Preschool Policy and General Information
Please call 489-3651 OR mail us at: bethelkidsfw@gmail.com
with any questions.
Philosophy
Children's play is their work. Children are provided with the opportunity to play, share and learn with other children in a safe environment with an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth. Parents are supported in the difficult, but rewarding task of child rearing. Bethel Preschool responds to the needs of the community for quality care of children.
Organization
Bethel Preschool is self-supporting and an outreach of Bethel United Methodist Church. The Preschool Board and a paid Director govern it. The Director is assisted by a competent staff of qualified and trained persons who are dedicated to God and to the care of the children.
Admission Policies
Children that are 3 years old or older before August 1st and are potty trained are eligible to enroll in Bethel Preschool's 3 - 5 year old classes provided enrollment space exists. We enroll only those children who are at a stage of growth and development, which enables them to benefit from the care and educational program. We cannot provide service to any child whose needs cannot be met or whose behavior endangers other children.
Attendance
If your child is ill or cannot be at school please call 489-3651 or email bethelkidsfw@gmail.com. Regular attendance is important unless the child is ill but we know that things come up. Please communicate an absence for any reason.
Classroom Policies
Each child may bring one special comfort item such as a stuffed toy or small blanket until that child is comfortable with his/her surroundings. Toys brought from home are discouraged unless it is a special day designated by the teacher. Fighting toys such as guns, knives, swords, or action figures with such items are not permitted at Bethel. Children are not allowed to enter the classroom drinking or eating food or candy from home or chewing gum.
Discipline Policy
Children are small, tough, exasperating, interesting, and lovable. To be "good" with children, we watch each face and listen to each voice. We observe what each child is like, how each is feeling, how each plays, and moves around. We get to know the weaknesses and strengths of each child and of the group. This is how good discipline begins.
The word "discipline" is derived from the word "disciple," someone who follows the teachings of another. Discipline means learning. It does not mean punishment, tears, or humiliation. It means a chance to learn how to live in a social world. Discipline is not something adults do to children. It is something they do with children.
The goals of discipline are self-control, responsibility, and self-discipline. Children need help in controlling their behavior. Most important, they need to become responsible for their own behavior and develop self-control.
Teachers are most likely to achieve the goals of discipline when they respond to the cause of behaviors as well as to the behaviors themselves. We ask, "why" silently before reacting/responding. Teachers may utilize a variety of discipline techniques to meet the needs of different situations: Let children make some decisions and choices - one good way to teach responsibility is to give the child as much responsibility as possible. Give reasons for rules - understanding the reasons for rules make it easier to remember and follow them. Be consistent in our language and behavioral response to children - consistent behavior by adults facilitates development of inner control through modeling.
Remove children from situations they can't handle - if a child is too young to understand, or there is no way to change the cause, it may be possible to change the situation. Redirect children's behavior - often there is a way to let children do something in a better place or safer way. Let children learn the consequences of their actions - experience is the best teacher. Teachers WILL NOT humiliate or demean a child in any form, verbally or physically. Such actions will be cause for immediate dismissal. No punitive action toward children will be tolerated including slapping, hitting, and/or spanking.
The return of negative behavior, such as biting back, is also not acceptable. Children do not like those moments when they are out of control. They need adults, at those times, to firmly, with gentleness, exert control. Returning negative behavior deepens frustration. Firmly holding and gently verbalizing, calms, and fosters control.
Tuition
Tuition is due by the end of the 1st week of the month. We will accept checks, cash or direct bank payment (on-line banking). Payment by Credit Card is also available with an additional 3% transaction fee. Please make checks out to Bethel Preschool. Put your child’s name on the check so credit can be made to the correct account, especially if your last names are different. If we receive any bounced checks the family will be liable for all bank fees. After we receive a bounced check from any one family, we will charge a fee and only accept cash or money orders for the rest of that child’s schooling. The tuition checks are to be mailed or given to the staff at time of drop off or pick up. When using on-line banking use Bethel Preschool as the company and your child’s name as the account number.
Late Payment Policy is as follows:
Payments are due on the 1st of each month. We offer you grace if you make arrangements with our office to pay within seven (7) days of the monthly due date. We will send you a reminder message after seven days of any payment being past due. This is a courtesy. After 14 days, a second letter will be sent out and a fee of $10 will be added to the outstanding balance. A final letter will be sent out after 21 days and an additional $10 fee will be assessed. If payment is still not received, all Preschool services will be suspended. Reinstatement into the program will be under review of the Pastor, the Director of the Preschool and the Board.
Please contact us for Tuition rates
Class Schedule
Class Time: 9:00 – 11:30 A.M. and 9:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Arrival: 8:50 – 9:00 A.M.
Dismissal: 11:20 - 11:30 A.M. and 2:50 - 3:00 P.M.
We dismiss by car number. When you arrive, please pull up parallel to the sidewalk facing Lima Road, display your number on the passenger side window and the teacher will bring your child or children out to the car. Please do not come in to pick up your child unless you have made prior arrangements. The school must be notified in advance (489-3651) if there is any change from the regular pickup. Please be prompt.
During arrival, children must be accompanied to the classrooms by parent or carpool parents. During departure, the teacher must accompany children to the parents or carpool parent's car.
Delays and Closings
Watch your TV mornings for any delays or closings. We will base our decision on what Fort Wayne Community Schools and Northwest Allen Community Schools are doing; however ‘Bethel Preschool’ is what will appear on the TV screen and will be announced on the radio. If you do not see Bethel Preschool listed we are running as normal.
If Bethel is on a one hour delay, morning classes will be 10:00-12:00. Watch your TV for that information, visit our Facebook page, check your email, or call the office (489-3651) for up-to-date information.
You cannot bring your child early if school is delayed. We are unable to watch your children while preparing for class. You may drop them off ten minutes before the start of class.
Please come only when you feel it is safe to transport your children to school.
Children's Illness Policy
We ask that you have all your child's immunizations up-to-date and that the child have a regular annual check-up. If your child has a fever or upset stomach, please keep him/her home for at least 24 hours. If he/she has diarrhea, please keep him/her home for at lease 24 hours after it has completely cleared up. We maintain an active pace and it is not fair to your child or the other children if he/she does not feel well. When symptoms are present which cause concern about the health of a child, the director has the right and responsibility to request that the child not attend that day.
Cold, Tonsillitis, Flu - child may come back after fever is completely gone (24 hours) - Thick running noses are not permitted! Children are expected to use tissues provided by the school.
Chicken Pox - Three days after newest blisters start drying he/she may enter school. The school must be contacted if your child has chicken pox.
Pinworms - If the child is put on medication early, he/she may stay in school. The first dose of medicine kills.
If a child becomes ill while attending preschool, every effort will be made to remove the child from his/her room and away from the other children. The child's parent or another authorized adult will be contacted to come for the child. Parents are requested to contact the preschool office (489-3651) when their child is kept home due to illness. Should the children be exposed to a communicable disease at preschool, a notice will be posted to inform the other parents. Children will be given first aid in the event of an accident. However, further medical treatment is the responsibility of the parent.
In the event of a medical emergency, children will be taken to an emergency room and the parent will be contacted immediately. The parent pays the cost of the emergency room treatment.
If a child is on medication, it must be prescribed by a physician and be taken to the director in an appropriate pharmacy labeled container. We ask that non-pharmaceutical medication (i.e. aspirin, cough syrup) be given before and/or after preschool hours by the parent. However, if it is needed during preschool then the parent needs to submit a written order from the physician.
Playground Safety
The teachers will be helping the children to learn the following playground rules:
Do not run or walk behind or in front of swings No throwing of sticks, sand, rocks, etc. No running with sticks or other harmful objects. No climbing on fences. Space yourself on slides and go up and come down without dawdling
Field Trips
Our 3-4 and Pre-K classes will go on several trips throughout the school year. Written permission slips must be filed with teachers for each child before the first field trip is taken. Following are a few simple rules we follow:
1) Children must be loaded into cars at the curbside of the vehicle.
2) Children must be secured in cars with seat belts or car seats depending on the current laws. This is a must.
3) Children will wear tags that list the schools name and phone number, but not the child's name.
4) A note will be given to the director before each field trip to let her know how many children and how many adults are going, date, and place visiting.
5) One adult to each three to five children is suggested, depending on the age of the children.
6) Teachers will bring items needed in case of emergency, including emergency information for each child and first aid supplies.
7) Safety rules will be reviewed with children before leaving the school.
8) The teachers will be asking parents for field trip ideas and encouraging them to volunteer to accompany the children whenever possible.
9) Parents are not to conduct any personal business while on a field trip.
Parent Volunteers
We encourage parents to be active in their child's classroom once a month. There are many activities and duties you can help with. Please talk to the teacher about how you can help.
Readiness for Preschool
Your child should know his/her name.
Label all outdoor clothing plainly with last name, including boots and mittens, etc.
Each child needs a large tote bag or backpack that is very easy to open to carry work home. Label with last name. Please bring to school every day and check inside for notes and/or projects every day. Encourage your child to do everything possible for him/her self, such as putting on and taking off their own coat and shoes, opening and closing their backpack. Children need to wear play clothes* to school. Shoes with good gripping soles are important. It is normal for preschoolers to be active and occasionally paint will get on clothes even though we wear smocks. Your child needs adequate rest at night.
* Play clothes: These are clothes that can and will get dirty and paint will also get on them. They also need to be easy for the child to handle their bathroom needs. Please no belts or overalls. Pants with an elastic waist are best.
with any questions.
Philosophy
Children's play is their work. Children are provided with the opportunity to play, share and learn with other children in a safe environment with an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth. Parents are supported in the difficult, but rewarding task of child rearing. Bethel Preschool responds to the needs of the community for quality care of children.
Organization
Bethel Preschool is self-supporting and an outreach of Bethel United Methodist Church. The Preschool Board and a paid Director govern it. The Director is assisted by a competent staff of qualified and trained persons who are dedicated to God and to the care of the children.
Admission Policies
Children that are 3 years old or older before August 1st and are potty trained are eligible to enroll in Bethel Preschool's 3 - 5 year old classes provided enrollment space exists. We enroll only those children who are at a stage of growth and development, which enables them to benefit from the care and educational program. We cannot provide service to any child whose needs cannot be met or whose behavior endangers other children.
Attendance
If your child is ill or cannot be at school please call 489-3651 or email bethelkidsfw@gmail.com. Regular attendance is important unless the child is ill but we know that things come up. Please communicate an absence for any reason.
Classroom Policies
Each child may bring one special comfort item such as a stuffed toy or small blanket until that child is comfortable with his/her surroundings. Toys brought from home are discouraged unless it is a special day designated by the teacher. Fighting toys such as guns, knives, swords, or action figures with such items are not permitted at Bethel. Children are not allowed to enter the classroom drinking or eating food or candy from home or chewing gum.
Discipline Policy
Children are small, tough, exasperating, interesting, and lovable. To be "good" with children, we watch each face and listen to each voice. We observe what each child is like, how each is feeling, how each plays, and moves around. We get to know the weaknesses and strengths of each child and of the group. This is how good discipline begins.
The word "discipline" is derived from the word "disciple," someone who follows the teachings of another. Discipline means learning. It does not mean punishment, tears, or humiliation. It means a chance to learn how to live in a social world. Discipline is not something adults do to children. It is something they do with children.
The goals of discipline are self-control, responsibility, and self-discipline. Children need help in controlling their behavior. Most important, they need to become responsible for their own behavior and develop self-control.
Teachers are most likely to achieve the goals of discipline when they respond to the cause of behaviors as well as to the behaviors themselves. We ask, "why" silently before reacting/responding. Teachers may utilize a variety of discipline techniques to meet the needs of different situations: Let children make some decisions and choices - one good way to teach responsibility is to give the child as much responsibility as possible. Give reasons for rules - understanding the reasons for rules make it easier to remember and follow them. Be consistent in our language and behavioral response to children - consistent behavior by adults facilitates development of inner control through modeling.
Remove children from situations they can't handle - if a child is too young to understand, or there is no way to change the cause, it may be possible to change the situation. Redirect children's behavior - often there is a way to let children do something in a better place or safer way. Let children learn the consequences of their actions - experience is the best teacher. Teachers WILL NOT humiliate or demean a child in any form, verbally or physically. Such actions will be cause for immediate dismissal. No punitive action toward children will be tolerated including slapping, hitting, and/or spanking.
The return of negative behavior, such as biting back, is also not acceptable. Children do not like those moments when they are out of control. They need adults, at those times, to firmly, with gentleness, exert control. Returning negative behavior deepens frustration. Firmly holding and gently verbalizing, calms, and fosters control.
Tuition
Tuition is due by the end of the 1st week of the month. We will accept checks, cash or direct bank payment (on-line banking). Payment by Credit Card is also available with an additional 3% transaction fee. Please make checks out to Bethel Preschool. Put your child’s name on the check so credit can be made to the correct account, especially if your last names are different. If we receive any bounced checks the family will be liable for all bank fees. After we receive a bounced check from any one family, we will charge a fee and only accept cash or money orders for the rest of that child’s schooling. The tuition checks are to be mailed or given to the staff at time of drop off or pick up. When using on-line banking use Bethel Preschool as the company and your child’s name as the account number.
Late Payment Policy is as follows:
Payments are due on the 1st of each month. We offer you grace if you make arrangements with our office to pay within seven (7) days of the monthly due date. We will send you a reminder message after seven days of any payment being past due. This is a courtesy. After 14 days, a second letter will be sent out and a fee of $10 will be added to the outstanding balance. A final letter will be sent out after 21 days and an additional $10 fee will be assessed. If payment is still not received, all Preschool services will be suspended. Reinstatement into the program will be under review of the Pastor, the Director of the Preschool and the Board.
Please contact us for Tuition rates
Class Schedule
Class Time: 9:00 – 11:30 A.M. and 9:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Arrival: 8:50 – 9:00 A.M.
Dismissal: 11:20 - 11:30 A.M. and 2:50 - 3:00 P.M.
We dismiss by car number. When you arrive, please pull up parallel to the sidewalk facing Lima Road, display your number on the passenger side window and the teacher will bring your child or children out to the car. Please do not come in to pick up your child unless you have made prior arrangements. The school must be notified in advance (489-3651) if there is any change from the regular pickup. Please be prompt.
During arrival, children must be accompanied to the classrooms by parent or carpool parents. During departure, the teacher must accompany children to the parents or carpool parent's car.
Delays and Closings
Watch your TV mornings for any delays or closings. We will base our decision on what Fort Wayne Community Schools and Northwest Allen Community Schools are doing; however ‘Bethel Preschool’ is what will appear on the TV screen and will be announced on the radio. If you do not see Bethel Preschool listed we are running as normal.
If Bethel is on a one hour delay, morning classes will be 10:00-12:00. Watch your TV for that information, visit our Facebook page, check your email, or call the office (489-3651) for up-to-date information.
You cannot bring your child early if school is delayed. We are unable to watch your children while preparing for class. You may drop them off ten minutes before the start of class.
Please come only when you feel it is safe to transport your children to school.
Children's Illness Policy
We ask that you have all your child's immunizations up-to-date and that the child have a regular annual check-up. If your child has a fever or upset stomach, please keep him/her home for at least 24 hours. If he/she has diarrhea, please keep him/her home for at lease 24 hours after it has completely cleared up. We maintain an active pace and it is not fair to your child or the other children if he/she does not feel well. When symptoms are present which cause concern about the health of a child, the director has the right and responsibility to request that the child not attend that day.
Cold, Tonsillitis, Flu - child may come back after fever is completely gone (24 hours) - Thick running noses are not permitted! Children are expected to use tissues provided by the school.
Chicken Pox - Three days after newest blisters start drying he/she may enter school. The school must be contacted if your child has chicken pox.
Pinworms - If the child is put on medication early, he/she may stay in school. The first dose of medicine kills.
If a child becomes ill while attending preschool, every effort will be made to remove the child from his/her room and away from the other children. The child's parent or another authorized adult will be contacted to come for the child. Parents are requested to contact the preschool office (489-3651) when their child is kept home due to illness. Should the children be exposed to a communicable disease at preschool, a notice will be posted to inform the other parents. Children will be given first aid in the event of an accident. However, further medical treatment is the responsibility of the parent.
In the event of a medical emergency, children will be taken to an emergency room and the parent will be contacted immediately. The parent pays the cost of the emergency room treatment.
If a child is on medication, it must be prescribed by a physician and be taken to the director in an appropriate pharmacy labeled container. We ask that non-pharmaceutical medication (i.e. aspirin, cough syrup) be given before and/or after preschool hours by the parent. However, if it is needed during preschool then the parent needs to submit a written order from the physician.
Playground Safety
The teachers will be helping the children to learn the following playground rules:
Do not run or walk behind or in front of swings No throwing of sticks, sand, rocks, etc. No running with sticks or other harmful objects. No climbing on fences. Space yourself on slides and go up and come down without dawdling
Field Trips
Our 3-4 and Pre-K classes will go on several trips throughout the school year. Written permission slips must be filed with teachers for each child before the first field trip is taken. Following are a few simple rules we follow:
1) Children must be loaded into cars at the curbside of the vehicle.
2) Children must be secured in cars with seat belts or car seats depending on the current laws. This is a must.
3) Children will wear tags that list the schools name and phone number, but not the child's name.
4) A note will be given to the director before each field trip to let her know how many children and how many adults are going, date, and place visiting.
5) One adult to each three to five children is suggested, depending on the age of the children.
6) Teachers will bring items needed in case of emergency, including emergency information for each child and first aid supplies.
7) Safety rules will be reviewed with children before leaving the school.
8) The teachers will be asking parents for field trip ideas and encouraging them to volunteer to accompany the children whenever possible.
9) Parents are not to conduct any personal business while on a field trip.
Parent Volunteers
We encourage parents to be active in their child's classroom once a month. There are many activities and duties you can help with. Please talk to the teacher about how you can help.
Readiness for Preschool
Your child should know his/her name.
Label all outdoor clothing plainly with last name, including boots and mittens, etc.
Each child needs a large tote bag or backpack that is very easy to open to carry work home. Label with last name. Please bring to school every day and check inside for notes and/or projects every day. Encourage your child to do everything possible for him/her self, such as putting on and taking off their own coat and shoes, opening and closing their backpack. Children need to wear play clothes* to school. Shoes with good gripping soles are important. It is normal for preschoolers to be active and occasionally paint will get on clothes even though we wear smocks. Your child needs adequate rest at night.
* Play clothes: These are clothes that can and will get dirty and paint will also get on them. They also need to be easy for the child to handle their bathroom needs. Please no belts or overalls. Pants with an elastic waist are best.