Guidelines

If you have any questions not addressed below, please contact us.

preschool & kindergarten (Monday - Friday)

preschool & kindergarten (Monday - Friday)

preschool & kindergarten (Monday - Friday)

Main Street Campus:

For many of the children, preschool is the first experience away from their caregiver. We want to introduce this concept as gently as possible to provide a positive experience.

The first few weeks of classes are directed towards setting a positive atmosphere. Considerable time is spent introducing the children to their classroom and to one another. We want to ensure that each child begins the year positively, therefore, procedures and guidelines are explained during these first few weeks.

The first few days of school begin with a gradual entry of new children (2 or 3 each day), to allow for a smooth and gradual adaptation to the class environment. This enables the teacher to spend time bonding with each child.

This special attention reduces the child’s fear or anxiety associated with a new environment. We work hard to create a secure, predictable and caring environment; in which your child will look forward to participate in. The first few days also consist of shorter class times. This also helps to gently ease the children into a setting away from their caregiver.

If your child is exhibiting any signs of illness, please do not send them to the school. The following is a list of symptoms to serve as a guide when deciding to keep your child from the school:

• bad cough
• contagious diseases: chicken pox, mumps, measles, etc.
• diarrhea
• discoloured discharge from the nose
• fever
• rash that you cannot identify
• vomiting

In protecting your child and the other children, and ensuring a safe and healthy environment, an ill child will not be permitted in the school.
Parents are asked to notify the school when a child will be absent, by leaving a message with the school office. If a child has a communicable disease, please report that to the school immediately.

If your child becomes ill or excessively upset during the school program, we will telephone you or the emergency contact person to come and pick up the child. The staff will make the decision to call, based on the best interest of your child and the other children in the class. Please note that the school reserves the right to judge when your child may return to the classroom.

All classes have the option to spend some time each day outdoors, weather permitting.

The accessibility of outdoor activity is a requirement by preschool licensing, and therefore, a part of our program. If your child is not well enough to be outside, please keep them at home.

Each student will be required to wear a school golf shirt. This uniform is a physical reminder for students and parents, that each individual is part of a larger team, which is working towards the same goal. We believe that this will also instill unity, pride and morale. As preschoolers are active, they do need to be comfortable. The parents are encouraged to dress their child in the uniform golf shirt along with appropriate, clean, comfortable clothing, where they can move around freely, sit on carpets, play outdoors, etc. Spills, paint, glue, dirt and other minor accidents are a natural part of a child’s life.
On the first day of school, please send along the following items with your child:

• A pair of rubber soled slippers to leave at school, marked with the child’s name. Please try to find those that are easy to put on and take off, as the school encourages independence in this area. Please do not send distracting slippers. (ie. Cartoon animals or super heroes).
• A complete change of clothes in a plastic bag, all marked with the child’s name. This clothing will be stored in the classroom. As we understand that these children are young and some new to the idea of toilet independence, the clothes will be primarily used to avoid potential embarrassment in case of an accident.

At Reach for the Stars Learning Academy, we promote a positive approach to discipline. Through explanations, talking through feelings, showing ownership in apologizing for mistakes, redirection and positive reinforcement. We instill the virtues of thoughtfulness, kindness, love and respect for one self and one another through example. Guidelines and limits, along with corresponding reasons are established and clearly explained at the beginning of the year. The explanations help the children remember the limits and the purpose behind them. Discussing these limits may be done individually, in small groups or to all students at circle time. By facilitating the use of kind words and open communication, we help each child gain the confidence and develop the skills necessary to resolve conflict on their own. By reinforcing these important values, the children are able to demonstrate independence, which they can apply to inner discipline.

At Reach for the Stars Learning Academy, each child is honoured at school on his/her birthday. Birthday's are celebrated once a month on the last monday of the month for all children who have a birthday in that month.

Note: Please advise the teacher beforehand, if you wish to send in a healthy snack, cupcakes, napkins, and a beverage to celebrate your child’s special day. We will gather all the children at circle time to enjoy the treats. Please do not send balloons, party favors, games or gifts to class.

If you are planning a party, please hand out invitations outside the classroom (before or after the class).