Dear Parents,

I would like to take this time to thank you for choosing Pasadena Community Church Pre-School for your child. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful and dedicated staff here that enjoys being a part of your child’s life. I hope your time here at PCCS will be a pleasant experience for your entire family, and I look forward to watching your child develop and grow in a warm and nurturing environment. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to come by the office. My door is always open.

God Bless,
Angie Hadley
Director

2005-2006 PCCS Staff

White Dot/ Toddlers Peach Dot/ Toddlers
Krisy Pettenger Ann Welch
Pam Miller Denyse Young
Shunnelle Harris

Aqua Dot/ Young 2s Orange Dot/ Older 2s
Carol Shaw Candi Lilly
Amanda Welch Jill Zona

Red Dot/ 3s Blue Dot/ 3s
Tricia Harper Brenda Tuten
Nicole Schultz Laura Race

Yellow Dot/ 4s Green Dot/ 4s
Joan Bates Nellie Gardner

Purple Dot/ 4s Other Staff
Hilde McDowell Julie Sauers
Angela Warner
Pam Hill

Administrative
Angie Hadley Director
Gino Cote’ Assistant Director
Petie Mizell Admin. Assistant

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Pasadena Community Church Pre-School is a ministry of Pasadena Community Church, a United Methodist congregation. Our goal is to provide a quality pre-school program in a nurturing Christian environment that provides for the growth and development of each individual child. We are committed to meeting the needs of each child in the areas of cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development, in a manner that is age appropriate. Our certified staff and administrative team are dedicated to work with our church and school community to convey Christian values and allow all children the opportunity to experience the love of God, on a daily basis. Through this guidance we will encourage children to build a sense of autonomy, grow with a positive self-concept, and acquire the skills and concepts needed to be successful in all of life’s journeys.

“Train up a child in the way that he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it”
Proverbs 22:6

MISSION STATEMENT
Pasadena Community Church Pre-School is a ministry that focuses on instilling Christian values and providing a quality early childhood educational experience. We aspire to do so in a compassionate and loving environment, which nurtures the total child.

PURPOSE & GOALS

Our purpose is to create a Christ-centered environment where every child will feel safe and have the opportunity to develop at his or her own individual pace. The learning environment involves children, encourages them to investigate their world and explore culture and diversity while taking an active role in their classroom community. Daily opportunities are provided for problem solving, critical thinking, and socialization. We strive to assist each child in attaining the skills necessary for their social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual growth.

PARENTS IN PARTNERSHIP

Parent Advisory Committee
Each classroom has a parent representative on the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC meets monthly to share ideas and work on projects. PAC representatives and phone numbers are published for each class.

• PAC Mission Statement
The Parent Advisory Committee of Pasadena Community Church School is an organization of parents committed to improving the school through effective action, volunteerism and communication between the administration, church and parents.

• PAC Goals
To encourage parent involvement in PCCS.
To support the staff of PCCS.
To review concerns, questions and suggestions brought forth by parents.
To assist and expedite creative fundraising ideas for school improvements and enhancement

Pre-School Leadership Team
Our pre-school leadership team is a board comprised of members of our church and school communities. Our main purpose is to guide our school’s administrative team in decisions regarding budgeting, enrollment, and marketing. The preschool leadership team works in conjunction with the church council in regards to matters that involve establishing, revising or abolishing school policy

B.E.L.I.E.F. Program
BELIEF (Better Education and Leadership Involving Every Family) is a parent participation program in which each family volunteers a minimum of 8 hours per school year helping with school events, serving on committees or assisting the teacher with classroom projects. The goal is for families to become more directly involved in their child’s education, meet new families, and to contribute talents to support school needs.

ABSENCES
Parents or guardians are asked to notify the school office before 9:00am when a child will be absent. The administrative team will notify the child’s teacher. Children who are picked up at times other than the regular schedule must be “signed out” in the office. Parents may go to the classroom to pick up their child after signing them out.

ARRIVAL/PARKING
Cars may use the circle drive on First Avenue South for drop off in times of necessity only However, for the safety of the children, NO PARKING IS PERMITTED IN THE RIGHT LANE. In this manner, no one will have to cross in front of moving traffic. Please note that this drive is ONE-WAY traveling east. If you leave your car at any time, please park in one of the three parking areas and walk your child onto campus. The parking areas are located:

1. On the east side of the toddler playground;
2. On the south side of the preschool playground, facing Second Avenue S.; and
3. On the grassy field at the corner of First Avenue S. and 70th Street S.

For safety reasons, it is recommended that you bring and pick up your child in the school rather than use the drop-off. Please park at one of the three parking areas listed above and bring your child to the playground or classroom and pick up your child from the playground or classroom.

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Before Care
PCCS offers morning care beginning at 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. Please do not drop children off prior to 7:00 a.m. Please park at one of the three parking areas listed above and bring your child to the playground or classroom.

After Care
Preschool drop in care is available if you need to leave your child past lunch with an additional charge of $17.00. Enrichment classes are offered during the after school session. A list of offerings is sent home periodically during the school year. Independent contractors provide the instruction for these enrichment classes. Fees are paid directly to them. The classes are offered at PCCS as a convenience for working parents. Folders for payment and communication for these classes are located in the office just inside the door to the right in the plastic bins.


CHAPEL
Worship experiences are offered for children each week. Parents are invited to attend and sit in the pews behind the children. Children’s Chapel is held in the Goodwin Chapel. Children learn to live effective Christian lives as they listen to a brief Biblical story and application, sing Christian songs, and pray.

CLASSROOM CONCERNS
If questions arise concerning a situation in the classroom, the parent should talk with the teacher. If the parent does not receive satisfaction, the director should be contacted. Appointments with the director shall be scheduled in advance through the school office. If the parent still feels that the issue is unresolved, they have the right to file a written request to the chairperson of the Preschool Leadership Team for review.

CLASSROOM VISITS
Classroom visits during the academic day must be scheduled through the school office. The school office is open from 8:30am to 4:00pm. For the safety and security of our students -- parents, visitors and volunteers must sign in at the school office and receive a visitor/volunteer badge.

Opening Ceremonies
Preschool children gather together to start the day at 8:30 a.m. every day. The children gather, by class, around the flagpole. The school song (Day by Day) is sung; the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, and birthday celebrations are recognized. Daily announcements convey upcoming activities and events, as well as classroom projects. After closing in prayer, teachers will lead children to their daily schedule of activities. Please keep in mind this is a good time for adults in attendance to model proper respect and etiquette while participating in community building.

ASSESSMENTS/CONFERENCES
Assessments are conducted twice a year. A conference will be requested, if needed, following the first assessment in the fall. A mandatory conference will be held after the second assessment in the spring.

DISCIPLINE POLICY
The staff of PCCS recognizes that many discipline problems can be prevented in young children through the use off careful scheduling, structuring of the classroom environment, positive reinforcement, encouragement, and modeling. In spite of all precautions, inappropriate behavior does sometimes happen. In this event, the staff will redirect or divert the child’s attention. When this is unsuccessful, the teachers use appropriate separation that is within the view of the teacher. This gives the child time to “collect” himself. The teacher then has an opportunity to discuss the child’s choices with the child and to make plans for better choices in the future. Discipline is not associated with food, rest or toileting as punitive measures. Spanking, shaking or any other form of physical punishment is prohibited.

TODDLER BITING POLICY

At this early age, biting, is a normal part of development. Some toddlers are not able to communicate needs or feelings verbally and may resort to pushing, hitting, and biting to resolve conflicts. We at PCCS understand that biting can be distressing to everyone involved and will take the following actions to educate families, prevent future occurrences, and facilitate communication.
• The teacher will first attend to the child who was bitten by comforting the child and cleaning the wound.
• The biter will be removed from the situation for an age appropriate time and the teacher will communicate to the child acceptable choices. The teacher will supply each child with the proper language and words to help resolve conflict in the future.
• Parents of both children will be notified, in writing, of the incident and will be required to sign an incident report. Please note PCCS staff will never identify the biter under any circumstances.
• Excessive biting may constitute a parent conference with the teacher in which a plan of action is devised.
• Children who bite three times in the same week will be sent home for the day.
• Our staff will do their best to meet the needs of each individual child and may need to shadow or individually attend to a single child if they have a tendency to bite or be bitten. These children will be given alternative methods to express themselves until they establish strong verbal skills. We ask that parents and families are patient and understanding during these occurrences and we assure you that we will work with all families to get through these typical toddler behaviors.
If your child has a history of biting, please notify your child’s teacher so that they can be more effective in preventing biting incidents.
PLEASE NOTE: Biting in the older classes is not a normal part of development and will not be tolerated. A child who bites will be sent home that same day. PCCS reserves the right to dismiss the child from the school if biting continues.

DISMISSAL
The name(s) off people permitted to pick up your child should be recorded in the school office. Please advise the school office if any person (other than those on file) will be picking up your child. We require a picture I.D. for anyone picking up a student for the first time or if a teacher is not familiar with the adult. Our staff has been instructed not to release children to any adult who appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. They will be happy to call your emergency person of record or a taxicab. Please give them your cooperation for the sake of your child’s safety.

Regular Dismissal
Dismissal will be promptly at 11:30 am (or 12:15 am if your child stays for lunch). Your child’s teacher will bring the children out to meet you. Please DO NOT stand in the doorway or on the walkways during dismissal. This presents a safety problem and blocks the traffic flow. Please supervise other siblings who are with you during dismissal. DO NOT allow them to climb or stand on the tables, benches or trees. Their safety is also important to us.

Extended Care Dismissal
Children must be picked up no later than 6:00pm. A charge of $5 for every 15 minutes (or portion thereof) is charged to your account and will be visible on your monthly statement. The school office clock determines the official time for late charges. Please call the office if you are going to arrive late due to an emergency.

DRESS CODE
Children should be dressed in simple, comfortable clothing suitable for school, work and play. All children should be dressed in self-help clothing. Inappropriate and derogatory sayings should not appear on clothing. This includes advertisements for alcohol and/or tobacco. No sandals, “flip-flops,” or “jellies” are allowed on the playground. These are unsafe footwear for active children.

School Spirit shirts may be purchased through the school office. They may be worn any day and is encouraged on Fridays or other designated days during the school year.

Remember to dress children warmly with jackets or sweaters in cold weather. Children play and exercise outdoors everyday except when it rains. Sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts, hats, etc., should be marked permanently with the child’s name. Clothing not marked will be held for 30 days in the office and, if not claimed, donated to the PCCS Thrift Shop.


EMERGENCY PRODEDURES
The school is equipped with a Weather Band Radio. In the event that the National Weather Service establishes a tornado watch or warning, the teachers will follow school safety procedures including “Duck and Cover.”

Listen to local TV and radio closings regarding school during inclement weather. PCCS will close for inclement weather when Pinellas County schools close. However, we will open once conditions are warranted safe for our school. Your classroom teacher will notify you by phone if a decision is made to resume classes. We urge you NOT to attempt to bring (or pick up) your child if conditions are dangerous in your area.

Internal Precautions
Students and staff practice emergency procedures during the year for fire, tornado, and three levels of other emergencies or cautions. All children have emergency tags that are pinned on them in an emergency. In the event that the school wing must be evacuated, the children will be relocated to the Life Enrichment Center building.

Other Emergencies
In the event of a crisis, PCCS follows a Crisis Management Plan that includes informing parents, communicating information to he media, and follow-up with the students. Christian counselors are available to parents, staff, and children in the event of a crisis.

LOST & FOUND
Lost items will be placed in a Lost and Found box that is located in the after care room. Unclaimed items will be donated to the Thrift Shop after 30 days.

HEALTH REGULATIONS

Toilet Training
All children must be able to toilet themselves independently before entering the Orange Dot preschool program. PCCS is licensed to take children who are in diapers or pull-up diapers in the Aqua Dot (toddler) or Toddler class. Pull-up diapers SHOULD NOT be worn to school beyond the Aqua Dot (young two) class. However, we do acknowledge that toilet accidents may occur and stress that punitive measures are NEVER imposed and should NOT BE IMPOSED AT HOME. Teachers will take the younger children to the bathroom (located in the classroom) at regular times throughout the day. Please dress your preschooler in self-help clothing in order to facilitate this process. We strive to assist two and three year olds to toilet themselves and encourage you to do the same at home. Noncompliance with our policy may result in your child not being able to attend class

Sick Child Policy
Students who have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting may not attend school. Children who come down with these symptoms during the school day will immediately be isolated and will be sent home. When picking up a sick child you will be asked to sign an agreement stating that the child may not return to school for 24 hours. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well being of all our children and staff.

Please keep your child home when (S) he:
• Is in the initial stages of a cold and has a green discharge from the nose
• Has an elevated temperature within 24 hours of the school day.
• Has an unidentified rash
• Has had an upset stomach within the last 24 hours or diarrhea or vomiting
• Has a sore throat

Communicable Diseases
Parents are responsible for notifying the school if their child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease. Please do so immediately. Do not wait until your child returns to school. Classes are notified if a student in the room has been diagnosed as such so that precautions can be made at home. If your child has been kept home with an unidentified rash, he/she must return to school with a doctor’s note.

First Aid
Only minor first aid treatment is given at school. Parents will be notified of such treatment and will be requested to sign the first aid book.

Medications
Please ask your physician to regulate your child’s prescriptions so that it does NOT have to be administered during the hours that your child is in school. However, prescription medication prescribed for EMERGENCY treatment must be turned into the office for proper licensing procedures. A Medication Record and Parent Authorization Form provided by the office must be filled out for any and all medications.

LUNCHES
Hot
Hot lunches are catered daily for those who order them on a weekly basis. All catered lunch orders must be submitted with payment to the school office by noon on Thursday prior to the lunch week. Lunch orders can be place in the red folder located in the plastic bins to the right of the office door as you come in.

Cold Packed Lunch
Children may bring a cold packed lunch to school. Please mark your child’s name on the lunch box and provide an appropriate ice pack. Please do not send items that require heating or microwaving. We believe that snack and lunch times provide opportunities to instill good nutritional practices for your child. Therefore, parental cooperation is expected in providing nutritious lunches and snacks that are low in sugar and include various sources of nourishment. Soda, candy or sugary snacks should not be included in a child’s lunch. The foods that children eat affect their ability to learn and their general behavior.

PETS
Some children are allergic to animals or are afraid of them. Although we all believe that our family pet will not bite, the pet’s temperament can quickly change when faced with several doting children and adults. Therefore, we must insist that pets ARE NOT ALLOWED on campus. Please refrain from bringing your family pet with you to pick up your children at dismissal and other times.

PUPIL PLACEMENT
PCCS reserves the exclusive right of pupil placement. This placement includes the classroom and teacher. Decisions regarding pupil assignments take into account several factors including the social, behavioral and emotional needs of the children as well as balancing the number of boys and girls within a classroom. The recommendation of the teacher who has worked with the student in a previous educational setting is also considered. Parent input can be helpful, however, the school shall make the final decision.

PROHIBITED ITEMS & TOYS AT SCHOOL
DO NOT allow your child to bring gum, candy, drugs, medications, guns, other weapons, alcohol, tobacco or unnecessary money to school. We ask that children DO NOT bring toys to school. They may get broken, lost or carried home by another child. They can become a distraction in the learning environment. Teachers will notify parents of special “Show and Tell” days.

STUDENT FILES
Due to Pinellas County Licensing requirements parents are requested to turn in all necessary papers to the office in a timely manner. PCCS reserves the right to refuse a child to attend class if they are not in compliance.

TELEPHONE EMERGENCY
In the event that the school cannot be reached through the normal telephone number (345-3167), please try the church office at 381-2499. If you are still unable to reach the school office, please use the EMERGENCY cell phone number 434-4297.

TUITION & FEES

FINANCIAL AGREEMENT
Students are enrolled upon the basis of a financial agreement signed by the parent or guardian, and payment of the initial fees including registration and supply fees. Families with outstanding balances may not renew registration. Those attending for our fall session are considered to be on a ten-month fee schedule. A two-month summer session will be offered with a separate fee schedule. The fees are calculated accordingly to include holidays, absences, vacations, and days the school may be closed due to inclement weather. No refunds or adjustments will be given for any of the aforementioned conditions.

Payment Options & Discounts
Fees may be paid annually, semi-annually, monthly or weekly (for full time students only) according to the parent’s choice on the Enrollment Agreement. A sibling discount of 10% is available for each family member after the first child.

Statements will be mailed to the home at the first of each month. Two months will be detailed on each statement reflecting the prior month’s charges and payments as well as charges for the current month. Any late fees will be shown on the statement. Any additional aftercare charges or late pick-ups for the prior month will be on the statement also.

Late Fees
Monthly payments received after the 10th of the month due will b charged an additional $30 late fee.
Weekly payments received after Wednesday of the week due will be charges an additional $10 late fee.
Late pick-ups after 6:00 p.m. for extended care will be charged $5 for every 5 minutes after 6:00 p.m. These charges will be charged to your account.
Any checks returned to PCCS from its bank will be charged a $25.00 service charge.
Please note: Payments must be received in the school office by the final due date. Payments received after that date will be assessed a late fee.

The director will handle any accounts that continue to accrue late fees or remain unpaid. If your family experiences an undue financial hardship, please contact the director as soon as possible. If the account remains unpaid for two consecutive payments, you will be asked to remove your child until payment arrangements can be made. Any families with past due balances will not be allowed to re-enroll their children until their account is paid-to-date.