Parent Handbook

• Encourage independence by giving children only the help they need. Don't do for children what they can do for themselves. Try not to be concerned with the product, the process is most important. Avoid making models in any art medium for the children to copy. Treat projects with interest and respect
• Show respect for a child's work by not interrupting, by allowing the child to finish whenever possible. Listen attentively when a child speaks to you. Try to make eye contact by stooping or sitting to face the children.
• Make efforts to state suggestions or directions in a positive rather than a negative form (i.e. "Please walk" vs. "You know you're not suppose to run in the hallway.") Help the teacher set limits on behavior with firm, calm, statements (i.e. "I know you're angry, but I can't let you hurt anyone.").
• When limits on behavior are necessary, they should be clearly defined and consistently maintained. Work toward instilling self-discipline rather than inflicting punishment. Take the time to help children learn from their mistakes.
• Use your voice as a teaching tool. Try to use a tone of voice that will help a child feel confident and reassured, not afraid or ashamed. Be careful not to discuss children in their presence.
• Avoid making comparisons between one child and another (to motivate them, etc.); encourage cooperation over competition. Remember that school can be stimulating and exhausting. If a child shows signs of becoming cranky, help the child into a more relaxing activity.
• Give the child a choice (i.e. "Will you come and join the group?") only if you intend to leave the situation up to the child.
• Encourage children to finish one project before going on to another activity.
• Be patient. Learning is not always a neat and tidy process. Each child enters the preschool with a different level of preparation and special needs.
• If you are willing to share one of your special interests with the children let the teacher know at least one day ahead. Maybe you can organize a cooking experience, play a song on the piano, direct a puppet show, plan a craft project, or do a science experiment. Don't be shy! Volunteer! The children will love it!
• Please bring nutritious snacks – no cookies or candy. Snack time is an important part of the curriculum and deserves as much attention as other activities. See the handbook for suggestions.
• Dress your child for safe play – sturdy shoes, no long dresses, no capes tied around the neck, etc. We provide painting shirts at school and make a reasonable effort to keep clothes from becoming soiled, but we also do messy projects and play hard at school.
• You can expect that the day you parent-help will probably not be your child's "best" day. Try not to show your irritation. Relax and enjoy being in the classroom and with the day's activities.

Toileting Policy>