Parent Handbook

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Prospect Cooperative Preschool. We anticipate a rewarding and exciting year ahead for your child.

Prospect offers a varied and stimulating environment in which each child is encouraged to grow at his or her individual pace.

We are very proud of our dedicated staff and our wonderful facilities, including our large, child-friendly, playground.

This booklet explains the responsibilities and goals of a cooperative preschool. Please contribute your unique qualities to our school by sharing your ideas, suggestions, and concerns with us. It is only through sharing that a co-op works to its fullest potential.

I am looking forward to an exciting year working with parents and children in a total community spirit, recognizing the dynamic quality of the preschool-home relationship in establishing a firm foundation for future positive growth.

Here's to a great year!

Dana Cavanaugh, Director

Our Philosophy

We are a non-sectarian school, housed in Prospect Presbyterian Church building and licensed by the State of New Jersey.

The first five years of a child's life are the most critical for future development. During this time, children learn through their play experiences, developing intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally. Therefore, children's play experiences are very important. We believe in giving your child every opportunity to grow in these areas.

Intellectual Development

A young child learns as he plays; toys and equipment are his tools. The teacher provides the learning environment and helps each child discover the world around him. The child is permitted to choose from several options to develop his own interests or to learn a new skill. As the child learns at his own pace, he has a better opportunity to achieve with a minimum of failure.

Our staff relies on the theories of Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, Lev Vygotsky, and Hoard Gardner to develop meaningful experiences for each child. Children must be actively involved in many varied and stimulating experiences to develop optimal growth in intellectual development. We adhere to Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and feel each child has strength within to be ignited. Our job is to plug into that enthusiasm and build a foundation of learning.

Social Development

As the child interacts with others, he learns to share materials, equipment and his own ideas and comes to understand what society expects from him. He is taught to care for his personal belongings and to respect property belonging to others. The group experience provides opportunities for friendships and an awareness of others as worthy individuals.

Physical Development

The child develops his gross and fine muscle coordination through physical activities, indoors and outdoors. He becomes aware of his body, the space around him and what he can do in that space.

Emotional Development

A child needs a happy school experience in a caring environment to develop a positive self-image. As his personality develops, he becomes aware of his feelings about himself and others, learning to express these emotions in a socially accepted way.

Learning various coping skills is a major task of the preschool child. Our staff relies on the theories of Erikson to assist you child in this development.

Our Goals

The primary goal of Prospect Co-op is to provide a warm and supportive atmosphere where children 2½, 3, 4, and 5 can develop those skills appropriate to their developmental level. More specifically, program goals include assisting the child in development of:

Expressive and receptive language skills
Sensory-perceptual skills, especially visual and auditory Reasoning skills or the ability to use prior bits of knowledge or learning to solve new problems
Fine and gross motor skills
Interpersonal skills necessary for effective interaction with others
Interpersonal skills necessary for personal autonomy

These program goals are developed through various content areas and activities enjoyable to children. Recognizing the interdependence of these skills, the classification serves mainly as a guide for assessment and planning.

In order to meet these goals, activities in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, health and safety and physical education are part of the weekly schedule.

Curriculum

The curriculum is geared to the young child's rhythm of development and designed to nourish his intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth. Learning is a creative, lifelong process that begins in play and flourishes in wonder, discovery and active involvement in firsthand experiences that have meaning for children. Therefore, we have an emerging curriculum that is developed each year according to individual needs of the children. The school is a human-relations laboratory where children are guided by supportive teachers who work closely with parents. Individualized learning is stressed in all areas. The curriculum is designed to give the child a variety of quality experiences.

Parent Participation

Parent Responsibilities

In joining a cooperative school you have made a major commitment to the positive growth and development of your child. Here you have the unique opportunity to be with your child as exciting learning takes place and to participate in a community of people who are very concerned and supportive of the parenting process.

As a parent you are responsible for:

Paying tuition on the first of the month.
Assisting in the classroom 5-7 times during the year.
Joining a committee of your choosing and actively participating.
Supporting fundraising efforts.
Attending two organization meetings in May and September.
Assisting in the Classroom

The most important aspect of joining a co-op is the opportunity to be in your child's classroom on a regular basis. You will experience the thrill of being with your child when exciting learning takes place and gain valuable information concerning the interaction of children and their developmental needs.

We have the following objectives in mind concerning classroom participation:

We aim to support the parent-child relationship. One direct way of doing this is by providing regular times for a child to have his or her parents involved directly in school activities. The parents also have the pleasurable opportunity to enter into their child's school life, thereby achieving a greater closeness to him or her.
We aim to have an intelligently and sensitively run co-op. This can be achieved only through a parent body educated in the needs of young children and cognizant of the organizational problems of running a preschool. We feel that the best way to become informed on these matters is to enter actively into the heart of the school, the classroom.
We aim to help each child advance his or her learning and maturation. In order to provide the teacher with the necessary freedom for using her training and experience, the class must be adequately staffed. Each parent, on his or her class days, functions as an invaluable aide to the teacher, thus advancing the educative purpose of the school.

With the previous statements as background, here are some tips to help you in being effective and happy on your class days:

Children of preschool age are not expected to read or write
The teacher has a long-range goal for each child that will not always be apparent to the infrequent helper. So think twice before asking a child "What are you playing?" or "What are you making?" In most cases, the child may not know this until they have completed their task.
Do not make models for the children to copy. Adult standards are different from those of children and making models only encourages copy work or may stifle effort completely.
Children who do not seem to be playing actively can be observing and learning at their own pace. Do not attempt to push "slow starters" into play.
It is easier to get along with children by encouraging their natural desire to cooperate. For example, it is better to say "It's time to clean up not" the "Do you want to clean up now?" Or if you have to stop a child from doing something, tell him what he may do instead, e.g., “No, you may not throw the blocks, but you may build with them.”
Little children appreciate calmness, order and quiet. It is better to go to a child and speak softly than to should across the room unless it is an emergency—then go to him quickly without disturbing the other children.
Toilet accidents are taken in a matter of fact way. In no instance scold or punish a child for an accident. Quietly bring it to the teacher's attention.
A certain amount of hitting other children, or refusing to take turns or shyness is normal. Look to the teacher for guidance when in doubt.
Children need help in cleaning up. You can have fun yourself in working along putting blocks away, washing brushes, etc. The teacher will guide you in this.
A child learns to respect the work of other people through having his own work respected. Therefore, when a child is playing constructively, do not try to introduce a new activity. When a child is concentrating, try to protect him from interruption. When a child's play must be interrupted at the end of a period, warn him beforehand.

Please remember: You will not be expected to handle difficult situations. There is considerable help you can give to the teacher within your abilities, help for which she is most grateful. Do not be concerned if you are asked to perform in areas in which you have not been trained. If you have a particular skill that you think may be useful in the preschool program, such as music, dance, arts and crafts, storytelling, cooking, or gardening, inform the teacher in advance of your assigned day and together you can plan a special time for the children.

Snacks: Parents are responsible for providing a snack and drink for all of the children when assisting in the classroom. We encourage healthy foods with natural ingredients. Prospect is a nut-free school. Class parents will also compile a list of allergies in each classroom and parents are asked to refrain from bringing snacks with those allergens into the class.

Birthdays: Children may choose to celebrate their birthday in class by bringing an easy-to-serve treat, such as mini-cupcakes or cookies.

Monthly Maintenance

Children's equipment and shelves need regular dusting, washing and painting. Each family is required to spend one Saturday morning during the year cleaning the classroom. The monthly cleanups are generally scheduled for the first Saturday of the month. The Housekeeping Committee will provide a calendar for families to signup for a month of their choice prior to the first monthly cleanup.

Committees

Most committee duties occur in the evenings and on weekends. Special school events are held on Saturdays throughout the year. See the Parent Contract for details.

Board of Directors

Board members are expected to attend monthly Board meetings, held in the evening on the second Tuesday of the month. See the Parent Contract for details.

Fund-raising

We have fund-raising events throughout the year to keep our school financially strong. Each family is expected to participate in these events to help us maintain our budget and purchase new equipment when necessary.

Scholarship Fundraising Event: The Assistant Administrator serves as the chair of the committee and is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the election-day bake sale to benefit the scholarship fund. Committee members are responsible for collecting food donations from all Prospect families, pricing items and organizing and decorating the tables for the bake sale, and working the event.

Spring Event: Responsible for coordinating all activities associated with the sprint event, including planning, organizing, and publicizing the event. The event is a family oriented activity, such as a music or science show, on the even years (e.g. 2016, 2018) and a goods and services auction on the odd years (e.g. 2017, 2019). Two chairpersons share the duties of coordinating all aspects of the Spring Event.

Classes & Tuition

School Calendar

The School Calendar is available on the website. Prospect Preschool follows the South Orange/Maplewood public school schedule of holidays.

Arrival/Dismissal Times (Preschool)

School hours are from 9:00–11:30 AM and 12:30–3:00 PM. The teacher needs the time before each class to prepare the classroom for the maximum benefit to your child. Please try to bring your child on time so that he is not made to feel uncomfortable by arriving after everyone else has become involved in play activities.

If you find that you are going to be late or absent, please notify the school immediately. Also, while at times unavoidable, please be prompt at dismissal.

Lunch Bunch

A lunch program is available to all Prospect students, ages 3 and older, from 11:30 AM—12:30 PM. During lunch bunch, students bring their own nut-free lunch to the large classroom where they can enjoy eating lunch with their friends, as well as meet students in other Prospect classes. When the weather permits, students will spend at least a half hour after eating, outside on the playground. In the case of inclement weather, students will enjoy structured playtime in the auditorium after eating lunch.

Tuition

The tuition for the year can be paid each month or in full in October. See Classes for current tuition rates, Parent Contract for tuition policy, and note the COVID Tuition Updates.

Any parent who has more than one child in attendance will be granted a 3% discount. Scholarships may be offered to financially qualified students in the 4-year-old classes. More information is available from our director.

If a parent voluntarily withdraws a child from the school, he or she will be responsible for tuition payments covering the time of his withdrawal until a suitable replacement is found. Refund of tuition is subject to board approval.

General Information

Registration

Registration takes place the winter before the school year. A lottery is held for any class that becomes over enrolled.

The preschool is designed for children who are 2½ , 3, 4, and 5 years old. The groups are limited in size in order that children may receive as much individual attention as possible.

A registration fee is required of all new student applications. Applications must be submitted through the website and a new application must be submitted each year. Classes are filled in the following priority:

Children of current board members
Currently enrolled students
Siblings of currently enrolled students
Returning families
Church members
General public

Adult ratio is 1:4 for 2½ year olds; 1:6 for 3 year olds; and 1:7 for 4 year olds.

Home Visit

In order to make the transition from the home to school a more positive one, the class teacher will visit all new students in their home before classes begin. We have found this procedure to must successful in easing any separation problems. You may also request a home visit for a returning student if you feel it would help your child transition to the new school year.

Conferences

Good communication is a vital aspect of our co-op. Two parent-teacher conferences are planned for the year. However, parents are welcome request a meeting with the teachers to express their concerns and suggestions at any time.

Discipline & Expulsion Policy

Prospect staff will discipline in a positive and constructive manner in a manner that is appropriate for the age level and individual development of the student. Each class has basic classroom rules that are explained the to children on the first day of school and reinforced throughout the year.

Prospect staff works to help the children use socially acceptable forms of expressing anger or frustration, through verbalization or written form, Staff may also role model appropriate ways to handle anger and conflict.

The staff at Prospect Preschool works hard to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all students and recognize that young children, in particular, are still developing many coping mechanisms. Parents will be made aware of any incidents in the classroom that involve hitting, biting, or other aggressive acts. Most of these problems can be solved within the classroom. Parents may arrange conferences with teachers to discuss any concerns and are encouraged to share any situations that may affect a child's behavior. However, if a student's behavior presents a continuing danger or ongoing threat of disruption the student may be removed from the school. In such a situation, tuition is non-refundable.

Health

Health History: It is important that you advise us of any medical problems, such as physical handicaps and emotional problems, as well as food and contact allergies.

Daily Health: As the teacher greets your child she will not only be acknowledging his arrival but ascertaining his general state of emotional and physical well-being. If your child becomes ill during school, we will notify you and keep him comforted until you arrive. If you cannot be reached, we will contact the person designated in the emergency number section of the authorization form.

Medication: Prospect staff cannot administer medication to any student (excluding an EpiPen in emergency situations). If a child needs regular medications during the school day, please contact the Director to arrange a convenient way for the parent to come to school and administer said medication. An action plan must be submitted to the Director before the first day of school.

Keeping Your Child Home: Please keep your child home if he or she:

Has a fever or has had one during the previous 24 hours;
Has a cold that is less than three days old;
Has heavy nasal discharge;
Is fussy, cranky, and generally not himself;
Has a persistent cough;
Has symptoms of a possible communicable disease (these symptoms are usually sniffles, reddened eyes, sore throat, headache and abdominal pain plus fever);
Is just tired; rest at such times may prevent a serious illness.

Returning to School After illness: Your child may return to school if:

His cold is over, but he is left with a minor nasal drip;
His fever is normal for at least 24 hours (without fever reducing medication) and he is feeling physically well;
Has been 24 hours since last diarrhea or vomiting episode.

Communicable Diseases: If your child has been exposed to a communicable disease, or becomes ill with a communicable disease, please notify the teacher. If your child has been exposed, he or she may be able continue to come to school. The teacher will discuss the incubation period and determine what dates he would stay home to protect the other children from exposure.

Please also review the COVID-19 Updates.

Safety

Every precaution is taken to keep the children safe and well at school. If the parent cannot be contacted in an emergency, the preschool will pursue the emergency numbers provided on the authorization form and, when necessary, utilize the emergency release form. It is very important that you keep the school up to date on phone numbers, emergency numbers and other pertinent information.

Inclement Weather

In the event of unusual weather conditions, such as heavy snow or ice, the school may close. Prospect Preschool generally follows the decision of the South Orange/Maplewood School district. In the event of a delayed opening, Prospect's morning classes and lunch bunch program will be cancelled but afternoon classes will be held as scheduled. In the event of an early dismissal in the district, Prospects lunch bunch program and afternoon classes will be cancelled.

The Director reserves the right to cancel or delay classes even if the district is open if she deems it is in the best interest of the children. All delays and closures will be posted on the web page, the Facebook page, and an email will be sent.

Field Trips

The 3 and 4 year-old classes will be taken on field trips during the year that will be based on interest and educational value. Each child must have a signed permission slip on file in order to participate. Parents will be asked to volunteer to drive on field trips, taking their own child and others in the car. Parent drivers will be required to give us a copy of their valid driver's license and insurance card. Children must be in car seats or booster seats. All parents must sign a liability form that is kept on file.

Publicity & Communication

At Prospect Cooperative Nursery School, there are many opportunities to celebrate the achievements and activities of our school, students, staff and community members. The Information Age has provided additional mediums to publish our accomplishments, showcase our educational programs and services, and strengthen two-way communication.

Prospect maintains a Facebook page which relays information about activities and events at the preschool. It also provides informal interviews with the teachers, links to relevant articles, and suggestions for parents to stimulate their child's learning.

Prospect will not include a student, staff member or community member in printed publications, multi-media or the Internet, without permission.

In addition to our social media presence, there is a bulletin board outside each of the classrooms with a class newsletter describing the classroom activities for the week, such as books, songs, snacks and any special celebrations.

Toys

Except for toys needed in the very opening days of school to help ease your child's transition from home to school, we ask that you leave your child's toys at home or in your car. No toy guns or other toys on themes of war, destruction or violence are allowed in the classroom We will provide tools for the child to express aggressive feelings - for example, clay to pound (manual dexterity), hammer and nails to use (good for jangled feelings while practicing a developmental rhythmic movement).

If you have a book that may be of interest to all the children, we will appreciate this being shared with the class but ask that you put the child's name on it and leave it for several days. It is not always possible to read each book the day it arrives.

Clothing and Personal Belongings

All clothing should be marked with the child's name. Please send children to school in play clothes. Select shoes that give support and allow freedom of movement for climbing, skipping, dancing, and running,

Think of your child's comfort and provide simple clothing that is free of complicated fastenings. Think of messy art materials and activities and provide clothing that is washable. Think of our playground and provide clothing that is sturdy. Think of our changeable autumn and spring weather and provide your child with a sweater or jacket, Think of snowy winter days and provide your child with boots, hats, gloves, and a warm jacket. It is much easier to remove an unneeded item than to put on something you don't have.

Remember we play outdoors whenever possible!

Lending Library

We have a small lending library available for parents' use. Our topics cover parenting concerns, from child development to discipline to sibling rivalry.