St. Christopher's Episcopal School Handbook PDF
MISSION STATEMENT
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool is a school providing a learning environment
in the Christian tradition for the spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of its students. St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool serves as an educational arm of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Killeen, Texas and is an extension of its outreach program.
PHILOSOPHY
- CREATE LEARNERS through a child oriented, age appropriate Christian curriculum
- DESIGN LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES through meaningful and creative opportunities
- POSITIVE INTERACTIONS by modeling kindness to ourselves and other
- CONSISTENCY by establishing a routine
- EXPECTATIONS that provide goals that teach children to expect and strive for their personal best
- AUTONOMY by encouraging children complete tasks independently
- RESPONSIBILITY by providing students age appropriate tasks to complete
- COOPERATION by working together to enhance each child’s educational experience
- ACTIVE LISTENING child to adult as well as adult to child
- MUTUAL RESPECT child to adult and child to child
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origins in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance and other school administered programs.
WELCOME
We welcome your child and family to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool and hope the learning experience here will be a happy, wholesome one. We strive to give your child the loving care and guidance that children need in their formative years. As parents, you are encouraged to visit us, ask questions and make suggestions. The best assurance for the success of your child’s educational experience is the close cooperation and understanding of you and our staff.
The weekday program has been planned for ages 15 months through Kindergarten children with the goal of helping them develop their spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. This handbook has been prepared so you may know our policies and better understand the program as we work together to help your child through a successful year in our program.
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool will not exclude children due to race, color, nationality, ethnic or religious origin.
CAMPUS DESCRIPTION
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool is located in the education wing of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church. The property is on 5 acres of beautiful land and has many trees. The atmosphere for nature exploration is excellent. A fenced playground and an additional fenced area provides a safe environment for the children to play and exercise.
We are required to notify parents that St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool is located within a gang free zone. This means that certain gang-related criminal activity or engaging in organized criminal activity within 1000 feet of our school is a violation of Texas law and is subject to increased penalty.
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool is a tobacco free campus. Smoking and the use of any other tobacco product is prohibited on any portion of the church and school grounds. Please notify the school office if you witness someone who is not in compliance with this policy.
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas does not permit any person, including clergy, staff, students, volunteers, and visitors, to carry a weapon in our churches or schools. This prohibition applies even if the person is licensed to carry a concealed weapon under Texas law.
PRESCHOOL BOARD
The preschool is governed by our Preschool Board, which includes at least one parent representative. Our board supports the preschool staff and Head of School and makes policies for the governance of the School. The preschool board meets monthly and the meetings are open to anyone interested. St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool is a stand-alone non-profit organization.
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool Board:
Holly Miller, Head of Congregation of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, President and Vestry Representative; Judy Van Riper, Vice President; Mary Wilson,; Secretary; Sarah Yowell, Treasurer; Samantha DiSalvio, Parent Representative; Kimberly Woodhouse, Member; Barb Prall
LICENSING INFORMATION
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool is licensed by the Department of Family and Protective Services of the State of Texas and follows all required minimum standards. A copy of this document is on file and available to all employees. It is required that each staff member review this manual annually as a part of our employee training process. The Minimum Standards document is available for parents to review and is located in the preschool office. If you ever have a question you would like answered from our licensing agency you may call TDFPS at 254-526-9011. Their website is www.tdprs.state.tx.us. You can also use the public website, www.txchildcaresearch.org. The latest Licensing Inspection report, for St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool, is posted in the office. Any incident of suspected child abuse or neglect is reported by our staff to the Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400. You may also contact the CHILDHELP USA National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453
(1-800-4 A Child).
ADMISSION
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool admits applicants without discrimination in favor of, or against, any child on the basis of race, national origin, religion or challenging conditions, except when the school cannot appropriately or adequately meet a child’s personal or developmental needs.
Our program currently has 8 classrooms, beginning at age 15 months up to Kindergarten. Students are placed into classes according to age. Students must be 15 months old by September 1st to be eligible for admission.
Registration is completed by filling out a registration card online and paying the non-refundable enrollment fee. A Health Statement/Medical Form, with physician’s signature, Parent Handbook Signature Page and immunization records, must be turned in on or before the first day of school.
Texas licensing requirements state that all immunization records must be current. As your child receives new immunizations, please bring a copy so your records can be updated. If your child is missing any immunizations, you will be notified and expected to bring in proof of immunizations within 3 days. Tuberculin (TB) testing is not required for children 2-7 years of age.
In compliance with State law, all students who are four years old by September 1 will need a vision and hearing screening. Your child’s pediatrician should conduct this test at the child’s four-year-old check-up. Results must be turned in with your child’s health form.
Vacancies in our program are filled on a first come, first served basis. Wait list is available if needed.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool offers classes three days a week; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday or 5 days a week. Staff will begin greeting students at the curb and parking lot beginning at 8:20 A.M. and returning students at 2:30 P.M. After 8:40 am students will need to be dropped off in small parking lot. The Preschool doors are locked at all times.
Teachers will contact parents for a Meet the Teacher conference the week before school officially begins. Preschool classes will start on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. School calendars will be available on the school website.
Teachers will conduct 2 conferences per year, at semester end and year end. Please contact your teacher through Bright Wheel to schedule a conference throughout the year.
School closures for weather will be announced on the local news or phone calls from teachers. All other closure decisions are made by the DFPS, board, the dioceses and the church. While St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool is a preschool, preschools are regulated by the Department of Family Protective Services.
Children who are picked up late will be added to the Extended Day program and fees will be assessed accordingly. A late fee of $20.00 will be assessed if you arrive later than 5:00 P.M., unless there has been an emergency situation (car accident, traffic) and you have notified us. Beginning at 5:00 P.M. you will be charged an additional $20.00 for each thirty minutes.
FEES
Our preschool is a non-profit, stand-alone organization and operates on funds provided by registration, snack/supply fees, monthly tuition, fundraisers and donations. All fees are used to provide salaries, equipment, supplies and snacks. Tuition will be posted to accounts on the 27th of each month and is due on the 10th each month. Tuition is set by the Preschool Board and is reviewed annually and adjusted according to cost of living increase.
Tuition is due the first of the month and not later than the 10th of each month unless arrangements have been previously made in the office. A $35 .00 late fee will be assessed after the 10th. A bi-monthly tuition payment option is also available. Please call the office for any tuition arrangements.
A fee of $36.00 will be charged for any payments returned with non-sufficient funds (NSF). If we receive more than two NSF notices, you will be required to pay on a cash or money order only basis for the remainder of the year. Payments can be made through SmartCare or you can send check, cash or money order with you student. Your monthly tuition payment holds your child’s position in our program. Tuition remains the same for all months, regardless of how many days are in the month or how many days your child is present. Failure to make payments for 2 consecutive months without prior arrangements in the office will result in the removal of child from the program.
A daily prorated tuition rate can be assessed with a two-week written notice. A 30 day written notice is required when removing your child from our program, otherwise all tuition and fees will remain.
ENROLLMENT FEE: $75.00 for new students and $35.00 for returning students.
(This is a non-refundable fee charged at time of registration)
REGISTRATION FEE: $210 per child for 3 days per week
$335 per child for 5 days per week
TUITION FEE: $420.00 per month 3 days per week (No tuition charged for August)
$650.00 per month 5 days per week
2nd Student Discount 15%
3rd Student Discount 20%
EXTENDED DAY
Extended Day care is available from 7:00am – 5:00pm for an additional fee. Extended Day Afternoon can be added on a drop-in basis by contacting the office.
Daily Rate - $15
Monthly Rate $130 for 3 days per week and $204 for 5 days per week
Extended Day charges will be added to accounts at the end of the month unless student is registered for Monthly.
Extended Day students are dropped off at Preschool door by the playground. Ring the doorbell or knock loudly and staff will respond. At no time during the day is this door left unlocked. All other entry must be made at the front office doors.
Please notify the office in writing 30 days prior to withdrawal from the school. Fees will not be refunded without written notification.
Accommodating Families and Children Policy
“We strive to accommodate every child’s needs such as cultural, differing abilities, language, etc. If a child receives any therapies or intervention a space will be provided for that child and their teacher. We also accommodate cultural diversity at parent’s request during enrollment. The request will be reviewed and approved by Head of School. Documentation will need to be provided for any medical/dietary needs. Literature, books and resources are provided for any language needs.”
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
It is important that parents adhere to the hours of operation when dropping off and picking up children. Parents will use the large parking lot and may park and walk children to the sidewalk or remain in their cars and staff members will remove children from the cars. Please have children easily accessible for staff. Please NO 3rd row seating. Children must be signed in and out each day using the Smartcare App and the QR code provided by staff. It is important to follow this licensing regulation, as it helps teachers keep a constant count of students at all times.
CLASS WILL OFFICIALLY END AT 2:30 P.M. Children will be taken to Extended Day at 2:35pm.
Children who are picked up late will be added to the Extended Day program and fees will be assessed accordingly. A late fee of $20.00 will be assessed if you arrive later than 5:00 P.M., unless there has been an emergency situation (car accident, traffic) and you have notified us. Beginning at 5:00 P.M. you will be charged an additional $20.00 for each additional thirty minutes.
Only individuals listed on your child’s registration through Bright Wheel are allowed to pick your child up. When picking your child up early, you must check in at the front office and wait for the teacher to bring your child. Please let your child’s teacher know in the morning if you plan to pick your child up early.
Please contact the office or message child’s teacher through Bright Wheel anytime your child is going to be absent from school. You may call (254) 526-8380 or email stchristopherps@gmail.com.
CURRICULUM
We believe that play is the work of childhood at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool, and that young children learn best by doing, being fully engaged and having fun. Our teachers create a multisensory play-based hands on approach learning environment that develops the spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of our students. Our Curriculum is designed by our teachers to create lifelong learners. Our small class sizes and low teacher-pupil ratio allow our staff to address the individual needs of each child. Our curriculum resources include Handwriting Without Tears, Singapore Math, Science of Reading, Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, Pocket of Preschool and Play to Learn.
Kindergarten class curriculum follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and Pre-Kindergarten follows the Pre-Kindergarten Guidelines set up by Texas Education Agency or TEA https://tea.texas.gov.
It is important that children should be given opportunity, on a regular basis, to enjoy energetic activity and take their learning outside. Outdoor play provides an environment that responds to individual learning styles. It complements and enhances all aspects of children’s development and learning through its physical and open nature. SCES offers outdoor play on the playground, through Story Walks, as well as Soccer Shots and outdoor classroom time.
Screen time at SCES is limited to educational enhancement only. Teachers will use videos to teach songs directly related to skills being taught in the unit. Videos do not exceed 10 minutes and are used rarely. There are days that weather prevents outdoor play and children are restricted to indoor play. In the event the church is using the Parish Hall, children might watch a short video not to exceed 20 minutes.
CHAPEL
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool will have Chapel every Wednesday. The service is led by Head of School or the Rector of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and lasts about 15-20 minutes. The time consists of prayer, a Bible story and songs. Chapel provides a positive experience for your child so that he/she may continue to learn about worshipping God.
HEALTH
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool will follow all CDC recommendations and guideline for controlling the spread of all illness and diseases. This will include:
- Child’s illness prevents him/her from participating in activities including outdoor play.
- The child has one of the following:
- Oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater accompanied by behavior changes and signs of illness.
- Axillary temperature of 99.4 degrees or greater accompanied by behavior changes and signs of illness.
- Ear temperature of 100.4 degree or greater accompanied by behavior changes and signs of illness.
- Symptoms and sign of illness such as wheezing, uncontrolled diarrhea, vomiting, rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling and abnormal breathing.
- A health care professional has diagnosed the child with a communicable disease and the child does not have medical documentation to indicate the child is no longer contagious
- Communicable diseases as defined by the Texas Department of Health (TDH)
All children must be symptom free for a 24 hour period before returning to school. When your child becomes ill at school we will contact the parent or guardian listed first on the registration card. We will leave a message and attempt the second parent or guardian listed. We would appreciate a call from you within 30 minutes. If we do not receive a call we will contact your first emergency contact.
Pandemic Emergency Response
Pandemic
- (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or world
- An outbreak of a pandemic disease
The center will implement the Pandemic Section of the Crisis Management Plan under the guidance and direction of the CDC, federal and local governments, and the Department of Family and Protective Services.
To ensure the safety of children, families and staff the center will monitor the situation and take into account the guidance and suggestions from the authorities on the situation. Decisions made by the center will consider the safety of children, families and staff. Decisions may include:
- Closure of the center
- Length of closure to be determined by center, CDC, federal and local governments, the Department of Family and Protective Services
- Adjusted hours of service
- Daily health checks of children and staff
- Limited entry into the building
- Limited access to the property
- Limitations on what the children may bring into the center, such as
- Blankets
- Stuffed animals
- Pillows
Medication
Medication (if needed) may be dispensed by the Head of School or Administrative Assistant. Parents must sign an authorization form giving permission to dispense the medication. All medication should be in its original container with the child’s name, dosage, time to dispense and date brought to the center on the bottle. Children who have extreme allergies to bee stings, ant bites, and use an Epi-pen will need a letter from the child’s doctor on file in the office. Over the counter lotions and creams may be administered by staff members with a parent’s permission. If medicine is only to be administered twice a day then the medicine needs to be administered at home. Forms can be found on the webpage.
DISCIPLINE
Teachers at our school will be as proactive as possible by planning age-appropriate activities. When a child willfully harms another person (hitting, kicking, biting, pushing or being disruptive within the group setting) the child will be dealt with in the following manner:
- Children will be redirected. The teacher will fill out an Accident/Incident form for both children involved. Parents will be able to read and sign this form at the end of the day, and it will be placed in the child’s file.
- If the improper behavior continues, the child may be placed in “safe place” (time out) in the classroom within the view of the teacher for the number of minutes equal to the age of the child. This allows a child the opportunity to remove from the situation and restart.
- If the behavior difficulty becomes habitual, a parent conference will be called to establish what steps will be taken to help the child with the situation. When a parent has been called three times – the parent may be asked to remove the child from our program.
At no time will the staff at St. Christopher’s discipline a child by striking, shaking or any other use of physical action. The staff will not physically punish or deprive a child of food, sleep or outside play.
All staff members are required to complete annual training on the topic of Child Abuse and Neglect and how to report suspected abuse and neglect. Staff are also required to take Safeguarding God’s Children, through the Episcopal Church so that they are aware of warning signs of abuse as well as how to teach the children ways to protect themselves. Any incident of suspected child abuse or neglect is reported by our staff to the Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400. You may also contact the CHILDHELP USA National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4 A Child).
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool takes pride in the loving, warm and friendly environment that it is able to provide your child and your family. Teachers will communicate with parents to develop a solution that bridges home and school. Communication between parents and teachers are encouraged. Please reach out through Bright Wheel at any time with any concerns.
SAFETY
While at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool, your child is under constant supervision. However, minor injuries may occur during play. When this happens, the staff will perform the necessary first aid and fill out an Accident/Incident form for you to read and sign. We will notify you immediately if your child sustains serious injury and/or becomes ill. Our staff is certified in Pediatric First Aid and CPR.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire and tornado drills. We practice fire drills with the children each month. These drills help to prepare the children and reduce their fears in case of a real emergency. In case of extreme emergencies at preschool, we have an emergency evacuation plan in place. If there is ever a time we have to evacuate away from the area and proceed to a distance of five miles, children will be transported to our designated meeting facility using staff vehicles. That location is Harker Heights Park and Recreation Bldg., 307 Miller’s Crossing, in Harker Heights. Children will be released only to those people who are listed as emergency contacts on the registration card. ID must be presented. An in-depth plan is available in the office. As stated previously, when severe weather occurs, we will follow the Killeen Independent School District’s schedule.
The children will be going outside when the wind chill is above 32 degrees. During extremely hot weather, we ask that you apply sunscreen in the morning before school, as well as send an extra water bottle for your child. During cold weather, please send your child with a coat and hat.
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool has a detailed Emergency Procedure handbook located in the preschool office and in each classroom. You may see the handbook and review the procedures at any time.
Handwashing is a very important part of maintaining the health of children and staff. Handwashing with soap and water occurs several times per day. SCES does not use wipes or hand sanitizer in place of soap and water.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Throughout the year the preschool will host special events at school. On Shrove Tuesday, the school will host in partnership with the church, a pancake supper and book fair. St. Christopher’s School has several opportunities for volunteers throughout the year, at our Thanksgiving Feast, Community Helpers sign-up and at Valentines. Please see the Calendar of Events found on our webpage, www.stchrisps.com attend our PTO meetings for additional opportunities. This calendar is created by input of our PTO so events are added throughout the year. Stay current by joining St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool and PTO Facebook page.
BIRTHDAYS
The most important day of the year in the life of a child is their birthday. If you would like to make this day even more special for them, please check with your child’s teacher one week prior to verify date and any food allergies before bringing special treats to the class. Remember to make any food as healthy as possible.
PARTIES
We host parties for the major holidays. These parties are listed on our calendar of events. Please consult with your child’s teacher or the office to see how you can best help with school parties.
ANIMALS AT SCHOOL
Animals are sometimes visitors at St. Christopher’s. Please complete the Animal permission form provided in Bright Wheel.
PERSONAL TOYS
We ask that you leave your child’s personal toys at home. We cannot be responsible for toys brought to school. A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, etc. may be brought for rest time only. Please have it packed in your child’s backpack if you choose to send such an item.
At times the teachers will tell the children to bring something for “show and tell,” your child may bring a special toy or other item (that will fit in their backpack) from home.
Please remember to write your child’s name on anything brought to school.
CLOTHING
Our educational environment supports learning through play and some activities may be dirty and messy. We try to protect clothing at all times, but please dress your children accordingly and understand that there may be times when paint ends up on clothing instead of paper. When the children go out to the playground the mulch can get into their shoes and hurt their feet. For this reason, we recommend closed toe shoes. Each child must bring a backpack with an extra change of clothing appropriate for the season, including socks and shoes.
For children in diapers, please bring only disposable diapers. We will change diapers throughout the day while your child is in our care. We gladly work with you as you begin potty training your child. For health reasons, we will not wash soiled clothing.
REST TIME
Your child will have rest time after lunch according to standards of the state of Texas state: “you must provide a supervised sleep or rest period after the noon meal for all children 18 months of age or older who are in care five or more consecutive hours” (standard code #746.2901), “you must allow each child who is awake after resting or sleeping for one hour to participate in an alternative, quiet activity until the nap/rest time is over for the other children” (standard code #746.2907).
1. Please provide a thin nap mat for your child to rest on. You may also send in a beach towel or small blanket to cover up.
2. A king size or body size pillowcase will fit the nap mat nicely if you choose to cover it. Towels, blankets, pillows, etc., will be sent home for laundering on a regular basis.
Pre-K and Kindergarten students are not required to take naps.
SNACKS
St. Christopher’s Episcopal School will provide a healthy snack each day prepared by a certified food handler. All expiration dates are monitored and any expired products are disposed of immediately. On your registration form, please clearly mark any special food considerations or allergies so that we can accommodate your child. If you would like to bring in a special snack for your child’s class. Please make advance arrangements with the teacher. The snack schedule is on a four-week rotation located in the office should you like to review it.
LUNCHES
- Please bring lunches with drinks that can be easily opened by your child. NO SODA!
- We are unable to heat foods for your child; therefore, microwaveable foods are not permitted.
- All fresh fruit and vegetables should be cut into small pieces in order for your child to eat them safely. You are encouraged to send in an extra water bottle for them to drink from throughout the day.
- Please label lunch boxes and thermoses.
- NO CANDY! Candy will be returned in lunch box.
- Parents are welcome to provide formula, breastmilk or milk substitutes. Please send breastmilk in a clearly labeled bottle with child’s name. Parents wishing to breastfeed will be provided a place to breastfeed. Breastmilk will be stored in the classroom refrigerator and warmed according to parent instructions.
ALL CUPS, LUNCH BOXES, WATER BOTTLES, PACIFIERS, ETC. MUST BE LABELED WITH CHILD’S NAME!
St. Christopher’s Episcopal School will not be responsible for meeting the nutritional requirements of your child
Bright Wheel
Bright Wheel is our childcare database. It is the digital system we use to record attendance, billing, student information including medical and family information. When a child is registered, parents that have provided email addresses will have access to this system. The enrolling parent has the right to allow app access to members of their choice. This can include parents, grandparents, babysitters, emergency contacts, etc. These additional people will have access to Timeline and Sign In/Out. They will not have access to billing or student information unless you are a co-owner of the account. Unless otherwise requested, Mom is the primary owner of the account and will be the only one allowed access to billing and personal information. Additional information can be provided in the office.
COMMUNICATION
Communication with our parents will occur via webpage, www.stchrisps.com, email, and Bright Wheel. Please check your child’s backpack each day. Please make sure all email addresses are up to date. Teachers are discouraged from using their personal cell phones for communication of any kind. Please respect our teachers and communicate through email, Remind, notes or any of the above listed choices.
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Preschool has a webpage at www.stchrisps.com and Facebook page that will reflect the ongoing events at school. We will not post pictures of your children unless we have signed permission at the time of enrollment. Our teachers do not accept friend requests until the end of the school year.
STUDENT RECORDS
Records for students are kept in a locked fireproof/waterproof storage cabinet. When students leave our program, their records are moved to an inactive student filing system and kept for 3 years. At the end of 3 years, the records are properly disposed of. Student information is never given out unless we have a signed parental consent form.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL CHECKLIST:
- Current Shot Records & Medical Form
- Nap Mat (thin) & Blanket - Marked with child’s first name and last initial
- Water/Sports Bottle – Marked with child’s first name and last initial
- Change of Clothes (to include socks and shoes) – Marked with child’s first name and last initial
- Diapers & Baby Wipes for those who use them
- Back Pack – Marked with child’s first name and last initial
- Healthy Lunch
