general guidelines 1. Clothing & Shoes: We ask that children arrive at school wearing comfortable, washable clothes suitable for active and messy play so that your child can feel free to become involved in any activity. Clothing needs to be easy for your child to get on and off for bathroom independence. Parents are asked to check their child’s cubby daily to be sure it is stocked with an extra set of clothing, underwear and an empty plastic bag (in the event of soiled or wet clothing). Please mark everything with your child’s name; we cannot be responsible for unmarked clothing. We find that well-built, washable tennis shoes allow for the greatest freedom of movement and highest degree of safety. We do allow children to go barefoot in order to enjoy and experience the world in a new way. 2. Personal Items and Toys: Toys and equipment have been carefully selected for all children so that it is not necessary to bring toys from home. However, there are times when a child may wish to share a personal item from home. Please notify the child’s teacher in advance so that arrangements can be made. Please do not bring items which have small pieces that can become detached and thus be a hazard to younger children. For children enrolled in both the Morning and Afternoon Enrichment Programs, a short rest period on cozy cots or mats is scheduled into the afternoon. Some children adopt a “cuddly” toy as a familiar comfort object to use during this time of rest. These objects take on a very real and emotional importance to children and our staff is sensitive to this need. If you wish to bring a stuffed toy like this for your child, please mark with your child’s name and place in their cubby. 3. Photographs and Publicity: Photographs are taken of the children for use in the classrooms and documentation purposes only and at times for periodic brochures and school literature. Parents sign a release form at the beginning of each school year granting permission for these purposes. Please inform our office if you prefer your child’s photo not be used for brochures or school literature. 4. Consultants and Inspections: There are times during the school year that early childhood consultants, specialists or therapists outside of Bel Air Presbyterian Church will observe our classrooms, teachers, children or any other aspect of the environment. This includes, but is not limited to, the California Department of Social Services, National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, Los Angeles Unified School District personnel, Westside Regional Center staff or specialists in private practice. 5. Birthdays: We welcome birthday celebrations! Each classroom will recognize the child and their birthday and parents are welcome to attend. Parents may send a special treat for the class to share on their child’s birthday. Our program emphasizes good nutrition so we avoid serving foods with high sugar content. Please do not bring birthday snacks with high sugar content. Parents may bring healthy snacks to recognize their child’s birthday such as carrot cake, banana or other fruit bread, natural juice, finger Jell-o or yogurt. Please sign up on the snack calendar in your child’s classroom for this special day. In order to value each child’s birthday equally, please do not bring party favors (toys), balloons or party characters to the Preschool (special plates, cups and napkins are OK)! 6. Graduation: In order to preserve and value childhood, we will not formally acknowledge or “graduate” children that are completing a class and moving to another class or school (i.e., Kindergarten). In the eyes of a young child, all children are in some way transitioning. We want to recognize the accomplishments and celebrate the growth and development of all children at our school, therefore we will have a final Chapel and recognition of all children at the end of the school year. Parents who wish to have a special party or class celebration are invited to organize this type of event independently. 7. Invitations: As a general rule for all parties and gatherings sponsored by individual families; unless every child and adult in a particular classroom is invited to a party or gathering, invitations should be mailed to the home. 8. Violent Toys & Power Clothing: Toy guns or other warfare objects are not permitted on school grounds. This includes squirt guns, toys of destruction or super-hero action figures. Additionally, we have discovered, over the years, that when children wear clothing with pictures representing “super powers” (Superman, Pokemon, Power Rangers, Yu-Gi-Oh, etc.), they naturally feel empowered to imitate their favorite character. This imitation often leads to aggressive behaviors or play that can hurt others. We ask you to keep “power” clothing for home-wear only. 9. Special Events Plan: Due to the limited space that is available on our campus and the increased supervision that is required when all children enrolled in Preschool are present; all special events (parties, family events, etc.) that are held during regular school hours (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) will be guided by the following plan. During special events—the children who are regularly scheduled to attend Preschool on those particular days may attend during their normal schedule. For children who are not scheduled to attend on those days—they may attend with a parent or guardian during the times designated or advertised. We will continue to rotate special events, alternating different days of the week as much as possible. 10. Home Visits: Our teachers come on staff two weeks before school begins. We are available at this time to visit your home and meet your child in his or her own familiar surroundings. Feel free to call us for these visits. 11. Separation: Please establish a morning routine from the time you get up until you wave good-bye in the classroom. This will help your child know what’s going to happen and give him/her a feeling of security. Keep good-byes cheerful, positive and with a reassuring, “I will be back.” Maintain your positive attitude even through the tears. If you believe in us, your child will too. Please, please, no sneaking out! 12. College Interns/Volunteers: Part of our commitment to our community and investing in high-quality experiences for persons entering the field of Early Childhood is to avail ourselves to be mentors and teachers of learning adults. Bel Air Presbyterian Preschool participates in a number of Early Childhood Mentoring Programs at local colleges and community colleges. According to Bel Air Presbyterian Child-Protection Policy, all individuals who are volunteering or interning will be interviewed and will have appropriate background checks done prior to working at the Preschool. Parents will be notified prior to a new intern or volunteer joining a classroom. 13. Toilet Training: The children attending Bel Air Presbyterian Preschool must be toilet trained. Under the terms of our license with the Department of Social Services, we are not permitted or equipped to change diapers. Because of this mandate, neither diapers nor “pull-ups” may be worn to school. We, of course recognize that some children are in transition and may not make it to the toilet on time; this is why we request an extra set of clothing and an empty plastic bag to be kept at school. 14. Babysitting Policy: In an effort to maintain the professional status of Bel Air Presbyterian Preschool Staff and prevent any potential conflict of interest, it is strongly recommended that parents not request the Preschool staff to babysit for current Preschool children or their siblings. Our staff immensely enjoys spending time with your children, but it is difficult for staff to accommodate all families who ask of their babysitting services as well as maintain a teacher-child relationship in the classroom. Bel Air Presbyterian Church or Preschool cannot be held responsible for the working arrangements of either party when entering into an agreement to provide care or services independently.