Preschool/Child Care

      University Methodist Preschool of Excellence, a Class A state- licensed preshool and day care center, was established in 1948 as the Universtiy Methodist Nursery and Kindergarten.  In 1975, the school expanded its ministry to include an all-day program of child care.  This program incorporates a morning program of preschool plus an all-day care program.  For years the Preschool has been a vital part of the outreach ministry of University United Methodist Church.

     University Methodist Preschool is a Child Development Center.  We are interested in the total child and his or her awareness and groth in areas of cognitive skills (math and reading readiness), in gross and fine motor development and in the development of social skills.

     Each child is accepted at his or her own stage of development.  Our priorities include: 1) Providing a safe, loving environment for all children when they are away from their parents, 2) Continuing development of a good self-image in all children, 3) Developing a good social adjustment as the child moves from individual to parallel to interactive play with peers, 4) emphasizing listening-responding skills, language development, and enrichment areas in music, science and physical education.

     Units of study are planned for each class in order to meet these goals.  We strive to provide each child with a solid foundation upon which to build his or her school career--eager and ready to learn and eager and ready to face the challenges of a more demanding academic and social environment when he or she leaves our school.  All of this is done through play.  REMEMBER, PLAY IS A CHILD'S WORK!

      All of our efforts are made in the name of the Master Teacher.  We feel that religion is "caught" more than taught at the preschool level.  The classroom and playground provide a practicum for Christian living.  At least once a week the older children visit Chapel where the minister or other teachers emphasize the love of the Creator, our concern for each other and love for the wonderful world around us.

     All day care     7:30 am -- 5:30 pm     This plan includes the morning preshool program, morning and afternoon snacks, hot lunch, rest period, planned activities, and supervised free play.

     Morning Preschool Program     7:30 am -- 11:45 am     This program is taught by teachers who have training and or experience in Early Childhood Education and Child Development.  Age-appropriate activities provide growth in cognitive, gross, and small motor, and social skills.  this program includes field trips, stories, crafts, and cooking activities.

      Morning Program with Lunch     7:30 am -- 12:30 pm

     Transportation is not provided to and from the center.

     Two terms separate the year; the fall/spring term runs from mid-August through May and the ten week summer term runs June through mid-August.  Notification concerning registration will be given in February for children currently enrolled in the program and their siblings.  Church families and those children on the waiting list will be registered next and new applications will be taken beginning March 1.  A separate registration is required for each session; therefore, children who are currently enrolled must re-register for each new term.

     A child must be two years old by December 31 of the year to enter the Preschool.  New two-year-olds begin in the fall session.

     No child shall be denied admittance to University Methodist Preschool on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin or ancestory.

     Enrollment is complete when the following have been accomplished: 1) Complete application forms are on file in the school office, 2) A non-refundable fee is paid.  This fee is due upon acceptance to any program, 3) A contract indicating tuition payment plans for the term is signed and filed in the office, 4) A State of Louisiana child Care-Preschool Certificate of Immunization is on file.

 

     1. CHILDREN WILL BE RELEASED to parents, guardians or those persons authorized IN WRITING by parents or guardians.  Names of all persons who regularly pick up a child should be listed on the child's enrollment sheet in the office.  Forms authorizing "one time" pick up are available in the office and should be signed by the parent.  Persons not familiar to school personnel may be asked to show identification before allowed to take a child from the school.

     2. SCHOOL CLOSURES due to inclement weather will be the same as those for the Baton Rouge Public Schools.  Radio and television stations broadcast this information.  If this information is not available or if the public schools are not in session, school closing will be left to the discretion of the Director.  In case of severe weather during the school day, teachers and school personnel will follow emergency prodecures in order to protect the safety of the children.

     3. LICENSING REQURES the time of arrival and departure of each child and the name of the person to whom the child is released be recorded daily.  Forms are located at each classroom for the purpose.  CHILDREN SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO ENTER  OR LEAVE THE BUILDING BY THEMSELVES.

      4. ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, every child should bring a complete change of clothing to be left at school.  Please include socks and underwear.  Each article should be clearly marked with the child's name.  If these clothes are worn home, please return them immediately after laundering.  Children should wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be washed and is appropriate to the season.  Please do not inhibit your child and our program by sending your child to school in clothes that should not get dirty or messy.  Our children come to have fun and often get dirty!   SHOES must be worn at all times.  Tennis shoes are the best form of footwear for school.  Thongs, loose fitting sandals, flip flops and boots should not be worn.

     5. ALL ITEMS BROGHT TO SCHOOL should be clearly labeled.  Lost or misplaced items cause tears.  Toys should not be brogtht to school (with the exception of sleep toys) except on share days.  On share days, children must realize that the toys broght to school will have to be shared with the other children.

     6. DISMISSAL.  A child may be dismissed from University Methodist Preschool for any of the following reasons: 1) Required information (medical, emergency, and transportation) is not provided for child's file, 2) Financial obligations are not met in a timely fashion or arrangements made with the Director for an alternative pay schedule, 3) The child poses a physical threat to other children or staff, 4) The center is unable to adequately meet the unique needs of the child, 5) If, for any reason, the Director, teacher, and parents agree it is in the best interest of the child that he or she be removed.

  7. BIRTHDAYS MAY BE CELEBRATED at school during morning or afternoon snack time.  Simple refreshments may be served, party favors are not necessary.  Party invitations given out at school should include EVERY CHILD in the class.  Chewing gum, hard candies, and balloons that are not blown up are not to be brought to school or given as favors.

     8. PLAY GUNS, KNIVES, OR WEAPONS of any kind are never allowed in school.

     9. CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS.  Children's records are the porperty of the center and the Director, as custodian, shall secure the records against loss, tampering, or unauthorized use.  The records are confidential.  Employees shall not disclose, or knowingly permit the disclosure of any information concerning the child or his or her family to any third party except authorized state and federal agencies without written, informed consent from the parents.

     10. PHOTOGRAPHING OF CHILDREN.  Photographs, inormation and or recordings from which a child might be identified will not be released without written, informed consent from the parent except to authorized state and federal agencies.  The Preschool does permit snapshots and videos to be made during special events or for classroom use.  Professional class photographs are made yearly.

  

   11. WATER ACTIVITES.  During late spring, summer and early fall the children may engage in water activites on church property.  These activities (water tabels, wading pools, sprinklers) shall be supervised by staff trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid.  For children from the Preschool participating in LSU-sponsored swimming lessons during the summer, documentation is on file at the center verifying that the program meets licensing requirements.

      CHURCH VAN 1) Seat belt and child restraint use will confrom to state law, 2) At least two staff, one of whom may be the driver, shall be in the van and at least one will be certified in CPR and Pediatric First Aid, 3) The children shall be supervised at all times.  Staff will not leave the children unattended in the vehicle, 4) Children shall board and leave the van from the curb side of the van and or shall be safely escorted across the street, 5) Good order shall be expected in the van at all times, 6) The driver shall check the van upon arrival and departure at each destination to insure that no child is left in the van, 7) The vehicle shall be maintained in good repaird, shall be covered by liability insurance, and have evidence of a current safety inspeciton, 8) The number of persons shall not exceed the manufacturer's recommended capacity, 9) A master list including each child's name and authorized persons to whom the child may be released, along with the name, telephohne number, and address of the center shall be carried in the van on all field trips, 10) The use of tobacco in any form, the use of alcohol and use or possession of illegal substance or unauthorized potentially toxic substances, firearms, pellet or BB guns (loaded or unloaded) is prohibited, 11) First Aid supplies shall be in the van.

     PARENTS' VEHICLES 1) The driver shall have a current driver's license and be covered by liability insurance, 2) Seat belt and child restaint use will conform to state law, 3) there shall be information in each vehicle listing the names of the children and staff in the vehicle, the name of the cneter's director, and the name, telephone number and address of the center, 4) A planned route shall be provided each driver and a copy kept at the center.  First Aid supplies shall be available during field trips, 5) The use of tobacco, use of alcohol, the use or possession of illegal substances, potentially toxic substances, pellet or BB guns (loaded or unloaded) shall be prohibited.

     COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PARENT, THE TEACHER, AND DIRECTOR is very important.  We are all involved in making this time in your child's life very special.  Parents are encouraged to visit the school, but please remember that the teacher's primary concern, at all times, is the children.  Please do not engage the teacher in lenghty conversation at the classroom door, at the playground gate, or in the hallways.  Teachers or parents may schedule a telephone or personal conference at any time.

     A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER is published which includes the monthly calendar, classroom news, and other information important to you and your child.  Take time to read the newsletter and mark the important dates on your personal calendar.

     PARENTS ARE WELCOME to visit the classes and are urged to share special talents, skills, vocations and avocations.  This enriches our program and is a great source of pride for your child.  Remember, however, that some children may have a more difficult time accepting the arrival and departure of parents at times other than the normal routine.

The Preschool is licensed by the State of Louisiana, Department of Social Services.  Any significant, unresolved licensing complaints may be directed to:

Department of Social Services Licensing Section, PO Box 3078, Baton Rouge, LA, 70821, (225) 922-0015