2010 – 2011 Registration Information

Goals

Wee Friends Preschool uses a curriculum that includes sharing and conversation time; stories, songs, and fingerplays; creative art activities and crafts; games and large muscle activities; field trips throughout the community; food preparation; exposure to shapes, colors, numbers, and letters; and celebration of birthdays and holidays. Our objective is to offer individual and group activities to achieve the following goals:

ŲInstill a greater sense of self-worth and encourage self-confidence.

ŲProvide emotional and social support so that each child may gain a positive self-image.

ŲEncourage and build each child’s imagination and creativity.

ŲProvide activities and an environment that will nurture the child’s self-esteem.

ŲDevelop the child’s ability to follow directions and respond to verbal requests.

ŲIncrease the child’s attention span.

ŲImprove the child’s communication skills and use of language.

ŲEncourage honesty and kindness and respect for others.

ŲDevelop motor skills, physical coordination, and a sense of rhythm.

ŲProvide a foundation for Christian growth by reaching children and their families with the message of Jesus.

Objectives

All classes include a Christian focus with Bible stories being told, read, and acted out and Bible verses being learned. In addition, each age group has its own objectives:

Toddler Classes (for children who will be 2 on or before September 30, 2010) Our main objective is to encourage children to separate from parents and engage in independent play. Each day we do a simple craft and read a short book. We help children in developing coordination and we introduce colors and shapes.
Nursery School Classes (for children who will be 3 on or before September 30, 2010) Our main objective is to encourage children to play cooperatively and introduce them to a school-like setting. We encourage children to listen quietly and participate in activities. We learn colors and shapes and introduce numbers and letters during the year.
Pre-Kindergarten Classes (for children who will be 4 on or before September 30, 2010) Our main objective is to prepare children to succeed in kindergarten. We focus on listening skills, communication, and following directions. We reinforce colors and shapes, learn numbers and letters, and work on fine motor skills.

Affirmative Action Statement

Wee Friends Preschool advertises in the public media in order to make openings known to all. Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or religion. Children with disabilities will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Organizational Structure

ŲThe Children’s Outreach Ministries Board, with members appointed by Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren, is responsible for the operation and policies of the preschool.

ŲSheri Johnson is the Director for Wee Friends Preschool. Please feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns (806-2161).

Discipline

ŲGiving positive verbal rewards encourages acceptable behavior. This reinforces a child’s good feeling about his / her behavior and serves as an example to the other children to act in such a way as to receive this praise. Asking a child to stop and think about his / her unpleasant behavior enables that child to work at self-control.

ŲFor a child not cooperating in a group listening situation, the child is removed from the group for a period of “time-out”. This “time-out” is not a punishment, but rather a time when the child may calm down, remember what behavior the teacher is asking for, and decide for him- or herself when he / she is ready to rejoin the group with acceptable behavior.

ŲIf behavior problems persist, the parent is asked to a conference with the teacher and director to discuss what may be helpful in motivating the child to behave in an acceptable way.

Child Protection Policy

Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren has a child protection policy that all staff of Wee Friends Preschool must adhere to and sign. As part of the Child Protection Policy, staff members must pass the Criminal Records Check and the Child Abuse Clearance. The Child Protection Policy also states, among other things, that two adults should be present in the room and that staff is required to report suspected abuse. If you have any questions about the policy or would like to see a copy of the entire policy, please contact the director.

Admissions / Enrollment Policy

ŲChildren who will be 4 years old on or before September 30^th are eligible for the Pre-Kindergarten Classes. We will accept 16 children in these classes but we MUST have 10 children enrolled in a class to hold the class.

ŲChildren who are 5 years old but have not been registered for kindergarten are also eligible for the Pre-Kindergarten Classes.

ŲChildren who will be 3 years old on or before September 30^th are eligible for the Nursery School Classes. We will accept 12 children in these classes but we MUST have 8 children enrolled in a class to hold the class.

ŲChildren who will be 2 years old on or before September 30^th are eligible for the Toddler Classes. We will only accept 8 children in these classes but we MUST have 6 children enrolled in a class to hold the class.

ŲClasses are filled on a first come / first served basis according to the date of enrollment with the Director.

ŲAs vacancies occur during the year, they are filled from the waiting list, or from new registrations.

ŲWith the exception of the Toddler Classes, all children MUST be toilet trained before entering preschool.

Classes, Times, and Tuition

Tuition payments will be paid monthly for this school year. You can pay the entire amount by Open House and receive a 2% discount. Otherwise, your tuition will be divided into 8 equal monthly payments (September – August).

The following Pre-Kindergarten Classes are available for children who will be 4 years old on or before September 30, 2010:

ŲTwo 3-day morning classes meeting on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Tuition is $590.00

ŲTwo 2-day morning classes meeting on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Tuition is $424.00

ŲAttend both a 3-day morning class and a 2-day morning class. Tuition is $990.00

The following Nursery School Classes are available for children who will be 3 years old on or before September 30, 2009:

ŲTwo 2-day morning classes meeting on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Tuition is $440.00

ŲA 2-day morning class meeting on Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Tuition is $440.00

ŲA 1-day morning class meeting on Mondays from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Tuition is $240.00

ŲAttend both a 2-day morning class and a 1-day morning class. Tuition is $656.00

The following Toddler Classes are available for children who will be 2 years old on or before September 30, 2009:

ŲA 1-day morning class meeting on Monday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Tuition is $320.00

ŲA 1-day morning class meeting on Wednesday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Tuition is $320.00

ŲA 1-day morning class meeting on Friday from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Tuition is $320.00

Registration Procedure

To register your child at Wee Friends Preschool, please call the director at 806-2161 to have a Registration Form sent to your home.

Registration for current students will be accepted beginning February 16, 2010. Registration for new students will be accepted beginning February 22, 2010. Class placement will be decided on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive confirmation of your child’s class approximately 2 weeks after your registration has been accepted. More detailed information including a detailed payment plan, Open House schedule, forms to fill out, and a school calendar will follow in July. If you have any questions about Wee Friends Preschool or the registration process, please contact the Director at 806-2161. Thank you for choosing Wee Friends!