Handbook
ALPINE CO-OP PRESCHOOL HANDBOOK
A program of Alpine COMMUNITY CENTER
MISSION STATEMENT
South Benton Community Center in Alpine seeks to provide a facility and resources that offer a wide variety of programs for all persons in south Benton County. We strive to strengthen and unite the community by bringing together diverse elements through arts, education and economic development.
OUR PRESCHOOL
Parents are vital contributors in a cooperative preschool. It’s a place where parents and children learn together. Our preschool operates under the direction of a teacher while parents assist with classroom duties. We strive to provide a fun, positive and appropriate environment for young children and their families. By providing a safe, playful learning environment, we give children the opportunity to develop intellectual, social and motor skills. We do not discriminate with regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin.
CELEBRATIONS AND HOLIDAYS
It is important to celebrate and honor traditions of all the families in the program. Parents are encouraged to share family traditions that reflect their heritage and family history. With this knowledge the teacher can better plan activities that reflect the diverse cultures of our group, which in turn allows the children to become more aware and respectful of our different traditions.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
o Make payment to ACC.
· Tuition for co-op parents (parents who regularly participate in the classroom; see below) is $400 for the year for three year olds and $500 for four year olds.
· Tuition is payable in monthly installments with first and last month’s payment due at registration (this covers September and June of the school year.)
· We have a limited number of spaces available for students whose parents cannot participate in the classroom activities (non-co-op parents). The tuition for non co-op parents is $550 for three year olds and $650 for four year olds.
· In the event that a second child from the same family is enrolled for the same year, tuition for the second child is ½ of the higher amount.
· Each child is responsible for fulfilling a supply list at the beginning of the year.
· Parents are responsible to provide an item from our snack list. This is required three times a year or more as necessary.
· Please pay promptly as your child will not be allowed to attend if payment has not been made.
· If it is necessary to withdraw a student, provide written notice two weeks in advance for a refund.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
A cooperative preschool depends on parent involvement for success! Our co-op parent responsibilities include:
· Attend parent-teacher workshops
· Assist in the classroom 2-3 days each month
· Attend all parent meetings
· Attend classroom cleanings each year
· Participate in fund-raisers
If a parent/guardian consistently fails to fulfill these obligations, a higher fee may apply or their child may be subject to release from enrollment. Parent co-op participation is vital. If it happens that there is no parent participant on any particular day, all parents will be called to pick up their children and school will be cancelled for that day. It is a benefit to all when parents fulfill their obligation.
SCHEDULE
Classes are held three days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Three year olds attend from 8:30am to 11:00am. Four year olds attend from 8:30am until noon. We follow as closely as possible the holiday schedule of the Monroe school district. In the event of a weather closure you will be informed via the preschool phone tree.
Please pick your child up promptly. If an emergency arises please notify us so that we can reassure your child that they have not been forgotten. No unauthorized person is allowed to pick up your child without written consent and verbal verification. In the event that permission is granted, that person is also required to sign a release sheet. We make every effort to keep your child safe. If you need to speak to the teacher, plan to do so at the end of class or during parent meetings. She is there for the children during class hours. Please visit with other parents outside during drop-off/pick-up times. Please do not bring siblings or friends on workdays. This is your students’ special time. Parents could arrange co-op babysitting with each other. Special guests are welcome with prearranged permission from the teacher. All students must be potty-trained. An extra set of clothes should be left in case of an accident.
FUNDRAISERS
Tuition payments barely cover only our most basic expenses. It may be necessary throughout the year to generate income for supplies, field trips, or other special events. All parents are required to participate in fundraisers. Your new ideas are welcome!
ENROLLMENT
The age of your child on September 1 determines the session placement. Once placed, there will be no “bumping-up� such as a three year old moving to the four year old session during mid-year, unless the move is approved by the teacher and parents.
GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
Our goal is to create a safe, fun and accepting environment for our learners. We strive to have your child fully occupied and use positive diversions before a problem arises. We have three basic rules:
1. Children must respect others both emotionally and physically.
2. Children must respect themselves.
3. Children must respect our school. The toys and equipment are there for everyone to use. No weapons, play or otherwise, are acceptable. In the event that a persistent behavior problem occurs, the parents/guardians are notified. Under such a circumstance where we feel we can no longer maintain safe behavior or unity in our group we may be forced to suspend or expel the child from our school. Keep in mind we will make every effort to work with parents/guardians to resolve issues. This is one of the many benefits of parent/teacher co-ops.
PARENT MEETINGS
The teacher meets with all parents on a monthly basis. Parents are notified of meeting dates and times. You are required to attend. These meetings are reserved for parent education, networking, and taking care of co-op business. It is our hope that you will use this opportunity to voice your compliments and concerns. We value your ideas! Together we can provide a positive and fun learning experience for you and your child.
HEALTH
Proof of all immunizations is required as determined by Oregon State law. Parents must notify the school if their child as been exposed to a communicable disease. Please keep a sick child home. It will keep our other students healthy and be more comfortable for your own child.
CONTACTS
The following is a list of the Board of Directors for the South Benton Community Center in Alpine. These people may be contacted at any time with your concerns or questions about the Alpine Co-op Preschool.
Dorothy Brinckerhoff 424-3123 Joyce Long 847-3244
Evelyn Lee 847-6028 Patty Parsons 424-5321
