Beanstalk's Handbook

Admissions

Any child who has turned 3 years of age before December 31st is welcome. Our teacher to child ratio is 1:8 for preschool and 1:10 for school age.

We are handicapped accessible and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or creed.

Enrollment

The following forms must be completed and submitted before your child attends:

A recent signed health form from the child's physician
An emergency medical form including emergency numbers, doctor and dentist contact information and insurance information
An emergency contact card
A signed enrollment form
A developmental update explaining your child's needs

Space is available on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to previously enrolled children and siblings. Space can only be reserved when forms are completed, submitted, and accompanied by the appropriate deposit. Our minimum enrollment is two days per week.

Tuition

Beanstalk has prorated tuition over 10 months of the school year (180 school days).Tuition will be the same amount each month, regardless of the number of school days. Payment is expected the first day of each month. Payment received after the 5th of the month will incur a $10 late fee for each week that it remains unpaid. We do not deduct for absenteeism and days may not be traded or made up if missed.

Medication Policy

Our staff is trained and certified in dispensing prescription medication and all prescription medication will be kept in a locked box. However the following is required:

* Parents must hand deliver the medications to a Director
* Medication must be in it's original child-proof container
* Medication packaging must indicate the child's name, physician's name, dosage, and times to be administered
* Child must receive the first dosage at home, and a form giving directions for administering the medication must be completed and signed by parent and physician
* Staff will sign in the medication and log that paperwork has been submitted. Staff will enter into the log and sign off each time medication is administered, indicating remaining medication in log

Beanstalk will not administer medications if the above criteria have not been met.

Hours of Operation

Beanstalk Preschool and Childcare is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 5:30pm.

Half Days

Children who are regularly scheduled to attend may take the bus from school to Beanstalk upon dismissal at 12:50pm.

School Vacations and Holidays

Beanstalk is open during the school year for winter and spring vacations, teacher professional development days, Columbus Day, Martin Luther King Day, and President's Day. There is a separate enrollment for these days, on a first come, first served basis. Preschool runs regardless of the Elementary School holidays and vacations.

Beanstalk will be closed on Labor Day, St. John's Rummage Sale week (to be announced), Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve Day through New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, and July 4th.

Delayed Openings

If school has a delayed opening, Beanstalk Preschool will begin at 8:30.

Early Dismissals

If school dismisses early due to inclement weather, Beanstalk will remain open for those children regularly enrolled for no additional charge. Drop-ins will be charged $35, provided space is available.

Snow Days

If Region 4 closes school due to inclement weather, please tune to WFSB, channel 3 to access closing information on Beanstalk. If Beanstalk is open on a snow day, there will be a $25 charge for children regularly enrolled on that day and a $45 charge for children not enrolled.

Late Pickup

Beanstalk closes at 5:30pm. If a child is picked up after this time, a $1 per minute charge will be imposed until belongings are gathered.

Kindergarten Pickup

Children enrolled in the After Kindergarten program only must be picked up by 3:15pm each day. In the event that a child is picked up late, a late fee will be charged (the cost of a drop-in for our After School program).

Schedule Changes

We understand that schedules change. In the event that your child needs to drop days or completely drop out of the program, we require a written 2 week notice. If we do not receive notice, you are responsible for paying the two weeks whether your child is in attendance or not. If you need to add to your child's enrollment or drop-in on a different day, please request this by a written note or by calling Beanstalk ahead of time. Accommodation of your request will depend on current enrollment.

Parent Involvement

Beanstalk welcomes and encourages parent visitation and participation. Please feel free to share your interests, give presentations, prepare a snack or chaperone field trips. We maintain an Open Door Policy.

Snacks and Nutrition

Beanstalk will provide a morning and afternoon snack containing foods from at least two of the food groups. Water is always available. Monthly snack menus are posted on our bulletin board. Parents are welcomed to include additional snacks in lunch boxes to satisfy their own children's personal preference. Candy and soda should not be packed in children's lunches, and we do not permit the sharing of foods with other children. Birthday treats are welcomed however please check with staff regarding food allergies.

Emergency Policy

Beanstalk requires emergency information for all children. Our staff is trained in First Aid and CPR and can offer basic care in the event of an emergency. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency we will contact parents immediately. If unable to reach parents, the child's physician or our Health Care Consultant (Tri-Town Family Practice) will be called for advice. In an extreme emergency, 911 will be called, parents notified, and a member of the staff will accompany the child in the ambulance.

Discipline Policy

We believe in setting clear limits, recognition, and verbal praise. Privileges foster positive behaviors in children. If a rule is broken, there will be appropriate and immediate consequences such as redirection, time away, written problem solving reports or community service (i.e., helping to clean/organize toys). A staff member will always be present during disciplinary measures. Frightening, ridiculing, or humiliating a child will not be tolerated, nor will physical punishment of any kind.

In the event of repeated misconduct by a child, we will schedule a consultation with parents. If problems continue, a second meeting will be held and a behavioral plan will be discussed. If negative behavior continues after two weeks, we will meet with our Social Services Consultant. If it is found that a child is unable to function within our program structure, the child will be asked to leave the program.

Health Guidelines

Children must be kept or sent home if they display any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever above 100 degrees
    Diarrhea or vomiting (must have stopped for a minimum of 12 hours)
    Conjunctivitis (child may return 24 hours after first dose of medication is applied)
    Ear Infections
    Cold with yellow or green discharge from nose or eyes
    Prominent cough
    Cold Sores (child may not return until they are healed)
    Impetigo (child must be on antibiotics for 48 hours before returning)
    Head Lice (child may return after using medicated shampoo and they are nit free)
    Chicken Pox (lesions must be healed before child may return)