About the Los Altos Children's Center Preschool - South bay area preschool and prekindergarten program

Welcome to the Children's Center
September 2007

We are so excited to see all of the children's sweet faces back at school. It is wonderful to renew old friendships and meet new ones each September. We are so glad to have you as part of our Children's Center extended family.

This is going to be a year filled with wonder, discovery and learning. In order to attain the smoothest transition for your child, please make a note of the following:

Children sometimes exhibit signs of separation anxiety. While this is completely normal at this stage of development, there are some things that you can do to alleviate their distress: Be enthusiastic about school! * Be on time to class. Coming in late is MUCH more difficult for your child when the children are already engaged. NEVER discuss your child's anxiety in front of them. If you would like to discuss their behavior please schedule an appointment with me. After a confident smile, hug and kiss goodbye, you should leave your child in the competent arms of the teaching team. Your child's reaction is directly related to your level of anxiety.

Please remember NOT to park your car in the handicapped/Loading zone spots. If you have a sleeping/sick baby, please pull into one of these spots and ask someone from the office to watch your car while you do your drop off &/or pick up. NEVER leave children in a parked car unattended.

Parent's bulletin board: The bulletin board in the office is for your use. If you have a stroller that you no longer need or you're searching for a great babysitter, write it up and put it on the board. Let's see if we can help each other out.

LUNCH: All of our students, except our 2's are eligible to participate in our Lunch Program. Morning children bring their (Labeled) lunch to school and are picked up between 12:35 and 12:40 from Room #2. If your child attends school in the afternoon, they may be dropped off at 11:35 at room #1. At 12:45 they will be brought to their class. The cost is $11.00. Please remember that we are a PEANUT FREE SCHOOL. Please do not send anything containing peanuts to school. If you make cashew butter or other nut butter sandwich please label it clearly.

EXTENDED CARE: We offer extended care from 3:30-4:30pm Monday through Friday in Room #3. It is imperative that you pick up your child by 4:30. There will be a charge of $5.00/minute for pick up after 4:35. If you have an emergency and need to reach the extended care teachers after the office closes at 4:00, you may now call our new extended care cell phone at 650-776-8324. EARLY CARE begins at 8:00am. MWF it will be in Room #2 with Mrs. Margaretich and Tu/TH it will be in Room #3 with Mrs. Rooney. The cost for either extended care is $11.00.

ART EXHIBITION: Remember to notice the children's Art display in the Multi each month. Each class will have a "Month-On-Display" during the year.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN (EOP): We are very proud of our Disaster preparedness. Our plans will only work, however, if our parents know what to expect in the event of an emergency/disaster. On Thursday, October 4th we will be holding a mandatory informational meeting in Creekside Center from 7-8pm for all new CC families. All returning families are strongly encouraged to attend. You will receive your Disaster handbook and Windshield Name cards when you check in.

GENTLE REMINDERS:
1. Clearly label EVERYTHING that comes to school. (First and last name and room # is very helpful)
2. A playground or park is the best place for active play. When school is dismissed, please help your children remember not to run in the Multi, climb on the furniture, or up and down the ramp outside the Youth Room. A short play date at the park is preferred and much safer.
3. The noise level in the Multi at drop off / pick up can be very distracting to the classrooms. Once you have dropped off your child at the beginning of class or when they are brought out to you at pick up, please go out on to the patio to chat with friends.
4. Children who are ill, (excessively runny nose, tired &/or fever), should not come to school. The health of our children as well as our staff depends on everyone being responsible and considerate.
5. Please send your children to school wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and with shoes AND socks. When sand isn't bothering their little feet they are much more inclined to get the most out of their time in the play yards.

IMPORTANT DATES TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR: