Preschool Information
PHILOSOPHY
It is our goal to ease the transition from a strictly home environment to one that will include going to school on a daily basis when the child enters Kindergarten. Preschool’s purpose is to provide an atmosphere that encourages social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. We believe Preschool should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploring and discovery. We strive to provide all these things for your child.
STANDARDS
St. John’s Preschool is a non-profit school. Our operation is advised by the Preschool/Day Care Directing Committee, a unit of the Learning Team. All final policy decisions are approved or established by the Congregation Council of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 201 East Main Street, Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT
St. John’s Preschool advertises in the public media in order to make openings known to everyone. Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin or religion.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
At the beginning of each month, the parents are provided with a calendar of the month’s activities. Parents are also informed of activities through periodic newsletters and notes.
DISCIPLINE
Acceptable behavior is encouraged with praise. This reinforces a child’s good feeling about his/her behavior and serves as an example to the other children. Asking a child to stop and think about his/her unpleasant behavior enables that child to work at self-control.
For a child not cooperating in a group-listening situation, the child is seated by the teacher and reminded of acceptable behavior. Corporal punishment is not an acceptable method of dealing with children’s behavior. Children will not be hit, slapped, or spanked in any manner while attending St. John’s Preschool.
If a behavior problem persists, the parents will be asked to confer with the teacher.
REGISTRATION & FEES
Placement is determined by the Director. A child must be 3 years old to be admitted into the 3-year old class. Placement of 4-year-olds is determined by birth date and/or by date of Kindergarten enrollment.
Classes are filled on a first come/first served basis according to the date of enrollment with the Director. If the classes are filled when a parent calls, the child’s name may be put on a waiting list to fill vacancies as they occur.
As vacancies occur for students on the waiting list, registration fee is due within fifteen (15) calendar days of notification. In the event of vacancy occurring after June 1, the first tuition installment must accompany the registration fee. After August 1, registration and tuition installment are due within five (5) calendar days of notification.
Minimum enrollment is required for each class. In the event that minimum enrollment is not attained, a class may not be offered. Refunds will be given for class time that is not offered due to lack of enrollment.
TUITION
Tuition is figured as an annual fee. Timely payment is required to secure the child’s place in class. Tuition may be paid in full at the beginning of the school year, or in nine (9) equal installments. The first installment is to be paid no later than June 1, with the remaining installments on the first school day of each month, beginning with September and ending with the April installment. Because tuition is an annual fee, no refunds are given for illness or vacations.
We allow two (2) snow days, which will not be made up. Additional snow days will either be made up, or refunds for sessions beyond the first two missed will be given.
FUNDRAISING
Tuition is used for staff salaries, supplies, and other expenses. We are working on a break-even budget, and tuition does not cover all expenses. For this reason, parent participation in fundraising activities is required to meet expenses and keep tuition affordable.
