Attire
Children should dress for outdoor, as well as indoor, play and wear clothing that makes self-toileting easy. Do not select clothes that must be kept spotless. The school will not be held responsible for damage to your child’s clothing. For safety purposes, closed-toe shoes are required. Sandals, Crocs and flip-flops are not permissible.
Discipline Policy
The Moorings Presbyterian Preschool Program believes that both children and staff have three basic rights:
1. Everyone has the right to be free from verbal and physical abuse.
2. Everyone has the right to learn, grow, and have fun.
3. Everyone has the right to safety for themselves and their personal property.
The goal of discipline for children is to help them learn acceptable limits of behavior and to help them develop self-control of their behavior. This is accomplished by providing an environment that allows for independence, yet sets clear limits and expectations of the child. Limits are maintained by adults who have realistic expectations of the child based on the child’s developmental level.
Discipline may take many forms and will be geared to the child’s age and the severity of the problem. When possible, the program will allow the child to experience the natural consequences of their actions. In no instances will any form of corporal punishment, humiliation, ridicule, threat, or other similar action be used or condoned with children. The program also prohibits parents, guardians, and others from using any of the aforementioned while at the program’s centers. Children will be encouraged to work out problems constructively, and develop respect for self, others, and their environment.
If a child exhibits behavior that infringes on another person’s rights or property, one or more of the following actions will occur. These are examples only and these actions may or may not occur in this order. Program staff will match an action appropriate with the misbehavior.
The child may experience the logical consequences of their actions.
The child may be redirected to an appropriate activity.
The child may be reminded of the program/school’s rules.
The child may be given time to reflect about their behavior.
The child may be put “off limits” from a piece of equipment or area of the site.
The parent/guardian may be called and required to pick up the child.
The parent/guardian may be contacted, and a conference will be arranged to discuss ways of solving the problem.
Child’s schedule may be reduced short term or permanently.
Limits are set in each classroom to assure safety for all children, care of property, good health habits and consideration for others. Our goal is to help a child retain control of emotions and actions. When necessary, teachers will: redirect a child to another activity; temporarily remove a child from the situation or activity; or schedule a parent conference.
At no time shall children be subjected to discipline that is severe, humiliating or frightening. Discipline shall not be associated with food, rest or toileting. Spanking or any other form of physical punishment is prohibited.
Illness/Emergencies/Medication
If your child will not be at school, a phone call to the school office (239-649-1811 or 239-213-5250) or your child’s teacher is appreciated.
Parents are required to place emergency contact information on file with the school. Please notify the office of any changes and be certain a current phone number is on file. Facilities for emergency care in school are very limited. Arrangements for taking your child home should be made promptly.
Regarding communicable diseases, only a physician or nurse from the Collier County Health department can certify that a child is free of communicable disease. For the safety of all children we request that the child is kept home until an official clearance has been obtained.
If a serious illness or injury occurs, the parent will be notified immediately, and the director may call emergency Medical Services or take the child to an emergency care facility. Medical treatment will require parental permission. In cases where the legal guardian cannot be reached, your director may make any emergency medical decisions if the injury is life threatening.
For your child’s protection, we cannot administer medication, unless for life threatening illnesses.
Parties
Each class may hold a Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and end-of-the-year party. Teachers will arrange for parents to bring in treats. Children may celebrate their birthday in class. Parents are to make arrangements with the classroom teacher at least one week in advance.
Progress Report
Progress reports are sent home in January and May for the three and four year olds.
School Hours and Closings
School office hours are 8:00am to noon. Three- and four-year-old classes will begin promptly at 8:25am, (four day VPK M-TH starts promptly at 8:05am). Two-year-old classes will begin at 8:40am.
We normally follow the Collier County Public Schools protocol for emergency or weather-related closings, but from time to time our campus schedule may differ. Families will be notified via email.
Please listen to the local TV and radio stations and watch your weather reports carefully any time a storm threatens the Florida coast.
Show-n-Tell
Special items may be brought to school only on a day specified by the teacher. Family photos, nature objects and vacation souvenirs are all great ideas for show-n-tell. Please do not send in anything fragile or irreplaceable.
Things to Leave at Home
Keep all toys, gum or candy at home. Items of value such as jewelry, electronic games, heirlooms and money should also remain at home.
Pets may not be brought to school unless requested by a teacher for a special project. Permission from the director is required before an animal may be brought to school.
Teacher Requests
Teacher requests for the following school year may be made by parents. A written letter should be delivered to the preschool director. Requests will always be considered, but cannot be guaranteed.