Child development

 Our program offers developmental opportunities in all areas of learning through fun, interactive and educational play-based learning centers and activities. Through the playschool year the following development needs and many more will be addressed in our program.

Physical Growth and development

·         Developing a variety of physical skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching a ball, hopping, skipping, etc.

·         An understanding of the need and importance of personal health and the need for adequate nutrition, rest, health and safety.

 

Social Development

·         The need to interact with peers and adults

·         The ability to function as an individual and as a group member

·         Learning appropriate social behaviour

 

Creative Development

·         The ability to develop and generate new ideas

·         The ability to use creative self-expression, problem solving skills and invention through creative art activities

·         The ability to explore, discover and experiment using various creative materials to express themselves and learn new concepts. Math and science activities are also provided to encourage exploration and play based learning

 

Emotional Development

·         Creating an environment that children feel safe, accepted and respected

·         Developing independence and initiative with the opportunity to try new things independently in a safe environment

·         To learn to cope with frustration and express anger appropriately

·         To celebrate successes

 

Self Concept

·         Creating an inviting and accepting which allows a child to develop a positive sense of self-worth and good self-esteem with the ability to acknowledge difficulties and achievements

The Playschool Schedule

            The Playschool day is divided into sections; cognitive table toys and academic work, circle/large group time, free play in educational centers, snack time, story time & phonics, creative art time. The timing of each activity is flexible and changes with the child’s interests. Our yearly program is broken into themes focusing on a letter, shape, and color of the week. Each theme based activity and creative art activities are introduced to encourage a variety of learning and exposure to new ideas. Our ratio is one teacher and one aide for every 12 children. Parent aides improve this ratio.

 

Cognitive play and work books

·         During this point in our day the children will work with table toys and manipulate to improve fine motor skills (small muscles) and work with Miss Wendy on our academics.

·         During the year, the children will focus on recognizing colors, shapes, number recognition, printing and Jolly Phonics letter reinforcement.

 

Circle Time

·         Every day at circle time review the calendar; including days of the week, and months of the year. We also focus on the season, weather, and any special events on our calendar for that month

·         We sing songs, nursery rhymes and finger plays

·         We also do various activities focusing on color, shape, letter and number

·         Circle time is when the new theme ideas, discussions, and activities are introduced

 

Educational free play

·         Children choose an educational center they would like to play in; centers include but are not limited to housekeeping, small manipulative, building blocks and car center, puzzles, sensory activities (such as water play or moon sand), free art table (children are provided with many art materials and can create what they choose), doll house center or gross motor activity.  A variety of different objects will be added to centers weekly based on the theme to help extend play and keep each center fresh and interesting

·         Gross motor activities such as throwing and catching a ball, parachute, actions songs and dancing will also enhance motor skills

 

Snack Time (THIS IS A PEANUT/NUT FREE ENVIRONMENT)

·         Each child is required to bring in their own healthy snack

·         NO popcorn, marshmallows or candy permitted

·         All grapes and strawberries must be cut in half (lengthwise)

·         Each child is encouraged to bring a drink container

 

Story and Jolly Phonics

·         Each day we will read a theme based story and review Jolly Phonics which is a synthetic phonics scheme that teaches children that alphabetic code of English learning

Creative arts time

·         A variety of materials will be used for creative art activities. Some art will be sent home and some art will be kept at the Playschool for display and will be sent home at a later date

 

Sensory

·         Sensory activities will be offered daily, sensory activities include water play, moon sand, goop, flubber, macaroni, measuring cups etc.

 

Show and Share

·         When your child has their “Special Day” they are welcome to bring in something to show and share. It could be a special toy, item or photo to show and explain to the class. This will encourage public speaking, help encourage confidence and self-worth while improving listening skills

General Information

Birthdays

We recognize birthdays by placing a special day tag on our calendar and singing happy birthday. Parents are welcome to bring in cupcakes or a treat for the class on their child’s birthday.

 

Field trips and special days

            We have great field trips planned throughout the school year. Community field trips (such as the fire hall), in house field trips (having various people come into the classroom) and some are out of house field trips that require parents to provide safe transportation. For some trips siblings will be welcome to join. We may add more special events or field trips throughout the year depending on the children’s interests.

 

Clothing

            Please have appropriate indoor and outdoor clothing for your child(ren). Comfortable, washable play clothes, with an extra set of clothes in their backpack or cubby is preferred. Hats are required for both the summer and the winter seasons. We go outside to play when weather permits. Make sure all clothing, backpack, lunch bags, hats, mittens, and shoes are labelled to avoid loss or confusion. Keep in mind a child’s sensitivity to smell and be sure all cloth items are free of odour and not heavily perfumed.

No Scents

Makes Sense

           Children are encouraged to dress/undress themselves in the boot room and put their own things in their cubby so they can find them later. If they need help I will be there to assist them.

PARENTS: PLEASE REMOVE YOUR OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR BEFORE ENTERING THE CLASSROOM AS YOUR CHILDREN PLAY ON THAT FLOOR.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

 

 Drop off and pick-up times

·         Morning class; drop off time is not before 8:20 a, pick up promptly at 11:30 am

·         Afternoon class; drop off time is not before 11:50 am, pick up promptly at 2:45 pm

·         Children Must be picked up on time. There will be a late fee of $10 for any late pickup not prearranged with Miss Wendy.

 

Fees/Deposit cheques

·         All fees are required to be paid the first class of each month. We accept cash, e-transfer, and cheque made payable to the Beiseker Playschool Association

·         If fees cannot be paid on time please communicate with the Treasurer on the board and make arrangements for fees.

·         Fees due after 30 days will be subject to a $10 penalty issued for every month fees are outstanding

·         Upon registration, you will be asked for a $60 deposit cheque for a bi-annual clean of the classroom, we ask some parents to come in one Friday before Christmas break to clean the classroom and some at end of year to close the Playschool for the summer. These dates will be announced toward the end of the school year.

 

Fundraising

            The Beiseker Playschool is a private program – All parent participation in fundraising activities is strongly encouraged!  There will be two fundraisers per a school year. One in the winter and the other in the spring. 

In the year that we are scheduled for a Casino, a deposit cheque of $300 is required by all parents that volunteer . This will be cashed if parent (family member) does Not show for scheduled casino shift. Next Casino is December 23,24 2021, 

 

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Beiseker Playschool closures

·         Beiseker Playschool closes for all statutory and civic holidays, two weeks around Christmas and a week at Easter. Even though we are closed you are still required to pay full months’ fees as your child receives field trips and parties at no extra cost to parents.

·         Beiseker Playschool does Not close when Beiseker community school had PD days, we will still be open

·         Beiseker playschool will close for bad weather and emergencies – you will be notified of any unexpected closures. Please update your info accordingly for this very reason.

·         Beiseker playschool does not refund fees due to circumstances beyond our control such as road closures, heavy snowfall or rain, making the school inaccessible or unsafe to travel, or lack of water, heat or plumbing.

·         If the teacher is required to attend a meeting or professional development during school hours and this is unavoidable, fees are not refunded.

·         In the case of an emergency evacuation we will accompany the children to the community hall (our muster point) and contact parents for immediate pickup.

 

Sign in/out sheet

Please sign your child in as you drop them off and out as you pick them up. The child must be signed in and out with the initial of the parent/guardian and must leave a contact number that they can be reached at during class time. Please ensure this is done each time as it is very important. Children become the school’s responsibility when they enter the class, are signed in and acknowledged by the teacher. The children remain the school’s responsibility until they are signed out and leave the classroom. Children will never be left unattended or under sole supervision of any adult other than Miss Wendy or staff of the Beiseker Playschool. Please inform Miss Wendy if you are having someone else pick up your child, ensure that they are on your authorized pick up list and remind them to bring identification the first time to verify their name and identity.

 

 Absences

            Please phone or email the Playschool to notify Miss Wendy when your child will be away, whether it be for a vacation or an illness.

 

Medical

            Upon registering at Beiseker playschool each family is required to sign medical forms complete with up-to date immunization confirmation.

 

Illness

            The first day of an illness is usually the most contagious. If your child is showing any signs of illness, has a fever, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, vomiting, a new or unexplained rash or if the child requires greater care and attention than can be provided without compromising the care of the other children they will be required to stay home for at least 48 hours after the last occurrence.

            Any signs of diarrhea require children to stay home for at least 48 hours after the last occurrence.

            Please consult us if your child has been exposed to chicken pox etc. eye infections need to be treated and cleared up before returning to Playschool. If your child falls ill during playschool you will be notified and required to pick them up immediately. The child will then be encouraged to lay on a mat in an isolated part of the classroom under supervision by Miss Wendy until picked up.

 

Outbreak of Illness

            If public health declares an outbreak of an illness in the Playschool, the school Secretary will keep families informed on a regular basis and communicate all recommendations given by public health. The playschool will make every effort to limit the spread of illness for the safety of the entire school population and community our families live in.

Lost or stolen property

            Parents may leave items in the child’s cubby but we do not assume responsibility if something is missing. We have not had issues with this in the past.