White Plains Presbyterian Church Nursery School

Handbook

Welcome

Welcome to the White Plains Presbyterian Church Nursery School (WPPCNS). We want to make your child’s experience here a positive and happy one. Our staff is warm and friendly. Our goals are for each child to gain self-confidence and independence, and to learn the readiness and cognitive skills necessary for kindergarten. We plan to accomplish this through varied learning experiences, both on an individual basis and in-group situations.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the White Plains Presbyterian Church Nursery School is to provide each child with a positive experience that will stimulate growth emotionally, social, spiritually, physically and intellectually in a Christian environment of love and acceptance.

It offers both parent and child a spiritual enrichment through the environment of the child’s first education experience.  It provides the family of the Nursery School child an opportunity for closer fellowship.

History

The White Plains Presbyterian Church Nursery School began in the 1950’s and has maintained its mission to provide quality childcare to church members and families in the surrounding communities.

Philosophy

WPPCNS provides a developmentally and age appropriate preschool experience for the whole child.  We promote success and mastery of social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills according to the individual pace and style of each child.  A positive adjustment to school starts with successful separations and trust.  Interactions with peers to resolve differences and to form friendships are central to the social experience of preschoolers. Our teaching goals are aimed at the development of healthy self-esteem, independence and respect for one’s self and others.  We believe that play is fundamental to childhood and to learning. Play is the work of children.

Staff

We take pride in the fact that the Nursery School staff is dedicated to providing your child with the best early childhood experience in a safe, nurturing environment.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors meets once a month and is made up of church and parent volunteers.  The board oversees the general operation of the nursery school, its property and programs and develops its annual budget.   Standing committees include Class Parents, Special Events, and Fundraising.

Calendar

WPPCNS basically follows the White Plains Public School calendar year. The calendar (see insert) lists the dates of the start of school, the end of school, holidays, school closings and school events.

Classes

2’s Playgroup-2, 3, or 5 mornings/9:00-11:30

10 Children-2 teachers

3’s Class-2, 3, or 5 mornings/9:00-11:30

20 Children-3 teachers

4’s Class-2, 3, or 5 mornings/9:00-11:30

20 Children-2 teachers

Inclement Weather

The Nursery School follows the White Plains Public School weather closings/late openings.

If White Plains Public Schools are closed or have a two hour delay, WPPCNS will also be closed.

If White Plains Public Schools have a one hour delay, WPPCNS will be open.

**A message regarding closings will be posted on our website. 

Drop Off Procedure/Parking

You may park your car in a designated spot on either side entrance of the school or in the lower parking lot. Do not park in the spots directly in front of the red door. You may enter the parking lot from Barker Avenue or Rockledge Avenue.  You will walk with your child to the red door and wait outside until the door is opened by a teacher at 8:55. Please drop off your child promptly. Children will be sent up to their classrooms in groups under the supervision of staff.

Pick Up Procedure

After you park your car in a designated spot, you will come upstairs and wait until the school door is opened. The door will be opened at 11:25. You will line up outside your child’s classroom and wait for the children to be dismissed.

Late Pick-up

It is important that parents arrive on time to pick up their children.

If you cannot avoid being late, please call the school. Of course, we will always try to accommodate your needs and understand that, at times, there are extenuating circumstances. We sincerely appreciate your complete cooperation.

All families receive a “grace period” of 5 minutes.

The penalty for late pick up will be $5.00 for every 5 minutes or any part of 5 minutes that you are late beyond the grace period.

Mandated Reporters

Please note that as teachers, all staff members are mandated reporters and are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Clothing

Please dress your child in washable, comfortable clothing which allows participation in active play, messy projects and for easy toileting, as well as clothes that do not require special care.   Send your child to school wearing “safe” shoes, such as sneakers. Please avoid open-toed shoes or sandals. A complete change of clothing (labeled) is needed in case of an accident. These should be sent  in a plastic bag marked with your child’s name. We will keep it at school. Please label all clothing with your child’s name, hats, jackets, mittens, etc.

Physical Examination and Immunization

A medical examination form will be sent to you in August as part of the information packet.  Each child must have an annual physical examination by a licensed physician. The form must be completed by a physician and returned to the school by October 15. We require a new medical examination form filled out each year. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in suspension of enrollment. Enrollment resumes when they physical examination record is complete and on file.

Absences

  The school should be notified when a child will be absent from school.

Children may attend school only when in good health. If your child is sick, please keep him/her home. A child should not return to school until he/she is 24 hours without a fever. If a child awakes during the night vomiting, please keep them home that day. A child should not come to school if he/she shows any of the following symptoms: rash, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, sore throat, eye infection, swollen glands or persistent cough. The teachers may refuse to admit a child if they feel he/she is not well enough to attend.  If your child has a communicable illness, the school should be notified of the nature of the illness. Parents will receive a notice if your child has been exposed to a contagious illness.  Each child who is sent to school should be well enough to participate in all activities.

If your child becomes ill at school, we will call you to come to school and take your child home. Please be prompt when picking up your child.

Snacks

Snacks are provided by parents for each class on a rotating basis. Teachers will provide a list of preferred snacks and will let you know when it will be your turn. You must provide the snack and water for the whole class. Please send in unopened snacks.

Lunch Bunch

Our Lunch Bunch program is for the 3 & 4 year old classes and is held in your child’s classroom from 11:30-12:00. The children have to be picked up promptly at noon in accordance with state mandates.  If you are late picking up your child, the late fee will be imposed. If you would like your child to join us for Lunch Bunch send in a bagged lunch with a drink, which will be refrigerated and $4.00 for each Lunch Bunch session. We ask that no bills over $10.00 be sent in. Also pack napkins, straws, and utensils with your child’s lunch as necessary. Please do not send in hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, grapes, raisins, or gummy snacks. You will be given notice as to when Lunch Bunch begins.