WELCOME

Welcome to Children's School of New Cumberland! We are looking forward to getting to know you and your child. We are committed to providing a stimulating environment where your child may develop socially, mentally, physically and spiritually. We believe all children are a gift from God. We feel that while your child is enrolled at Children’s School it is our responsibility to nurture them so that they feel loved. We want to instill in each child an excitement for learning that will grow each year. Our staff will do everything possible to ensure that your needs and the needs of your child are met.

ORGANIZATION

The school and day care program is a ministry of the First Church of the Nazarene of New Cumberland and are supervised by a Board of Directors amenable to the official Church Board. The Director gives overall immediate supervision. Certified teachers, plus aides, staff the daily operation. The school is set up to meet all State and local requirements, and is licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Our Kindergarten program is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Private Academic Schools. The premises, equipment, and facilities of the school conform to all applicable safety and sanitary requirements made by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Children’s School is a member of the Association of Christian Schools (ACSI), the Nazarene International Education Association (NIEA) and a participant in the State’s quality initiative—Keystone STARS.

THE CHURCH

The Church of the Nazarene is part of the orthodox Christian faith. We believe:

· In one God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

· That the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living.

· That man is born with a fallen nature, and is therefore, inclined to evil, and that continually.

· That the finally impenitent are hopelessly and eternally lost.

· That the atonement through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race; and that whomever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin.

· That the believers are sanctified wholly subsequent to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

· That the Holy Spirit bears witness to new birth, and also to entire sanctification of believers.

· That our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, and final judgment will take place.

Manual, 2001-2005, Church of the Nazarene

PROGRAM

Our philosophy is that children entrusted to us will grow in self-esteem, in their relationship to others, and in understanding of their spiritual and cultural heritage. We will do all we can to help the children know that they are persons valued by their teacher, their family, and God. The children will receive instruction on how to develop the skills needed to become independent and capable people eager to interact in meaningful ways with their environment and with the people around them.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

ALL children must be three years old and potty trained upon entrance to Children’s School of New Cumberland. Children through kindergarten are eligible. Potty training is defined as the ability to attend to ALL necessary functions such as: verbally acknowledging the need, attending to clothing, getting on the toilet and cleaning themselves.

DAY CARE & NURSERY SCHOOL REGISTRATION

A child is considered enrolled when the following are completed:

· The parent tours the facility and meets with the director

· The parent meets the teacher

· The parent reviews the Policy Handbook, signs and returns the agreement to the school office

· The enrollment packet is completed and returned to the school office

· The child is accepted for enrollment by the director

· The registration fee is paid (this fee is non-refundable).

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Children must be accompanied inside the center and a staff member informed of their arrival. Parents must sign the child into Children's School of New Cumberland’s custody and help their child place belongings in the child’s bin.

2. Parents must come for their child by 5:45 PM. A late fee will be assessed for pick-ups that occur after 5:45 PM (see Late Fees). A staff member must be notified of the child’s departure.

3. The center must be advised immediately of any changes in residence, employment or to whom the child may be released. DPW regulations require each child’s file to be updated semi-annually (or whenever there is a change).

4. Check your child’s bin daily for papers, wet clothing, notes from your child’s teacher, etc.

5. If problems arise regarding center policies, please contact the director.

6. Parents are responsible for contacting the center if they decide at any time to withdraw their family. At least two weeks’ written notice must be given or a two week tuition payment in lieu of a two week notice.

KINDERGARTEN

The kindergarten program requires a new enrollment for all students. Registration requires completed registration forms, $25.00 registration fee, and first week’s tuition, both of which are non-refundable. Eligible children must have their 5^th birthday prior to October 1^st. No child will be placed on the kindergarten enrollment list until all the conditions listed above are met.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

Children's School of New Cumberland is a non-profit organization supported by tuition fees to meet basic operational costs. Therefore, no allowance is made for days missed due to legal or religious holidays, early dismissal due to weather conditions, illness or vacations. Exception: Each child is entitled to one vacation week to be taken during the summer session (June through August). The vacation time must be taken as consecutive days. Tuition is waived for this week, providing the school office is notified at least one month prior to the requested vacation.

TUITION

All tuition must be paid at the beginning of the week, month, or term. A tuition discount is available for payments received by Wednesday (Childcare) or by Friday of the first full week of the month (Nursery Classes). See rate sheet for more information. All delinquent payments in excess of fifteen days may result in suspension of enrollment until the fee is paid. Payment more than five school days late will be assessed a $10.00 late fee. Any extenuating circumstance that interferes with tuition payment should be discussed with the Director. Full tuition is charged for sick days, holidays, and vacation.

10% TUITION DISCOUNT

Parents who successfully recruit a new student (siblings of enrolled children do not qualify) will receive a 10% discount for their child. The discount will apply for a 12-week period beginning the first day of the recruited child’s attendance. Additional recruitments will result in a 12-week extension of the discount period. Children’s School of New Cumberland reserves the right to discontinue the discount program at any time.

TUITION COST

Please click here for current tuition rates.

We have plenty of options to meet your schedule. Please contact the school office (717-774-6444) for more details.

Note: Kindergarten class is held during the morning hours. Afternoon hours are considered custodial care times.

The Board of Directors reviews tuition prices periodically. A thirty-day notice will be sent to all parents regarding all tuition increases.

WITHDRAWAL

Parents are responsible for notifying the center if they decide to withdraw their child. A two-week written notice is required or a two week payment in lieu of a written notice.

RETURN CHECK POLICY

Any check returned to the school will be subject to a $15.00 returned check fee. After two returned checks, tuition payments must be made in cash or by money order or other certified check.

OVERTIME LATE FEES

Parents are responsible for paying a fee of $1.00 per minute for time beyond 5:45 PM. This must be paid directly to the staff member(s) on duty. Failure to make payment will result in a direct billing from the school office.

TAX REPORTING

All tuition payments are recorded and totaled for the year. During the month of January you will receive a statement with our tax I.D. number. This statement can be used to report your childcare expenses to the IRS.

SCHOOL CLOSING/HOLIDAYS
(full tuition charged)

The school is closed for nine (9) public holidays: President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and the day before or after Christmas (depending upon the calendar year) and New Year's Day.

SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO WEATHER

School will occasionally be closed due to weather. In the event that it should close during the night, listen to your radio and T.V. A complete list of radio and television stations will be provided in early fall. We announce the closing on several radio and T.V. stations. If the school is open 5 1/2 hours or more, tuition will be charged for the day.

HEALTH POLICIES

Yearly check-ups for all children by a licensed physician are required by the State of Pennsylvania and must be completed to ensure the child’s continued enrollment in the school. Within 30 days of enrollment, the parent/guardian must provide an up-to-date, completed health assessment form. Proof of required immunizations is needed for entrance to the school. No child will be admitted without a complete, updated immunization record.

SAMPLE CLASSROOM SCHEDULE

Three and Four Year Old Pre-Kindergarten:

9:00 – 9:15 Restroom Break, Hand washing

9:15 – 9:30 Snack

9:30 – 10:00 Circle Time (Calendar, weather, etc.)

10:00 – 11:45 Center Time (Story, Blocks, Art)

11:45 –12:00 Wash up for Lunch

12:00 – 12:30 Lunch

12:30 – 1:00 Gross Motor Play

1:00 – 1:15 Get ready for nap

1:15 – 3:00 Rest Period

3:00 – 3:20 Wake-up, visit bathroom

3:20 – 3:45 Snack

3:45 – 5:45 Supervised Play

BASIC DEVELOPMENTAL GOALS

1. Development of religious values through stories, songs, prayers, and principles of sharing in play and social conduct. No attempt is made to prejudice a child against the faith of his/her parents; however, the atmosphere and objectives are distinctly Christian. The Bible and/or Bible stories will be read.

2. Development of academic skills in accordance with the child’s age level, intellectual and socio-emotional capabilities, through the introduction to letters, sounds, and numbers, calendar activities, games dealing with size, shape and space, and through a variety of independent and group activities. Older students will be taught to develop skills suited to their age level and intellectual potential through written, oral, and other means that will offer challenge and a situation of learning.

3. Development of children’s social capabilities and positive awareness of self and others through independent and cooperative interaction with peers through stories, music and games.

4. Development of language, visual and auditory comprehension, and discriminatory skills through the use of stories, group games, and table or shelf activities.

5. Development of large muscle coordination and perception through games, musical movement and other physical coordination activities on the playground and in our multi-purpose room.

6. Development of eye-hand, perceptual, and fine motor skills through puzzles, games, drawing, painting, cutting, pasting, and using clay.

7. Development of environmental awareness and the child’s responsibility to his/her environment through science, language, personal responsibilities, stories, and discussion.

8. Development of cultural awareness through stories, observations of traditions, role-play, art, and other activities.

9. Development of the child’s creative potential and aesthetic awareness through creative expression, looking and listening activities (art, music, musical expression).

10. Development of family relationships through parent conferences, newsletter articles, and child rearing.

PICK-UP and DROP-OFF POINTS

All children must be picked up and dropped off through the 16^th Street door. It is recommended that all parents park on the church side of 16^th Street and Brandt Avenue. This will avoid the need to cross the street with children. Safe pedestrian crosswalks may be found at the intersection of 16th and Brandt Avenue. Please do not turn around or park in our neighbor's driveways. We need to be good neighbors. You may use our parking lot as an alternative.

SAFETY POLICIES

Children's School of New Cumberland is committed to exceeding all safety guidelines as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. The care and safety of the children are constantly provided for. Teaching, support and custodial staff give primary care and attention to safety. A staff person trained in first aid is on the premises at all times. Fire drills are conducted at least every 60 days, in accordance with State regulations.

All accidents are recorded on the Incident form, which will be signed by the parent upon picking up the child. One copy will go to the parent, one copy to the child’s file and one copy is filed in a central Incident file.

The staff is mandated by the State to report any suspicion of child abuse to the Child Line and Abuse Registry and subsequently to the Child Protection Service Unit.

ACADEMIC

Students will be evaluated twice annually in January and May. Either the classroom teacher or the child’s parents may request Parent/Teacher conferences at that time. Parent/Teachers may also request conferences throughout the year as needed.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLOTHING AND TOYS

The school is not responsible for clothing or toys brought to school. We suggest that children leave toys at home unless they have permission from the teacher (i.e. Show and Tell). Such toys should be placed on a shelf until the proper time for showing.

CLOTHING

A complete change of seasonally appropriate clothing including shirt, pants/shorts, socks and underwear should be placed in a bag with the child’s name and placed on his/her hook. These are to be used in case of an emergency (i.e. spilt milk, paint or toileting accident).

Children should wear comfortable, washable play clothes to school. Clothing that children can manage independently (especially during bathroom time) is recommended.

BIRTHDAYS

Children may bring a birthday snack to share with the class on or near their birthday. Cookies or cupcakes and drink are appropriate. The school will provide napkins and paper cups. Please inform the classroom teacher and the Food Service Director, either by note or verbally, in advance of your child’s birthday snack so that a school snack is not prepared unnecessarily.

SPECIAL NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

If your child has special nutritional needs, a signed note from your family doctor containing a list of specific food(s) that may be substituted is required. It will need to state specifically which foods your child may not have. This note must be handed directly to the Children’s School Food Service Director. The Food Service Director may contact you for additional information.

WEAPONS POLICY

In light of recent events across our great country we have instituted the following policy. No weapons of any type may be brought from home for the purpose of Show and Tell. This includes such items as toy guns, toy swords, knife key chains, and any other item that might be construed as a weapon. While we recognize the validity of toys which allow children to pretend to be knights of the round table, pirates on the high seas, and other historical events; we want to discourage children from playing games that tend to desensitize them from the horrors of shooting one another or otherwise endangering the lives of those around them.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

The primary methods of discipline involve redirecting the child, time out (age appropriate), and visits with the Director. Continued difficulties will result in a parent teacher conference.

In order to provide the proper atmosphere for child development and learning, classroom control must be maintained. All staff are responsible to take care of general discipline in their rooms. They will try to prevent problems by establishing clear, consistent rules and procedures. Staff will re-direct a child’s focus or use positive reinforcement to encourage acceptable behavior and respect for authority.

Time Out is a technique used to help a child maintain/regain control of him/herself in order to rejoin the group. During Time Out, the child is separated from, but still within the view of, the group. Time Out does not extend beyond the equivalent of one minute for each year of the child’s age.

Children's School of New Cumberland does not use corporal or physical punishment.

VISITATION POLICY

Parents are encouraged to visit whenever they would like. ALL visitors are required to sign-in and obtain a visitors badge in the school office.

MEALS

A nutritious, well-balanced, home-cooked lunch is served each day. This meal will include all the state nutritional requirements for children. We encourage children to try everything on their plates. A short prayer will be said or sung before each meal to thank God for our food.

A morning and afternoon snack is also provided each day.

REST TIME

Each afternoon a nap period is provided for all the children. Children are provided with individual mats. Parents are responsible for all other bedding/pillow/sleeping animal. All bedding must be marked with the child’s name and brought the first day the child attends class. Bedding should be taken home weekly to be laundered. Soiled bedding will be bagged and must be taken home to be laundered as necessary.

MEDICATION

No over-the-counter or prescription medication of any type shall be given without a physician’s current written instructions (period of time specified on the instructions), consent from the child’s parent and the original container with the child’s name clearly marked on the container. Parents will need to sign ALL medication in on the medication sheet. See any staff member for the medication sheet location.

CHILD’S ADJUSTMENT PERIOD

Separation can be difficult for both parents and children. Here are a few ideas that might help.

· Allow yourself plenty of time. Children sense if you are under stress, in a rush or running late. As you plan, make sure you leave time to communicate with the staff.

· Be sure your child gets enough sleep. It will help your child get happily through the day.

· Have the same routine every day. Children love consistency!

Connect your child with a staff member. Be matter of fact about leaving. Tell your child that you will return and give him/her a hug. Smile and leave. Prolonged good-byes only make it harder for you and your child.

ATTENDANCE AND ILLNESS

If your child shows symptoms of illness, please keep him/her at home. Parents are expected to call 774-6444, by 8:45 AM, the first day of absence to let us know the reason. Absences of five days or more require a doctor’s written statement. If a child shows signs of illness during the day, the parent will be called so that necessary arrangements to have the child picked up can be made. In the event of an emergency, the child’s parents/guardians will be contacted. If the parents/ guardians cannot be contacted, the child may be taken to the nearest hospital. It is extremely important that all contact information (home phone, cell phones, employer) be kept current. Parents will be notified of illnesses that are contagious. In order for us to accomplish this, parents must call or inform the office personnel if their child has been diagnosed with a confirmed, contagious disease.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS

Children’s School of New Cumberland, 617 16th St. New Cumberland, PA 17070

Admissions, the provision of services, and referrals of clients shall be made without regard to race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex. Program services shall be made accessible to persons with disabilities through the most practical and economically feasible methods available consistent with school policy as determined by school officials. These methods may include, but are not limited to, equipment redesign, the provision of aides, and the use of alternative service delivery locations. Structural modifications may be considered by school officials when appropriate and as a last resort among available methods. Any resident/client/patient/student (and/or their guardian) who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint of discrimination with:

Department of Public Welfare, Bureau of Equal Opportunity

Room 521, Health and Welfare Building, Box 2675

Harrisburg, PA 17105

PA Human Relations Commission

Harrisburg Regional Office

Riverfront Office Center, 1101 S. Front Street, Fifth Floor

Harrisburg, Pa 17105

US Department of Health and Human Services

Office for Civil Rights

Suite 372, Public Ledger Building

150 S. Independence Mall West

Philadelphia, PA 19106-9111

Bureau of Equal Opportunity Central Regional Office

Cameron and Maclay Streets, Building 56

Parton House, PO Box 61260

Harrisburg, PA 17106-1260

CHILD CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Our facilities are in compliance with the following nondiscrimination statement: "All meals served to children under the Child and Adult Care Food Program are served at no separate charge regardless of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin. There is no discrimination in admission policy, meal service, or use of facilities. Any complaints of discrimination should be submitted in writing to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington D.C. 20250."

Thank you for your cooperation.

Institutional Representative

_________________________________________

Eligibility for free and reduced priced meal reimbursement is based on the following income scales.

Family Size Eligibility Scale For Reduced Priced Meals

1 $17,705

2 $23,736

3 $29,767

4 $35,798

5 $41,829

6 $47,860

7 $53,891

8 $59,992

Each additional household member add: $6,031.

SAMPLE EDUCATIONAL AND BIBLE THEMES

SAMPLE SAMPLE

EDUCATIONAL THEMES BIBLE THEMES

Getting To Know You Kindness

All About Me The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:30

All About Our School

The Beauty of the Earth Helpfulness

Shapes & Colors in Our World Friends Help a Sick Man - Mark 2:1-12

Autumn Season/Weather

In Everything Give Thanks Friendliness

Health/Nutrition David & Jonathan - I Samuel 18

Significance to Others Giving

Our Family Noah & the Rainbow - Genesis 6:1-13

Finding Out About Our World Who Is God?

Transportation Genesis - Creator

The Seasons

We Really Do Need Each Other Obedience

Community Helpers Jonah & the Whale - Jonah 1&2

Animals in Our World Dealing With Anger

Pets & Farm Animals What To Do With Anger - Eph. 4:26-27

Zoo Animals & Prehistoric Animals