2009 Parent Handbook--School Policies and Procedures

1. SCHOOL ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
DROP-OFF
A. Children must always be brought into the classroom by a parent or other authorized adult and check-in with the teacher. Never leave your child unattended during drop-off and pick-up. For safety reasons, please walk your child into the classroom and keep the front door closed at all times. Please inform the teacher of any medication or special circumstances that may affect your child during the day (e.g. poor night’s sleep, upsetting event at home). A child who appears to staff to show signs of illness may be excluded from class and will have to be taken home immediately. Please note that SMOKING and PETS (other than future classroom pets and show and tell) are never allowed on the premises.

B.*We encourage you to arrive a few minutes early each morning in order to spend a few minutes in the classroom with your child before you leave for the day (you may read a book, put together a puzzle, etc.). This makes the morning drop-off transition from home to school much easier for everyone, especially the child. Transitions are very important for children who are learning daily structure and how to follow school procedures. Late drop-off and pick-up may cause your child to be confused, possibly stressed and it does not demonstrate healthy procedure and structure.

C.*Children are expected to arrive by 9:00am in order to participate in the organized learning activities, and so we can get accurate count for lunch and snacks. If your child will be late or absent, please notify the school before 9:00am. This allows us to accurately plan for meals and staffing. If your child will be out for a long period of time (e.g. vacation or illness) you should notify the lead teacher.

D. Parent belongings will be hung on door hooks or placed behind student security gate (hallway) during student drop-off and pick-up. Adults are responsible of opening and closing all indoor and outdoor gates and doors. Light switches may only be handled by school staff.

PICK-UP
D. PPLA closes at 5:30pm. It is imperative that your child be picked up by the end of your child’s classroom session for staffing, insurance reasons, and county licensing regulations. PPLA staff has commitments of their own and are not paid for overtime. We encourage you to think of 5:15pm as pick up time. This allows a more relaxed end of the day transition for your child and you may check in with teachers about your child’s day. Take a few minutes during pick-up to greet your child, check-in with teachers, look over your child’s work for the day (if any) and gather your child’s belongings. Please make sure to take home any show and tell items at the end of the day. PPLA is not responsible for damaged and/or lost items brought from home (toys, books, etc.) Parents don’t forget to check your child’s storage area daily for wet clothing, sheets and blankets. We also encourage parents to check their child’s project pockets (green hanging pockets located above children’s storage area) on a daily basis.

E. Late pick-up affects the children in negative ways, making them feel abandoned, lonely, and confused about the situation. A calm transition between PPLA and home maintains the child’s sense of well-being. A rushed or late pick-up does not allow children to adjust easily to changes in their environment. In addition, teachers have families of their own to attend to, have other commitments, or just want to go home on time. Parents who pick up their children later than scheduled create difficulties for others in the program.

F. We have suggestions for avoiding this problem altogether. Parents can talk with other parents who pick up their children at the same time and set up an arrangement to cover for one another in cases of unexpected delays. If you feel that you might create chronic lateness, you should communicate with the Program Director, who may offer other suggestions.

G. If you know you are going to be late, please call PPLA at 510-409-9771. You may want to arrange for someone on your emergency card to pick up your child. Children will not be released to anyone under the age of 18. Remember to keep your emergency form up to date!

H. Parents will give PPLA at least 24-hour notice if someone besides parent(s)/guardian will be picking up their child. If child is not picked up by the end of the day, a person from the emergency contact form will be contacted and asked to pick up your child.

I. Anyone who is not known by the staff will be asked to show a valid Driver’s License or other photo identification. Persons not authorized by you on your child’s emergency form will not be allowed to take your child from the school. Children will not be released to anyone who is suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who may be considered a danger to the child. Those parents who have custody issues should consult with an attorney regarding legal protection for their child. Parents must provide us with any court orders so that we can call the police to enforce their legal rights should the need arise.

~Due to school insurance and child care licensing regulations, children, parents and visitors may not be on the premises before 7:30am and after 6:00pm. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support!
~Tuition payments will be placed inside specialized pocket stored near student storage area.