Program Overview

It is the philosophy of St. Gertrude's Preschool that early childhood should be a
time of fun, warmth, security, exploration, and discovery.  Preschool children are
creative and receptive.  The staff strives to nurture and encourage these
qualities in the children who attend.

Pick-Up and Delivery of Children

No child is to be brought to the preschool more than 15 minutes before class
begins, nor picked up more than 15 minutes after class ends.  If a child is left
beyond those limits with no previous arrangements made, a babysitting fee will
be assessed when the child is picked up.

For safety's sake, the parent is responsible for staying with and supervising
his/her child until the child is signed in the classroom.  After the child is signed
out, the parent is responsible for supervision and safety in the building.

Parents must hold his/her child's hand walking from the car to the school and
from the school to the car.  This is a very important rule.  Parking lots are very
dangerous.  Please do not leave any children in the car unattended.

Signing In and Signing Out

For the safety of your child, we need your cooperation with this procedure.  
Please make sure you initial the Sign In/Sign Out book every time!  If another
person is picking up your child, we must have written permission from you.

Health and Safety

All health forms need to be on file for your child to attend preschool by law.  No
child who arrives at the preschool noticeably ill, with a rash or fever, will be
admitted for that day.  Should a child become ill during the day, the parent is
notified immediately.  The child is taken to the Director's office and remains
there until the parent arrives to take the child home.

Dress Code

Children need to wear play clothes and rubber-soled shoes to school.  The
child's name should be placed on all outdoor clothing and other belongings to
help ensure the return of all proper possessions.  Special preschool logo
T-Shirts are distributed at Parent Night. The staff encourages the children to
wear their T-shirts on all field trips.

Snack Time

Parents take turns in providing snacks for the whole class.  We discourage very
sweet or fatty snacks such as candy, chocolate, cookies, potato chips, cheese
doodles, etc.  Please send simple, nutritious snacks such as crackers, plain
cookies, dried fruit, etc.  Discuss your snack choices with the teacher.

Calendars

Calendars are sent home monthly.  Please read and look over the calendar
each month.  Much information is provided in them that you may not find
elsewhere.

Communication Between Home and School

Teachers are always interested in talking with you about your child.  Although
their time is limited before and after class, they will be happy to set up an
appointment for a conference.

Always feel free to contact the Director of the preschool.  We want to work with
you to make the experience of preschool a pleasant and meaningful one for
everyone involved.

Attendance

Attendance records are kept on all children daily.  Please use the sign in and
out sheets located outside the classrooms.  This will acknowledge your dropping
off and picking up of your child.  Also, if your child will be out sick, please call the
office to let us know.

Sickness

Any child who is ill or has a severe runny nose will not be allowed in school.  
Please ensure the health of all other students and our staff by not sending your
child to school ill.  If you suspect your child may be ill, please keep him or her
home.

School Closings

Occasionally we are forced to close school due to inclement weather.  You will
be notified by phone and/or e-mail if the school is closed.  Calls will be made as
early as 7:30am.  There will also be a message on the website's home page.  
Also, if you hear that "Locust Valley Schools" are closed, that means we are
closed too!

Tuition Payments

All tuition payments are due the first of each month beginning September 1st.  
Any tuition received after the 15th of the month will be subject to a $15 late
charge.  Tuition payments may be mailed or dropped off at the office.

Tuition is divided into 10 payments.  The first payment is a security deposit.  The
remaining 9 payments are paid from 9/1 to 5/1.  A 10% second child discount will
be applied to the second child's tuition.

A non-refundable registration fee of $100 is due at the time of registration.  This
payment holds your child's enrollment.

The aforementioned first payment security deposit is due no later than May 15th
or by July 1st for new registrations.  This payment secures your child's
enrollment.