EARLY CHILDHOOD RULES AND PROCEDURES

2008-2009

This section is part of Grace Lutheran School's policy handbook found at:  http://teacherweb.com/FL/GraceLutheranStPetersburg/SchoolHomePage/hf0.stm .

1. Respect God, all others, and yourself.
2. Respect the teaching and learning process.
3. Respect the rights and property of others.
4. Encourage one another.
5. Be positive and joyful.

LUNCHES

     Preschool lunch tickets will remain with the lunchroom manager after being purchased.  Classroom teachers will inform families of morning lunch ordering routines.  A notice will be sent home when the ticket supply is low.

     The exception to this rule is one, small, soft toy, such as a "Beanie Baby," for rest time in Preschool and Kindergarten or per the teacher's instructions for a special event such as "Show and Tell."

REST TIME

• A rest time after lunch is provided for all Preschool through Kindergarten students.  A small blanket or towel and a small, soft toy should be sent and placed in your child's cubby.  Please label it clearly.  Blankets and toys will be sent home weekly for laundering.
• Preschool students will purchase a designated cot sheet at the Early Childhood office.  The sheets will be sanitized weekly by Grace Lutheran School.
• Kindergarten students will purchase a designated mat from the Early Childhood office.

TOILET TRAINING

     Due to the active schedule of the Early Childhood Department, it is mandatory that all the children be toilet trained before entering our program.  Repeated accidents will require written notice from a physician regarding possible medical explanations.

     Each Preschool through Kindergarten student will need a complete change of clothes, including a school uniform, underwear, and socks.  Please label everything with your child's name and place the clothing in a Ziiploc bag.  Soiled clothing will be sent home and should be replaced the following day.

HOMEWORK FOR KINDERGARTEN AND GRADE 1

     Homework is assigned to reinforce or enrich classroom lessons and teach responsibility.  It is important for the academic success and achievement of each student that homework be completed and turned in on time.  If assignments are not being completed in a timely manner, the teacher will communicate concerns to the parent/guardian(s).

     Memory work will be a regular part of the homework that is assigned to children in Kindergarten and Grade 1.  Parent/guardian(s) will be asked to purchase a memory book from the Early Childhood office.

DISCIPLINE

     Parent/guardian(s) and teachers are to seek Holy Scripture for guidance when the discipline of a student is necessary.  Our goal is for every student to recognize the rights of others, showing love and respect for his/her teachers and fellow students as Holy Scripture instructs.

     Procedures are designed to be fair, consistent, and effective.  Our approach is to use positive reinforcement, redirection, warning, or removal from the group if behavior endangers others, is disrespectful, or is continually disruptive to our program.

     In cases of repetitive or severe behavior problems, the classroom teacher will communicate directly with the parent/guardian(s) to help the student.  If the teacher and parent/guardian(s) are unable to obtain positive results, a conference will be scheduled with the administration to determine the next step.  If necessary, the matter may be referred to the "Board for Day School Ministries" for review.

     Our discipline plan coordinates within the framework of each classroom.  All discipline plans, including rules and consequences, are clearly posted in the classrooms.  Each family must agree to follow our discipline policies by signing and returning a "Discipline Agreement" form that remains on file in the Early Childhood office.

BITING

     Biting is a normal behavior for two-year-old children.  However, a three or four-year-old child may on occasion revert to the behavior.  When such incidents occur at Grace Lutheran School, the following policy will be adhered to:

• 1st Offense:  The child is sent home for the remainder of the day.
• 2nd Offense:  The child is sent home, and a parent conference with the teacher and administrator is required.
• 3rd Offense:  Expulsion may be recommended.

BIRTHDAYS

     Celebrating a birthday is an important event for any child.  If you would like to provide a snack and juice boxes for your child to shre with the class during our scheduled 15-20 minute snack time, please make arrangements in advance with the classroom teacher.  "Goody Bags" are strongly discouraged.  In accordance with Pinellas County Schools, all treats must be purchased at a store.

     Grace Lutheran School participates in the Florida state funded voucher program entitled "V.P.K."  Guidelines that must be strictly enforced are the following:

• The parent/guardian(s) must sign in and out each day to verify attendance.
• The parent/guardian(s) must sign a monthy attendance verification form.
• A doctor's note must be presented if your child is absent for more than three consecutive days.
• Children who attend our full-day program will be assessed a registration fee and additional wrap-around tuition.
• All school policies and procedures must be adhered to.
• If a V.P.K. student is absent beyond the state's allowable number of absences, a per diem fee may be assessed.
• If a V.P.K. student is absent, a written note must be brought to school the next day.