Little Trojans Preschool

Handbook

2021/2022

1
 PROGRAM OVERVIEW / PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

At Little Trojans Preschool, we believe that pretend play carries the greatest power
to support a child's development. As your child's teachers, and partners in learning, we
have a central role in your child's play experiences. We know that the skills learned
through play help set the foundation children need for later academic and life success.
We believe that children develop emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially and
that these areas of development are equally important and affect one another. Based
on these beliefs, we provide opportunities for children to develop in all developmental
domains through interactions individually, with the teacher, other children, and with
materials.

The Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies is used in our classrooms; it's a way to
improve child outcomes through effective teaching. The Creative Curriculum has five
components: Adult-child relationships, social-emotional competence, purposeful play,
interacting with the environment, & partnerships with families. This curriculum is
forward-thinking, comprehensive, research-based, and research-proven that helps
teachers to be their most effective, while still honoring their creativity and
respecting their critical role in making learning exciting and relevant for every child.
As the early childhood education field has evolved, so too has The Creative Curriculum,
which incorporates the latest research and best practices and takes the needs of
every type of learner into account.

We begin the year using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) to screen your child
and give us a starting point in respect to their developmental levels. Parents are the
best source of information about their child and are involved in filling out this
questionnaire. Additionally, throughout the year, an ongoing observational assessment
tool, Teaching Strategies GOLD, is used to assess your child's growth and
development. Using Teaching Strategies GOLD, each child is assessed on their
development and learning. These assessments are used to guide instructional
strategies by the teaching staff and shared with families at conferences, home visits,
and via online participation.

We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and strive to
enhance parent knowledge about child development, the specific development of their
child, and any relevant local resources available. Parents are always welcome in our
program, and we encourage parent involvement in their child's schooling.

The quality of our program is assessed annually, and a program evaluation tool is used
to evaluate and guide program improvements systematically.

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 CHILD RECRUITMENT/ADMISSION POLICY

Tuition-free preschool applications are completed with parents and a recruitment

specialist. GSRP preschool applications, including income and other eligibility
factors, are collected. Each child is then placed on a list of applicants based on
eligibility factors. Those with the highest eligibility factors are granted
enrollment first. Children are placed in a program based on parent choices and
family needs.

Our GSRP Classroom serves children that are 4-years-old by September 1 of the
current school year. Per a state provision, a child that turns 4-years-old by
December 1 may also be enrolled.

**Children who have reached 33 months of age may, when developmentally

appropriate, be enrolled at Little Trojans Preschool with written parental
permission.

Before a child can begin enrollment at Little Trojans Preschool, the following
documents must be completed, submitted, and on file at the program: current
immunization records, a child information card, and written documentation that the
parent received the written information packet (this handbook). Additionally,
within 30 days of initial attendance, a physical evaluation performed within the
preceding year and signed by a licensed health care provider with any restrictions
noted must be on file for each child enrolled.

CALENDAR AND DAILY SCHEDULE

Enclosed in this handbook, you will find a copy of our school calendar along with a
copy of our daily schedule. In our classroom, we use a visual version of this
schedule to communicate the flow of the day. This visual schedule allows students
to plan for their day while giving them ownership of tasks as they are completed.
Upon completion of a task, students place an "all done" check mark up to show that
our day is moving along. Parents are encouraged to post our school calendar at
home for future reference.

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 FOOD SERVICE & NUTRITION

Good nutrition is a leading contributor to each child's well-being and life-long

healthy eating habits. Little Trojans Preschool participates in the National School
Lunch Program (NSLP), and serves food that meets (or exceeds) nutritional
guidelines recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the
NSLP, Child Care Licensing Services Guidelines (through the Department of
Consumer and Industry Services, Bureau of Regulatory Services), effective
January 2014, require children who attend child care centers for 4 to 6 hours to
be provided with a meal and a snack furnished at the center. Please confirm our
daily lunch and snack times on the included daily schedule. Snack times may vary
slightly, but lunch is consistently served at the same time each day. Monthly menus
will be planned and posted on our classroom bulletin board, shared via social media,
and a copy will be placed in each child's locker. Any food substitutions will be
shared with families ahead of time and documented on menus posted in your child's
classroom. We will ensure that any child with special dietary needs is provided with
snacks and meals in accordance with the child's needs and with the instructions of
the child's parent or licensed health care provider. We encourage mindful eating
habits and avoid added sugar in snack choices as much as possible. Any food
allergies and sensitivities will be shared with families before the school year
begins. Please notify us if your child has any special dietary needs.

Also, we ask that families keep candy, gum, and pop out of the classroom and that
all foods offered on the school campus will meet or exceed the USDA Smart
Snacks in School and state nutrition standards.

WITHDRAWAL & EXCLUSION POLICY

Children must not be excluded or expelled because of the need for additional
developmental, medical or behavioral support, assistance with toileting, or staff
attitudes and/or apprehensions.

If you wish to withdraw your child from the program, please let us know promptly
so we can provide support to you and your child during the transition.

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 REFERRAL POLICY

Little Trojans Preschool maintains information regarding resources to assist in

meeting child and family needs (i.e. housing assistance, heating assistance, health
referrals, etc.) Please let the Little Trojans staff know if you are in need of
resource and referral assistance. After a referral is made, staff will follow-up
with you to determine if further assistance is needed.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROCESS for EDUCATIONAL

INTERVENTION
Little Trojans Preschool recognizes the right of each individual child, including
those with special needs, to an appropriate quality education experience. Little
Trojans Preschool does not discriminate against children with special needs.
Children with special needs must be screened by the appropriate staff at the
Char-Em Intermediate School District (Char-Em ISD) to ensure proper placement
and a planned program. Little Trojans Preschool staff partners closely with
Char-Em ISD in the implementation/evaluation of this program for the best
interest of the child. Any necessary accommodations will be made to the best of
our ability. A plan for accommodating each child with special needs will be
determined upon their enrollment. These plans will be shared with the child's
family and the program staff to allow everyone to work collaboratively on providing
a preschool experience for the child.
The preschool classroom is the first and most critical intervention since children
benefit from exposure to the general curriculum, as well as the routines,
strategies and peer interactions within the preschool setting. Developmental rates
of young children vary greatly so it is important to allow a period of time for
children to adjust to the environment and access the educational benefits it
provides.
The Char-Em ISD employs special education staff that support teachers in
developing strategies and interventions to strengthen instruction.  Staff includes
teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physical
therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, vision consultant, hearing
consultant, social workers and psychologists.  In addition to providing support for
intervention, staff may also be requested to evaluate children to determine if a
child meets Michigan criteria as a child with a disability and has a need for
specialized education and related services. If you have concerns about your child's

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 development, please contact your child's teacher and they will facilitate the
process in working with ISD staff to support your child.

CULTURAL COMPETENCE PLAN

At Little Trojans Preschool, we respect families' diverse cultural practices.

Developmentally appropriate practices for young children are informed by
knowledge of their social and cultural contexts. An essential part of our planned
curriculum is to incorporate the children's family and community cultures as we
plan meaningful learning experiences, select materials, choose study topics, and
determine appropriate teaching strategies. Some examples include familiar music,
materials, practices, and customs that reflect the home cultures of our families.
By doing so, we give children the message that each child and their family are
important and worthy of respect. Our families' diverse cultural practices will be
evident throughout our classroom environments, shared via our classroom
newsletters, and as part of our everyday discussion with children and their
families. For your child to feel included, we hope that you will share aspects of
your family culture with us. At Little Trojans Preschool, all are welcome, and we
believe an environment that reflects community and family creates positive early
learning experiences for all children.

FEE POLICY

Little Trojans Preschool is a Tuition Free preschool program. The cost of the
program is paid for by GSRP, Head Start and CLEO funding.

DISCIPLINE/CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY

Preschool staff shall use discipline or conflict resolution procedures in which adults

support children as they solve problems with materials, do things for themselves,
and assist them in resolving conflicts with peers.  In your child's classroom, adults:
● Encourage children to do things for themselves throughout the day;
● Treat conflict situations with children matter-of-factly;
● Approach children calmly and stop hurtful actions;

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 ● Acknowledge children's feelings;
● Involve children in identifying the problem by gathering information from
children and restating the problem;
● Ask children for solutions and encourage them to choose together; and
● Give follow-up support when children act on their decisions

All of the following means of punishment are strictly prohibited at Little Trojans
Preschool:
● Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of
corporal punishment.
● Restricting a child's movement by binding or tying him or her.
● Inflicting mental or emotional punishment, such as humiliating, shaming, or
threatening a child.
● Depriving a child of meals, snacks, rest, or necessary toilet use.
● Excluding a child from outdoor play or other gross motor activities.
● Excluding a child from daily learning experiences.
● Confining a child in an enclosed area, such as a closet, locked room, box, or
similar cubicle.
● Placing substances in a child's mouth including soap, hot sauce, or vinegar.

Time-outs are not appropriate methods of discipline for children under the age of
three, and time-outs will not be used for any children at Little Trojans Preschool.

Non-severe and developmentally appropriate discipline or restraint may be used

when reasonably necessary, based on a child's development, to prevent a child from
harming himself or herself or to prevent a child from harming other persons or
property.

REPORTING ABUSE OR NEGLECT

Staff is required by law to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect involving

children in the program. We realize this is a very difficult position for everyone
involved. However, it is important to remember that the well-being of the child
must come first.

HEALTH SCREENING/PHYSICAL
It is crucial for your child's overall development that he/she regularly visits a
doctor. All enrolled children must have a Health Appraisal form completed by a

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 health care provider. These forms will be updated annually to ensure we have
current information. Also, all children must be up to date on immunizations or
present an authorized waiver form before attending the program. All children must
have a health screening on file no later than 30 days from the date they begin
attending the program. Please make sure that the doctor signs and dates the blue
Health Appraisal form that we supply, including Section IV – "Recommendations".
If you experience difficulty in obtaining this mandatory physical for your child,
please talk to your child's teacher. Information on local pediatricians, health care
centers and other resources is available in the supplied Great Start Collaborative
Family Resource Guide. We ask that you keep us updated on any changes in your
child's health. Information on developmental milestones will be shared with
families, including the results of a developmental screening tool we conduct once a
year. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a screening tool that provides a
quick check of your child's development in the following areas: Communication,
Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Personal-Social Skills. The
information will reveal your child's strengths, uncover any areas of concern, and
help identify appropriate activities that we can incorporate into our play and
learning.
HEALTH CARE PLAN

Staff and children must wash their hands before handling and eating food.
The following handwashing guidelines are posted in food prep areas and restrooms:

􀂄 Procedures for handwashing - All staff and children will wash hands using soap
and water and dry thoroughly before handling food and/or eating, after use of the
facilities, or if hands are noticeably dirty.

􀂄 Handling children's bodily fluids - All staff will follow bloodborne pathogens
guidelines when handling bodily fluids. Staff are to handle spills using rubber
gloves, paper towels, and bleach water. Volunteers will not assist in clean up.

􀂄 Cleaning and sanitizing equipment - All classrooms have gloves, towels, and proper
cleaning supplies to sanitize tables, toys, equipment, and spills.

􀂄 Controlling infection - Deciding when a child is infectious is sometimes a matter

of opinion; however, the most effective means of minimizing the spread of
infection is to exclude children from the childcare center.

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 Guidelines:
● Fever- A child may not attend if they have a fever (100.4 degrees or
higher). The child must be without a fever for at least 24 hours without the
use of fever reducers before returning.
● Nasal Discharge- Nasal discharge that is thick with a yellow or greenish
color usually indicates infection.
● Vomiting and/or Diarrhea- Children who are vomiting and/or having diarrhea
should not be at school. A child must be free of symptoms for 24 hours
before returning to school.
● Rash- Any unidentified rash should be investigated by a physician to
determine the cause. Chicken Pox is a highly contagious disease
characterized by a skin eruption featuring crops of darkened raised spots
that blister and become scabs. Any moist sores are contagious.
● Cough- A doctor should investigate a cough that is persistent, excessive or
hoarse. A doctor should also examine earaches, fever, chills, and sore
throats.
● Lice- When a case of head lice is identified, the parents of the infested
child will be notified.  Immediate removal of the child is unnecessary, and
the child can be sent home at the end of the day.  According to the Michigan
Department of Public Health, studies indicate if a child has head lice, there
has probably been infestation for some time, and prompt removal usually is
not necessary.  Only on rare occasions will the student need to be removed
from the school environment immediately. When head lice are found, nits
should be checked for and removed daily.  School personnel may be utilized
as a resource for further assessment and education. Maintaining a positive
approach in dealing with head lice will facilitate cooperation and preserve
good parent-school-health relationships. No child or family should be made
to feel that head lice reflect on the cleanliness of the individual or the home
environment.  Little Trojans Preschool will take steps that are reasonable
and necessary to keep a healthy environment for all students and staff.
● Bathroom Accidents- It is expected that children may still have accidents
after they have learned to use the toilet, but that these accidents will
become infrequent. Accidents are part of early childhood and the
toilet-learning process, and we believe that children should not be made to
feel ashamed for having a mishap. Accidents should be treated as teachable
moments for children, and we are here to work together as partners with
our families in assisting each child to achieve the skills that are necessary
for independent toileting. Each child will keep an extra set of clothing in

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 their locker, and we also keep extra clothes for children on hand to deal
with toileting accidents when they arise. Our teachers will appropriately
respond to toileting accidents and assist children in the bathroom when
necessary.

ADMINISTERING MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

If it is determined that a child requires medication during school time, Little

Trojans Preschool teachers and staff must follow the State of Michigan licensing
requirements for storage, administration, and documentation of medication.
Parents must bring any medication to the teacher in its original container, complete
with a label that clearly states dosage instructions and the prescribing doctor.
Parents must also complete the Medication Permission and Instructions form,
which outlines instructions for administering and storing medication. All
medication will be kept in an area accessible only to teachers in the classroom or
can be refrigerated if necessary. Medications will only be administered to students
by a staff member who is approved to do so. Any prescription medication must have
a pharmacy label attached to it. Additionally, staff members will not add any form
of medicine to a child's beverage or food unless it indicates to do so on the
pharmacy label. A childcare staff member shall keep all medication out of the
reach of children and shall return it to the child’s parent or destroy it when the
parent determines it is no longer needed or it has expired. We will maintain a
record as to the time and the amount of medication given or applied (with the
exception of topical medications) approved by licensing. One form per medication is
required. The signature of the child care staff member administering the
medication must be included.

Parental authorization must be signed and on file at the program for staff to
administer topical medication, which includes: sunscreen, bug spray, diapering
cream, and triple antibiotic ointment.

SICK STUDENTS/SHORT TERM INJURY OR CONTAGIOUS

ILLNESS EXCLUSION POLICY

If a child becomes ill at school, it is the responsibility of that child's

parent/guardian to make arrangements to have the child taken home. If the
classroom teacher is unable to reach the parent/guardian, they will contact the

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 emergency telephone number listed. Please keep us updated on emergency
telephone numbers.

Children, staff, and volunteers who have a fever above 100.4, any other
communicable disease, or a short term injury that endangers the health and/or
safety of children or others are not permitted to be in the classroom(s). If
needed, we will assure that a child too ill to remain in the group is placed in a
separate area and is cared for and supervised until a parent or caregiver arrives.
Items and facilities used by an ill child or adult will not be used by any other
person until washed, rinsed, and sanitized.

Please let us know when/if your child contracts a communicable disease like
chickenpox, strep throat, etc. When your child misses a day due to illness or any
other event, please call the program between 7:30 - 8:00 am to let us know your
child will not be attending school that day.

ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, INCIDENTS

& EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Emergency plans are posted in the classroom in accordance with licensing

regulations. In the unlikely event of an emergency, we will contact families via
phone or text. Please keep emergency telephone numbers updated.

In case of a minor accident (scraped knee, bumps, bruises, etc.), staff will fill out
an Accident Report detailing what happened and how it was handled. In the event
of any major accident or incidents, the parents will be notified immediately. If a
parent is not available, the emergency person authorized on the Emergency Card
will be contacted.

ATTENDANCE & ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

Little Trojans Preschool classroom arrival time is 8:00 am, and dismissal is at 3:00
pm.

If your child is unable to attend Little Trojans Preschool on any given day, please
call (231) 544-5221, and let us know as soon as possible. You can also send a

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 message via Remind. Staff will work with you to overcome barriers to participation
and ensure success in the program.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is available for children in the Central Lake School District. The
children will ride the regular school bus. Please contact the school office at (231)
544 5221 ext. 319 with any questions you might have regarding bussing.

If you are transporting your child to school, please drop him/her off no earlier
than 7:55 am and pick up by 3:00 pm. Preschool families should use the entrance at
the opposite end of the main school entrance if it is between 7:55 am and 8:05 am.
And 2:50pm- 3:00pm. If it is outside of these time frames, please use the main
entrance. Please contact the program teacher if you have any questions or concerns
about transportation.

In accordance with Michigan laws governing the operation of our program, a parent
or another adult authorized by the parent must meet the school bus at the bus
stop, both at pick up and drop off times, and assist their child in getting on and off
the school bus.
FIELD TRIP NOTIFICATION

During your child's time at Little Trojans Preschool, we may go on occasional field
trips. You will be notified in writing before each field trip, and permission slips will
be supplied as needed.

VOLUNTEERS / PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parent involvement is a significant part of our program, and parents are always
welcome visitors in the classroom at any time. Please feel free to come to observe
any part of the day or to eat lunch with your child.

There are also certain events throughout the year that we highly recommend that
you participate in and/or attend:

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 ● Open House - An Open House will be held before the first day of school.
This is an opportunity for parents and children to come and visit the
classroom and meet the staff. Participation in this activity will help
eliminate any first-day jitters.
● Parent Involvement – Little Trojans Preschool offers several ways for
parents to be active in the program. Parents are welcome to be involved in a
variety of ways, both in and out of the classroom. We encourage families to
become involved throughout the year and always appreciate parents that can
assist in the school or on field trips. Parents are encouraged to approach
teachers with any particular skill or talent they would like to share with the
class.
● Conferences - Conferences will be scheduled twice a year. During these
conferences, we will discuss how your child is doing, ask and answer
questions, and develop a plan to address any areas of concern or particular
interest. Parent conferences are mandated as part of the Department of
Education grant. Although we schedule specific days for conferences, we
are flexible, and accommodations can always be made to ensure that parents
are able to attend.
● Home Visits - Home visits will be done twice a year. The first home visit is
an excellent time to get better acquainted with one another, and the second
helps to provide a smooth transition to your child’s next school setting.
● Parent Advisory Committee Meetings – These meetings are held twice a
year; in the Fall and the Spring in our classroom. The attendance at these
meetings may include but is not limited to: school superintendent & principal,
preschool teachers, kindergarten teachers, Early Childhood Specialist, local
service agency representatives, and parents. We highly encourage parent's
attendance at these meetings, as we value your input. Meeting dates can be
found on our school calendar. This will allow us to get to know you and also
will enable you to be a part of your child's preschool experience.

Comprehensive background checks will be required for classroom volunteers who

will be unsupervised, with children, at any time. A database, called Child Care
Background Check System (CCBC System), has been developed to hold
background check information.
 
All supervised volunteers must have a public sex offender registry clearance
before having contact with children in care. Any individual who is registered 

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 on the public sex offender registry is prohibited from having any contact with any
child in care.

CONFIDENTIALITY

No Little Trojans Preschool employee shall disclose personal or confidential

information to persons not authorized by law and/or ethics to receive information
(i.e., child abuse and/or plans to hurt self or others).

Program employees and participating families must maintain confidentiality as they

learn information about enrolled children and families.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURE (SNOW & ICE DAYS)

If Central Lake School is closed, the Little Trojans Preschool program will also be
closed. Listen to the local radio and television stations for notice of school closing.
Your teacher will also send a message via Remind to notify you of the closure.

DRESSING FOR WINTER/EXTRA CLOTHING

The following are suggestions to help your child enjoy outdoor play during the
winter months.
1. Children are asked to wear clothing adequate for outdoor play in winter. This
includes boots, warm jackets, hats, mittens, and snow pants. Please label your
child's clothing with their name. Please mark every item of clothing that is
"lose-able;" it is hard to tell whose boots are whose sometimes.
2. Parents are asked to send a complete set of clothes to be kept at school.
Please send these items in a Ziploc bag marked with the child's name.
3. Parents are asked to be sure that children come to the program wearing the
proper clothing for the day.

OUTDOOR PLAY

The opportunity to play outdoors is an essential part of the growth and

development of young children. "Nature-deficit disorder" is a term used to
describe children's disconnection from the natural world due to increased access
to technology along with adults' fears of children getting harmed while playing

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 outdoors. At Little Trojans Preschool, we understand that outdoor play provides an
important change from the indoor environment: fresh air, less structured play, and
the chance to practice physical skills like running, climbing, and jumping.
All children are expected to come to the program dressed for and able to play
outdoors. In the winter months, the temperature and wind chill are watched by
program staff. Indoor physical activities are provided during this period if it is
too cold to go outside.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost articles are kept in the classroom until the end of the school year. If you feel
you are missing something, please check with your child's teacher. Items such as
snow pants, mittens, extra clothes, etc., should be labeled with your child’s
first and last name. Please keep all toys at home. The program offers many
materials for all children to use and this limits any problems caused by breakage or
lost items coming from home.

REST/QUIET TIME

Since we are open for five or more hours a day, we are required to have a rest and
quiet time. This time complies with rest requirements of DHS, Bureau of Children
and Adult Licensing, and should include:

● A time period no longer than one hour, while accommodating for the
individual needs of children.
● Provision of alternate activities for children who do not sleep.
● Provision for parents and staff to support the developmentally-appropriate
rest/nap needs of each child.
● Details on the transition into rest time [e.g., children assist with putting
cots out, getting their blanket(s) and transition item(s), and turning off
lights and turning on soft music]. Adults can assist in transition by moving
among children in an unhurried fashion, having a quiet conversation, and
providing soothing touch, such as backrubs.
● Details on the transition out of rest time (e.g., staff turn off soft music,
open blinds, turn on lights, and gently awaken children with a touch and

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 conversation). Children can assist in transition by putting away cots, blankets
and transition items.
GRIEVANCE POLICY

Program participants may express a concern or grievance about program services,

delivery systems, or other flaws they may perceive in the program. First, direct
your concern(s) to the classroom teacher. Next, bring unresolved matters to the
attention of the school administrator. Finally, if you are not satisfied with the
program's response, contact your local ISD office and ask to speak with the Early
Childhood Coordinator. If the issue is still unresolved, you may contact the
Michigan Department of Education GSRP Program Consultant Mischele McManus:
(517) 373-8664 or mcmanusm@[Link]. Every attempt will be made to resolve
concerns or grievances immediately.

PARENT NOTICE OF PROGRAM MEASUREMENT / PARENT

CONSENT OF PROGRAM EVALUATION

Little Trojans Preschool is required to work with the Michigan Department of

Education (MDE) to measure the effectiveness of the state-wide Great Start
Readiness Program (GSRP). Information is sometimes collected about GSRP staff,
enrolled children, and their families. Program staff from MDE might:
● Ask parents questions about their child and family
● Observe children in the classroom
● Measure what children know about letters, words, and numbers, etc.
● Ask teachers how children are learning and growing

Information from you and about your child will not be shared with others in any way
that your child would be identified. It is protected by law.

Questions? Please contact:

- Little Trojans Preschool, 231.544.5221

- The MDE Office of Great Start, Preschool and Out-of-School Time Learning
at mde-gsrp@[Link] or 517.373.8483 or 608 W. Allegan, PO Box 30008,
Lansing, MI 48909

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 PARENT NOTIFICATION OF THE LICENSING NOTEBOOK
REQUIREMENT
Child Care Organizations Act, 1973 Public Act 116

All child care centers must maintain a licensing notebook, which includes all
licensing inspection reports, special investigation reports, and all related corrective
action plans (CAP). The notebook must consist of all reports issued and CAP's
developed on and after May 27, 2010, until the license is closed.

● This center maintains a licensing notebook of all licensing

inspection reports, special investigation reports, and related
corrective action plans for the last five years.
● The licensing notebook is available to parents for review during
regular business hours.
● Licensing inspection reports, special investigation reports, and
corrective action plans from at least the past three years are
available on the department's child care licensing website at
[Link]/michildcare. Parents can access these rules by
visiting the website listed.

PESTICIDE USE POLICY

On occasion, some school districts may apply pesticides on their grounds. As a

parent or guardian of a Little Trojans Preschool student, you have the right to be
notified prior to this pesticide application. The following form, "Advisory to all
Parents," is provided for you to read, fill out, and return to your child's teacher. If
a pesticide application is scheduled, you will be notified at least one day before the
application.

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 PESTICIDE ADVISORY TO ALL PARENTS
Dear Parent/Guardian:

As part of The Little Trojans’ pest management program, pesticides are occasionally applied. You have the
right to be informed prior to any pesticide application made to the grounds and buildings. Not only will you
be personally notified if requested below, but flags would also be placed around the grounds if pesticides
were going to be applied. In certain emergencies, pesticides may be applied without prior notice, but you
will be provided notice following any such application.

Please complete the information below and submit to your child's teacher. You may also contact your
child's teacher at the program telephone number if you have any questions regarding this letter.

PESTICIDE NOTIFICATION REQUEST

Parent/Guardian Name:

Child's (Student's) Name:

Street Address:

City:

Telephone Numbers: Day:

Evening:

Please check One:

I wish to be notified prior to a scheduled pesticide treatment inside the building.

I wish to be notified prior to a scheduled pesticide treatment on the outside grounds.

Both of the above.

I do not need to be notified.

Signature: _____________________________________ Date:__________________________

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 Sunscreen, Bug Spray &
Topical Medication Permission Slip

Topical medication, which includes sunscreen, bug spray, diapering cream, and triple
antibiotic ointment, must have written parental authorization annually.

Parents are recommended to apply sunscreen before school and may also supply
sunscreen to be used at school if they wish. If sunscreen, bug spray, or any other
topical creams are provided from home, it is required that a child's first and last
name be written on them.

By signing below, you acknowledge that you give Little Trojans Preschool staff
permission to apply sunscreen and bug spray to your child. Also, permission is given
to administer medication, prescription or nonprescription, ONLY with prior written
permission from a parent.

Child’s name: _________________________________________________

Parent’s Signature: _____________________________________________
Date: _____________

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 RECEIPT OF PARENT MANUAL

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the

Little Trojans Preschool Handbook. I understand and agree to
follow these policies as they pertain to my child's preschool
experience.

_____________________________________________________________
Child's Name

_____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s)

___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature

___________________________________________
Date

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 Important Dates for 2021-2022 School Year
August 23- September 3- Home Visits

August 31- Open House 12-6PM

September 7- First Day of School

October 6- Parent Advisory Committee Meeting 6:00PM (Location TBD)

October 27- Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30PM-7:30PM
October 28- Early Release- Dismissal at 11:00AM
October 28- Parent Teacher Conferences 12-6PM
October 29- Early Release- Dismissal at 11:00 AM

November 1- No School
November 24- Early Release- Dismissal at 11:00 AM
November 25- No School
November 26- No School

December 22- Early Release- Dismissal at 11:00 AM

December 23- January 2- Winter Break

January 21- No School

January 26- Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30PM-7:30PM
January 27- Early Release- Dismissal at 11:00AM
January 27- Parent Teacher Conferences 12-6PM
January 28- Early Release- Dismissal at 11:00 AM

February 18- No School

March 24- Early Release- Dismissal at 11:00AM

March 25- April 4- Spring Break

April 20- Parent Advisory Committee Meeting 6:00PM (Location TBD)

May 27- No School (Snowday Makeup Day)

May 30- No School

May 16- June 2- Home Visits

June 2- Last day of School (4 year old classroom)

June 3- Early Release- Dismissal at 11:00 AM

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 Three Year Old Classroom Daily Schedule

8:00-[Link] Arrival/Breakfast/Greeting Time- Children enter the classroom at their own pace.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay until children are ready for them to leave. Children
sign in and then pick a table to play at. Once all children arrive adults will start large group time.

For the children who need breakfast, children wash their hands and help with breakfast.
Children help clean up their own breakfast space including disposal of leftovers, wiping of
tables, and pushing in their own chairs.

8:30-8:45 Large Group Time- All adults and children participate in activities planned around
children’s interests, developmental levels, cooperative plan and projects; and events meaningful
to children.

8:45-[Link] Work Time- (children’s hour of uninterrupted Choice Time)- Children always initiate
activities and carry out their intentions. Children make many choices about where and how to
use materials. During free choice time, adults participate as partners in child-initiated play and
encourage children’s problem solving both with materials and during times of social conflict.

9:45-[Link] Cleanup Time- Children and adults clean up together keeping the spirit of play and
problem solving alive. Children make many choices during clean up. Adults accept children’s
level of involvement and skill while supporting their learning.

9:55-[Link] Recall Time- Gathered in small group settings, children choose work time
experiences to reflect on, talk about, and exhibit. Adults provide a variety of materials and
strategies to maintain interest as they follow children’s lead and encourage children to share.
Adults are unhurried in their approach and may complete recall time with four or five children
each day.

10:00-[Link] Outside Time- Children have many choices about how they play in the outdoor
learning environment. Adults supervise children for safety and also join in their active outdoor
play, supporting their initiatives and problem solving. Outside time is minimally 30 minutes each
day, excluding time for dressing and transitioning outdoors.

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 10:30-[Link] Small Group Time- An adult initiated learning experience based on children's
interest and development where children explore, play, work with materials, and talk about what
they are doing. Individual children explore and use the same set of materials in their own way.

10:45-11:10 Music and Movement- All adults and children participate in activities planned
around children’s interests, music and movement.

11:10-[Link] Bathroom/Wash Hands/Prepare for Lunch- Children assist in preparation and

setup of lunch. Children choose where they would like to sit and are encouraged to serve
themselves.

11:25-[Link] Lunch- Family style meals support children doing things for themselves (e.g.,
serve themselves, pour beverages, distribute napkins, wipe up spills). Children choose whether
to eat, what to eat, and how much to eat. Adults eat and have meaningful conversations with the
children. Children are encouraged to clean their own meal space including disposal of leftovers,
wiping off tables, and pushing in their own chairs.

12:10-[Link] Quiet/Resting Time- Resting is a time for sleeping or quiet time on their own cot.
Rest time plans should be individualized to meet the needs of each child. Quiet play could
include books, soft music, baby dolls, or fine motor manipulatives.

1:10-[Link] Wake/Bathroom/Snack- As children wake up, adults and children work together to
put away cots and set up for snack. Children are encouraged to clean their own snack space
including disposal of leftovers, wiping up tables, and pushing in their own chairs.

1:35-[Link] Work time- a second work time, while essentially the same as morning work time,
may vary slightly from morning expectations while ensuring that children are primarily involved
in planning and carrying out their own intentions. Teachers may implement activities with various
grouping strategies (individual, very small groups, homogeneous) to support children's learning
of targeted skills. At least one member of the teaching team will be assigned to support the
majority of children working in open centers. A collaborative curriculum planning approach helps
to ensure that the teaching team will meet individual child needs by supporting and extending
development, knowledge and skills within children's play themes rather than pulling them aside
for teacher directed activities.

2:30-[Link] Outside Time (Refer to AM descriptions)

3:00-[Link] Dismissal

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 Four Year Old Classroom Daily Schedule

8:00-8:30 Arrival/Open Breakfast/Table Choices

Children enter the classroom at their own pace. Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay until
children are ready for them to leave. Children sign in and then pick a table to play at. Once all
children arrive adults will start large group time.

For the children who need breakfast, children wash their hands and help with breakfast.
Children help clean up their own breakfast space including disposal of leftovers, wiping of
tables, and pushing in their own chairs.

8:30-8:45 Large Group/Music and Movement

All adults and children participate in activities planned around children’s interests,
developmental levels, music and movement, cooperative plan and projects; and events
meaningful to children.

8:45-8:55 Planning Time

Children indicate their plans to adults in a place where intimate
conversations can occur and where people and materials are visible. Adults use a range of
strategies to support children’s planning.

8:55-9:55 Free Choice (uninterrupted play)

Children always initiate activities and carry out their intentions. Children make many choices
about where and how to use materials. During free choice time, adults participate as partners in
child-initiated play and encourage children’s problem solving both with materials and during
times of social conflict.

9:55-10:05 Cleanup
Children and adults clean up together keeping the spirit of play and problem solving alive.
Children make many choices during clean up. Adults accept children’s level of involvement and
skill while supporting their learning.

10:05-10:15 Recall
Gathered in small group settings, children choose work time experiences to reflect on, talk
about, and exhibit. Adults provide a variety of materials and strategies to maintain interest as

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 they follow children’s lead and encourage children to share. Adults are unhurried in their
approach and may complete recall time with four or five children each day.

10:15-10:30 Small Group

An adult initiated learning experience based on children's interest and development where
children explore, play, work with materials, and talk about what they are doing. Individual
children explore and use the same set of materials in their own way.

10:30-11:15 Outside Time

Children have many choices about how they play in the outdoor learning environment. Adults
supervise children for safety and also join in their active outdoor play, supporting their initiatives
and problem solving. Outside time is minimally 30 minutes each day, excluding time for dressing
and transitioning outdoors.

11:15-11:25 Bathroom/Wash Hands/Prepare for Lunch

Children assist in preparation and setup of lunch. Children choose where they would like to sit
and are encouraged to serve themselves.

11:25-12:10 Lunch
Family style meals support children doing things for themselves (e.g., serve themselves, pour
beverages, distribute napkins, wipe up spills). Children choose whether to eat, what to eat, and
how much to eat. Adults eat and have meaningful conversations with the children. Children are
encouraged to clean their own meal space including disposal of leftovers, wiping off tables, and
pushing in their own chairs.

12:10-1:10 Quiet/Resting Time

Resting is a time for sleeping or quiet time on their own cot. Rest time plans should be
individualized to meet the needs of each child. Quiet play could include books, soft music, baby
dolls, or fine motor manipulatives.

1:10-1:30 Wake/Bathroom/Snack
As children wake up, adults and children work together to put away cots and set up for snack.
Children are encouraged to clean their own snack space including disposal of leftovers, wiping
up tables, and pushing in their own chairs.

1:30-2:10 Outside Time (Refer to AM descriptions)

2:10-3:00 Plan/Free Choice/Cleanup/Recall (Refer to AM descriptions)

3:00-3:05 Dismissal

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