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

September 2009 Parent Newsletter

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 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. When they express anxiety and you don't respond with confidence, you are adding fuel to their fire. If you appear confident, your child will be more inclined to be confident as well. 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. The police may hand you a $500 ticket. 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 quick drop off &/or pick up. NEVER leave children in a parked car unattended. Please give the office a call if you need assistance.

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 give it to the ladies in the office . Let's see if we can help each other out. Bulletin Board items may remain up for 30 days.

LUNCH: All of our students, except our 2's are eligible to participate in our Lunch Program. Morning children bring their (clearly 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 $10.00. Please remember that we are a PEANUT FREE SCHOOL. Do not send anything containing peanuts to school. If you make cashew butter or other nut butter sandwich please label it clearly. We also encourage you to try to make a zero-trash lunch, using small containers and thermos. Together we can cut down on garbage and help Mother Earth!

EXTENDED CARE: We offer EARLY CARE every day starting at 8:00am in Room #2. After school Extended care is also offered everyday from 3:30-4:30pm 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 call our extended care cell phone at 650 776-8324. The cost for either extended care is $10.00. We also offer PLAY PALS on MWF mornings in Room #11 and everyday from 12:45-3:30 in Room #2. This is an option for busy parents who need a full-day option for their 3 or 4-year old. The afternoon program includes a nap time and the cost is $40.00 per day.

NEW SIBLING DISCOUNT: In our attempt to help with the burden of our current economy we have decided to offer a 10% discount to families who currently have 2 or more children enrolled at the Children's Center. (For those of you who have had many children with us over the years I can only say that I wish we had been able to offer this sooner.)

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 7, we will be holding a mandatory information 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 in articles finding their way back to you.)
2. A playground or park is the best place for active play when school is not in session. 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. Remember, people are still working on campus even when we are dismissed.
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 and/or fever within the last 24 hours), should not come to school. The health of our children as well as our staff depends on everyone being responsible and considerate. With the fear of Swine Flu still rampant, we ask you to be even more diligent. If we feel your child is not acting like him/herself, we will ask that you take them home.
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. No crocks, jellies or sandals please.

IMPORTANT DATES TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR: