Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook for Tualatin Teens and Tots

Philosophy

We believe in providing children with a nurturing, challenging, and safe environment in which they can learn, grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Each child will be accepted as a unique individual and given the particular guidance and attention s/he needs to develop his/her abilities, expand their interests and develop a positive self-concept.

We are committed to making our school a stimulating place that encourages discovery, exploration, independence, creativity and intellectual pursuits. Our curriculum is both developmentally and age appropriate. We believe that motivated, meaningful learning takes place through participation and self-direction. Children are given time and space for creative expression, and opportunities for repetition of newly acquired skills.

The role of teachers is to prepare and facilitate activities, as well as guide and nurture each child individually. The preschool years is a critical time when human beings learn how to communicate and get along with others, develop skills for learning, and have opportunities for self-discovery and expression.

Developmental Goals

physical goals

to develop fine and gross motor skills
to increase eye-hand coordination and rhythm.

social goals

to develop skills of cooperation, sharing, taking turns
to learn how to make and keep friends

emotional goals

to build positive self-esteem
to learn to express feelings appropriately

intellectual goals

to develop curiosity and yearning for learning
to develop language and conversation skills
to use a wide variety of materials creatively
to practice problem-solving and decision-making skills

Guidance Policy

Our goal is to help each child develop the internal control needed to manage him/herself. Teachers at Tualatin Teens and Tots will use the following strategies and techniques:

Model the appropriate example of behavior.
Set clear, reasonable limits for safety and respect of others.
Focus on what the child is to do, rather than what not to do.
Reinforce and acknowledge appropriate behavior.
Design and maintain the environment for safety, child use, and interest
Encourage verbalization and problem solving.
Be fair, firm, timely, and consistent.
Encourage self-help skills and independence
Provide a consistent schedule and routine.
When dealing with inappropriate behavior, teachers will acknowledge the child's feelings, help the child to express him/herself and discuss what is appropriate behavior. Teachers will help the child understand the effect of their behavior, and perhaps remove the child temporarily if that will help the child regain self-control.

Enrollment

Applications for enrollment in Tualatin Teens and Tots are accepted during a week in February. We have an open house so that parents may see the preschool room and have questions answered by staff members. Applications are available in the main office of the high school during school hours. An application fee of $60 is required.

CChildren must be three years old by September 1, 2010 to be eligible, and children of families living in the Tigard-Tualatin School District get priority. For the afternoon class, children need to be 30 months old by September 1, 2008 to be eligible.

A lottery drawing will determine which children will be awarded a position in the preschool. Unawarded applicants will get their $60 application fee refunded. We fill vacancies as they occur from our waiting list.

Immunizations must be current and meet state requirements, and parents are encouraged to provide health and accident insurance for their child.

Role of the Child Services Students

The Child Services program offers high school students an opportunity to work with and develop an understanding of young children. Students gain experience and learn skills they will use as family members, parents, and in careers working with young children, such as teaching, early childhood care and education, pediatrics, nursing, psychology, social work, ministry, etc.

Students are involved in an in-depth study of human development in order to become capable of helping with the planning and implementing of curriculum in Tualatin Teens and Tots. Each week, students spend one or two days either working with children in our preschool or at a local work site. In addition, students have course work and homework dealing with child growth, the four areas of development, curricular areas, guidance and discipline, and other related topics. Students who successfully complete two years of Child Services are eligible to earn six Early Childhood Education credits at Portland Community College.

AM Preschool Routine

Greeting

Karen, Molly, and many of the high school students will be ready and waiting to warmly greet your child each day.

Free Choice Time

A wide variety of materials and activities are available for the children to choose from, such as blocks, math experiences, play dough, puzzles, manipulative toys, dramatic play, science, and art . . . to name only a few!

Music Circle

A nutritious snack, planned by TTT, is provided by parents. Children have opportunities to try new foods, practice manners, self-help and conversation skills, as well as learning some food preparation skills.

Movement

Children are involved in games and activities that develop their large motor skills. Extra benefits: learning to listen and follow instructions, initiating healthy exercise habits, and boosting interactive skills.

Lesson Circle

During this more structured time, children participate in a concept lesson designed to engage their interest as well as teach age and developmentally appropriate material. This time lengthens attention spans, encourages cognitive growth, and teaches group skills necessary for kindergarten.

Small Group

This is a hands-on follow-up to the Lesson Circle. An example might be to make a shell collage following a lesson on the ocean. During this time cooperative and individual skills, cognitive strategies, small motor skills, and language acquisition are developed. The reinforcement of a lesson immediately followed by a hands-on activity provides the children with a greater mastery of each subject taught.

Reading Time

This may be one to one, or a group time. Consistent exposure to varied reading material will increase vocabulary recognition in children, as well as spark new interests. This is a calm time at the end of the school day, where the children have the opportunity to connect with their teachers individually and as a group.

Good-bye

PM Preschool Routine

Greeting

Sarah and many of the high school students will be ready and waiting to warmly greet your child each day.

Free Choice Time

Welcome Circle

During the day’s opening circle time, the children will participate in a variety of musical activities from singing and acting out songs, to playing instruments. The children will also have time to participate in some social activities, and discuss topics of interest to the group.

Movement

Snack

A nutritious snack, planned by the high school students, is provided. Children have opportunities to try new foods, practice manners, self-help and conversation skills, as well as learning some food preparation skills.

Small Group

An emergent learning curriculum, planned by both the high school students and the children. The children indicate interests, and the high school students plan activites, projects, and lessons surrounding the topics suggested. These projects can span weeks at a time, and will cover all areas of learning—social, emotional, cognitive, and physical.

Journal Writing/Story Time

The children each are given a journal with which to practice writing or early pre-writing skills. The children will either write down stories, thoughts, ideas, etc., or they will tell their high school buddies what to write for them. Either way, language is emphasized! Also, at this time, children and their buddies explore books together, one on one.

Good-bye/Closing Circle

The children and teacher discuss lessons learned throughout the day, and then sing the good-bye song!

General Information

Arrival/Departure Our preschool sessions are from 8:30 am to 11 am and our afternoon session is from 1:00 pm to 2:40 pm. Please don't arrive early unless prior arrangements are made. We want to be ready for your child. For the safety of your child, please walk them to and from the door.

***Parking: Please park in parking spaces. The buses need the curb.

Birthdays Birthdays are an important occasion for most preschoolers. We will provide a special snack and a birthday crown for the birthday child. You are welcome to send small items for your child to share with the other children, such as stickers, balloons, bouncy balls, etc.

Clothing Comfortable and washable clothing is best. We are a hands-on program, and want the children to feel free to participate in even "messy" learning activities, so please dress your child accordingly. Guaranteed: Your child WILL come home with paint on their clothes some time! Please label boots, mittens, jackets, and similar items to avoid confusion when children are preparing to go home.

Totes Each child needs a tote bag in which to carry "treasures" home. It is important that each child brings his/her tote to school every day.

Illness If your child is ill and unable to attend preschool, please call 431-5743 so we won't worry! Also, please notify us if your child has come down with a communicable disease.

Snacks TTT serves a simple snack purchased by parents (AM only). We plan nutritious snacks in limited amounts, so the children's appetites for meals will not be spoiled. Please notify us in writing if your child has any allergies.

Snow TTT will be closed if the Tigard-Tualatin Schools are closed. If the high school opens one hour late, the preschool will also run one hour late…..in other words, from 9:30 to 11:00. If school is two hours late, preschool will be cancelled for the day

Tuition The cost of TTT is $120 per month for our MWF group, $90 per month for the TTh group, and $35 per month for the afternoon class. We also require that each preschooler’s family supply a specified snack for 40 children once each semester (morning class, only!). The first payment is due October 1. A late fee of $5 will be charged after the 10th of the month. Checks should be payable to Tualatin Teens and Tots. Receipts will be available upon request.

Toys Children are encouraged to leave their own toys at home. This avoids the issues of broken or lost possessions, as well as the conflicts of sharing personal items.

Questions, suggestions, concerns

Please send a message with your preschooler that you would like us to phone, or catch us when you deliver or pick up your child. We're all ears and aim to please whenever we can. The program's phone number is 431-5743. If you prefer to email us, please contact Sarah Lind at slind@ttsd.k12.or.us and she will either answer or forward messages to Karen, Molly or the teen teacher as necessary.

***Note: emails will be checked and answers as time permits in the busy school day--if it is an urgent or pressing matter, please call the school.

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