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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
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Q. ARE PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS AND DAY CARE CENTERS THE SAME? |
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 A.
We have a planned curriculum for both programs but they are
different.
Our childcare center houses the 15 months to 3 years and they
follow a planned calendar of both challenging and fun activities
that will help lead them to the next step of learning. It helps them
to become more curious about their world and comfortable in trying
different things. The preschool curriculum is a kindergarten
readiness program for ages 4/5 that help children develop a positive
outlook on learning and being part of an organized group of
peers. Working together and successfully handling the tasks that are
a part of their busy day. |
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Q. WHAT IS UNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND DO YOU OFFER IT? |
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A. Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) is a program developed by the
Clarence Center School District and implemented by some community
based early childhood programs throughout the district. Clarence
Center Preschool is a part of the UPK district program. The
preschool program that we offer has been planned along with the
Clarence School District and all our preschoolers participate. Some
children will be chosen in a lottery to receive the 2 ˝ hours a day
for 5 days, paid for by the district which is referred to as the UPK
Program. This is the only difference – all children will be a part
of the UPK readiness program during their hours here at Clarence
Center Preschool. |
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Q. IS THERE A DAILY ROUTINE? |
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A. Yes – both centers have a basic schedule that we follow.
Depending on age of children and activities, times vary throughout
the day. This helps the children to transition to other activities
when they know what comes next.
Basic example: morning greetings, free play, clean up
(bathroom & hand washing), snack time, circle time, activities,
outdoor play, clean up, lunch, rest, free play – inside & outside
(weather permitting) and goodbyes. |
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Q. IS REST TIME REQUIRED? |
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A. New York State Office of Child and Family Services which
licenses all centers requires a rest period for all children. So
yes, rest time is required. Some benefit from this and take full
advantage of this time to sleep. Some children do not need to sleep.
Giving children’s bodies some inactive time to relax is important
especially after a full morning of activities. |
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Q. AM I ABLE TO OBSERVE MY CHILD DURING THE DAY? |
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A. Parents are welcome to observe their child at any time. Each
room has observation windows that allow you to watch your child
unnoticed. This helps the classroom run normally without any
interruptions to the children while your observation is taking
place. |
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Q. ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN
ACTIVITIES? |
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A. Yes. Parents are invited on field trips and to special
presentations throughout the year. We also have informal times of
sharing that may include a visit with the children. Parent
participation is always welcome, and encouraged! |
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Q. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP MY CHILD AT HOME FOR THEIR
TIME AT DAY CARE OR PRESCHOOL? |
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A. Yes. Be positive about the experiences your child will have
here. Foster more independence in your child - dressing themselves,
table manners, washing hands, finding things for themselves, etc.
Give your child some responsibility at home on a regular basis, such
as putting away toys, setting the table and clearing away their
dishes. These things will help them develop a positive attitude
about their accomplishments, at school as well as home. |
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Q. WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK OR HURT AT DAY CARE? |
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A. Please be assured that your child will be well cared for in any
instance. You will be notified at once about a sick child and may be
asked to come and pick him/her up early. If they do not feel well at
night or in the morning before school and are not able to
participate fully in the program, then they should be kept home. In
the event of a minor injury, there will be a written
accident/incident report for parents to sign when picking up your
child. In case of an immediate emergency, 911 will be called first
and then we will call the family. Our first concern will be your
child. |
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Q. HOW DO YOU ENSURE MY CHILD’S SAFETY WHILE AT THE CENTER? |
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A. Both centers have locked doors from 9am until late in the
afternoon. There is an intercom system throughout both buildings so
the teachers, director and owner may be in contact with each
other. Our staff is required to be Infant, Child and Adult CPR and
First Aid certified by the American Red Cross. We are also M.A.T.
trained to administer medications. Our children practice fire drills
monthly to be prepared in an emergency. The outdoor play space is
fully fenced in all around the building and the playground area has
safe, soft ground cover. The equipment is checked regularly to
ensure your child’s safety at play. |
