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EARLY CHILDHOOD HANDBOOK
760 Post Place
Secaucus, NJ 07094
201-864-9346
http;//.mywebpages.comcast.net/icssecaucus
Immaculate Conception Preschool provides an opportunity for young children to participate in a variety of activities, which creates and fosters a Catholic atmosphere.
Through this faith community, we accept each child as an individual with special talents and abilities and as educators strive to enhance and nurture those traits. We are dedicated to educate the whole child: physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual.
Recognizing the individual differences of each child, we endeavor to provide basic skills and knowledge to form the cornerstone needed for their future education.
The Faith Community of Immaculate Conception School seeks to develop a way of life, which proclaims and fosters Gospel values. We strive to know and love Jesus in spirit and in truth as we enable one another to come to wholeness.
Our Catholic identity is nurtured and strengthened as it crosses all lines of the curriculum. Students at Immaculate Conception School receive a strong educational foundation and a strong religious foundation upon which to build their lives.
We hope that by instilling self-confidence and respect in our students they may one day be able to assume the responsibility of building a Christian world where peace, justice and love prevail.
We strive to create a learning environment that provides the opportunity for each child to reach his/her potential. By encouraging our students to act responsibly and to make decisions based on Gospel values, we envision a world that will be renewed by the contributions and talents of the students of Immaculate Conception School
If a child is to be late or absent, the school must be notified no later than 8:45 AM. by phoning the office. A note is required upon return. If a child is absent due to lengthy or serious illness, a doctor’s note stating that the child is well enough to return to school is required.
A child must be three years or four years old by October 31 to be eligible for the program. A copy of the child’s birth certificate must be submitted at the time of enrollment. Immunizations are to be current. Immunizations records, emergency notification forms, and medical forms are to be on file. All forms must be completed and submitted before a child is permitted to attend school. A child who is enrolled is expected to remain for the entire year.
Child must be completely toilet trained. The child must be able to verbally indicate that he/she has a need, be able to perform the act independently and wipe themselves. When called parents are expected to come to school as soon as possible to change a child who is soiled.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Children may proceed to their classroom upon arrival but not before 8:00AM.
Children will be dismissed at 2:45 from the main door. Parents are asked to wait in that area until their child is dismissed. Teachers will walk the children out.
Each child will need a backpack or tote bag to carry items back and forth to school daily. Make sure your child’s name is clearly marked on the outside. Please check daily for notes and information.
BIRTHDAYS
Children may celebrate their birthday in school during snack time. Please make arrangements in advance with the classroom teacher.
CHILD ABUSE
No form of child abuse will be tolerated. This includes physical, verbal, or negligent treatment. All staff members are in total compliance with state guidelines on these issues.
Staff members are also obligated by law to observe and report any sign of abuse (i.e suspicious bruises, unusual behavior etc) We are also required to withhold release of a child to an adult who we deem unfit to care for the child (i.e. an adult under the influence of drugs or alcohol).
If one of the aforementioned occurs we must report the information to DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) immediately.
CLASS PARENT
The main responsibility of the parent is to make phone calls, communicate important information to classmates, especially delayed openings and school closings. Parents are asked to assist at holiday parties, special projects or accompany the class on a trip. Anyone interested in volunteering for this may sign up for the position at the start of the school year and must attend “Protecting God’s Children Program”. (Virtus Training)
PreK provides many opportunities for children to explore, discover, investigate and learn through age-appropriate activities.
We express the value of love, caring and respect. This is reinforced throughout the day especially during Religion time.
Children are expected to act with respect to one another. They are expected to follow classroom rules. The teacher encourages cooperation and good behavior.
CLOTHING
Daily
Children should wear play clothes to school, so that they will be able to participate in all activities. Please select clothing that does not interfere with his/her ability to handle
his/her toileting needs. Children are most comfortable in clothing that has few snaps and buttons. Avoid fancy belts, suspenders and one-piece garments. Diapers or pull-ups may not be worn to school. Children should wear sturdy running shoes or sneakers. We recommend sweat pants and velco footwear.
Jackets, hats, boots, mittens and scarves must be labeled with your child’s name. Expensive jewelry may not be worn to school. ICS can not assume responsibility for lost or broken items.
Extra
All children must have an additional complete set of clothing in case of an accident. These items should be sent to school on the first day. Each article must also be labeled with the child’s name.
A parent/teacher conference may be scheduled at any time. Please give advance notice when requesting an appointment. Children will receive a progress note twice a year.
DISCIPLINE
It is the policy of ICS that there will be no corporal punishment of any kind. Children are dealt with constructively at all times. The teachers use encouragement and praise. “Time-Out “is the general procedure for discipline problems.
Children who continuously demonstrate aggressive behavior against other children or staff members may be required to withdraw from the Program. Any severe behavior problem will be brought to the attention of the child’s parents. When called, parents are expected to come to school immediately to calm or remove a child who is out of control.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Emergency forms must be completed at the beginning of each school year. Current phone numbers of emergency persons must be included on the forms. The people you name must be able to pick up your child in the event that you are not able to do so.
The school must be notified immediately, in writing, of any change of address or phone number of your home, work, or emergency contacts.
FUNDRAISING
The school will sponsor a few fundraisers during the school year. All proceeds will directly benefit the school.
HEALTH
No child will be admitted to the Pre-School until all the requested immunizations listed on the school health forms have been administered. Each child must have a complete physical prior to entry.
Any serious allergies/ illness a child may have must be disclosed prior to registration. The administration of ICS reserves the right to refuse admission on an individual basis.
A child with a fever, heavy cold, contagious rash, vomiting, or diarrhea MUST BE KEPT HOME. A child who becomes ill during the day will be kept in isolation. If any of the aforementioned occurs while the child is in the school a parent MUST pick up the child immediately.
The school must be notified immediately if a child develops a contagious disease.
In the event that the child is injured and taken to the hospital, a parent will be notified, and is expected to meet the child at the hospital.
Please have your child practice washing his/her hands, using a tissue and covering a cough or a sneeze with his/her hand. We will continue to reinforce these habits in school.
Children are not permitted to use pacifiers or baby bottles in school.
HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
The Home-School Association, under the direction of the principal, the pastor, and the Home-School officers, meets six times a year. The purpose of the Home School Association is to engage parents actively in the life and growth of the school.
Through school-wide meetings, social and seasonal activities throughout the year and participation in special school programs, the Home-School Association provide invaluable opportunities for vital, interested, and harmonious interaction among the members of the Immaculate Conception School community - the principal, pastor, parents, teachers and students. All parents are required to become members of this association and to be actively involved in its undertakings.
Immaculate Conception School sends a yearly calendar and monthly calendars detailing the events of the school year.
The Principal sends a newsletter containing major items of information about the school and its programs.
The Home-School Association sends newsletters containing the news of the Association and its plans.
Snack: Parents must supply a nutritious snack in a secure lunch
box with
the child’s name clearly printed on it. Cookies, juice
and fruit are
acceptable. NO glass jars or bottles. If needed, please
provide a
spoon, fork, straw, napkin etc
Lunch: Full day children should bring lunch. There is an optional
lunch program
at and additional expense. NO glass jars or bottles.
If needed, please
provide a spoon, fork, straw, napkin etc. Milk may
be purchased through
the cafeteria twice a year.
Allergy: If your child is allergic to a particular food or beverage, you must give the
Nurse a written statement of the foods/drinks to be avoided.
No staff member is permitted to dispense medication. Please do not send any kind of medication to school with your child. This includes over the counter (cough drops, aspirin etc.) as well as prescription drugs. Parents may come in at any time to administer medication to your child. Medication may not be kept in school.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Immaculate Conception School admits students of any race, color, religion and national and ethnic origin to the program.
To provide a spiritual and academic education for each child, ICS needs the full cooperation of the parents/guardians. In the spiritual development of the child, the first teacher is the parent/guardian, with the school acting as a re-enforcer of the Faith. For this reason, we expect parents to participate regularly in the sacramental life of the Church, to share the importance of their Faith with their children, and demonstrate their Christian concern in examples of service to others. Academic development is best fostered by a consistent effort to monitor your child’s homework, test grades and report card.
Parents/guardians who are parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church are required to register and be active members of the parish.
Each parent/guardian is required to perform a minimum of fifty hours of contributed personal service assigned by the Principal and/or Home/ School Association. This responsibility is met through supervision of the lunchroom/playground, working the lunch kitchen, library, Home/School Association sponsored activities or other services.
Children may not bring toys, candy, money etc. to school unless specifically requested by the teacher. Children should not wear expensive jewelry to school, as it become lost or broken,. ICS can not assume responsibility for personal articles.
PICK-UP FROM SCHOOL
The School will permit only the custodial parent, or her/his designee, to pick up the child during or at the end of the school day. The non-custodial parent will not be permitted to remove the child from school during or at the end of the school day, unless there is written authorization from the custodial parent. In an emergency, a clearly defined, one-time telephone authorization may be acceptable.
REST TIME
All Full Day children are expected to rest in the afternoon. Parents are asked bring
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Preschool will follow the calendar of Immaculate Conception School. If ICS has a delayed opening or is closed due to weather, preschool will also be closed or delayed.
5 Full Days 8:30 AM – 2:45 PM
5 Half Day 8:30 AM – 11:45 AM
5 Extended Day 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Snow and/or icy roads may necessitate cancellation of school or a delay in starting time. School closings due to inclement weather follow the same schedule for closing as the Secaucus Public Schools. For those in town the whistle will blow at 7:00 a.m. It will also be announced on Cable Station -News12/NJ, Local Channel 36 & NBC/Channel 4. The class parent will also contact each family in this case. If school is to be closed, parents/guardians will receive a call from the class mother. Please do not call the school, rectory or class mother.
SCHOOL TAX I.D.
ICS’s School Tax I.D can be obtained through the school office.
SCHOOL SPECIALS
Children may have Gym, Library and Music during the week. Children must wear sneakers on their Gym day. Parents will be notified of the days the school specials occur. Students, who attend the half day program, may miss certain specials due to scheduling limitations.
Share time will be held weekly. Parents will be notified by the teacher, as to which day of the week it will occur. Children should be limited to one item.
TERMINATION OF ENROLLMENT
Notification of withdrawal of a child must be given one month prior to withdrawing from the class.
A child’s enrollment will be terminated with no refund if:
1. Parents fail to pay tuition.
2. Parents fail to submit required health and immunization forms.
3. Parents or child fail to observe rules and policies set forth
TUITION
A registration fee of $150.00 per child is payable at the time of enrollment to the program and is non-refundable.
All parents are required to fill out the Tuition Preference Form. payment plan are based on a ten month rate. (July- April) A service fee will be charged for returned checks.
VIRTUS TRAINING
All parents are encouraged to attend the “Protecting God’s Children Program.” This is a requirement for all class parents or a parent wishing to attend class trips. Background checks are also required.