Welcome to
Hansel & Gretel Preschool
Parent Handbook
2023/24
Location:
Hague Community Church, 202 3rd Street, Hague, SK S0K 1X0
“Play is essential for young children to learn. … Children learn through cooperation, problem solving, mathematics and develop curiosity, self-esteem, strength and coordination, self-direction and values when we enrich their play.”
Quote from the National Association for the Education of Young Children
CONTACTS
Uli Hecker: (306) 281-4428
(Coordinator)
email: Coordinator.hanselandgretel@gmail.com
Ramona Wollf: (306) 281-7144
(Lead Teacher)
email: teacher.hanselandgretel@gmail.com
Wendy Schneider: (607) 279-8260
President of board of directors / Registrar
Email: registrar.hanselandgretel@gmail.com
Phone (Hague Community Church (306) 225 2211)
Website: http://hanselandgretelpreschool.blogspot.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HanselGretelPreschool/
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION....................................................................... 6
Welcome or “Willkommen” to Hansel & Gretel Preschool!........................................................ 6
CURRICULUM AND PHILOSOPHY.......................................................... 6
Movement, play and hands-on learning..................................................................................... 6
Imagination and Creativity.......................................................................................................... 6
Language and Literacy............................................................................................................... 6
Communication and Social Skills................................................................................................ 6
Creative Arts and Music.............................................................................................................. 7
Mathematics................................................................................................................................ 7
Why learning another language?................................................................................................ 7
A typical day in Preschool........................................................................................................... 7
POLICY AND REGULATIONS.................................................................. 7
Registration Requirements......................................................................................................... 7
Hours of Operation...................................................................................................................... 8
Statutory Holidays & Professional Development Days.............................................................. 8
Board of Directors....................................................................................................................... 8
Annual General Meeting............................................................................................................. 8
PAYMENT POLICY.................................................................................................................... 8
Fees......................................................................................................................................... 8
Special Event Fees................................................................................................................. 8
Withdrawal Policy........................................................................................................................ 9
Withdrawal during the academic school year......................................................................... 9
GETTING READY FOR PRESCHOOL...................................................... 9
HELPING YOUR CHILD ADJUST.............................................................................................. 9
COMMUNICATION.................................................................................. 10
BEHAVIOUR MANAGMENT................................................................... 11
TEACHER ABSENCE............................................................................. 11
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES................................................................ 11
Emergency Contact Information............................................................................................... 11
FUNDRAISING........................................................................................ 11
GENERAL HEALTH REGULATIONS..................................................... 11
HAND WASHING.................................................................................................................. 12
ROOM CONFIGURATION................................................................................................... 13
DROP OFF AND ARRIVAL: 9:15 A.M.................................................. 13
PICK UP AND DISMISSAL: 11:45 A.M................................................. 13
CLOTHING.............................................................................................. 13
SEVERE WEATHER POLICY................................................................. 13
BATHROOM PROCEDURES.................................................................. 14
FIELDTRIPS............................................................................................ 14
BIRTHDAYS............................................................................................ 14
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS.............................................................. 14
WHATSAPP PARENT/TEACHER CHAT GROUP/ SEESAW................. 14
PICTURES.............................................................................................. 14
SNACK.................................................................................................... 15
SHOW AND TELL................................................................................... 15
SCHOOL SUPPLIES............................................................................... 15
OUTSIDE TIME....................................................................................... 15
PRESCHOOL HANDBOOK AND POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....... 17
GENERAL INFORMATION
Welcome or “Willkommen” to Hansel & Gretel Preschool!
Preschool may be one small step on the educational ladder. However, it is a giant step for your child. We are excited that you are joining us on this endeavor. Our team welcomes you and is looking forward to sharing many happy experiences with you in the years to come!
CURRICULUM AND PHILOSOPHY
Our curriculum is designed to create a stimulating, warm and nurturing environment, that helps children to develop and grow at their own pace. We aim to provide ALL children with the fundamental building blocks that they need for later learning. Hansel & Gretel Preschool provides a healthy balance between structured activities, play based learning and outdoor exploration. It also taps into children’s natural curiosity for languages that all children share.
Movement, play and hands-on learning
Studies have shown that children acquire cognitive skills more effectively when both the body and the mind are engaged in the learning process. By allowing children time for play, as well as providing many hands-on learning activities, we encourage them to explore and wonder about the world around them. This includes outdoor activities such as sensory walks in the park and free exploration in nature. As part of the curriculum children will also improve their gross motor skills by having gym time, which will be in a separate space.
Imagination and Creativity
Through a reliance on fewer toys and higher quality natural materials, children are given the chance to let their own eyes, hands and imagination decide what something is (or can be) and how it works. Children grow in self - confidence as they take pride in their own ideas and creativity. The skills that they develop in imaginative play are important building blocks for later learning in math, science and language.
Language and Literacy
Our curriculum includes story time and playful introduction of letters. In addition to English literature children will also acquire basics of the German language, mainly through rhymes and songs. The instructional language in class is English.
Communication and Social Skills
Our teachers guide children through interpersonal experiences, supporting them as they work out difficulties on their own. Our teachers model and encourage tolerant, friendly, and respectful treatment of others and offering puppet shows, stories or skits that demonstrate these ideas.
Creative Arts and Music
Participation in creative arts (music, dance, art) is another channel for expression and it also allows children to showcase their talents.
In addition, the patterns, and rhythms inherent in music also aid the in the acquisition of language. Through music, children lay the groundwork for increased success in learning basics of a second language and enhance their verbal abilities in their first language as well.
Mathematics
Children engage in the exciting work of numbers, as they sort, construct, classify, and match. They also learn counting, measuring, and a variety of critical thinking skills.
Why learning another language?
Hansel & Gretel Preschool offers a unique chance for your child to learn the very basics of another language. The instructional language is English. However, children will be also introduced to the German language and culture through rhymes, songs, and books. Previous knowledge of German is NOT necessary!
Learning a language will help your child to:
· Develop creative and critical thinking and problem-solving skills
· Develop a broader view of the world and a tolerance for cultural differences
· Enhance understanding of and use of first language
· Strengthen spontaneous memory skills
· Experience literature, music, art and film in original form
· Increase coping skills
A typical day in Preschool
· Arrival -- Children arrive and are ready to start their learning.
· Circle time - Theme topics are discussed, and special theme activities of the day are introduced by the teacher, rhymes and songs, show and tell
· Time for Play and Exploration
· Snack time
· Quiet time / Story time
· Gross Motor / Outside time
POLICY AND REGULATIONS
Registration Requirements
At Hansel & Gretel Preschool we require that students be at least three years of age by the end of October of the year that they are starting preschool. It is a requirement that children are fully potty trained (no pull ups) and can use the washroom with no or only little assistance.
Pre-registration forms are made available in early January to parents of those children already enrolled who wish to continue for a second preschool year.
Hours of Operation
School Year: September 2023 – June 2024
Mon-Wed-Fri class: 9:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Statutory Holidays & Professional Development Days
The preschool year follows the Prairie Spirit School division schedule. All statutory and school holidays are observed as well as the local school PD Days. Our staff will use those days for additional cleaning procedures and team meetings. A school year calendar will be provided to you at the beginning of the school year.
Specific dates for school closing also will be listed in our monthly newsletter.
Board of Directors
Hansel & Gretel Preschool is a Non-Profit Organization that has a board of directors that oversees the operation of the preschool. The Board of Directors is elected at the Preschool’s Annual Meeting. Positions on the Board include President, Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, Advertiser/Fundraiser.
Annual General Meeting
The Preschool’s Annual General Meeting will be held in the fall. This event will only be for parents of registered Hansel & Gretel Preschool students.
The board of directors will be elected at the AGM; If there are any open positions, nominations will be taken from the floor. Financial statements for the fiscal year will be available for your review.
Please give serious thought to offering your time and talents to your child’s school by serving on the Board of Directors!
PAYMENT POLICY
Fees
The registration fee is due at the time of registration; this holds your child’s place (or your name on the waiting list). Monthly fees are due in the form of e transfer on the 1st of each month, starting August 1st.
If e transfer is not an option for you, feel free to contact the registrar.
Special Event Fees
Special events fees will be used to cover costs for field trips, special events and cultural celebrations.
Withdrawal Policy
· If you wish to withdraw your child before school starts in the fall, you must do so by providing a letter to us BEFORE August 1st of the year your child is joining class.
Withdrawal during the academic school year
· With written notice to the registrar by the 15th of the month prior to the withdrawal, the following month’s tuition will not be charged.
· June tuition is NOT refundable once paid May 1st.
· Registration and special event fees are not refundable at any time.
· Tuition is based on the current school calendar and is not subject to adjustment because of vacation, absence from school due to illness or personal reasons.
· A letter of appeal for refund will be considered if there are extenuating circumstances your child’s withdrawal.
At the request of the teacher and the consent of the Board of Directors, a child may be asked to withdraw for reasons of immaturity, health problems or consistently disruptive social behaviour which interferes with the successful operation of the Preschool. In this particular case, the remaining month tuition would not be due.
GETTING READY FOR PRESCHOOL
How do I know my child is ready for Preschool?
· Can follow simple directions
· Can sit and listen to a story
· Is asking to go to school
· Can wash hands and blow nose independently
· Can be apart from loved ones without being upset or distressed for an extended period
· Is eager to dress and undress themselves with little or no assistance
· Is fully toilet trained (no pull ups)
· Can use the bathroom independently (we will assist them if help is needed)
HELPING YOUR CHILD ADJUST
Preschool is an exciting milestone in your child’s life. Your child is embarking on a journey that will lead them in many ways of discovery and learning. Most children are excited about going to preschool. As wonderful as this new experience may be, for some children this might be their first experience of separation from parents or care givers.
WE HAVE A FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR ASSISTING YOUR CHILD TO PREPARE FOR PRESCHOOL
Prepare your child for the new experience by explaining what to expect. Answer all questions directly and honestly.
Convey a positive attitude. Young children are aware of feelings! Your enthusiasm will assure your child that school is a fun and exciting place. Let your child know how much you love them and how confident you are that they will have a great time at preschool!
Establish a ROUTINE involving both the night before a school day as well as morning preparation. Rituals and routines will add predictability and are comforting in unfamiliar situations.
Clearly state to your child where you will be and when you (or a different designated) person will return.
Maintain a clear and consistent good- bye routine. This might include “warning” your child that you are leaving in 1 minute (when the teacher greets you outside or at the classroom door), a kiss and hug or a wave. Once you are leaving, it is important to follow through!!! Please do NOT stay around any longer after your “good-byes” as this could lead your child to believe that YOU don’t trust that he/she will be o.k.
Extending of “good- byes” tends to increase anxiety rather than relieve it.
Avoid sneaking out, as this seems to encourage children to become less trusting.
Playing games where children learn to understand object permanence is also helpful. It is the child’s ability to know that an object continues to exist even though they can no longer see it or hear it. Peak-a- boo, hiding objects under a blanket, placing food under a bowl, and other simple activities can help build this understanding and concept of being “separated” or “away” for a certain time.
Having safe and fun playdates and being in the care of a different family member or friend other than a parent can help lowering separation anxiety.
You are welcome to send a photo of your child’s family/pet etc. to keep at school and to look at.
We offer many different strategies to ensure that each of our students (including parents) will have a “soft landing” into the preschool year. Our experienced team of loving and caring teachers will work together with you! You will be surprised by how fast your child will grow and become a happy and independent preschooler.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is a vital component in the success of the preschool experience.
A newsletter is emailed to parents quarterly. These newsletters provide you with a calendar of upcoming events and information on/about our monthly themes. If anything changes you will be updated.
Please check your child’s backpack for notes!
Please read all newsletters, check the parent/teacher group chat daily and mark your calendar for special dates.
We will start a what’s app parent group at the beginning of the school year and ask parents to sign up to receive important notices or changes in day plans.
We will provide with pictures of our daily activities through Seesaw.
Drop off and pick up can be busy and important information may be lost in the shuffle. Please send a note with your child or call ahead of time to talk to the teacher if there is something that we need to know.
BEHAVIOUR MANAGMENT
A major component of preschool is the socialization aspect whereby students learn to follow directions and problem solve in a respectful manner. In our preschool we help children to learn acceptable ways to achieve the goals they seek. Adults give children cues about which behavior to maintain or avoid and which alternative behavior may be more successful or appropriate. The overall discipline policy in Hansel & Gretel Preschool is aimed at helping children to develop internal behavior controls and to respectfully guide them along in dealing with conflict resolution in a kind, positive and developmentally appropriate manner.
Here are some tools that our staff will use to support your child
· Praising children’s positive behavior, e.g. “Wow, you cleaned this up all by yourself. That’s great.” “I really like how you have all waited your turn”!
We try to avoid giving “extra” attention to misbehavior but rather point out positive behavior.
· Telling children WHAT TO DO, rather than what NOT to do, (e.g. “Please WALK in the classroom” instead of saying: “Do not run in the classroom!”)
· Redirecting children’s behavior and suggesting alternatives to unacceptable behavior.
· FOCUSING on the children’s BEHAVIOUR rather than attitudes or personality characteristics (e.g. “I am happy to see you SHARING YOUR TOY” rather than “Good boy/girl”).
TEACHER ABSENCE
Should a teacher be absent for a short period of time, a temporary substitute teacher will cover that day’s class. In the event of a prolonged absence a substitute teacher will be hired.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Please feel free to address any questions or concerns with the teacher or members of the Board.
The class will practice exiting the building in case there is an emergency.
Emergency Contact Information
Upon registration in the preschool, parents complete an information sheet for the teacher’s file. Please notify the teacher of any changes to this information file.
FUNDRAISING
Hansel & Gretel Preschool is a NON- PROFIT Organization. All funds are put back into the preschool. We encourage parents to participate in fundraising efforts that will assist in covering costs for new equipment, toys, and expenses for our preschool.
Hansel & Gretel Preschool receives some public funding from SGC (Saskatchewan German Council and SAIL (Saskatchewan Association for International Languages).
GENERAL HEALTH REGULATIONS
Throughout the school year, Hansel & Gretel Preschool will update you on any specific guidelines from SHA and communicate any policy changes that should impact our health and safety policy.
· If a child is displaying symptoms of illness at school, parents will be contacted to pick up their child.
· If you are unavailable to get your child, your designated emergency contact person will be called for pick up.
· The families are responsible to notify the preschool if your child has been exposed to or has a contagious illness.
· Any communicable disease (e.g., chickenpox), positive COVID 19 test or possible contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should be brought to the attention of the teacher. Children should only return to class on the advice of the Community Health Unit. In some situations, a letter from a physician might be required.
· Each child’s immunization record must be current.
· A first aid kit is stored in the classroom.
· In case a child has lice, the child must be free of eggs and lice when returning to preschool.
· In case of a serious accident or illness, the teacher will notify the child’s parents (and/or emergency contact person) immediately and obtain the necessary medical assistance.
· A consent form for medical care for a child whose parents cannot be reached is part of the agreement signed by a parent at time of registration.
· A supply of face masks (children and adult size) will be available in case required.
Definition of an ill child:
A child is unable to attend the program because he or she is:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or fever has occurred within the last 24 hours
- New or unexplained rash or cough
- Requires greater attention than can be provided without compromising the care of the other children at the preschool.
The child may return if they are 24 hours symptom free and without medication.
A child needs to be symptom free for 48 hours and have been treated or assessed by a physician if they had the following:
- Pink eye
- Scabies
- Scarlet Fever
- Covid 19
- Ringworm
- Giardia
- Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
HAND WASHING
Students will be utilizing the sinks in the washrooms in the school. We will sanitize children’s hands upon arrival to school and before leaving school.
ROOM CONFIGURATION
Tables and chairs will be labelled with names to limit the spread of germs, especially during snack time.
Before rotating books and toys, they will be cleaned and disinfected.
DROP OFF AND ARRIVAL: 9:15 A.M.
Children should arrive no earlier than 9:15 a.m. at Hague Community Church. Your child will need to bring their backpack (lunch kit inside of backpack).
Our staff will meet you in the entry way.
PICK UP AND DISMISSAL: 11:45 A.M.
Final dismissal will be at 11:45 a.m.
Only a person aged 16 or older listed on the registration form is permitted to pick up the child, anyone other than this must be pre-arranged with the teacher and be familiar to the child.
Prior to final dismissal one of our staff members will come and talk to parents about our preschool day.
Please be prompt
CLOTHING
Please send your child with SUITABLE CLOTHES FOR ALL WEATHER. Ideally, dress them in layers, e.g., sweater/coat and outdoor boots/shoes. Wear a raincoat and splash pants, rubber boots if needed as outdoor play might include play in puddles and exploration of “muddy areas”.
Children should wear comfortable clothing they can put on/take off themselves; for example, pants (without belts) that can easily be pulled down when using the washroom and shoes that don’t require lacing and allow your child to run safely (no flip flops please).
ALL OUTSIDE CLOTHES should be LABELED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME to help avoid mix-ups.
In the fall and spring days, please apply sunscreen on your child before they come to school.
Please bring a set of “emergency clothes” (accidents happen), packed in a labeled Zip Loc Bag.
Indoor shoes: pair of non-marking, slip-on or velcro runners. These shoes will remain at the school throughout the school year.
SEVERE WEATHER POLICY
In the event of severe weather, the decision to continue or cancel preschool classes will be made by the president of the board and the teacher. Parents will get notified through what’s app. Please note that Hansel & Gretel Preschool acknowledges that ultimately, parents hold the final decision when choosing whether their child will attend preschool based on weather conditions.
BATHROOM PROCEDURES
All children must be toilet trained. Toilet trained means that the child must be able to let the teacher know that he/she needs to go and be independent during the bathroom process. We will have a set washroom break before snack time. However, children can use the washroom whenever needed. A few months into the school year, we will allow children to walk to the bathroom, either in small groups or individually. Staff members are always happy to assist if help is needed.
Please ensure that your child has used the washroom before attending class to avoid unnecessary trips.
FIELDTRIPS
Depending on current health guidelines and Public School Division policies, students generally, participate in a variety of excursions outside the classroom. Most field trips will be bus chartered field trips. Some of these special event days might require parent helpers. The teacher will send out information about field trips and need of chaperones in the monthly newsletter.
BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays are special for children. We will celebrate your child’s birthday in class and hand out a birthday certificate and small treat. Depending on allergies in our class and based on health guidelines children might be allowed to bring in treats (nut free) from home to share with the class. Please wait for updated information from your teacher.
We ask that birthday party invitations are NOT handed out at school (unless every child is invited) as it may cause hurt feelings.
We will send home a class contact list that parents can use for birthday invitations.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS
Each month, parents will receive a Scholastic book order. Each book order (submitted online) gives the preschool credit with Scholastic which can be used toward classroom supplies and books for the classroom.
WHATSAPP PARENT/TEACHER CHAT GROUP/ SEESAW
We will use this app very frequently. It allows us to share what is happening during the school day, and to share important information.
Teachers will take pictures of your child’s preschool day, that will be uploaded to Seesaw and can be viewed by every family with access to the App. Note that we cannot control what is screenshotted, saved, and shared with other people. We ask that you respect others’ privacy and not share or use in any way photos that include children other than your own with anyone.
PICTURES
During your child’s preschool year, we may take pictures that include your child. These pictures are used for documentation, classroom displays and parent keepsakes (each child will receive a year end picture album). We may use pictures on our preschool website or Facebook page but will never display names.
SNACK
Hansel & Gretel Preschool is a nutritionally aware preschool. We encourage children to bring a SMALL but high quality and nutritious snack (no sugary snacks please). Children will bring their own snack in a lunch kit.
To decrease handling and touching of snacks, we ask snacks to be packed in easy to open and close containers or bags.
Due to allergy policies, all snacks must be NUT FREE!
Here are some snack suggestions to choose from:
· Crackers and cheese
· Nut free granola bars
· Pre-cut fruits and/or vegetables (if necessary, please provide a fork and napkin for your child)
· Please bring water (no juice or drink able yogurt) in a spill–proof reusable water bottle.
Please label (filled) water bottle and lunch kit and make sure that your child’s name is visible.
SHOW AND TELL
Starting in mid-October, each child will be scheduled one day each month to bring a sharing item. This could be a toy, a souvenir, a picture or simply a special story that the child will introduce and talk about to the class. Children will have the opportunity to ask questions about the item or its meaning that it has to the child presenting. We kindly ask you to ONLY bring toys to school on sharing days.
Please check the monthly Newsletter for your child’s show and tell day
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Please ensure that your child has waterproof rain pants (splash pants) and a pair of rubber boots for the Fall and Springtime. Our outside education and nature exploration includes puddles and areas that might be muddy. Please label pants and jackets with your child’s name!
· 1 backpack (please label)
· 1 lunch kit for snack & water bottle (please label)
· 1 pair of indoor shoes: Runners, easy to put on (Velcro), that will stay at the school (please label)
· 1 set of spare clothes, kept in a Ziploc bag (please label)
OUTSIDE TIME
In the beginning of the preschool year we will spend time outside, in a designated area by the church, we will also do some walks through the community and to the playground. For the second half of the preschool year we plan on having one day that we will spend the majority outside, as the second half progresses it will be 2 to 3 times a week that we will be exploring outside the classroom.We belief outdoor play is important for your child’s well-being and healthy development. If your child is well enough to attend preschool, they are well enough to participate in the outdoor activities. In the winter children will be exploring outside if the temperature is not below -25°C real temperature or with the wind chill.
When taking the children for a walk or the park, the teacher will carry a backpack with a first aid kit, emergency contact information and a cell phone.
PRESCHOOL HANDBOOK AND POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is important that parents/guardians read and understand the handbook and policies.
“I HAVE READ THE HANSEL & GRETEL PRESCHOOL HANDBOOK AND POLICIES FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR. I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE WITH THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AS STATED IN THE HANDBOOK.”
______________________________________________
Sign and Date
Please return this portion to the teacher or the President of the Board of Directors
