 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
LPS is considered a high quality preschool. LPS provides quality care for children whose parents work, attend school or stay at home and/or are in pursuit of other interests. LPS does not discriminate against any religion, culture, race or ability which is evident in the many programs we offer here at LPS. LPS firmly believes that parents are the most important teachers in their children's life. As a volunteer, our program is enriched by the talents and interests you bring when working in the classroom. We offer you the security of knowing that our program combines nurturing aspects and enrichment opportunities for your child. Our program at LPS are designed to meet children's needs as well as their family's needs. We offer flexible pre-school and day care schedules. We also serve Child Care Link families from the Child Care Link organization which is state funded. It is our belief that children must be free to be children and that they must be given the opportunity to grow and discover. We never shame children for making less desirable decisions. Every child's interest is important. We acknowledge that children must learn through discovery. They must experience concepts to understand. This is how they learn and how they learn is through play! Livermore Playschool Mission StatementAt Livermore Playschool (AKA LPS) we strive to provide a quality part-day preschool and full-day programs for children 2 years of age through 5 years old. In addition, a quality after-school program for children of elementary age. We strive to form partnerships with all families enrolled at LPS. We provide an environment that promotes social-emotional, physical and intellectual development for preschool children while allowing for differences so that each child may achieve a sense of self-esteem and self-discipline.How Livermore Playschool OperatesLPS was incorporated in the early 1950's as a non-profit educational organization. As a non-profit organization, LPS cannot operate for the benefit of private interests. So who controls the overall operation of LPS? WE DO!As parents whose children are enrolled at LPS, we are eligible to serve on a Board of Directors. Parents are nominated by a Nominating Committee and elected by the majority vote of the LPS parents. The main goal of the LPS Board is to work with the Director to ensure that LPS accomplishes its mission. The Director is hired by the Board and reports to the LPS Board President. The Board and the Director meet monthly to discuss issues such as enrollment, program coordination, finances, staffing and the school grounds. Whether or not you serve on the LPS Board, as a LPS parent, you are an integral part of the school. In order to accomplish our Mission, parent participation is a must! You will be required to attend the school's orientation and parent meetings when scheduled. You are also required to fulfill the volunteer obligation of 1 hour per month. LPS is a parent participation school and cannot operate without parental support! Communication With ParentsThe Director, Site Supervisor and teachers are always happy to talk to you. We try to touch base with you on a daily basis, however, sometimes it is not always possible. We communicate to parents mostly through e-mail. We also attached to notes to your child's sign-in sheet, telephone and face-to-face. If you would like to set-up a time to talk to the Director or a teacher, please contact them so they can set-up an appointment.Parent conferences will be scheduled twice a year. You, as a parent, are required to attend scheduled conferences. Conferences may be requested at other times by either parents or teachers as the need arises. Parent conferences schedules will be posted one month in advance. If you have questions about your child's development, please let the Director know. If there is a concern about your child's behavior, we will set-up a time to meet with you. As a team, we will discuss a plan of action to meet your child's individual needs. It usually takes two working days for the Director to respond to e-mail. Therefore if it is urgent, please call the school. Our Philosophy In Dealing With Children's Challenging BehaviorsOur goal is for children to become self-controlled and responsible. We assist the children by modeling appropriate behaviors. We use positive phrases to encourage appropriate behavior. We allow self-expression, but not if it hurts others physically or emotionally. In such cases, we do intervene. As a parent volunteering in the class, if there is a time when you are not sure how to handle a situation, please bring it to the teacher's attention. She will be able to assist you by modeling the appropriate way to intervene.WE NEVER USE PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT ON CHILDREN. WE NEVER INTENTIONALLY EMBARRASS A CHILD. If necessary, we will remove a child from a group if they are in danger to themselves or others for a period of time. When the child appears to have gain control, we invite them back to the group. Livermore Playschool Policy on Unsafe BehaviorsLPS is responsible in providing a safe environment for all preschool and after school children in our care. Biting, hitting, kicking, throwing objects at others, and spitting are considered unsafe behaviors. If your child displays any of these behaviors, the child's teacher and director will meet with the parent(s) to discuss a plan of action. LPS HAS THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE YOUR CHILD'S ENROLLMENT IF lps STAFF HAS EXHAUSTED ACTION PLAN(S) DISCUSSED. LPS will notify the parent of when this happens and reserve the right to terminate enrollment immediately.ClothingPLAY IS CHILDREN'S WORK! Their work involves paint, water, playdough, glue and dirt. We do not want your child to be worried about their clothes when they are at school. Comfortable play clothes will help your child have fun and allow them to explore. We attempt to use products that are washable but sometimes depending on the fabric of clothes, the product can stain.Ideal Clothing for LPS PLEASE LABEL ALL YOUR CHILDREN'S CLOTHING. PLEASE BRING EXTRA, EXTRA CLOTHES AND LEAVE THEM IN THEIR CUBBY. IF YOUR CHILD IS POTTY TRAINING, PLEASE BRING SEVERAL CHANGES OF CLOTHES INCLUDING SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR. LABEL, LABEL, LABEL THEM. Nap Procedures - Full-Day Preschool Children OnlyLPS is required by community care licensing to offer children in care for more than 4 hours a rest time. LPS will provide the mat and fitted sheet. Parents are required to provide the blanket. Your child's blanket and fitted sheet will be washed weekly by LPS. All nap stuff will be stored in separate labeled plastic bags to prevent any child from using other children's napping attire.If your child is enrolled in our part-time programs and you wish to extend their day, they will required to nap/rest. Please bring in a blanket and LPS will provide the fitted sheet. Snack/Lunch ProgramYour child will have the opportunity to participate in our hot lunch program. The lunch will consist of a main dish, fruit, vegetable, milk and water. The menu is planned by licensed nutritionist and will be posted in our kitchen as well as a copy will be sent home at the beginning of each month. If your child is restricted from having certain types of foods due to religious or allergic reason, the hospital will substitute their meal.Our sname is prepare daily by an outside service. The snakes consist of a fruit, a carbohydrate and a dairy. Snacks are delivered daily. If your child attends part-day, he or she will be served a morning snack and lunch daily. If your child attends full-day, he or she will be served an am/pm snack and lunch. Late PolicyLPS offers many program options. If your child is in the part-time two-year old and three-year old program, your program begins at 9:30 and ends at 1:30. If your child is in the part-time Jr. K and Pre-K programs, your program begins at 9:00 and ends at 1:00. If you are late picking up your child, you will be charged $10.00 for the first 10 minutes.Anything after 10 minutes, you will be automatically charged the $50.00 (part-day rate). Payment is expected at the time of pick-up or by your child's next scheduled preschool day. If you are late more than three times in a three month period, your enrollment at LPS may be subject to termination. We do understand that emergencies happen and would appreciate a phone call in the case of this event. Days and Operation of Livermore PlayschoolLivermore Playschool is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 6:00 for full-time preschool care, 9:00 - 1:00 for Jr. K and Pre-K part-time preschool programs and 9:30-1:30 for the part-time two-year old and three-year old preschool programs. The after school hours of operation for after school children (Kindergartners through fifth grade) during the regular school year is Monday through Friday 7:30 to 8:15 for before care and 12:00 - 6:00 for Kindergartner and 2:30/3:00 for 1st-5th grades for after care. During the summer months, the after school program will run full-time 7:30 - 6:00 in the modular classrooms.Drop Off and Pick Up ProceduresAs mandated by state licensing, each and every child must be signed in and out in the sign in/out book by the parent/legal guardian/authorized person on emergency form with full signature.During drop off and pick up, please do not leave ANY CHILD unattended in your vehicle. Parents who leave children unattended in vehicles take the risk of jeopardizing their enrollment at LPS. Absent PolicyIf your child is sick or unable to attend school for other reasons such as vacation, please let us know. Next to the sign-in book is a spiral notebook that parents can write in to let us know if their child will be out on a certain day. Occasionally, parents may have an emergency where they need their child to attend an extra day and it is helpful to know, in advance, if there will be space available. There are no make-up days or tuition reimbursements for absences.Transportation for the After School ProgramLPS does offer transportation in our after school programs. Each child will be picked up from his/her school transported in a van. Only drivers licensed for the van(s) operating shall be permitted to transport children. LPS cannot exceed the manufacturer's rated seating capacity of the vans. Our vans will be maintained and in safe operating conditions. All vehicle occupants shall be secured in appropriate restraint system. Children shall not be left in park cars. LPS has posted on the parent board near the front door information on child passenger restraint systems. Any child weighing less than 60 lbs in the after school programs will be required to have an approved child passenger restraint.Field TripsLPS preschool programs will participate in field trips throughout the year. Parents will be notified in writing where and when the field trip is. A permission slip for each child participating will be attached to their child's sign-in sheet. The permission slip will state where the field trip is, time of departure/arrival back to school and type of transportation (bus/vans). In addition, parents will be required to list at least two emergency numbers on the form. Parents are to sign and date their child's permission slip. NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND A FIELD TRIP IF THEIR PERMISSION SLIP IS NOT SIGNED! Staff always attends field trips; however, we always need parent volunteers to help. LPS has the right to cancel a field trip if there are not enough chaperones.Transportation Policy for Transporting Preschoolers Children under the age of 6 years regardless of weight or weighing less than 60 lbs regardless of age must be in an approved child passenger restraint system. Illness PolicyChildren are considered ill if they have one or more of the following symptoms:
AllergiesIf your child has a life-threatening allergy, please let the Director and Site Supervisor know immediatelyAll allergies will be reported to our lunch and snack vendors. They will prepare your child's snack without the ingredients that your child is allergic to. In the case where your child has severe allergies to common foods, we will require that you provide all meals for your child Medication ProcedureStaff can only administer prescribed medication from a physician. No over-the-counter medication or vitamins can be administered at school. If your child needs to have prescribed medication during school hours, please let your child's teacher know and they will ask you to fill out a "Medication Form" to describe the procedures for administering the medication. No medications can be stored in your child's cubby or attire. This is for the safety of your child and others. We have a locked box that all medications must be placed in. If your child's medication needs to be refrigerated, it must be placed i the staff refrigerator behind the child proof gate.Volunteer HoursEvery family enrolled at LPS is required to volunteer on average of one hour a month. Many families "bank" hours which means they work more than one hour at a time for future months. The following are ways to fulfill the hours. If you, as a parent/guardian, choose not to volunteer, a $70.00 fee will be added to your monthly tuition.Volunteering in the classroom If you choose to volunteer in the classroom, please notify your child's teacher of when you plan to help. When volunteering, you may be asked to do one or more of the following tasks:
Donating items on the Classroom Wish List(s) The classroom wish lists are printed in your child's classroom newsletter. For every item you donate, you will receive an hour. If the item is expensive, the teacher or director will discuss with you the amount of hours the item is worth. This is a great way to bank hours! Parking PolicyLPS is zoned on residential property that has a conditional use permit. This allows LPS to operate a preschool as long as we abide by certain rules. Our new conditional use permit became effective on May 8, 2006. Our new permit allows us to increase the number of student we serve on campus at one time. However, in order to serve the increased amount of students, we have to enforce strict parking regulations. The County of Alameda has enforced the following parking conditions on LPS. Failure to comply with the parking conditions will result in LPS having its conditional use permit revoked. These parking conditions safeguard our surrounding neighbors. Every parent will be required to follow the parking policy.
Admissions PolicyLPS serves children in our preschool programs age 2-5 years of age. We provide after school care for children enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Any parent interested in our programs must call the school to set-up a tour. The tour consists of meeting with the director who will explain program schedules, curriculum, and philosophy of the school. If there is available space, the director will notify the parent when the space is available. At that time, the parent must fill out a registration form and pay a $75.00 registration fee that is non-refundable if the parent changes their mind. Once you have secured a spot for your child, parents can sup-up visiting days with their child to see the program in action. Parent MUST stay with their child on a visiting day. Actual enrollment begins when starting date becomes available and all required licensing paperwork is completed. The following are the required forms:
Termination PolicyLPS has the right to terminate your child's enrollment based on the following:
Due to prior parent meetings regarding a child's unsafe behavior a two-week notice will not be given to parents whose children is deemed unsafe to others or themselves. (Please review unsafe behaviors in handbook). In addition, a two-week notice will not be given to parents who have not paid their monthly contracted tuition by the 15th of each month. (Please review late policy in handbook). Procedure For Changing Your Child's ProgramLPS understands that you may need to change your child's schedule during unexpected (ie. became unemployed) or expected circumstances (ie. birth of a child). However, LPS may not be able to accommodate your needs immediately if there is no space available in the program you want switch to. Because of budget reasons, LPS has a certain amount of slots per program and cannot create extra slots. If the program you are requesting is full, you will be put on a waiting list. If there is an opening and you are "down-sizing" your child's program (ie. switching from full-time to part-time) you will need to give a two week notice and will be expected to pay your previous program amount up to the two-weeks. Your new program rate will begin after the two-weeks are over. If you are "up-sizing" your child's program (ie. switching from 5 part-time to 5 full-time) and there is space available, your child may start the program immediately and our bookkeeper will prorate the difference in amount.Policy on Unsafe and Inappropriate Behaviors at SchoolLPS is responsible in providing a safe environment for all preshcool and after school children in our care. Biting, hiting, kicking, throwing objects at others and spitting are considered unsafe behaviors. If your child displays any of these behaviors the child's teacher and director will meet with the parent(s) to discuss a plan of action. The plan of action can include a behavior plan. Other actions that will be taken are suspension and possible termination of enrollment. LPS HAS THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE YORU CHILD'S ENROLLMENT IF LPS STAFF HAS EXHAUSTED ACTION PLAN(S) DISCUSSED. LPS will notify the parent of when this happens and reserves the right to terminate enrollment immediately.Inappropriate BehaviorsLPS deems the following behaviors inappropriate in our school setting: Bad language, exposed one's self, touching another student's private bady parts and/or self-indulging behaviors such as fondling one's self. If your child displays any of these behaviors the child's teacher and director will meet with the parent(s) to discuss plan of action. The plan of action can incloude a behavior plan and/or a system in place. Other actions will include suspension and possible termination of enrollment if LPS staff has exhausted action plan(s) discussed. LPS will notify the parent of when this happens and reserves the right to terminate enrollment immediately.Tuition and Refund PolicyTuition is due by the 6th of every month. A flat $25.00 late fee will be charged to you after the 6th with an additional $5 per calendar day added for non payment effective September 1, 2007. This fee is expected to be added to your late tuition payment. If you are late and forget to add the late fee, our bookkeeper will contact you and ask that you pay the late fee. If LPS doesn't receive payment by the 15th of each month, your child will automatically be drdopped from the program. There is no tuition reduction for scheduled holidays, personal vacation days or days your child was sick. If you need to arrange a payment plan for tuition, please contact the Treasurer on the LPS Board of Directors.Refund Policy: Parents will be refunded tuition paid only if there are days left in the month after. Paperwork RequirementAll paperwork required for your child's enrollment must be completed and submitted before your child starts. The following forms are required by Community State Licensing as well as by Livermore Playschool.
 |