Class Policies and Procedures

        Drop off is between 8:30 am-8:45 am for the morning class and 12:15pm-12:30pm for the afternoon class.  Students must be brought directly to the classroom.  If someone other than the parent is picking up a student, a written permission slip must be brought to the teacher in the morning stating who will be picking up the child.  That person must present a photo I.D. in order for the child to be released.

        The students in the morning class will be dismissed at 11:30, and the afternoon class will be dismissed at 3:15.  Parents are asked to come to the preschool classroom to pick up their child.

        We are passing out a snack calendar and asking that parents provide a snack approximately every 5 weeks.  I know how hectic schedules can be for a busy family.  Please do not stay up until 2:00am making homemade cookies!!  A couple of boxes of graham crackers will do just fine.  The school will supply water to drink and the paper products.  Some snack suggestions might be:  pretzels, raisins, preschool-friendly fruit (no grapes, please, unless they are cut), apple sauce snack cups, teddy grahams, cheese and crackers, dry cereal, etc.  Due to food allergy concerns, please do not send any snacks containing peanuts or tree nuts.  Also, do not send in popcorn as it is a choking hazard for this age group.  You may bring a special birthday snack for your child, and there will be plenty of opportunities for special treats at class parties.

        What a great day to celebrate!  I encourage families to participate in their child’s special birthday celebration during our snack time.  You may want to provide a special “preschool-friendly” treat, for example a cookie, brownie, rice crispy treat or trail mix, just to name a few.  Please feel free to bring a camera and record this special time.  Also consider staying and sharing your child’s favorite book or song.

        Students are requested to refrain from bringing any toys from home to school.  If your child feels the need to have a special item in school in order to feel secure during the first couple weeks of school, please let me know.  You may remind your child that there will be special school days when they will be asked to bring something from home to share with the class.

        Please send a book bag everyday with your child.  I will be encouraging as much independence as possible, so please choose a bag that is easy for your child to manipulate.

        I will be calling all parents within the first two weeks of school to report on how your child is adjusting to the classroom setting and answer any questions that you may have.  Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions or concerns about our preschool program.  Your input is welcomed and encouraged!  My email address is dawnwinstead@yahoo.com and home telephone number is 724-349-2506.  With much help from my husband, I am in the process of developing my own website for the S.F.C.A. three-year old classroom.  Schedules and information will be available for you to view.  The website address is http://dawnwinstead.com.

        If you have a special gift or talent that you wish to share at any time with the students, please let me know and I will be happy to schedule a time for you to visit the classroom.  Also, there will be many occasions when additional help may be needed for holiday parties or field trips; if you are willing and available to help, please let me know.

        Since much of the preschooler’s day is spent on the floor for circle time and play time, not to mention all of the fun creating wonderfully messy art work, the preschool’s dress code is a little more lenient.  Boys and girls do not have to wear their shirts tucked in, and belts are not required.  This helps tremendously when there are rushed calls to the bathroom. Boys may wear non-collared shirts without decals, characters or logos on them.  No shorts, capris, or blue jeans.  Please have your child wear tennis shoes.  No flip-flops or clogs.  If sandals are worn, they must have a back strap on them.  If you have any questions concerning the dress code, please feel free to call the school.