Trinity LutheranPreschool

1174 Mill St.Gardnerville, Nevada 89410

775-782-KIDS (5437)775-783-9862 (Fax)

www. http://school.trinitygv.com (web site)director@trinitygv.com (e-mail)

Parent HandbookTeaching a Loving Christ in a Caring Community

Table of ContentsParent Letter........................................................................................................................................................................4

Mission Statement...............................................................................................................................................................4

Goals and Purposes.............................................................................................................................................................4

Programs...............................................................................................................................................................................5

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Waiting List............................................................................................................................................................................6

Registration...........................................................................................................................................................................6

Tuition Payment Requirements.............................................................................................................................................6

Payment Guidelines..............................................................................................................................................................7

Holidays/Vacation.................................................................................................................................................................7

Unexpected School Closures.................................................................................................................................................8

Staff Requirements................................................................................................................................................................8

Toddler Program...................................................................................................................................................................8

Daily Reports.....................................................................................................................................................................9

Naptime............................................................................................................................................................................9

Physical Activity.................................................................................................................................................................9

Toddler Discipline:.............................................................................................................................................................9

Potty Training Policy..........................................................................................................................................................9

Toddler Supplies..............................................................................................................................................................10

Toddler Curriculum.........................................................................................................................................................10

Preschool and Pre-K Program..............................................................................................................................................10

Preschool & PreK Curriculum:.........................................................................................................................................11

Physical Activity...............................................................................................................................................................11

Preschool/Pre-K/School-Age Discipline Plan...................................................................................................................11

Forms of Communication....................................................................................................................................................12

Parent Concerns..................................................................................................................................................................12

Parent-Teacher Conferences/Progress Reports/Assessments............................................................................................13

Parent Involvement.............................................................................................................................................................13

Family & Community Partnership.......................................................................................................................................14

Drop-Off and Pick-Up..........................................................................................................................................................14

Security System...................................................................................................................................................................14

Vehicle Safety......................................................................................................................................................................15

Smoking, Alcohol, Firearms & Cell Phones..........................................................................................................................15

Snacks and Lunch................................................................................................................................................................15

Clothing and Personal Belongings.......................................................................................................................................15

Lost and Found................................................................................................................................................................16

Toys.................................................................................................................................................................................16

Volunteers...........................................................................................................................................................................16

Field Trips/Off-Site Activities...............................................................................................................................................16

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Illness and Health Regulations............................................................................................................................................17

Health Checks..................................................................................................................................................................17

Immunizations.................................................................................................................................................................17

If Your Child is Sick..........................................................................................................................................................17

When to Keep Your Child at Home..................................................................................................................................17

Infectious Disease Exclusion:...........................................................................................................................................18

Medication......................................................................................................................................................................18

Hand Washing.....................................................................................................................................................................18

Injury and Emergencies.......................................................................................................................................................19

Reporting Child Abuse.........................................................................................................................................................20

Emergency and Disaster Plan..............................................................................................................................................20

Allergies & Pollution............................................................................................................................................................20

Non-Discrimination Statement............................................................................................................................................21

Parent Signature Page.........................................................................................................................................................22

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Parent LetterDear Parents,

Trinity Lutheran would like to welcome you to our Preschool & Kindergarten. This handbook contains important information to help you navigate the wonderful world of Trinity.

The Preschool & Kindergarten is an integral part of the Church’s Christian Education Program. Trinity Lutheran has a Preschool/Kindergarten Board who helps to oversee the running of the school. The school is a non-profit organization that is supported solely by tuition and donations.

Our goal at Trinity is to offer children and families a safe and loving, developmentally appropriate, Christian learning environment. Trinity Lutheran also has an open door policy, which means that parents have the right to observe the program, at any time, before and/or after their child has enrolled. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please feel free to talk with your classroom teacher(s) or with the Director. We will do our best to meet your needs.

Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten welcomes all children and is committed to providing developmentally appropriate early learning and development experiences that support the full access and participation of each and every child. We believe that each child is unique and work in partnership with families and other professionals involved with the child to provide the support every child needs to reach their full potential.

Blessings,Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten Staff and School Board

Mission StatementTLCCC-Teaching a Loving Christ in a Caring Community

Goals and Purposes

To develop and nurture spiritual growth

To implement a developmentally appropriate early childhood education program

To serve as an outreach to parents and community through our Christian and educational programs

ProgramsCenter Hours: 6:45AM-6:00 PM

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Priority admission is given (when there are openings in enrollment) to the children of: Parents/Guardians who are currently serving on active duty in the Armed

Forces of the United States Parent who was killed or died as a direct result of injuries received while

serving honorably on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States Parent who is reported as a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving

honorably on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States. Trinity Lutheran also gives priority admission to families who are members of Trinity Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran offers a number of programs:

Toddler Program: o Ages 18 months to 3 years old and potty trained

Preschool Program:o Age 3 (Potty Trained) on or before September 30th ,_______o Age 4 (Pre-K Program) on or before September 30th ,_______

Before and After School Programo For grades K-2, we offer care to children before and after school and during

school breakso We provide transportation for Minden Elementary School. The school bus

drops off and picks-up at Trinity for Gardnerville Elementary School. Kindergarten Knights

o Age 5 on or before September 30th _____. Our Kindergarten program is a modified kindergarten meaning it is held from 9AM to 2PM. We are an exempt private kindergarten that is operated as an exempt school under the provision of NRS 394.211 and as such is exempt from the provisions of the Private Elementary and Secondary Education Authorization Act.

Trinity Lutheran admits students of any race, color, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin on administration of its education policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school-administered programs.Classroom RatiosEnrollment shall be limited, not to exceed a pupil-teacher ratio of:Toddlers 12:2 Preschoolers (3 & 4 yr. olds) 11:1 Kindergarten 10:1

(Our pupil-teacher ratios are at or below state ratios for our size of center)

Waiting List

When Trinity has reached full enrollment in a particular program, we will start a waiting list for that program. If you would like to enroll your children and we are currently full, we will gladly put your child on our waiting list and we will call you as soon as we have an opening. If you are a current member of Trinity Lutheran Church your child will have first priority when a spot becomes available. Siblings of currently enrolled children will also be given first priority.

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Registration

Registration Packets can be obtained from the Director or Business Manager or downloaded from our website at http://school.trinitygv.com. A registration fee is required from all enrollees of Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten. A paid registration fee will hold your child’s spot and guarantees their enrollment. Unfortunately, space cannot be saved for your child if you have not paid the registration fee. The registration fee is non-refundable. Please see Fee Schedule Sheet. Before enrolling your child, it is strongly encouraged that parents take a tour of the school.

Tuition Payment Requirements

All families are required to commit to a payment plan that would best fit their needs. Monthly or weekly payment plans are offered. A 3% discount is given if the annual tuition is paid in full at the time of enrollment. If your child withdraws from the program prior to the end-of-the year, we will refund the remaining balance after all the weekly fees have been assessed at the full rate. *Two-week notice is required when withdrawing from the program. Trinity Lutheran reserves the right to terminate enrollment for the following reasons: If the needs of the child cannot be met by Trinity, parents are uncooperative, such as but not limited to failure to pay tuition, failure to submit required health information, or failure to observe policies/procedures set by the Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten Board.

Our preferred method of payment is through Tuition Express (automatic payment from a checking or savings account, see application packet for details). However, we do accept credit cards (with a transaction fee) or personal checks (provided your account stays current). Money orders and cash are always accepted. A $15.00 service fee will be charged on all returned checks. If two personal checks are returned, we will then only accept cash, money orders or cashier checks.

If both parents and/or guardians are responsible for their child’s tuition, then both must sign the Financial Agreement Form in the registration packet.

Trinity Lutheran has expended the funds required for your child to attend the center during the period reserved for his/her use. Also, Trinity Lutheran is a non-profit organization. Therefore, no refunds or adjustments can be made if your child is absent. However, you may use your vacation days to cover the time if you give written notice to the Business Manager prior to your absence. (See Vacation Time)

Any account past due over 30 days will be turned over to a collection agency and/or small claims court and you will be responsible for any legal or collection fees due to unpaid tuition.

Payment Guidelines

Weekly payments need to be made the Friday prior to the week the child will be attending

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Monthly payments are due on the first of every month If payments are not kept current, we reserve the right to refuse service until full

payment has been made. If full payment has not been made in a timely matter, your child’s spot may be filled, and the return of the child to the school will depend on whether space is available.

There is no credit given for scheduled school holidays, child illness, or for closings due to emergency situations, inclement weather or acts of God. However, if you wish, you may use your vacation days. Please see Business Manager for details.

Holidays/Vacation

Tuition must be paid even when the center is closed for all holidays with the exception of two teacher workdays in August. You will not be charged for those two days.

In addition, each child enrolled will receive two program weeks of vacation credit to cover vacation/sick leave throughout the year. In order to receive your vacation credit, you must notify the Business Manager in writing no later than the Friday prior to the vacation date. Your account must be current to receive the credit. Unused vacation credit does not carry over to the next school year.Holidays that we will be closed: New Year’s Day President’s Day Martin Luther King DayEaster Monday Memorial Day 4th of JulyLabor Day Nevada Day Thanksgiving (Thurs./Friday)2 days for Christmas If a holiday falls on a Saturday, we will be closed the Friday prior to the holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, we will be closed the Monday following the holiday

Unexpected School Closures

We follow our adopted calendar for scheduled closures for the year. We will seldom close the center/school due to snow. We use the Douglas County School District snow policy as a guide. If it is determined that the center/school must be closed for the safety of our children and staff, families will be notified by our all call phone system before 6:45 AM. If we need to close during our operating hours, due to unforeseen circumstances, families will be notified by our staff through our all call system for early pick-up within a ½ hour. If ever in doubt, feel free to call the Center’s office 782-5437 or go to our website http://school.trinitygv.com

Staff Requirements

We take pride in providing your child with the best care possible and our staff here at Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten are dedicated to doing just that.

Requirements for each staff member: Be a Christian

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Meet requirements set by State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services

CPR & First Aid TrainingHealth & TB ScreeningBackground ChecksClasses in: Illnesses, Child Abuse Identification, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Development and 24 hrs. of yearly training

Additionally, Trinity requires that all staff have a minimum of an AA degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent) or are working towards such a degree.

Kindergarten teachers are required to have a Nevada State Teaching License with a minimum of a BA degree in Elementary Education.

Toddler Program

Our toddler program serves children from 18 months to 36 months. Our ratio is 2 teachers to 12 children. The toddler classrooms are designed to provide stimulating experiences for the children where they can learn through their own inquisitiveness. The emphasis during the toddler years is on building self-confidence, social skills and fostering the natural curiosity that toddlers possess. Throughout the day toddlers enjoy the large variety of play materials that are readily made available to them, as well as creative centers where children can dress-up, build with blocks, and experiment in the sensory table. Art, music, language and science activities geared to little hands are also introduced. We support the individual learning needs of all children.

Daily ReportsYou will receive a Daily News Report about how your toddler’s day was. Your daily report will include times of diaper changes/potty time, nap time, eating habits, daily activities and needed supplies.

NaptimeEvery day, right after lunch, the toddlers have a quiet and peaceful naptime. We provide a mat and sheet for each child. All mats and sheets are laundered once a week or sooner if needed. Teachers spend time with each child rubbing their backs and cuddling with them. We also play soft soothing music to help them settle down and rest. Staff will check and change wet or soiled diapers/pull-ups as soon as a child wakes up from a nap.

Physical ActivityToddlers will be given opportunities to participate in a variety of daily physical activities that are appropriate for their age and are fun and offer variety. These activities can include 30 minutes of structured activities done in blocks several times a day and at least 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity daily. Toddlers will go outside at least twice daily, weather and air quality permitting.

Toddler Discipline:Toddlers love to explore and express their curiosity with the world around them. Toddlers are also very egocentric; they feel the world is all about them. At times, toddlers may express their wishes through hitting and biting. Teachers use many techniques to help toddlers make good choices and to help them learn from their

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mistakes. These include redirection, clear limits, logical consequences and helping toddlers understand how their friends are feeling. Our discipline plan abides with NAC432.400.1 (a)-(g).

Potty Training PolicyHere at Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten we believe that it is the parent’s responsibility to potty train his or her child. The staff, however, will be happy to assist the parents by offering information, articles on potty training suggestions and they will also help your child with the process while they are at school.Trinity Lutheran requires that when your child is at school, they wear disposable pull-up or a diaper until the child has stayed dry for a reasonable amount of time. If a child is staying dry for a reasonable amount of time, parents and staff may make a decision to allow the child to begin to use underpants. The staff may request that the child return to a pull-up if frequent accidents start. Due to health and sanitation reasons we really need to enforce this policy. Once your child is 3 and potty trained your tuition rate is reduced.

Toddler SuppliesPlease bring the following supplies for your toddler:

Diapers/Pull-ups/Swim diapers in the summertime Wipes/Rash ointment Blanket/nap cuddly Extra clothes Backpack/lunchbox Lunch and a morning and afternoon snack

If you bring a sippy cup, please make sure your child’s name is on the cup. Pacifiers can only be used at naptime.

Toddler CurriculumOur program will provide a wide variety of age-appropriate learning experiences for your toddler. The toddler curriculum focuses on enriching children’s social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and physical development in a warm Christian atmosphere. The children learn these skills through “hands on experiences” and a play-based approach. The teachers help the children learn by understanding each child’s developmental ability and then plan, prepare and organize learning experiences that fit each child’s needs.Our curriculum includes:

Christian Values learned through Bible Stories, prayer, Chapel and songs Language Skills (Music, Fingerplays and songs) Hands on activities that help to develop motor skills Physical play Science Exploration, Arts and Crafts and Math skills (Counting, Sorting,

Matching & Patterns)Teachers send home a newsletter monthly and a copy of each class’ lesson plans are available to view outside of each of the classroom doors.

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Preschool and Pre-K Program

Our preschool program serves children ages 36 months to Kindergarten age. We provided an enriching, educational and Christian environment for children to learn in. Our program also supports the individual learning needs of all children. Throughout the day the children in our preschool program enjoy learning in the big room, their classrooms and our large playground. Our preschool program prepares children socially and academically, as well as supports and encourages the development of independence, responsibility, and confidence, all of which are essential for the child’s ongoing success in kindergarten. Teachers help children to grow and learn in the following areas: literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education and the arts.

Preschool & PreK Curriculum: Voyages- Religious Curriculum- Daily Jesus Time and Wednesday Chapel time with

Pastor Zoo Phonics Handwriting Without Tears Core Knowledge Pre-K State Standards

Our entire curriculum aligns with the Common Core Nevada State Standards.

Teachers send home a newsletter monthly and a copy of each class’ lesson plans are available to view outside of each of the classroom doors.

Physical ActivityPreschoolers will be given opportunities to participate in a variety of daily physical activities that are appropriate for their age and are fun and offer variety. These activities can include 60 minutes of structured activities done in blocks several times a day and at least 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity daily. Preschoolers will go outside at least twice daily, weather and air quality permitting.

Please Bring the following supplies for your preschooler: Backpack and lunchbox Lunch and a morning and afternoon snack Blanket and lovey for naptime Extra clothes

Preschool/Pre-K/School-Age Discipline Plan

Children who are having difficulty for any reason will be re-directed to another activity with teacher assistance. In the event that a child’s behavior is likely to result in harm to the child, others or property, or seriously disrupts group interaction, the child may be separated briefly from the group. The child may be taken to the office to sit with an administrator where he/she can gain enough self-control to rejoin the group. The child will always be left in an area where he/she is in full view and can be supervised and supported by a staff member. Interaction between the child and a staff member will take

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place immediately following the separation to guide the child toward appropriate group behavior. Teachers use many techniques to help children make good choices and to help them learn from their mistakes. These include redirection, clear limits, logical consequences and helping children understand how their friends are feeling. A method of discipline which frightens, demeans, or humiliates a child is strictly prohibited. Our discipline plan abides with NAC432.400.1 (a)-(g).

There may be times that a child’s behavior could begin to jeopardize the wellbeing of other children and/or staff. If this should occur the following procedure will be followed.

1. Teachers will work to identify the problem and will document the child’s behavior in a journal which will be shared with parents/guardians.

2. All incidents will be reported to the director. Director, teachers and families will work together to come up with next steps and strategies. A written plan will be put in place.

3. Staff will observe the child to identify any triggers of the behavior.4. Staff will use positive behavior approaches to help the child.5. Child’s family will be kept up to date on child’s behavior.6. If behavior continues with no positive change, then outside professional help

may be sought.7. In rare circumstances, if the behavior continues with no improvement, it may be

decided that our program may not be the best environment for the child. In those circumstances, we will help parents find other suitable arrangements for their child.

Forms of Communication

Communication with your child’s teacher and the school is very important for the well-being of your child. We have several ways that we keep the lines of communication open with our parents.

Every month a school-wide newsletter is e-mailed to all parents. Our website has a monthly calendar of scheduled activities and lunches that

are available for purchase on Wednesdays at http://school.trinitygv.com Reports about your child’s day are sent home daily and are found in your

child’s cubby. Each classroom sends home a monthly newsletter to let parents know what

their children are learning for the month. Also, each classroom has a lesson plan posted near their classroom door.

Messages are posted at the front desk and on the front door.

Parent ConcernsIn the case of difficulties that may arise, parents are encouraged to do the following:1. Parents should talk to their child’s teacher first about their concern2. If the problem is not resolved to a satisfactory conclusion, please take your

concern to the director. The director, teacher and the family may meet to discuss concerns.

3. If the family still feels that the concern has not been addressed, the director will ask the Pastor to help settle the dispute or concern

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4. If at this time the family still feels there is a concern, the School board will meet with the family to resolve differences.

5. If there is a language barrier, Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten will assist the family with obtaining any help to overcome the language barrier.

Parent-Teacher Conferences/Progress Reports/Assessments

All age groups are assessed formally and informally to ensure that the teachers plan their curriculum goals and activities to support individualized learning.

Our teachers observe, record and document children’s development, participation and learning throughout the year. The assessments are ongoing, systematic and gathered from natural play activities and realistic settings that reflect a child’s actual performance.

Our school uses a variety of methods such as observations, checklists, and rating scales. The assessment results are used to benefit children as we make informed and sound decisions regarding children, teaching methods, and program improvements.

When assessments identify concerns, appropriate follow-up, referral or other intervention is used. Our formal assessments are done twice a year, (September and May) or within 90 days of enrollment. All our assessments are kept in the child’s portfolio, which are kept in the child’s classroom or in the director’s office. Your child’s records are kept confidential and are only reviewed by program staff and/or licensing officials for documentation purposes. All staff have been trained in Ages & Stages and the Brigance Screening.

Our families are also a part of the assessment process with regular communication, partnership and involvement. Families are also asked to complete an Ages and Stages Development Assessment Screening in the fall.

Once the formal assessments are completed each child’s teacher will schedule a parent conference to go over the assessment. Parents will also receive a written report at the conference. Parent conferences are scheduled twice a year (September and May). Parent conferences can also be scheduled at other times throughout the year as needed.

Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is encouraged and welcomed at Trinity. Studies have shown that parental involvement at school plays a very important role in the success of a child’s education and development. We have many opportunities available for parent involvement:

Fundraisers Classroom parties and activities Career Week Help with field trips Participation in our Parent Volunteer Group

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Family & Community Partnership

Staff works closely with parent and community members to build a strong relationship that will support the growth of each child. Community partners may include but are not limited to: Nevada Office of Early Care and Education, Children’s Cabinet, Douglas County School District, Tahoe Youth and Family Services, Family Support Council, Tumbleweeds, Northwest Martial Arts, Community Food Closet and many other agencies in the Carson Valley.

Collaboration with Other Professionals

Many children with disabilities or other special needs are supported by developmental and educational professionals such as therapists, teachers and others. Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten welcomes those professionals and works with them to assure the child’s success. The service provider is encouraged to provide services to the child in the context of the early childhood classroom environment. The child’s teacher and the service provider work collaboratively to determine the best strategies to support the child in the group setting. Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten supports the teacher’s participation in Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Parents/Caregivers are responsible for signing children in and out on the computer, and the attendance sheets daily. There may be a fee assessed for not signing your child in or out. This procedure is extremely important for attendance records and safety measures in case of emergencies. Parents need to walk their child to their teacher. This helps your child to have a smooth transition. Parents/Caregivers are welcome to stay briefly to help their child adjust to the group and to smooth the separation if the child is anxious about saying goodbye. At the end of the day, please check-in with a teacher before leaving with your child.

If you would like someone to pick up your child that is not on your pick-up list you will need to fill out a pick-up card. Staff will ask for Identification and compare it to the pick-up card. We will not release children to anyone who is not on the pick-up list or pick-up card.

Security System

The doors to the school are kept locked at all times in order to limit access. The front door has a keypad that will, when a code is entered, release the magnetic lock on the inner doors and allow you to enter. When you enroll your child, you will be given a number combination to enter into the keypad for independent entry. There is a front doorbell should you forget the procedure. Please do not give out the entry code to others who are authorized to pick up your child. Also, please do not allow your child to leave the building unattended.

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Vehicle Safety

Vehicle operators need to remember that we have a very busy driveway with children and families entering and leaving at any given time. Please drive slowly when entering and leaving our driveway. Children should not be left unattended in vehicles. We strongly discourage leaving your car idling when parked by our front door due to exhaust fumes entering the school.

Smoking, Alcohol, Firearms & Cell Phones

The use of tobacco, alcohol, illegal substances, firearms (Exception: law enforcement personnel who are required to carry firearms) or any other significant hazards that pose a risk to children or adults are prohibited anywhere on the property of Trinity Lutheran Church, Preschool & Kindergarten.

Also, please refrain from using your cell phones while dropping off or picking up your child.

Snacks and Lunch

Parents are required to provide a daily lunch and a morning and afternoon snack for their child. Suggested snack ideas include fruit, cheese, crackers, granola bars or anything healthy. To keep your child’s lunch and snacks fresh, please provide an ice pack in your child’s lunchbox. Due to time and space, we are unable to heat lunches. Thermoses work well for soup and other warm foods. Lunch is available to purchase on Wednesdays, so please see the monthly calendar. If you wish to have your child participate you need to order and pay before 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. If you are going to be late you can call in your order and pay when you arrive.

Milk and water are provided to all the children at both snack and lunch times. Children up to 2 years are served whole milk and children 2 years and older are served 1% milk. Milk is free of charge under a USDA Special Milk Program grant administered by the Nevada Dept. of Education- Office of Child Nutrition and School Health. (Please see Non-Discrimination policy on pages 19-20)

Clothing and Personal Belongings

It is important that your child comes to school dressed in comfortable clothes and with shoes that are appropriate for running and playing outdoors. Please do not allow your child to wear flip flops or shoes with wheels, as they are not appropriate for outdoor play. We recommend that you send your child in tennis shoes (water shoes for mud and water days) each day so that your child may easily run with less risk of injury. Be sure to send a jacket or other outerwear appropriate for the season. We will try to go outdoors so long as it is not raining or below 10 degrees F.

Each child will be assigned a cubby in which he/she can store personal belongings. It is mandatory that you label all of your child’s personal belongings to prevent any mix-ups.

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Please keep an extra change of clothes in your child’s backpack or cubby. It is very important to your child’s comfort that he/she have extra clothing available in case of an accident.

Lost and FoundThere is a lost and found box in the front lobby. Please check the box frequently for any items that may be missing. Any items left at the end of each month will be donated to charity.

ToysPlease do not send toys to school with your child. Toys from home may cause arguments, get broken or lost. The school is not responsible for any lost or broken items and toys from home.

Volunteers

We occasionally have volunteers come to our school to either help or observe. All non-parent volunteers are required to have a background check and a current TB test. A teacher will be present with the volunteers at all times and volunteers are not allowed to help with toileting or diaper changing. All volunteers and visitors are required to check in at the front desk.

Field Trips/Off-Site Activities

In order to enhance learning experiences, classes may occasionally have guest speakers or go on field trips outside of the school. Classes may also occasionally take walks in the neighborhood to observe the wonderful gifts that God has created or to practice safety rules.

A written permission form must be signed by a parent/guardian and must be on file in the office in order for the child to accompany the group on any activity away from the school. This form grants continuous permission throughout the year.

Parents will be informed of any upcoming field trips in writing before the trip is scheduled to occur. The school van or minibus may be used to travel to field trip locations. Children will be required to wear seatbelts or be in car seats while in the van or minibus.

Illness and Health RegulationsHealth Checks

The Health Statement form for your child should be completed by a doctor and returned on or before your child’s first day of school. Nevada State Law requires that these forms be on file at the school for inspection. We can refuse admission to any child whose Health Statement form and/or Immunization records are not returned.

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ImmunizationsIn order to comply with Nevada State Law, all parents of children entering Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten must present a current immunization record. Exemptions can be granted for religious or medical reasons. A letter must be submitted by a parent and/or medical doctor. If your child is under-immunized for a vaccine-preventable disease, and an outbreak should occur, your child must be excluded from school for the length of time determined by the Nevada Department of Public Health.

If Your Child is SickThe health and wellbeing of your child is of major importance to all of us. If your child has an infectious illness, please do not bring him/her to school. Not only will your child be uncomfortable, but it is unfair to expose the other children and teachers to the illness.

There will be a daily observation of each child upon arrival at school. Children exhibiting any active symptoms of infection will not be admitted.

If symptoms of illness appear during the day, you will be required to arrange for an immediate early pick-up. We will contact you at once and keep your child isolated and comfortable until you arrive. If you cannot be reached the person on your emergency information sheet will be contacted.

When to Keep Your Child at Home Has a fever/thrown-up during the previous 24-hour period If he/she is advised by a doctor to remain indoors Has a nasal discharge Has a constant cough Child will be sent home for diarrhea that occurs three or more times a day. A child

may return to school when diarrhea has not occurred in the previous 8 hours.Your child may attend if he/she:

Is over a cold but a minor nasal drip remains Has been on antibiotics for over 24-hours and fever is gone

Infectious Disease Exclusion:Children will be excluded from school if they show symptoms of:

Chicken Pox-Children must stay at home 7-10 days or until all pox are scabbed over

Pink Eye-Children can return to school after they have been on medication for at least 24-hours

Strep Throat-Children must be on medication for at least 24 hours before returning.

Head Lice- Children may not return until treated with proper medication and child is free of NITS (eggs laid by lice).

** We will notify the parents by note of any contagious disease as well as share any information concerning these diseases as they appear in your child’s classroom. Names of infected children will remain confidential.

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MedicationStaff is allowed to administer medication only when a written medication release form is filled out and signed by a parent and/or guardian. All medication must be prescribed by a licensed doctor. This includes Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl or any other over the counter medication.All medication must be in its original container and stored in the Director’s office.

Hand WashingHand washing is the single most important line of defense in preventing the transmission of disease-causing organisms. NAC432A.412.2 requires that childcare providers instruct, monitor and assist the children being cared for to ensure that the children follow the hand wash procedures.When Should Hands Be Washed? STAFF:

Employees shall wash hands upon arrival at the school/center. Immediately before handling food, preparing bottles, or feeding children. After handling food. Before handling clean utensils or equipment. After using the toilet, assisting a child in using the toilet, or changing diapers. After handling of body fluids (e.g., saliva, nasal secretions, vomit, feces, urine,

blood, secretions from sores and pus discharge). After handling soiled items such as garbage, mops, cloths, and clothing. Whenever hands are visibly soiled. After removing disposable gloves.

CHILDREN: Children shall wash hands upon arrival at the school/center. After each diaper change or visit to the toilet. Immediately before and after eating meals or snacks. Before and after water activity. After playing on the playground. After handling animals or animal cages. Whenever hands are visibly soiled. How to properly wash hands:

(1) Always use warm, running water and a mild, preferably liquid soap;(2) Wet the hands and apply a small amount of liquid soap to the hands (dime to quarter size);(3) Rub the hands together vigorously with the soap and warm water for 15 seconds; (4) Be sure to wash all surfaces of the hands, including the backs of hands, palms, wrists, under fingernails, and between fingers;(5) Rinse hands well for 10 seconds, leaving the water running;(6) Dry hands with a paper towel;(7) Turn off the faucet with the paper towel.

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Injury and Emergencies

Any time your child is injured (major or minor), an accident report will be sent home. If the injury is serious, a parent or guardian will be notified by phone.

If a serious medical injury should arise, every effort will be made to contact parents/guardians of the child. If the parents/guardians cannot be reached, the name of the physician on the medical card will be phoned. If necessary, 911 will immediately be called. The child may be taken to an emergency hospital. Meanwhile the Director, Assistant Director or other staff member will be in charge and make all decisions about the care of the child.All staff members are trained in CPR and First Aid.

Parents/guardian will be expected to assume responsibility for any resultant expense. Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten and staff thereof shall not be held liable for any illness or injury that occurs at the school/center or as a result of the steps taken to obtain emergency medical care for a child. A child may not attend Trinity if a medical release form is not filled out.It is in your child’s best interest that you keep the school/center up to date on phone numbers, emergency numbers, and any other information that would aid in the assessment of your child upon injury.

Reporting Child Abuse

By law (NAC 432A.410) any staff member at Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subject to abuse or neglect, or has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions which would result in abuse or neglect, is required to immediately report or cause a report of such fact to the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services.

Emergency and Disaster Plan

In compliance with NAC432A.280, Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten will be conducting fire and disaster drills at least once a month. An evacuation plan has been posted on the wall near the exit of the classrooms.In case of a real emergency requiring evacuation, our safety zone will be the big field in the back of the center. If this area is unsafe, we will take the children to the parking lot across from the church. If we need to leave this area, local law enforcement will direct us to a location and parents will be notified.

Allergies & Pollution

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Please notify staff as soon as possible if your child has a food allergy. We will take the proper steps to make sure that all students with allergies may participate in activities as much as possible without compromising the child’s health.Food Allergies:

Children who have severe food allergies must bring their own snacks and lunches. We do provide a peanut free table, if needed. We are not a peanut free school. All staff is given notification of who has severe food allergies. An allergy list is

posted and updated regularly. All children and staff are to wash their hands before and after meal time. If your child needs an Epi-pen for allergies, please notify staff and fill out the

proper paperwork.Pollution: If there is a fire and smoke is visible in the air, staff will immediately start monitoring the air quality from the following web site: http://nvair.ndep.nv.gov/ . If air quality is in the orange or red range, the children will not go outside until air quality has improved to the yellow and green range.

Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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Parent Signature Page Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten

Dear Parents/Guardians

This handbook was created as a guide for parents and to answer commonly asked questions that may come up during the school year. Our goal is to create a positive educational atmosphere of learning and to keep an open line of communication between staff and parents.

We ask that you familiarize yourself with this handbook by reading it and ask that you sign this page as evidence that you are aware of our policies and procedures.

______________________________ ____________Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

______________________________ ____________Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

______________________________Printed name of enrolled child

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*Signature page of Parent Handbook (2019)

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