St. Thomas More Preschool
"Where Children Come First!"
Eligibility Information | Registration Information | Tuition Information | Curriculum Information
Parent Handbook
1700 8th St. So.
Brookings, SD 57006
605-692-6796
Dear Parent(s):
We are truly excited that you have chosen to have your child attend St. Thomas More Preschool. We are eager to have the opportunity to be involved with your family and look forward to being a part of your child’s first formal education experience.
St. Thomas More Preschool is a licensed child care center. At the St. Thomas More preschool we promote a developmentally appropriate curriculum that provides faith based educational opportunities as well as fosters the skills necessary for school success. As educators we partner with families to help children gain a better understanding of themselves and their world as a part of God’s plan. Each child is nurtured with care and respect recognizing his/her own unique interests, abilities, and needs. Our hands-on approach to learning encourages the development of social, physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual skills through experiences designed to stimulate the child’s inquisitive, explorative, and creative nature.
The purpose of this handbook is to share information and ideas with parents to promote an understanding of our program and foster a spirit of cooperation between parents and teachers. We hope that you will find this information useful.
The teachers at St. Thomas More Preschool do our best to give your child loving care and support. We look forward to getting to know your child and family. Please feel free to visit our center any time, and we are eager to hear any questions, observations, and ideas you may have.
Thank you for your interest, trust, and support.
Sincerely,
Teacher Meghan
Teacher Meghan
Preschool Director
Statement of Philosophy
The goal of the St. Thomas More Preschool is to provide a positive experience for preschool-aged children as their personal formation continues and the formal education process begins. Children enrolled in the St. Thomas More Preschool learn through play that supports their physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development. Play is the children’s “work.” Children’s play is supported by a secure and nurturing environment that has been created collaboratively between the children, their families, and their teachers. Planned learning activities are developmentally appropriate with opportunities for hands-on learning and successful problem solving with real objects and experiences. Children are challenged to meet realistic and individualized learning goals set by their teachers and parents. As their first and primary educators, parents are welcomed, valued, and included in all aspects of preschool operations.
Admission
Children who wish to be enrolled in the St. Thomas More Preschool must be at
least three years of age. The program, as a state licensed center, is
required to maintain a file on all registered children. Parents have the
responsibility to return the following completed forms:
Child Enrollment Form
This form gives the program the necessary information about your child, where
you can be reached in an emergency, the child's source of medical care,
financial agreement, and parent release information required for specific
parental authorization.
Immunization Record
State law requires that only children whose immunizations are current
upon admission throughout enrollment are eligible for care. The Preschool
requires that you provide documentation of each immunization prior to the end of
each designated dosage period. When your child receives the needed vaccine,
please bring the child's immunization record to the preschool so that a copy of
it can be made for our files. A child's immunization level must be kept current
at all times. Failure to provide notification of updated immunization before the
due date may result in termination of care for your child at the Preschool.
Payment Policies
In order to assure a place for your child at the St. Thomas More
Preschool, a $25.00 non-refundable deposit must be included with the
registration. The $25.00 can then be deducted from the first month of
tuition.
The tuition is:
$70.00 per
month for two-day sessions
$80.00 per
month for three-day sessions
Tuition payments are due by the 15th of each month for the following month. (example: October tuition is due by September 15th) Multiple payments may be made provided they are made in advance of the due dates. A fee of $5.00 will be applied if a payment is one week late; $10.00 if two weeks late and $15.00 if three weeks late. If a payment is one month late, a personal contact will be made stating that the payment must be made before the child will be allowed to return to the program. If payments are consistently late over a three-month period, the child will not be permitted to continue at the preschool.
If a child will be withdrawing from the St. Thomas More Preschool, a two weeks notice is required or one half of the month's tuition will be charged.
No deductions will be made for vacations or absenteeism.
Discounts will not be offered for families who have more than one child attending the preschool at the same time.
Holiday and Center Closing
The St. Thomas More Preschool will follow the same calendar as
the Brookings Public School System. Watch KELO TV (Channel l 1) or
listen to KBRK 1430 AM/B-93.7 FM for weather-related school session
cancellations.
The full day cancellations will be the same as announced by Brookings Public School System. If the Brookings Public Schools are announced as 1 or 2 hours late, the morning classes are cancelled and the afternoon classes will resume as scheduled. In the case of early dismissal, afternoon classes will be cancelled.
Adult/Child Ratios
The Center will maintain the following adult/child ratios:
3 years to 6 years
1 adult: 9 children
Preschool Staff
Each staff member at St. Thomas More Preschool has either a bachelor's or
associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, are certified as a Child
Development Associate, or possesses a Child Development diploma. The staff is
required to complete 20 hours of inservice training every year on topics such as
child growth and development, planning learning activities, guidance and
discipline techniques, food handling techniques, and the prevention of
communicable diseases. All staff members are also required to be trained in CPR
and at least one staff member in each area must complete first aid training
annually.
Absence
Parents must contact the Center immediately if their child will not be attending
at his/her scheduled time due to illness, family emergency, etc. No
tuition deductions will be made for vacations or absenteeism.
Withdrawal/Termination
These policies are in no way intended to be punitive. However, in order to meet
our expenses and offer adequate staff/child ratio, we must ask your cooperation
in these matters.
Termination of Care by the Parent
If you no longer wish to enroll your child in preschool, we require you to
provide two weeks written notice of your child's last day to the program
director. In the great majority of cases, termination of care by the parent is
due to reasons such as relocation, child entering school, etc. However, we also
recognize that not every situation is appropriate for every child. If, for any
reason, this program is found to be unsatisfactory for any particular child, we
will make every effort to discuss this with the parents in order to determine
the cause. Sometimes, we can help the child make the adjustment. If this is not
possible, the parent and/or program may choose to terminate the arrangement on a
time line that is in the child's best interest.
Termination of Care by the Program
As stated above, the child's adjustment to the program and the appropriateness
of this particular care arrangement for an individual child, may cause concern
for the child's well-being. If the program staff does not feel that it is
meeting the child's needs, we reserve the right to terminate the care
arrangement on a time line that is in the child's best interest. Other reasons
that may result in the termination of a specific care arrangement are as
follows:
1. Non-payment for child care services and/or lack of adherence to our
policies.
2. Lack of cooperation from parents with the program's efforts to resolve
differences and/or to meet the child's needs through parent/staff meetings or
conferences.
3. Abusive behaviors and/or verbal threats by parents toward program staff
or other parents. (Immediate Termination.)
4. Parents inappropriately disciplining, in any way, children (other than
their own) while at the program.
5. Child exhibits special needs or needs related to a serious illness that
are not possible to meet at the program. In this case, the program staff will
make every effort to involve the parents, and possibly other resource persons
(as appropriate), in order to decide together on the best course of action for
this child, prior to any termination.
Preschool Advisory Board
The purpose of the board is to give both formal and informal feedback about
center procedures and policies, conduct fundraising events, host special
meetings or events for staff and other parents, and become involved in the early
education of children.
The Preschool Advisory Board is made up of nine members including parents,
educators, and parishioners. The board meets the third Wednesday of every
month during the school year and one time during the summer. Each member
will serve a two year term starting in September.
Parent-Center Communication
Parents will be regularly informed of the program's plans through posted weekly
lesson plans (including food menus), and bi-monthly newsletters. Special events
including conference schedules may be posted on a parent bulletin board. Parents
will be informed of all field trips, and the preschool will require parents to
sign a permission form before their child is involved in a research project,
experimental procedure, or public relations activity. If an injury occurs at the
center, a form will be filled out for parents to read. This procedure is used so
that you can have full information regarding the incident.
The staff will communicate with parents in a positive and supportive manner that
encourages the parent-child relationship. Information with regard to family
issues and personal lives will be handled confidentially. In the event of a
divorce, separation, or joint custody ruling, every effort will be made to treat
both parties equally.
Parent participation and observation is encouraged. Parents who have a child
enrolled in the program are encouraged to visit anytime during the hours of
operation. In this manner, parents can gain a deeper understanding of their
child and the preschool program. Parent involvement is necessary to the
continuing success of the program. Parents are encouraged to share their time
and talents, go on field trips, and donate useful items for the preschool to use
in its curriculum.
Children's Arrival and Departure
Arrival
For your child's safety, we require that you or another
authorized adult bring your child into the preschool each day and help him/her
get settled at the cubby/locker before bringing the child into the classroom.
Children will be allowed to enter the classroom no sooner then 5 minutes prior
to the start time. Be sure that the teacher is aware of your child's
arrival before you leave. Parents must notify the preschool if you are going
to be more than 1 hour late, or if your child will not be at school.
If you are going to be away from your home or place of work for the day, be sure
to leave a phone number where you or a spouse can be reached with the child's
teacher in case you are needed for a medical emergency.
Departure
When picking up your child, be sure the teacher knows that he/she
is leaving. (This procedure is for your child's protection.) Parents who are
late in picking up their child will be charged $5.00 for the first 15 minute
increment and $1.00 per minute after that. Fees will be requested at the
time of pick up and will be paid directly to the teacher waiting with the child.
If an emergency delays you and you are going to be late picking up your child,
please call the preschool prior to the end of the school day. (We suggest that
you carry the preschool phone number with you at all times.)
In the event that your child is still at the preschool after closing and we have
not heard from you, we will take the following steps (in order):
1. Attempt to reach you at home, work, or school.
2. Call the people listed in the ‘Emergency Information’ section of the
‘Enrollment Form’
3. Call the authorities.
Persons Authorized to Pick Up Child
At the time of enrollment, parents must provide us with the names and telephone
numbers of persons authorized to bring/pick up the child. It is the parent or
guardian's responsibility to notify the preschool of any changes in this
authorization. If someone other than the authorized person (as indicated on the
Child's enrollment form or in the child's file) is to pick up your child, please
notify the preschool in writing. We will release children to authorized persons
only. The teacher may request the person's signature or identification for
verification before releasing the child.
Parent Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are offered to parents twice a year or more often as
requested by the parent or child's teacher. The purpose of these conferences is
to establish understanding, cooperation, and consistency between the home and
school. The staff will discuss your child's intellectual, physical, social,
emotional & spiritual development during these conferences. We will document, in
your child's record, that conferences were planned and offered.
Feedback/Suggestions/Grievances
We feel that a positive emotional environment exists when parents and the
preschool work together as partners. Our staff welcomes comments and suggestions
to improve the quality of care for your child. When areas of concern arise, the
problem should be brought to the attention of the child's teacher who will hear
your suggestion and/or grievance and attempt to work through the problem. If
additional communication is necessary, the problem can be taken to the preschool
board by either the teacher or the parents.
Confidentiality
All child and family records and personal information will be kept confidential.
Any medical or behavioral information provided by parents about their enrolled
children or their personal family matters are considered personal information
and such information will not be released without permission, except as
otherwise required by law.
Insurance
Each child enrolled at the Preschool will be covered under a Liability insurance
policy. The preschool does not carry accident insurance for
children enrolled. Please review your personal insurance to be certain
that your child(ren) has the proper coverage.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Outdoor Play
Daily outdoor activity is very important for young children and is planned
daily. In the winter we will go out as long as the temperature and wind chill
are 0 degrees Fahrenheit or above. It is our policy that children who are well
enough to come to preschool are well enough to go outdoors. If children are
dressed appropriately, weather conditions should not pose any health risk.
Please supply appropriate clothing allowing for the weather extremes found in
South Dakota. In the winter, children should have available to them: mittens,
boots, shoes, hats, snowsuit, or snowpants with coats. In the summer they should
have available cool tops, shorts, and closed-toe shoes. We ask that parents do
not send their children in sandals so that their feet can be well protected
against the outdoor elements.
Field Trips
First hand experiences such as field trips and nature walks are considered an
important part of the educational program at the preschool. The preschool will
provide the same adequate supervision for these excursions as is provided
children while in attendance at the school. A notice will be posted or sent home
each time a trip is planned listing the date, time, place, cost and purpose of
each trip. A signed parental permission slip located on your child's enrollment
form is required to be on file in order for any child to attend a field trip.
Show and Tell
The purpose of show and tell is to encourage interests in life, build
self-esteem, self-image, self- discovery, awareness, social skills, and enhance
vocabulary. Show and tell can be fun for children. Teachers will schedule show
and tell days for the children. Because the school does not want to be
responsible for lost or broken personal items, the children will only be able to
have their show and tell with them during a specified show and tell time. Guns
and war related items are not allowed as they promote aggressive play not
suitable in a group situation.
Children's Belongings
Each child will be provided with a locker for his/her personal belongings.
All of these items must be labeled with the child's name. Children must have
an appropriate change of clothing, depending on the season, in their backpack at
all times in case their clothes get dirty/wet playing in or outdoors. This will
ensure the child is appropriately clothed at all times.
Because the Preschool is equipped with
adequate toys and supplies, we request that children's toys and items of value
remain at home. We cannot assume responsibility for materials brought from home.
Children's personal items will need to stay in their locker/backpack while at
school. Children are asked not to bring food or candy from home because snacks
are provided by designated families daily. A lost and found area will be
provided in the church and lost items that are not claimed for a designated
period of time will be given away.
Birthdays
Children enjoy celebrating their birthdays in the classroom with their friends,
whether it is their full birthday celebration or their half-birthday. You may
want to send a special snack for the day of your child's celebration. Please
send enough for all the children and teachers in your child's class.
Our licensing requires that we request nutritious snacks. Suggested snacks for
you to consider:
*NO candy, please!
*crackers and cheese in pre-packaged containers
*crackers and peanut butter in pre-packaged containers
*fresh fruit: 1/2 banana, orange, or apple per child
*fresh pineapple
*raisins
*animal crackers
*any packaged crackers
*packaged cookies such as peanut butter, oatmeal, sugar, or chocolate chip
*doughnut holes
*ice cream treats
Please check with the teacher regarding food allergies of the children.
Snacks
Snacks will be provided by families. Monthly snack menus will be posted
and families will be asked to bring the snack requested on that day. Each
family will need to provide one snack each month.
Transportation
A parish van is available to transport children for field trips. When
transporting children, car seats will be required for each child, and parent
drivers will be needed in order to transport all children safely.
Clothing
Play is children's work so they need to wear clothes appropriate for their work
such as washable, comfortable clothing. For safety reasons, non-skid shoes that
are securely fastened to the child's feet are required. Slip-on shoes are
prohibited.
All children must have at least one complete change of clothing including
socks, underwear and outerwear in their backpack. Please change the type of
clothes you bring as "extras" as the weather outdoors changes.
Winter Clothes
Snow pants, hat, mittens and boots will be required for winter play for
all children.
Toileting
St. Thomas More Preschool is not equipped to change diapers of preschoolers.
Children need to be toilet trained prior to enrolling.
Behavior Management
Our program promotes a positive approach to managing the behavior of all
children. Behavior guidance at the preschool has three primary goals.
First, we strive to find a solution to the current situation. Second, we attempt
to help the child process feelings, recognize consequences, explore alternative
solutions and outcomes, and develop internal self-control. Third, we provide
opportunities for the child to feel good about the guidance process in order to
develop a positive self concept. To accomplish these goals we use the following
techniques on a daily basis:
A. Prevention
A well-designed and well-equipped classroom tailored to the developmental level
of the children prevents frustration, interruption, and hazards. It offers
privacy, independence, and easy adult supervision. In addition, the daily
routine provides enough time for play, a sense of security, little waiting, and
few transitions.
B. Positive Redirection
Emphasis on the positive is essential in guiding young children. The basic
procedure used is positive redirection, which is redirecting unacceptable
behavior to an acceptable alternative. This may be enhanced by verbal praise,
encouragement, and other reward systems when positive interactions are taking
place. We praise children for their appropriate behavior and successes by
describing what we see and how we feel. "I see the books are all on the self.
It's nice to have such a clean room."
C. Modeling
Teacher-modeled appropriate behavior and communication, as well as positive peer
models, are provided to help children learn responsibility for their actions.
Children should be presented with positive models of acceptable behavior. Staff
actions and interactions set the tone through their actions, body language, and
voice level. Children copy what they see and hear. If we wish to provide a
peaceful and cooperative environment for children to grow and to learn, then we
must demonstrate this in our actions and voice. When voice levels are soft and
calm, the children set their tone in a similar fashion. Adults need to model
appropriate expression of their feelings.
D. Limit Setting
All children need limits that are consistently reinforced in order to keep them
safe and secure. It is important for children to understand their boundaries as
well. We have a few clear, simple rules that vary according to the developmental
level of the children. In establishing rules, each teacher follows these
guidelines:
1. Tell children what they are to do in a positive tone.
2. Post rules and boundaries prominently throughout the classroom for
parents and staff to read.
3. Specify rewards for following rules.
4. Explain rules to children and apply rules consistently. These rules are
established based upon respect for the individual, respect for the environment,
and respect for others.
Behavior that is unacceptable should be considered by the staff as "mistaken"
behavior. This behavior is the result of the child's developmental immaturity.
The staff must reinforce reasonable limits, and teach children "what to do
instead" and not just "what not to do." Staff must understand that understanding
acceptable behavior takes time to learn.
E. Problem Solving
We appeal to the preschooler's growing intellectual and moral reasoning by using
natural and logical consequences and asking questions to encourage problem
solving. Teachers help children identify their needs, feelings, causes,
alternatives, and choices. We provide cues such as the statement, "Use your
words."
Prohibited Actions
Children shall not be subjected to any form of corporal punishment, including
rough handling, shoving, hair pulling, ear pulling, shaking, kicking, biting,
pinching, hitting, or spanking. Children shall not be subjected to any
form of emotional abuse, including name calling, ostracism, shaming, making
derogatory remarks about the child or his/her family, or using language that
threatens, humiliates, or frightens the child. Toilet habits, or lack there of,
will not be a cause for punishment of any form. The withholding of food,
clothing, or medical care will not be used as punishment. No physical restraints
or mechanical restraints of any kind will be used on a child.
Managing Behavior
When a child has a physical or emotional outburst, we provide comfort and
privacy. This allows the child time to regain composure and insures the safety
of other children and staff. "Time out" will be used only as a last resort, when
a child is unable to break a pattern of negative or attention-getting behavior.
This is not a punishment, but a time of renewal for the child. When the child
has regained control, he/she should be allowed to join the group. In any event,
the time out should not exceed the number of minutes corresponding with the age
of the child (for example three minutes for a three-year-old).
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior is defined as any behavior that poses a physical or
emotional threat to another child or staff member. Behaviors such as physical
aggression toward other children or staff, inappropriate language, verbal abuse,
conflicts arising over the physical property and the rights of others, and any
behavior that threatens the safety of the other children and staff is considered
unacceptable. Persistent unacceptable behavior will be dealt with in the
following manner:
1. The child's behavior will be recorded, dated, and initialed by staff
members involved.
2. Staff members shall meet to discuss the unacceptable behavior and to
develop a program plan to meet the individual needs of the child in question.
3. The parents of the child will be called in for a conference to discuss
this plan and to enlist their cooperation and input. If the child's
behavior continues, he/she will be asked to leave the preschool.
4. Re-admission may be considered after an agreed-upon time period.
Child Abuse and Neglect
The Center staff is mandated by South Dakota law to immediately report suspicion
of child abuse and/or neglect to the S.D. Department of Social Services or law
enforcement.
Center staff and volunteers are screened by the Department of Social Services
Central Registry Check as well as the Diocese of Sioux Falls and are required to
sign a statement which defines child abuse and neglect and reporting
requirements for both organizations.
Center staff/volunteers who are placed under investigation for child
abuse/neglect will be temporarily suspended until the investigation has been
completed. Upon completion of the investigation and if charges are
substantiated, the staff/volunteer will be discharged immediately. If charges
are not substantiated, the staff/volunteer may return to work.
Medications
Absolutely no medications (prescription or non-prescription) will be
administered to any child at the preschool.
Minimum Age-Specific Immunization Standards for Children
Age
Number Doses of Vaccine
19 months and older
4 doses DTP; 3 doses Polio;
2 doses measles-mumps-rubella;
1 dose of varicella (chicken pox)
If the child's physician wishes to delay immunization for any reason, it must be
documented in writing by the physician and kept on file at the preschool.
Heath Exclusions
South Dakota Department of Health requires the center staff to report any
contagious diseases. St. Thomas More Preschool follows the recommendations
for inclusion and exclusion of ill children in child care that are set by the
American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association and the
South Dakota State Department of Health. Children need not be excluded from the
childcare setting for a minor illness
except for the following:
Illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably in program
activities.
Illness that results in a greater need for care than the staff can provide
without compromising the health and safety of other children and staff.
The child that has the following conditions: lethargy, irritability, persistent
crying,
difficulty breathing, wheezing, or severe coughing, and/or other manifestations
of possible severe illness.
Fever: Exclude if axillary (under the armpit) temperature:
99 degrees or higher - especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as
vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, headache and stiff neck or undiagnosed rash.
(temp of up to lOO degrees axillary may be acceptable if child has been
immunized in the previous 48 hours)
Common Viral Respiratory Diseases: Include Influenze, RSV,
Parainfluenza, Adenoviruses) Characterized by fever, chills, headache, body
ache, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, difficult or rapid breathing, or
severe coughing: child makes high-pitched croupy or whooping sound after he/she
coughs, and child is unable to lie comfortably due to continuous cough. Exclude
until examined by a physician and approved for re-admission, and until child has
been treated with appropriate antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
Vomiting: Exclude if child has vomited 2 or more times in
the previous 24 hours, until vomiting has resolved, or until a health care
provider determines the illness to be non-communicable and the child is not in
danger of dehydration.
Pink-eye or purulent conjunctivitis (defined as pink or red
conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge, often with matted eyelids after
sleep and eye pain or redness of the eyelids or skin surrounding the eyes).
Exclude until examined by a physician and approved for re-admission, and/or
until 24 hours after appropriate antibiotic treatment has been initiated.
Strep Throat: (Group A Streptococcal Infections): Sore
throat, especially when fever or swollen glands in the neck are present. Exclude
until 24 hours after appropriate treatment was initiated and until cessation of
fever.
A parent or guardian must inform the center staff within 24 hours if
his/her child is infected with strep throat or scarlet fever.
Rash: with fever or behavior change. Exclude until physician
has determined the illness not to be a communicable illness.
Impetigo: Infected sores with crusty, yellow or green
drainage. Exclude until 24 hours after appropriate treatment has been initiated.
Ringworm: a skin infection caused by a fungus that can
affect the scalp, skin, fingers, toe nails or foot. Exclude until onset of
treatment if lesions can be covered.
Chicken Pox: (varicella) Exclude until the 6th day after
onset of rash or until all the lesions have dried and crusted.
Headlice: (pediculosis). Exclude until 24 hours after the
first treatment - "still check for live lice".
Scabies: exclude until after treatment has been completed.
Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease: Exclude until lesions have dried
up (around 7 days).
Whooping Cough: (pertussis). Exclude until 5 days of the
appropriate antibiotic therapy. (which is to be given for a total of 14 days)
has been completed.
Mumps: Exclude until 9 days after onset of the parotid gland
swelling.
Measles: (Rubella, Red Measles, Hard Measles, 9-10 Day
Measles): Children who have not been immunized (up to 15 months) excluded
for 21 days after exposure; other children excluded until 6 days after the onset
of rash.
Tuberculosis: Exclude until the child's physician or local
health department authority states that the child is no longer infectious.
Hepatitis A: (virus infection) Exclude until 1 week-after
onset of illness or jaundice if symptoms are mild or as directed by the health
department when passive immunoprophylaxis (currently, immune serum globulin) has
been administered to appropriate children and staff.
Hepatitis B: No exclusion necessary unless infected child
exhibits biting behavior or has open sores that cannot be covered.
Uncontrolled Diarrhea: Defined as an increased number of
stools compared with the child's normal pattern, with increased stool water
and/or decreased form that cannot be contained by use of the toilet. Exclude
until diarrhea stops or until examined by a physician and approved for
re-admission.
Diarrhea Illnesses:
Salmonella - Exclude until three consecutive stool
specimens, obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.
Shigella - Exclude until three consecutive stool specimens,
obtained 24 hours apart are negative.
Giardia - Exclude until 72 hours after symptoms subside and
after three consecutive stool specimens, obtained 24 hours apart are negative.
Campylobactor - Exclude until three consecutive stool specimens,
obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.
Clostridium Difficile - Exclude until three consecutive
stool specimens, obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.
Rotavirus - Exclude until three consecutive stool
specimens, obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.
E. coli 0157:H7 Infection: Exclude until diarrhea resolves and 2
stool cultures collected at least 24 hours apart are negative.
At the discretion of the primary caregiver, the parents will be called to take
the child home if the above symptoms occur. Parents are required to pick up
their child or find another person to do so. Repeated failure in picking up an
ill child from the center in the designated time frame will result in the
child's dismissal from the program. A designated area in the preschool separated
from other children will be provided for children who are ill where they can
rest or play quietly until a parent arrives.
Medical Emergency
Children with true medical emergencies will be transported immediately to a
hospital or other emergency medical treatment facility. The preschool will
follow these procedures when a true emergency arises:
1. Obtain emergency transportation to a medical facility.
2. Call the hospital or emergency facility and alert it to the nature of
the patient being sent.
3. Call parents or guardian.
The center will inform the parents
immediately as to their wishes about the source of medical care when an
emergency is not life-threatening.
Fire Evacuation
Licensing requires the Center to conduct at least four fire drills every year.
The state fire marshal, a local fire authority, or the Department of Health will
inspect the Center each year. During fire drills the children and staff will
evacuate out the nearest exit to the playground area. In cases of severe
weather, the children will evacuate to Bethel Baptist Church, which is Northwest
of the church. Parents arriving at the scene of an actual fire when evacuation
is in progress - REMAIN CALM. Parents may escort their child along with the
child's designated age group to the evacuation point. DO NOT SEPARATE YOUR CHILD
FROM HIS/HER GROUP UNTIL ALL ARE ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE TEACHER IN CHARGE OF THAT
GROUP. Parents must inform the Director or person in charge before removing
their child from the care of the staff.
Tornado Evacuation
The preschool will hold at least two tornado drills during the Spring and Summer
months. Within the church, children will be evacuated to the bathroom in the
education wing. During tornado watch conditions children are not allowed
outside unless the skies are clear and sunny.
Compliance
St. Thomas More Preschool is responsible for reporting to the South Dakota
Department of Social Services any changes of circumstances that may affect their
ability to comply with licensing standards such as new location of a program,
facility renovations, suspected in-house child abuse and neglect, ownership
change, or new director.
Contact Information
Director/Teacher
Teacher Meghan
St. Thomas More Preschool
1700 8th St. So.
Brookings, SD 57006
605-692-6796
meghan@stmbrookings.org