Welcome to Jump Start Preschool! We are honored that you have chosen our program for your family! We truly believe that the preschool experience sets the foundation for a lifetime love of learning. Children learn best through play, hands-on experiences in a setting that is safe, fun and nurturing with caring teachers and parent involvement. Miss Nadina and Miss Mekaylie provide preschool and pre-k classes for the Burton Campus, and Mrs. Mary Anne and Miss Shannon for the Chardon campus . We have combined our love of teaching preschool children to work as a team to create an enriching preschool program. Thank you for sharing your little ones with us! We look forward to a great year! The following information will answer a variety of questions you might have about our preschool. Please read through it carefully and keep it on hand as long as your child is enrolled in the program. Please don’t hesitate to ask or contact us at any time if you have any questions or concerns. We are happy to help!
Philosophy
At Jump Start Preschool, we believe every child should be cared for by name and need. We focus on teaching through curriculum guided fun hands-on experiences. We offer social, academic and sensory building opportunities that promote cognitive skills, large and fine motor skills and positive peer interactions. We want every child to feel at home in our classroom. Children are able to grow and thrive when they are free to create and explore. We provide structured and free exploration times to promote all areas of development. Preschool is an important time to build friendships, bond with teachers and learn important skills such as turn taking, being helpful and showing empathy toward others. We know parent involvement is so critical! We will provide parent resources, support, and understanding of child development, increase involvement in your child’s education to build a partnership that helps your child grow and thrive both in school and at home. We are honored to give your child a JUMP START to a positive kindergarten experience. We are excited to work alongside each family and open the doors to a lifelong love of learning!
Curriculum
We follow a preschool modified version of Wilson Fundations Curriculum. Fundations lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness and is an updated curriculum used by many school districts including Chardon and Burton. We learn through play, creative centers, games, lots of hands-on sensory experiences and age-appropriate foundational skills. Fundations emphasizes groundwork for lifelong literacy in phonemic awareness, phonics, word study, high-frequency word work, vocabulary, comprehension strategies and handwriting at the preschool level. Our goal is to set your child up to love school, feel empowered and encouraged while learning at his or her own pace; all while having fun! We will do this by constantly monitoring and modifying the environment, child interests, and activities to help each child build and master skills. Each child will graduate our preschool with an academic advantage, confidence and a love of learning.
Our Commitment
*Our nurturing, qualified teachers will use our best teaching practices and research-based curriculum.
* Respect family privacy and the right of parents to be the final decision makers for your child.
*Actively seek parent-teacher partnerships for the benefit of your children.
*Honor each family cultural, beliefs and practices
*Recognize the possible need for intervention. We will approach with sensitivity, sound reasoning, and observations. We will refer appropriate resources and respect all responses and final decisions the parent makes.
Licensing and Information
Jump Start Preschool is licensed by the State of Ohio
Admissions
Hours and Days of Operation
Jump Start Preschool will be in operation Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We ask that you drop off and pick up within 5 minutes of your child’s scheduled arrival and departure times. Our time is limited with your little ones and we want to make the most of our class time! This handbook includes a calendar schedule of all holidays and conference days that we will be closed. In addition, we will follow the Chardon Local schools for all snow days. If Chardon Schools are closed, we will be as well. You will find this public notification on the local TV and internet stations. We will send out an email notification to all Jump Start families notifying you of any snow days or inclement weather closings. Full tuition is due regardless of any holidays or closings.
Staff/Child Ratios & Maximum Group Sizes
Jump Start Preschool will not exceed the following state required ratios:
Please note that Jump Start Preschool does not accept any child that is under the age of 2-½ years old or 30 months at the time school starts.
The state required ratios are as follows:
1:8 Toddlers: 30 months-36 months
1:12 Preschoolers 3 year olds – 4 year olds
1:14 Preschoolers 4 years until eligible for kindergarten
*Please note that two teachers will be on staff at all times to ensure the safety of all children.
The maximum group sizes are as follows;
16 2-½ – 3 year olds
24 3 – 4 year olds
28 4 – 5 year olds
*Maximum group size is defined by the number of children in one group that may be cared for at one time.
* In order to provide a more individualized quality of care, we strive to maintain maximum group sizes that are below the state required ratios. Please refer to the full child/staff ratio posted on the bulletin board above the mailboxes located in the classroom entrance room.
Class Information
Preschool Afternoon Ages 3/4- (2 days per week)
12:30PM- 2:00PM Mon & Wed
16 children maximum
2 teachers
Preschool Morning Ages 3/4- (2 days per week)
9:00AM -11:00AM Tues & Thurs
16 Children maximum
2 teachers
Pre K Morning Ages 4/5 (3 days per week)
9:00AM – 11:30AM Mon & Wed
9:00AM-11:00AM Fri
20 children maximum
2 teachers
Pre K Afternoon Ages 4/5 (3 days per week)
12:00PM – 2:30PM Tues & Thurs
12:00PM-2:00PM Fri
20 children maximum
2 teachers
Daily Class Schedules
*All schedules are flexible enough to provide adaptability when necessary but structured enough to provide predictability for the children. We want them to feel safe and comfortable at school with a schedule that is predictable and flexible with our schedule allowance.
*We ask that you please assist your child to the restroom upon arrival and departure to use the restroom and wash hands.
A Typical Preschool Day Will Look Like:
Morning Classes
*9:00-9:15 Greeting, Morning check-in, small group activities, art, science
*9:15-9:30 Morning carpet time, sharing, announcements, Pledge of Allegiance, calendar, the days of the week, date, weather, and songs/fingerplays
Intro to theme, Fundations letters, sight words, numbers, shapes, other preschool skills repeated daily
*9:30-9:40 Bathroom break, handwashing, prepare for snack
*9:40-9:55 Snack, Storytime, table manners, communication skills
*10:00-10:30 Large motor room structured movement, free exploration and music and movement time. Outdoor play if possible
*10:30-10:50 Bathroom break, wash up, tabletop centers, supervised free play, craft time, art
* 10:50-11:00 Ending carpet meeting, Get ready for dismissal
So much more will happen in our day! We will constantly be learning through play, structured and free exploration activities.
*All schedules are approximate based on the needs of the children, themes, daily lesson plans, and schedule allowance.
Afternoon Classes
*12:00-12:15 Greeting music/dancing, morning check-in jobs themed activities
Morning work, small motor rotating tabletop activities
*12:15-12:45 Morning carpet time, sharing, announcements, Pledge of Allegiance, calendar, the days of the week, date, weather, and songs/fingerplays
Intro to theme, Fundations letters, sight words, numbers, shapes, other preschool skills repeated daily
*12:45-12:55 Bathroom break, handwashing, prepare for snack or lunch
*12:55-1:20 Snack or lunch, story time, table manners, communication skills, post-meal clean-up jobs
*1:20-1:45 Puzzles, games, handwriting skills (daily), center activities, exploring concepts, art, science (activities vary by day)
*1:45-2:00 Large motor room structured movement, free exploration and music and movement time. Outdoor play if possible
*2:00-2:20 Bathroom break, handwashing, supervised free play, dramatic play, social interaction skills, sensory play
*2:20-2:30 Clean-up, ending carpet meeting, Get ready for dismissal
*NOTE:
For the 9:00-11AM Pre-K Friday class and 12:00-2:00 Pre K Friday class, all schedules will be as above with slight adjustments.
*We will go outside weather permitting. We will not go outside if the temperature is below 20 degrees or over 90 degrees F. Children should bring appropriate cold weather clothing.
*Please bring your child to the classroom entrance room and assist them with hanging belongings on their designated hook and change snow boots to shoes for the classroom during the winter months. Thank you for helping to keep our classroom clean and dry!
Tuition/Fees And Payment Policies
We offer a monthly, or yearly tuition payment option. Preschool tuition is the cost for the entire 9 month school year broken down into these payment options. Please note that each month of the year will have a different number of school days.
Jump Start Preschool will follow our own enclosed schedule for the school year. Any snow days will follow the Chardon Local school schedule. No reimbursements are available for sick days, inclement weather/snow days or breaks and vacations. Please stay tuned to local Channels 3, and 8 for school closings. We will notify you via email and Class Tag as well for any days we will be closed for emergency weather.
*A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of enrollment. This is for each child enrolled. A child is not considered enrolled until the registration fee is received.
*First Payment is due September 1st. Every 1st of the month from the months September – May equalling 9 payments over 9 months.
*Tuition invoices will be sent out monthly via Email. (which can be paid electronically)
*Monthly auto-pay is available.
*All payments can be made via invoice from Jump Start, the Jump Start website, or the tuition box located in the classroom.
*If payment is not made by the first day of the month, a $20 late fee will be applied to your balance.
*A $30 fee will be charged for all returned checks due to insufficient funds and the parents will be required to pay in cash until the balances are settled.
*The Federal Tax I.D. number (EIN) for Jump Start Preschool is available upon request.
*Please notify us of any vacations that will affect your child’s attendance so we can plan for any make-up work or projects. Sorry no refunds or credits are given for vacation days.
*Late Pick-up policy: We understand circumstances beyond your control are possible that delay pick-up. We request that you call the school and notify us of the delay. We want to ensure your child feels comfortable knowing they have not been forgotten.
*Withdrawls: A parent wanting to withdraw their child(ren) from the program may do so at any time. A one week notice in writing is appreciated.
CLASS MONTHLY YEARLY
Preschool – $155.00 $1,395.00
Pre-K – $200.00 $1,800.00
Parent Participation/ Separation Policy
Parent involvement is so important to your child’s success all through school. Parent involvement is highly encouraged. We are always available to talk, help with recommendations and problem solve with you. Due to recent state mandate changes, any parent who wants to sign up for regularly scheduled preschool helper dates must be background checked and fingerprinted following ODJFS guidelines. Parents who want to come for special occasion events are welcome without the mentioned checks. A special occasion is defined as a classroom event, field trips, birthday or class party where you can sign up and join us for the class duration. We ask to have no in-class parent volunteers until the end of October (exceptions can be made if necessary) The reason for this policy is in the best interest of fostering a successful separation period. We want them to become secure with drop off and build confidence and comfort with our class duration.Separation can be difficult for some children and for some parents as well. Our teachers are very experienced in helping families learn to depart with confidence. Most children who display separation distress will calm down quickly. We will keep in communication with you on the progress of all difficult separation times. If a child is having an unusually hard time, we will develop a plan with the parent or caregiver that will be a good fit for the family and preschool. Some suggestions to consider:
Parent Questions or Concerns
Please feel free to bring up any questions or concerns as they arise. Small issues can turn bigger if they are not addressed promptly. Our staff understands the delicacy of your trust in us to care for your little ones. We are committed to creating and fostering a trusting relationship with good open communication.
If you should ever have any questions or concerns, we advise you to speak with the owner/ administrator, Nadina at 440-552-8527.
Supervision Policies and Procedures
A major responsibility of our staff is to ensure the health and safety of each child entrusted in our care. Our teachers are alert to the safety needs of the children, anticipate possible hazards and take necessary precautionary and preventive measures .
Safety Policy
Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to us. As teachers, we are responsible for the safety of your child and will do everything to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience at Jump Start Preschool. All lead teachers have a minimum of bachelor’s degree in early childhood or related field. All teachers are trained in CPR, First Aid, Communicable Disease Awareness and Child Abuse Recognition as well as other continuing education classes yearly.
The following is a list of some important aspects of our safety policy:
Child Abuse Reporting: All staff members are mandated reporters of child abuse. If staff have suspicions that a child is being abused or neglected, they MUST make a report to the local child protective services agency. The safety of all children is always of utmost concern.
Transportation of Children: Jump Start Preschool will not personally transport children in an emergency situation. If transportation is needed, the parent or emergency squad will be called to provide transportation. We can not accept your child into our program if the parent refuses to consent to emergency transportation via ambulance. We will not be providing transportation in the event of field trips. If a field trip does occur, the parent of the child will be expected to provide transportation to and from the event.
Child Guidance Policy
Discipline means teaching appropriate behavior and self-control through instruction and practice. At Jump Start Preschool, this will be done in a positive manner through patient, calm caring communication and demonstration and guidance of what is expected and appropriate.
Communicable Disease Policy
We want to keep our classroom as clean and healthy as possible for our little ones!
All toys and surfaces will be cleaned on a regular basis. All teachers are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of communicable diseases and we are trained in proper hand washing and disinfecting procedures. We will take special precautions to ensure your child’s well being.
*Please do not send your child to school if they have had a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea within 24 hours of your class start time.
*All children will be observed daily for any signs or symptoms of illness. If a child becomes ill at school, we will proceed with a plan of action to isolate the child to a designated cot, he or she will be monitored closely as a staff member will remain within sight and hearing of them at all times, they will be made comfortable with a blanket and the parents will be immediately notified for pick-up. The cot and all linens will be washed and sanitized before being used again. Parents will be notified by a sign on the bulletin board above the mailbox cart if your children have been exposed to a communicable disease.
Symptoms that will warrant isolation and pick-up
Jump Start will follow the Ohio Department Of Health “Child Daycare Communicable Disease Chart” for the appropriate management of the suspected illness. The chart is located on the wall of the entrance way near the boys restroom.
If your child becomes ill with a communicable disease or condition (some common ones are strep throat, pink eye… or any other ) Please notify the administrator as soon as possible so we can take steps to minimize the spread of the condition within the classroom.
Returning to School
Your child must be free from signs and symptoms listed above and be 24 hours fever free before returning to school. They must be free from diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. Pink eye, strep throat and other conditions being treated with medication; they may return to school 24 hours after the first dose given. If your child has been vomiting, they may return to school after it has been resolved and they are free from vomiting for 24 hours. If they are not symptom free, a doctor’s note must be sent in stating they are not contagious. If a child has lice they may return after the first treatment has been given, a statement from a physician verifying that the child is now free from lice must be obtained before the child returns to school.
If a staff member has an illness, he or she will be free from any communicable disease before returning to work.
If your child becomes mildly ill at school, (cold symptoms or not feeling well enough to participate in activities) The teacher and administrator will observe them for worsening conditions and the parent will be notified upon pick-up.
If your child will miss class, please call and notify us that he or she will be home for the day.
Emergency Medications
Our policy is that no medication or topical ointment including sunscreen will be administered by staff with the exception of an Epi-pen, allergy, asthma or other special health condition medication needed. All medications must be in a sealed original container original prescription box with all instructions visible. with the complete administration instructions on the package and the expiration date. Parents must complete proper forms for the distribution of medication for emergencies and have it signed by a physician. Parents and staff will meet and discuss the symptoms signs, administration, usage and documentation of any medication.
Please administer any medications, ointments, and sunscreen prior to drop off! We appreciate your cooperation for the short duration of our class times.
* Jump Start Preschool will not accept children in our program without immunization records or exemption on file.
Accidents/ Emergencies
Jump Start Preschool has devised several procedures to follow in the event that an emergency would occur while children are in our care. In the event of a fire or tornado, staff would follow the written instructions posted in the classroom, describing emergency evacuation routes and the procedures to follow to assure that children have arrived and are all accounted for at the designated spot. In order to prepare the children for an unlikely emergency or evacuation, our preschool does conduct monthly fire drills and periodic tornado drills. Should we need to evacuate the immediate area due to fire or weather conditions, or loss of power, heat or water to our school, our emergency destination is the Munson Fire Department for Chardon and the Burton Fire department for our Burton campus. The children would be transported by emergency vehicles and all parents would immediately be notified by phone ( or the next person on the child’s emergency contact list if the parent can not be reached) and a sign would be posted on the main entrance door of the preschool indicating the location to be reunited with your child.
In the unlikely event of an environmental threat or threat of violence, the staff will secure the children in the safest place possible, contact and follow the directions given by the proper authorities and contact the parents as soon as the situation allows. An incident report to the parents would follow after any incident.
There is always at least one staff member present who has updated training in CPR, First aid, Communicable disease and Child abuse recognition. In the case of a minor accident or injury, staff would administer any needed first aid and a lot of TLC. If the injury was more serious, first aid would be given and the parents will be contacted to assist in determining the appropriate course of action. If an injury is deemed to be very serious or life threatening, EMS will be notified immediately, parents will be notified and a staff member will accompany the child to the hospital with all available medical files. Staff may not transport children in their vehicles. Only parents or EMS will be permitted to. An incident/injury report will be completed in every case.
Other emergency phone numbers including AMBULANCE 911, Fire Department 911, Geauga Hospital, poison control, children’s protective services, and the police are also located on the wall by the computer.
A Few Last Important Things
Outdoor Play
Research has shown that children stay healthier when they have outdoor play time. Based on this information and state requirements, we will go outside daily if the weather is cooperating. Some days we may be on the patio area and other days on the playground or even sled riding in the backyard! We will not go out if the temperature is below 20 degrees, it is raining, or over 90 degrees. Please always include appropriate outdoor gear! Please apply sunscreen at home if needed as we can not administer any topical ointments. If the weather is such that outdoor play is not possible, Indoor movement will be provided in the large motor room.
Birthdays
Birthdays are a fun and exciting part of your child’s life! We want to make sure your child feels special and loved on his or her birthday. We will have them be the special helper and have celebratory activities and songs, stickers, crowns and more! If you choose, you may have your child bring a special book or item from home, a parent, grandparent or guardian may attend class the day of your child’s celebration. Treats may be brought in but please check with us first so we can address any allergies or special circumstances. If your child has a summer birthday, we will choose a special day for them to celebrate during the school year! In consideration of each child’s feelings, please send outside birthday invitations by mail rather than passing them out at school.
Snacks
Learning to eat in a social setting, with good manners and making table conversation and opening items are all important skills to learn. For this reason, we will have snack time for each class. We ask that you provide a daily nut-free snack with your child. Please be sure the snacks are nutritious and are in a lunchbox or bag, clearly marked with your child’s name. Please also send a clearly marked water bottle daily.
We will have supplemental extra snacks on hand at all times in case anyone forgets!
Tree Nut and Peanut Aware Zone
Our classroom will be a peanut and tree nut aware zone. Nut allergies can be life threatening for some children. Please be aware we MAY have to ask that you do not send food containing nuts. We will also provide a nut-free table and immediate handwashing following snacks if we have a child in the class with a known nut allergy.
Allergies
If your child has ANY allergies, dietary restriction or is restricted from any type of food due to religious beliefs, please notify the administrator prior to the first day of school. If your child requires a modified diet plan, please make us aware and we will provide a form to record all dietary needs. This plan will be reviewed with all staff members.
School Closings
Jump Start Preschool will follow our own enclosed schedule for the school year. Any snow days will follow the Chardon Local School schedule. Sorry, no reimbursements are available for sick days, inclement weather/snow days or breaks and vacations.
Photo Release
Parent permission release must be signed before any child can be videotaped or photographed for any parent communication or in use for publications. A Photo release form was included with your online registration paperwork and can be easily accessible on our website under LINKS>MY DOCUMENTS. If you did not get one, please ask and we will get it to you! We require that all families accept the private invitation only application photo/video option but may opt out of social media and or website publication in writing.
Restroom Breaks
Please take your child to the restroom upon arriving at school to wash hands. We will take a restroom break and enforce handwashing before class begins, before and after snack and at the end of the class session. Thanks for helping to keep everyone healthy!
Field Trips
We are hoping to include a couple of field trips throughout the year! All field trips will require parents or approved alternate caregiver to transport your children and parents are encouraged to stay with us for the duration of the event. In the event of a field trip, a count will be taken of all children in attendance before departing the school, or if we meet at the location, a count will be taken upon arrival at the location. All names will be marked on an attendance sheet created especially for the trip. Each child will be given a special tag to easily identify who belongs with Jump Start Preschool. Any names or personal information will be on the inside of the tags to secure privacy and safety of each child’s identity. During the duration of the field trip, each staff member will have a designated list of names of the children they are directly responsible for. Parents will be encouraged to stay at the field trip but they may drop off and pick up if they choose. Upon departure of the field trip and arrival back to the preschool if applicable, the same procedure as arrival will take place to track attendance. Before any child participates in any field trip, written permission will be obtained from the parent or guardian. More information will follow and we will allow plenty of time to make arrangements for any parents unable to attend. Thank you for understanding!
Swimming Information
Jump Start Preschool will not participate in any swimming or water activities that include water 18 inches or more.
Before/After School/Evening/Overnight Care
Jump Start preschool does not provide any before or after school, evening or overnight care.
Napping/Resting Policy
There will be no nap or rest time scheduled into our short class periods. We will encourage any child in need of quiet time to sit in a provided area with a book or quiet activity.
Orientation/ Assessments and Conferences
An optional parent informational orientation will take place in August. (Please see attached calendar for dates). There will also be two conferences each school year that take place in October and April to individually assess each child’s academic needs and progress in the program. You will be able to sign up for a time slot for your conference. (Please see attached calendar for dates. Assessments will take place prior to your child’s conference. We will assess a range of basic skills that apply to children of the same age as your child. The findings will be recorded and discussed with you at your conference. At that time, the parents and teacher will determine if the child level data findings should be shared with ODJFS pursuant to 5101:2-17-02 of the Administrative Code. This will determine if other resources are appropriate for the child.
We will independently determine and announce any snow days. Please listen to the local weather for school closings. Jump Start will be on WKYC channel 3 and Fox 8 news for any closures. I will post it on our blog at jumpstartpreschool.net as well. Sorry but no reimbursements, make-up days or refunds are given for snow days or other circumstances that necessitate a school closing such as no electricity, heat, running water, severe weather, natural disaster or unforeseen circumstances.
Additional Licensing Information
Copied from ODJFS Rule 5101:2-12-07 Appendix C
Center Parent Information
The center is licensed to operate legally by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. This license is posted in a noticeable place for review.
A toll-free telephone number is listed on the center’s license and may be used to report a suspected violation of the licensing law or administrative rules. The licensing rules governing child care are available for review at the center.
The administrator and each employee of the center is required, under Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, to report their suspicions of child abuse or child neglect to the local public children’s services agency.
Any parent of a child enrolled in the center shall be permitted unlimited access to the center during all hours of operation for the purpose of contacting their children, evaluating the care provided by the center or evaluating the premises. Upon entering the premises, the parent, or guardian shall notify the Administrator of his/her presence.
The administrator’s hours of availability and child/staff ratios are posted in a noticeable place in the center for review.
The licensing record, including licensing inspection reports, complaint investigation reports, and evaluation forms from the building and fire departments, is available for review upon written request from the Ohio department of job and family services.
It is unlawful for the center to discriminate in the enrollment of children upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin or disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 104 Stat. 32, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.
For more information about child care licensing requirements as well as how to apply for child care assistance, Medicaid health screenings and early intervention services for your child, please visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/families.stm
11519 Wilson Mills Rd. Chardon, Ohio 44024 and 13724 Carlton St, Burton, OH 44021
(440) 552-8527