• Brilliant Beginnings

              Welcome Packet

     

    Sossaman Early Learning Center

    2018-2019

    First Day of School

    Your child will begin their first day of school on Monday, July 23. You are probably excited and a somewhat nervous for this big event! Your child may feel the same way. There are going to be many new things for you and your child to experience – a new teacher, new children, new school, and new experiences in the classroom. This can be very scary for everyone. I want to do everything I can to make your child’s first day of school as pleasant and fun as possible. This Brilliant Beginnings information packet is designed to fill you in on specifics.

     

    Before the program starts, you may want to read your child a few books with a starting school theme. These stories can help your child get in touch with his/her feelings about going to a new place and separating from you. Reading also gives your child an opportunity to talk about these feelings or ask you questions about what to expect. It’s also a good idea to go over the attached daily schedule with your child and talk about some of the things he/she will be doing in class.

     

    On the first day of school, please be sure to arrive in plenty of time. We will have the doors promptly opened everyday at 7:45am. If your child tends to have a tough time in new groups, create a personal routine with your child to transition them into their day. Every child will be signed in and out by an adult that is listed on the emergency card or otherwise specified on a written notice. Your child may cry on their first day, and even the second or third day. This is normal, and we are used to this. We are comfortable with you leaving, even when they are crying. In past experiences, the sooner you leave the sooner your child will engage in the activities of the school day.

    Pick-up and Drop-off Procedures

    Each parent will bring their child into the classroom and sign them in. If you arrive early, please wait for us to open the classroom door before coming in, as we are most likely busy preparing for the day or meeting with a family. When you pick up your child, please wait outside the door until I open it for you. If you come in and we are not ready it will disrupt the process, especially as we are establishing our routines early in the year. Thank you! You must sign your child in and out everyday. This is to ensure their safety as well as being a licensing requirement.

    Late Pick-up

    Our day class times are 8:15a.m. to 11:15a.m. and 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. Please make sure you pick your child up on time. They get scared when you are late and think they are forgotten. I know emergencies happen, so please call the office and let me know if you will be late so arrangements can be made for your child. There are fees associated with excessive late pick-ups. If you need after school care through Kids Club arrange through district. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

    Extra Clothing

    Because children learn best by doing, sometimes we get messy. Please bring an extra pair of short/pants (depending on the season), T-shirt, socks and underwear in a gallon ziploc baggie labeled with your child’s name. This baggie will be put in a bin for quick access. If returned please wash it or switch it out for something else. If we need a replacement set we will bring it to your attention. 

    Weekly Newsletter

    A newsletter will be emailed to you weekly. It will also be posted outside the classroom. The newsletter will have all the vital information about upcoming events and the week’s objectives, classroom requests and overall communication about what we are doing in Brilliant Beginnings. Please make a habit to check this every week.

     

    Dress Code

    Each child needs to be dressed according to the dress code set forth by the Higley Unified School District. As a reminder, shirts and tops may not expose bare midriff or bare shoulders (no spaghetti straps or halter tops).  We are also asking that you send your child to school in closed-toed, closed heel shoes.  Everyday your child will be engaged in outdoor activities and gross motor development skills that require running, jumping and quick movements please send them in shoes they are comfortable wearing while participating in these activities.  Our primary goal is to keep our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

    Snack Schedule

    We will s hare snack together each day. I will assign a snack day each month, so every parent is equally participating.  Please send enough snacks for the number of children in the class at the time.  Watch the snack calendar for these details. Please send a water bottle with your child to keep in the classroom. Make sure it is labeled with their name. They can refill it as needed throughout the day.

     

    Birthdays

     If you want to send in a treat, please let me know ahead of time.  Items must be store bought – not homemade (school district policy).

     

    **Caution**

    In preschool we learn by doing. Our learning is frequently messy! Please dress your child to explore, paint, color, crawl, jump, and learn! We try to help with art smocks, but they don’t always work!