PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The program at Pussywillow Preschool is designed to meet the individual social, emotional, cognitive and physical
developmental needs of the children.
The Early Childhood Educators set individual goals and objectives for each and every child. The program is designed
to developmentally stimulate and challenge on an individual basis and allow each and every child to experience success
for their efforts. Cognitive development will be presented indirectly during circle activities and art, science and theme
activities. Children learn through play, working with this philosophy children work towards and/or master skills that give
them the readiness to move on from the preschool experience with a sense of self-direction, initiative, confidence and
self-esteem.The themes at Pussywillow Preschool change every two weeks. All circle time activities, stories, special art activities
and special free-play activities revolve around the current theme.
3 YEAR OLD PROGRAM
Emphasis is on Social and Emotional Development
In a Group Setting Children Learn to Follow Directions
Within a Safe, Nurturing Environment, Children Learn to
Express Their Needs and Interests in a Group Setting.
4 YEAR OLD PROGRAM
Children Develop Interests in all Aspects of the Program.
Children Further Develop and Practice Problem Solving Skills.
Attention Span, Short-term and Long-term Memory , Creative Thinking, Pre-math and Pre-reading Skills
are Developmental Objectives and Goals.
RULES OF THE PRESCHOOL
Pussywillow Preschool Emphasizes a Mutual Respect Environment
Please reinforce our 3 basic rules with your child
No hurting yourself...No hurting your friends...No hurting the toys
SPECIAL EVENTS
MONDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY CLASSES
Seasonal Fun Days
Christmas Play and Santa Visit
Little Scientist Program
Year End Picnic At Gyro Park
Graduation DayTUESDAY THURSDAY CLASSES
Seasonal Fun Days
Santa Visit
Afternoon Class - Little Scientist Program
Year End Picnic at Gyro Park
All children moving on to kindergarten will be involved in Graduation Day.
PROGRAM DETAILS
NEWSLETTERS
A school calendar will be sent home in September and newsletters will be sent home on a regular basis to keep
parents informed of all upcoming events.MISSED NOTICES
Please familiarize yourself with the Plexiglas holder situated on top of the cubbies below the bulletin board. If your
child has been absent please look for notices labeled with your child's name.
SNACKPLEASE LABEL YOUR CHILD'S SNACK BAG AND PRESCHOOL CUP
Each child brings a nutritious snack from home and a empty cup (no lids or straw/lid cups please). The children will
be served filtered water at snack time. Please send your child with ready to eat food - for example: oranges peeled
or cut into pieces, if your child prefers her apple cut up please do that at home, a cut in the end of a banana peel or
a snip with the scissors in prepackaged items before putting them in the snack bag allows your child to use self-help
skills at the snack table. Some snack suggestions - raw vegetables, fruit, cheese and crackers, part sandwiches. To
avoid spills and waste, please send 'yogurt in the tube' instead of 'cup and spoon yogurt'.
Please no cookies, pudding in a can, chocolate covered granola bars or fun fruits.OPEN SNACK
Children have the snack table available to them from 9:45 until 10:30 a.m. (12:45 until 1:30 p.m.). With every child
on different breakfast and lunch schedules we find this flexibility meets the needs of all the children. When children
want snack they incorporate it into their freeplay.
Open snack creates opportunities for different social groups to interact and self-initiation skills to develop.SHARED SNACK
On special event days, to avoid too much food and waste, on a rotation basis up to 5 families in each class will be
asked to bring specific foods.
A note will come home in your child's lunch bag if it is your turn.Our nutrition rule does not apply on shared snack days.
PLEASE NOTE... snack bags and cups are not required.
INDIVIDUAL ALLERGIES WILL BE RECOGNIZED
SHARING DAYS
Check the school calendar for exceptions, but generally the last school day of every month will be sharing day. Every
child is to bring an item from home to 'share' on this day. No superheros please or any items that have any relationship
to violence. Toys that include many/small pieces are not recommended as such pieces are easily lost in the playroom;
also breakable keepsakes are not recommended. Live pets are welcome, they will be 'shared' first to allow parents to
take them home once their child has had their turn sharing information. There is two parts to 'sharing': each child shares information about their item at circle time (language development); and during freeplay, with their friends, children will
enjoy playing with the toys they bring (social development). Children are to bring items to welcoming circle time and
parents collect items from cubbies at going home time.Often children find nature items as the seasons change, such items can be brought to preschool at anytime, these 'sharing'
items are included in our day-to-day welcoming circle.
SPECIAL HELPERS
Upon arrival your child will know if it is their special helper day. On a rotation basis, every session 2 children will find a
special kitty charm hanging on their cubby hook - these children will be our special helpers for the day. Special helpers
hang the kitty charm around their necks before coming to welcoming circle. Throughout the session special helpers will
use the magic wands, enjoy special activities at circle time and be 'leaders' for the day.
Please note the start date for 'special helpers' is January for the Tuesday/Thursday morning class and September/October
for the Tuesday/Thursday afternoon class and Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes.
BIRTHDAYS
If you would like us to celebrate your child's birthday at preschool, on that day we ask that you send in a small treat for
each child. The children will be eating the treats in addition to their own snacks.
In consideration of all children's feelings please avoid handing out birthday invitations to children at preschool. If parents
wish, the teachers will take the invitations and put them in the required snack bags/back packs.
NO CUPCAKES OR CAKES PLEASE...
to avoid waste...in most cases icing is gobbled up and little else...Some suggestions are donut holes, cookies, flat round arrowroot cookies, iced and decorated with a few Smarties,
scoops of ice cream or Jell-O in plastic cups and plastic spoons.
FIELD TRIPS
Our preschool session will begin and end at the field trip site. Please note the average length of a field trip involves a
one hour tour plus traveling time. Every effort is made to consider pickup schedules of older siblings. It will be the
responsibility of the parent to drop off and pick up their child at the field trip location. If this is not possible please
connect with another parent in you class to transport your child to and from the field trip or ask the teachers for names
of parents willing to drive.FIELD TRIPS ARE CONSIDERED A PRESCHOOL SESSION THEREFORE SMOKING IS STRICTLY
PROHIBITED ON ANY FIELD TRIP SITE, INCLUDING THE PARKING AREA.
PLEASE NOTE SMOKING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED ON THE PREMISES OF THE PRESCHOOL,
INCLUDING THE PARKING AREA.
PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNIQUÉS
November Parent Evening Format
Helping Teachers to Set Goals...
We Would Appreciate Parent Response to a Couple of Prepared Questions to Help us Understand Your Child's
Uniqueness.
Safety Check...
Emergency Cards
Parent Resources...
Catch a Few Frames of a Great Video
Scan a Selection of Books and Resource Sheets
Playroom Tour...
Signs Throughout the Playroom
Give Information about the Developmental Purpose of the Activity Centres
5 Minute One on One Talks...
Teacher and Parent
About Your Child
Volunteer ListPlease know the teachers are only a phone call away if you have any concern, thoughts or ideas you would like to share...parents and teachers working together will ensure each child the very best positive preschool experience. Every
child will have issues to work through within the group, after you have listened to and acknowledged your child's feelings
with regards to a preschool issue, always bring your child to talk with the teachers about the situation that has caused
the child concern. Following these steps provides an excellent problem solving model. The fundamental skill of
expression and listening during problem solving is so important for self and mutual respect and at all developmental
levels it is given emphasis throughout the programs at Pussywillow Preschool...situations at preschool involving your
child need to be solved at preschool with teachers and parents together providing support.Please keep in mind that often there may be an opening for communication between parents and teacher at the
beginning of each preschool session, in the case of the classes with two teachers, only one teacher is involved with the
opening portion of the circle and in the case of the class or classes with one teacher, the children on occasion enjoy
beginning with a taped story or musical fun.
FIRE DRILLS
Safety is an important factor of the program. Fire drills will be practiced and the Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes
may be introduced to earthquake precautions if the teachers feel that the individual groups as a whole would feel
comfortable with a carefully prepared non-threatening introduction.
CARPOOLING
Please ensure the 'driver of the day' passes on preschool messages.
ABSENTEES
Please phone the preschool and leave a message if your child will be absent. Inform the school immediately regarding
any communicable diseases.In the event of the absence of a teacher, a qualified assistant will substitute.
FOOTWEAR
STARTING IN OCTOBER
Please leave outdoor shoes in cubbies...indoor shoes should be put on before the children come to circle. Due to
limited storage space we ask that inside footwear accompany the children to and from school every day...we
appreciate your cooperation.
OUTDOORS
GRAVELED PLAYGROUND
Children must not venture out of the enclosed area to greet arriving parents. Teachers and children may enjoy games
and activities on the grassy area, however as parents arrive, for safety purposes, children will be kept within the
graveled area.YOUNGER SIBLINGS
Please do not allow them to stray from you on the playground. This part of the program is to allow the preschoolers
freedom on the playground to develop their large muscle skills and it is unsafe to allow toddlers to mingle without the
undivided attention and hands-on supervision of their parents. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring safety for
everyone.
HOMEWARD BOUND
If parents arrive early at pickup time and head towards the playground please join us on the graveled area rather than
stand and watch from the side of the building. Following this procedure the children are not tempted to leave the
graveled playground area.
The teachers will take the children back indoor, via the playground door, to prepare for going home. Parents are asked
to return to the parking lot and use the front door to collect their children. If parents arrive early to pick up their children
while we are out on the playground, please come around to the playground door as we lock the parking lot/front door
while we have the children on the playground. Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to maintain a high standard
of safety for the children.
GOING HOME PROCEDUREChildren will be seated at the tables and will remain seated until adults come over to the tables and collect them. Adults
please collect back packs, etc. from cubbies and pictures from benches and when necessary, drying surfaces before
connecting with the children seated at the tables. Parents please help the children learn this routine - it can be confusing
with so many people coming and going at the same time - following the routine allows for a safe and enjoyable transition.
PLEASE DO NOT COLLECT CHILDREN FROM TABLES AND HAVE THEM IDENTIFY THEIR OWN
ART WORK ON THE BENCHES...AS ULTIMATELY WE WANT TO AVOID THE CONFUSION OF A
TRAFFIC JAM AND MOST IMPORTANTLY A SMOOTH TRANSITION ALLOWS THE TEACHERS TO
KEEP CAREFUL WATCH THAT CHILDREN DO NOT GET SEPARATED FROM THEIR ADULTS WHEN LEAVING THE BUILDING.
RELEASING CHILDRENYour child will only be released to people named on the registration form. However if it is necessary to add a name to
the list the parent who signed the registration form is required to phone the preschool with the necessary information and
provide a hand delivered note with their signature.
SCHOOL CLOSURE
Public school holidays (including the winter and spring break), district wide discretionary days and closure due to
safety conditions (including snow closure) shall be observed. There will be no adjustment in fees for any closures listed.
BITS AND PIECES
Please provide a recent photograph of your child. Both parents and children enjoy the picture gallery for each class.
Please Note Class TimesMorning Classes
9:15 until 11:30
Afternoon Classes
12:15 until 2:30To allow the teachers preparation time for all classes, the preschool doors will be opened at 9:15 and 12:15 to
welcome the children and parents. Please make every effort to arrive on time as welcoming circle is an important
part of our program and the children know they have missed something if they arrive after circle time begins. As well,
please provide prompt pickup for your child at 11:30 and 2:30. Children easily become anxious when parents are
late picking up.
9:15 (12:15)
Welcoming Circle
Little Scientist Program beginning in the New Year
"
9:40 (12:40)
Freeplay and Art Activities/Theme Related Activities
Open Snack
"
10:45 (1:45)
Cleanup Time
"
10:55 (1:55)
Outdoor Play...Weather Permitting
Large Muscle Indoor Play or Group Playdough Activities
"
11:15 (2:15)
Story/Circle Time(Please note Outdoor Play and Story Time are interchangeable)
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The preschool program's objective is to provide children with a caring, nurturing, stimulating environment which
affords them the opportunity to learn through play with age appropriate guidelines in place. The Early Childhood
Educators maintain the role of facilitators and provide an ultimate standard of safety as well as a link between home
and preschool.
At all times guidance will be positive, clear and consistent taking into consideration individual needs of the children.
Redirection and choices will be the crux of the discipline policy at Pussywillow Preschool when it becomes necessary
for the teachers to initiate behaviour changes due to the social/emotional needs of individuals and the group.
PROGRAM EXAMPLES
PAINTING
Marble
Water Colours
Tempra
Q-Tip
Duplo
Sponge
Toothbrush
Finger
Food Colouring
Stencils
Raindrop
Vegetable
Kitchen Utensils
Cork
Strawberry Baskets
Rollers
3-D
Christmas Trees
Teddy Bear Wagons
Christmas Candles
Chinese New Year Dragon
Daffodils
Bird Feeder
Ralph the Bird
Leprechaun Ladders
Easter Eggs
Dinosaur Digs
Bumble Bees
GROUP
Seasonal Murals
Field Trip Thank you Posters
SCIENCE EXPERIENCES
Summer Treasures
Seasonal Finds
Tree Discovery Box
Colour Clowns
Winter Tracks
Ice Castles
Tornado Bottles
Taste and Sniff Trays
Feel and Guess Socks
Seed Match
Crystals
Rubber Eggs
Roots and Shoots
Numbered Rock Collection
Flowers Changing Colours
Growing Sunflowers
Insects and Spider Collection
Magnet and Fish Activities
IMAGINATION STATION
Pumpkin Patch
Fairytale Castle
3 Little Bears & Goldilocks
Valentine Candy Shop
Bakery
Pizza Shop
Veterinarian Hospital
Flower Shop
Post Office
Ice cream Shop
GLUING
Size of surface to be covered allows for variation of time and effort involved. Cognitive focus varies, tactile experience
varies, fine muscle development varies due to colours, texture, size, shape, 3-D objects, number of choices and cutting
practice.
ENROLLMENT1. Enrollment form, registration fee and postdated cheques must be received before a child may attend classes.
2. To enroll in the three year old program, the child shall be three years of age by December 31st of the current school
year.
3. To enroll in the four year old program, the child shall be four years of age by December 31st of the current school
year.
4. A 10% reduction will be given to families with two children attending the preschool and a 15% reduction will be
given to families with three children attending the preschool.
5. An annual registration fee will be required from each preschool family.
6. Families enrolling from the lst to the 15th of each month shall pay a full month's fee. Families joining after the 15th
of each month shall pay 1/2 month's fee...excluding the month of September. 1/2 month's fee will be determined by
the number of sessions in September.
7. There will be no refund of fees for any preschool days absent or missed due to sickness or family holidays. Full fees
are required to guarantee the child's place in the class for any length of absence.
8. Monthly tuition fees shall be paid by postdated cheques dated from September 1 to June l of the following year and
are due upon registration.
9. Any fees that are returned from the bank Non-Sufficient Funds need to be paid in cash and an additional $10 service
charge is to be included.
10. Any fees that are not received before the lst of the month need to be paid in cash.
11. Notification of withdrawal of a child from the Preschool shall be made in writing one month in advance, or one
month's tuition fee shall be paid in lieu of notice. Notice shall be given on the first of the month. March 1st is the
deadline for notification of withdrawal for the current school year.
12. All fees for the current preschool year must be paid in full by June 1st.
Thank you for visiting our site.
