually works to adjust, update and improve the learning experiences to meet the needs of the children. Hands on activities and learning opportunities are planned accordingly to engage students in the mastery of these skills.

Our routine includes:

Circle Time – The group time is a time to pray together, discuss God’s Word, discuss the weather, seasons, calendar, and our daily schedule and expectations.

Music – Theme related music, songs and creative movement is included in the routine, in and outside the classroom.

Science – Age appropriate activities stressing observation, classification and use of senses are introduced in class.

Literacy – To help develop communication skills, social interaction between students is strongly encouraged. Children are encouraged to recall parts of a story, say their name, age, gender, telephone number, and address. Students are encouraged to follow two and three step directions. Phonemic awareness, the ability to recognize and manipulate the sound units that make up words are taught and used along with their visual representation, upper and lower case letters.

Math – Number and shape recognition, counting skills and basic math principles are introduced.

Crafts – A crafts time is scheduled each day using a wide variety of materials and promoting the concept of process over product. At this age the experience of creating is more important than the resulting artwork, as fine motor skills are a focus.

Outside Play – We try to get the children outside each day for free play and structured games except when it is raining or to cold.

Snack – Parents are to provide a drink and snack for their child. Cooking – Periodically children may be allowed to cook or prepare

their own snack (always theme related). This is fun, and pulls

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together science, math, art (measuring, tasting, feeling, smelling, etc.), and promotes self-confidence.

Story Time – Stories and/or Bible stories are read daily. Occasionally, we may have a special guest (i.e. Pastor Myron, a church member, the Director) come in to class and read. Parents can also check with the teacher and volunteer to do this.

GOVERNANCEAs a half-day program that offers no more than three (3) hours of preschool care on any given day, our facility does not fall under the government regulations mandated by the State of North Carolina Division of Child Development. We do hold ourselves to a high accountability in meeting high quality standards to provide a safe and healthy environment. The NC Daycare Regulations handbook can be viewed from the web: http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/providers/pv_sn2_rcc.asp

DAILY OPERATING PROCEDURES

HOURS OF OPERATIONHours and Schedule – Preschool classes operate from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Our school-year begins the day after Labor Day and ends Wednesday, May 24, 2017. We observe the same holidays and teacher workdays as the traditional calendar school schedule for the Wake County Public School System.

ARRIVALParents can park in the side parking lot (near the playground) to walk your child to and from class. Doors open at 9:05. Staff are busy getting ready for the day ahead so please use the following guidelines:

Parents of Two Year Old’s will walk their child to class each morning. Please wait in the hallway until 9:15, at which time your child can enter the classroom.

Parents of Three Year Old’s will walk your child to the sanctuary between 9:05 and 9:15. PLEASE do not enter the classroom until 9:15. Parents will walk their children to class the first week of school. During the second week, they can choose to use drop-off carpool.

Parents of Four/Five Year Old’s can begin using drop-off carpool at the front parking lot if they so choose; otherwise, walk your child to the

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sanctuary between 9:05 and 9:15. PLEASE do not enter the classroom until 9:15.

The first two weeks of school Two Year Old’s will attend class from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. This will ease transition between home and school, as many of the children are attending school for the first time. After two weeks, two’s will transition to 3 hours, 9:15 to 12:15.

Walk-In/Morning - Please do not park just outside the side door and leave your child alone to walk to class. This is a safety issue and is not acceptable. PLEASE park your car in the parking lot near the playground and walk your child into the class so that the teacher sees you leave your child. The parking area just outside the side door (between the parsonage and fellowship hall) is reserved for the church Pastor and his family. Please be sure to park in the area just past the fellowship hall near the playground.

Parents are asked to NOT enter the church building until 9:05 or after. PLEASE do not walk your child in at the front entrance of the church in the morning. If walking your child to class, please wait until 9:15 to enter the classroom, as teachers are busy preparing for their day.

CARPOOL ARRIVAL – 3 Years and 4 Years Classes ONLYFBCM Preschool offers drop-off carpool for 3 and 4/5 year old students in the morning from 9:05 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. in the front parking lot of the church. Children are not allowed out of the car before 9:05 and only when a preschool staff member is present to help them. PLEASE DO NOT let your child out of the car until a staff member is present. Do not park your car in the front parking lot and walk your child up to the door.

Departure2 Year Old’s – Parents will pick up from the classroom by 12:15 p.m.3 Year Old’s – Parents will pick up from the sanctuary by 12:15 p.m.4/5 Year Old’s - Preschool Staff are available in the afternoon for 4’s/5’s students to use carpool. We will buckle the child in the car seat correctly. PLEASE make sure the car seat is adjusted correctly to fit the child (i.e. that the harness is not too tight or too loose). Afternoon carpool for 4/5s begins at 12:05 and ends at 12:20. If you choose to walk-up, you can park in the side lot between the church and playground to go to the front steps (when weather is nice ) or lobby (when raining) to pick-up your child. PLEASE do not park in the front parking lot and walk up. This will interrupt and cause congestion in the carpool line.

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Late DeparturesIt is very distressing to a child to be “left” after everyone else is gone. PLEASE BE ON TIME TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD – 12:15 p.m. If there is an emergency, please call the office to let us know (919) 467-8317.

Parents are considered late for afternoon pick-up when arriving after 12:25 p.m. If we have not heard from you by 12:25, a staff member will try to call you or one of the emergency contacts. Further, you will be charged $1.00 per minute for every minute late until you arrive for pick-up. This fee will be added to your next month’s tuition. Staff and students will leave the front parking lot by 12:20 and you will need to come to the walk-In side of the church building to pick up your child.

Early Pick-Up – If you need to pick up your child before 12:05, please park on the left side “Walk-In” parking lot (near the playground). Ring the bell on the door and a staff member will let you in.

Release of ChildrenTeachers are instructed to release children ONLY to persons on their child’s authorized “pick-up” list as found on the Student Information Sheet. Therefore, it is the parent/guardians responsibility to notify the office of any changes regarding authorized persons allowed to pick up their child.

INCLEMENT WEATHERSchool Delays/Closings Due to Inclement Weather – We use as a guideline the Wake County Public School System delayed opening and closing schedule as announced on local news television stations (i.e. WRAL). We reserve the right to open preschool based on the forecast if inclement weather is not due to arrive until AFTER preschool hours. The majority of the time we will delay preschool opening as follows:

IF the Wake County Public School System delays opening by 1, 2 or 3 hours, Preschool will open from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Parents will need to check email within 2 hours prior to the regular preschool opening time (7:15 a.m.) to see if we will open preschool that day. Once your child has missed 5 class days due to inclement weather, classes will be made up at a later day and time designated by the Director. Days may be made up in: 1) full 3-hour day(s) or 2) some designated school days may extend by one-hour. Make-up days will be announced to parents in plenty of time to plan accordingly.

Transportation

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Each parent shall arrange for transportation of his/her child to and from school. IF someone other than the parent is to transport the child, a written note must be sent in to the teacher or the child’s parent or guardian must notify the office. If a family is in need of assistance to get their child to and from school, parents can ask the preschool office to send an email to preschool families sharing their contact information. It will be up to the parents to make contact and arrange the transportation.

HEALTH AND SAFETYSecurity Door BellThe front door of the church is locked after carpool ends (9:20 a.m.) The side walk-in entry door is locked by 9:30 a.m. All doors of the church stay locked while preschool is in session. There is a doorbell on the door in case parents arrive late in the morning or need to pick up early for appointments or to visit.

We Teach/Practice Good Health PrinciplesPlease do not endanger the health of the other students by sending a sick child to school. Any child who has fever, diarrhea, nausea, or other symptoms of infectious illness will be sent home, and must be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

We Teach Safety Rules before leaving the classroom on excursions (i.e. field trips, outside scavenger hunts, and on the playground). Children are NEVER left unattended.

IllnessThe school makes every effort to protect the health of our children. We ask our parents to not send their child to school if he/she has any of the following symptoms:

Thick, green, runny noses – means they are contagious. Lice – will not go away without proper treatment. If lice is found while

student is at school, child is to immediately leave the classroom to stay in

Directors office until parents arrive for pick-up. Parent should be encouraged to begin treatment at home ASAP. Because our students are preschoolers, it is hard to avoid head-to-head contact. THUS, students may return to school 24 hours AFTER treatment . C onfidentiality should be maintained to not embarrass or overly concern the student.

chicken pox (child will stay home at least 7 days after the first sign of outbreak)

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diarrhea (may return after 24 hours diarrhea free without medication) fever (may return within 24 hours fever free without medication) pink eye (may return after eye has been cleared by medication rash (may return once rash has been determined not to be contagious) ringworm (may return after 24 hours on medication) vomiting (may return after 24 hours vomit free without medication) strep throat (may return after 24 hours on medication)

If your child becomes ill while at school, they will be sent to the Director’s office so that the parent/guardian can be contacted immediately. IF your child contracts any communicable disease, please keep them at home and let us know immediately.

PLEASE advise the teacher and copy the office in an email to let us know if your child will be out sick. If your child does not show up at school after three days, the office will call to check on your child.

Accidents – In case of a minor accident, such as a skinned knee or bump on the head, the teacher will treat with accepted first aid practice. In case of a major accident, we will contact the parents of the child. If parents cannot be reached, we will contact the emergency contact on the Student Information Sheet. If we feel the child is in need of immediate care, we will call for medical assistance. If either a minor or major accident occurs, an Incident Report Form will be filled out. Parents will get a copy and the Preschool will retain a copy. We stress the importance of being able to contact you in case of an emergency, so please keep your telephone numbers up-to-date. You can advise the teacher of a telephone number or address change by placing a note in your child’s folder or by e-mail contact. Teachers, in turn, will share the information with the Director.

Child Abuse and Neglect PolicyIf a child comes to school and the Teacher and the Director feel there are signs of abuse or neglect it will be the responsibility of the program to report the case to the Director of the Department of Social Services in the County (N.C. Rules and Regulations-Rule .1901, G.S. 7A-543)

Pictures of StudentsWhen parents sign our Parent Handbook acknowledgement/waiver, it also includes giving consent that photos of your child involved in classroom activities may be taken for class/school use. This includes pictures that may be published in the church newsletter, on our preschool website, in the classroom or on the Preschool bulletin board in our main hallway. In addition, pictures may be posted in promotional brochures or information about the preschool and/or church. Students will be identified by their

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respective classroom or by first name only (inside building). Outside the building (i.e. internet), your child’s name will not be used.

Medication – If your child must receive medication during school hours, (i.e. in-haler for asthma, Epipen for allergies) a Permission to Administer Medication form will have to be filled out and the Release of Liability signed on the back of the form. IF this form is not filled out, preschool staff will not be able to administer any type of medication. Under the discretion of the Director, we may find it is necessary to ask the parent to come in and administer the medication.

Discipline Policy – Teachers have a responsibility to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Therefore, teachers use positive methods of discipline such as redirection and discussion in the classroom to insure an orderly environment. Time-out is used for behaviors that are destructive or physically harmful to others or ones- self. Persistent and unmanageable behaviors are reported to the Parents and the Director. When behavior problems persist without resolution, it will be discussed and possibly decided it is best for the student to be withdrawn from the program. The Director and Teacher will work with the Parents to identify options that work for the benefit of the child and other students in the classroom. In accordance with the laws of the state of North Carolina, center administrators and teachers are to refrain from corporal punishment. Children are not subject to punishment of a physical or psychological nature.

Child Safety SeatsAt the end of each school day, our teachers assist with loading 4/5 year old children into vehicles. We need your cooperation by providing an appropriate child safety seat that complies with NC law to secure your child. Our teachers are instructed to assist with proper restraints, however, it becomes the parent/guardians responsibility to ensure compliance with NC law and to be sure their child is properly secured before leaving the premises. Please note we have included information from the UNC Highway Safety Research Center that answers commonly asked questions about the NC Child Passenger Safety & Booster Seat Law (at back of Parent Handbook).

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Fire DrillsFire Drills are conducted once a month for some students, every other month for those attending less days a week. During the drill, children use the closest exit to head to a designated area outside. They will be conducted in such a way that children are not scared or overly concerned.

Tornado DrillsTornado Drills are conducted in November and February, leading up to tornado season. They will be conducted in such a way that children are not scared or overly concerned.

InsuranceThe FBCM Preschool Center program is insured through the First Baptist Church of Morrisville insurance policy and insured by Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. The accidental insurance policy covers each child while he/she is attending preschool.

GENERAL POLICIESDress Code – Please have your child dress in comfortable clothing and footwear that is weather appropriate (i.e. mittens, hat and coat, on cold days). Keep in mind that we will do crafts and paint some days and will get messy! It is recommended that your child wear play clothes that you do not mind getting messy. A complete set of seasonally-appropriate change of clothes should be kept in your child’s book bag (please include underwear and socks). All clothing, backpacks, etc. should be marked with the child’s name.

Age Requirement – All students must reach the class age-level by August 31st. This follows the NC Public Education requirements for entering kindergarten.

Parent Involvement – We strongly encourage parent participation as a part of your child’s preschool experience. Parents are always welcome to observe or help with the class. Your suggestions and comments are valuable to us. If the school is important to you, it will be important to your child!

Substitute Teachers – If you are willing and able to fill in as a substitute teacher when the classroom teacher or assistant is unavailable, please notify the Director and check the appropriate box on your child’s Student Information Sheet found in your Parent Packet. A credit of $25.00

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will be applied to your next month’s tuition when you act as a substitute in the classroom.

Field Trips – We schedule several field trips during the school year. Matching preschool t-shirts are available at the beginning of the school year for purchase so that teachers and parents can easily identify our students while on trips. To provide sufficient supervision, we will only go on field trips if we have adequate help from parents to transport and chaperone the children. You will be notified about upcoming field trips on the Directors Monthly Newsletter and in the Teacher’s monthly newsletter.

IF transporting children to a field trip by car, children must ride in car seats and be buckled in correctly as required by law. The teachers are not allowed to drive students in their car.

Waiver of Release - A Waiver of Release of Liability will be provided BEFORE a parent can drive another student.

SchedulesEach teacher will post their regular class schedule in their classroom for parents to review. Although the schedules are followed as closely as possible, special events or activities may interrupt the schedule as spontaneous learning opportunities or activities occasionally arise.

Show and TellShow and Tell varies from classroom to classroom. Items of educational value or items that follow the curriculum for that class are encouraged. Please do not allow your children to bring in toy guns, swords, knives, or oversized toys to school. Please check with your child’s teacher about the procedure she follows for this activity.

SnacksEach class has a daily snack time. The snacks are generally scheduled around mid-morning so as not to interfere with your lunch routine. Each student will bring their own snack or some classrooms may have a “shared” parent system. Parents will receive more information from each teacher regarding snacks for their child’s classroom. We strongly encourage nutritious snacks and 100% juice beverages or water. If your child has a food allergy, please discuss the severity, reactions, and foods to avoid with their teachers. This should be also noted on your child’s Student Information Sheet (use back for extra details).

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Certain snack items are considered hazardous due to risk of choking and are NOT allowed (including parties). Even though you may serve these items at home, we ask for your cooperation by NOT sending these items to school:

Hard Candy (of any kind) You can CUT grapes in halfHot dogs Large raw carrotsLarge marshmellows (small are fine)

NewsletterA monthly newsletter will be sent home during the school year by your child’s teacher. The newsletter will include information about topics and activities your child will be doing. Topics of curriculum for the month will be included.

Scholastic NewsThis is a great program for your child as they begin to find interest in reading. Some classrooms may decide to send home a monthly flyer for book orders. Not all teachers may choose to use this service. If they do, it’s a wonderful way to build your child’s home library while helping the Preschool with our own library efforts. See your teacher if you have questions.

Birthday CelebrationsBirthdays are a special occasion for young children. If you would like to help us celebrate your child’s birthday at school, we ask that you arrange, in advance, with the teacher to have a shared planned snack on or close to your child’s birthdate.

We ask that you not bring party favors or additional goodies other than the snack. We also ask that you NOT bring or send in balloons as they are considered a potential choking hazard and the children want to keep them.

BOOK DONATION – You have opportunity to donate money towards a book for our school library in honor of your child’s birthday. Books donated will have a special label in honor of your child and added to the School library for ALL classes to enjoy!

Classroom PartiesDuring the year your child will have opportunities to participate in special parties and celebrations. These can be a fun and memorable time for your child. As you sign up to help with “parties” during the year, please be sure to plan WITH your child’s teacher as they can guide you in planning appropriate snacks and activities. For preschoolers, we have learned that the best parties are not the elaborate intensive ones, but rather the simple parties.

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During the fall we place an emphasis on harvest time thanking God for our blessings. At Christmas, we focus on Jesus’ birth rather than the secular aspects. We celebrate Valentine’s Day as a special time to tell people “I love you,” and during the Easter season we focus on “new life” and springtime activities.

FINANCIAL POLICIESTuition – Is a monthly fee. Tuition payments begin in August and run through April for those students beginning school in September. Students joining later in the year will pay monthly tuition beginning the month they start school through May and tuition would be prorated according to the days present the month they begin school.

Tuition cost is $160.00 for two-day students, $200.00 for 3 day students, and $275.00 for five day students. Tuition is due on the first day of the month and is considered late on the 6th. Checks should be made payable to FBCM Preschool Center (PLEASE place your child’s name in the memo section) and place the check in the Preschool Drop-Box just inside the side door on the first floor. Checks cannot be received in the carpool line. You may also mail checks, as long as they are received by the 6th of each month, to FBCM Preschool Center, P.O. Box 653, Morrisville, NC 27560. Tuition remains constant during the year regardless of days off for inclement weather, sickness, teacher workdays, holidays, etc.

DISMISSAL FROM PROGRAMFBCM Preschool reserves the right to dismiss any child when tuition payments are 2 month’s delinquent and a payment arrangement has not been made with the Director.

Late FeeA late fee of $10.00 is charged for tuition payments not made by the 5th.

Discounts – A discount of 10% is offered for families with more than one child in the program.

Other FeesA Registration Fee of $100.00 is due at the time of registration and is non-refundable. Your child’s enrollment is secure once this fee is paid and your child’s birth certificate accompanies the registration form (immunization record due by the first day of class). The registration fee

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helps cover craft supplies, insurance, curriculum fees, library books, and classroom upkeep.

Graduation Fee - If your child is in the 4-year-old class, there is a $10.00 fee for graduation and due with your April tuition payment.

4/5’s Supply Fee – We do the school supply shopping for our older students. They each have receive mini crate with 10 plus school supply items they “call their own” to use each day: scissors, glue bottle, glue stick, large pencil, large eraser, box of crayons, colored pencils, washable markers, pencil sharpener, and journal. It’s a great way to teach “responsibility” as the children learn to take care of their supplies and keep them organized and in safekeeping. The students take their crate and supplies home at year-end. The cost is a small fee of $15.00 and is due at the beginning of the school year.

Art Show Fundraiser – is our only major fundraiser throughout the school year and is included in our year-end class parties (younger students) and graduation day for our older students. It’s a fun time for the children to create throughout the school year and then show parents their works at year-end! A donation amount of $20.00 to $30.00 is requested depending on age of class – 2s, 3s, 4s may have different set amounts.

WITHDRAWING FROM PRESCHOOLA 30-day notice in writing (via email) or handed to the Director or Teacher in person is required when withdrawing your child from school. You will be responsible for paying tuition for 30 days after you give notice and the withdrawal date to the Director. This gives us time to get the seat filled.

NOTE:FBCM Preschool Center is open to children of all races

and religions. Children are grouped in classes determined by their ages on August 31, which is the cut-

off date used by the NC Public Education System. The Director and Preschool Board have the discretion to

adjust classes to enhance the financial soundness of the program.

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TIPS FOR PARENTSAfter the first month of school, participate in classroom activities whenever possible. This gives you an opportunity to observe first-hand what your childs preschool environment is really like. And if you ever have any questions, PLEASE ASK!

Ask your child about his/her day in a positive way. Avoid general questions like “What did you do in school today?” Your child will most likely respond “nothing.” Instead, ask specific questions like:

Who did you play with today? What art or craft did you make today? What do you know about fall? (or whatever the weekly theme is) What choices did you make at playtime today? What do you like most about school?

These type questions should generate responses which could lead you and your child into some interesting and informative conversations.

Please comply with the programs rules. Young children learn by imitation. Your compliance with the school rules are a great way to teach them to your children as they see your example.

Please be on time for drop-off and pick-up. We, as staff, start to get concerned when you are late.

Prepare your child properly for his/her day at school. Be sure you child gets a good night’s rest before school and then start your child’s day with a good breakfast.

Support your child’s teacher. Always be positive about school in front of your child. If problems arise, please follow-up with your child’s teacher via email or other personal conversation time. Please do not discuss negative issues in front of your child or over the telephone when he/she is present. Children pick up on negative feelings from parents and reflect them in the classroom.

If concerns, problems, or issues persist, please bring them to the Director’s attention. We are unable to help resolve issues if we don’t know they exist.

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FBCM Preschool follows the Wake County Public School System traditional calendar schedule for holidays and teacher workdays. We begin classes each year the FIRST

DAY after the Labor Day holiday. The Preschool is closed on the following days.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016 – First Day of Preschool

Day/Date Reason

Monday, October 31, 2016 Teacher Workday

Friday, November 11, 2016 Veterans Day

Wed. Nov. 23Thurs. Nov. 24 Fri. Nov. 25

Teacher WorkdayThanksgiving Holiday

Thurs. Dec. 22

Friday Dec. 23 through Mon. Jan. 2(school resumes Tues., Jan. 3, 2017)

Teacher Workday

Winter Break:Christmas, New Years Holiday

Monday, January 16, 2017 MLK Jr. Holiday

Friday, January 27, 2017 Teacher Workday

Monday, February 20, 2017 Teacher Workday

Friday, March 31, 2017 Teacher Workday

Mon. April 10 - Friday, April 14(school resumes on Mon. April 17)

Spring Break Week

Fri. May 12, 2017 Teacher Workday

Wednesday, May 24, 2017– Last Day of Preschool

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