revised August 2010
Table of Contents
1. History and Mission
2. Philosophy and Curriculum
3. Program Description
4. Family Participation
5. Evaluation of Children
6. Classroom Management
7. Daily Schedule
8. Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
9. Snack and Lunch
10. Celebrations and Holidays
11. Child and Family Orientation Schedule
12. Health and Safety
13. Tote Bags and Clothing
14. Communication
15. Admission Process
16. Tuition and Fees
17. School Calendar
18. Forms
1.History and Mission
Brown Play School (BPS) was founded by members of the Brown University community in 1950. It was originally a cooperative nursery school located on the East Side of Providence. It is now a partnership school, where parents participate in their child’s education but are not expected to fulfill specific teaching/administrative duties. In February 2000 the school moved to our current location in Rumford, RI.
The central goal of the school, in partnership with families, is to guide children as they build a foundation for a life of learning. Such a life requires them to be open-minded, creative thinkers who are intrinsically motivated and who will continue to question and seek knowledge as they grow and mature. Because this is also a crucial time for social development, we feel it is essential for us to provide a climate that will help children become self-assured, empathetic, and socially well-adjusted.
2.Philosophy and Curriculum
The Brown Play School curriculum is inspired by the highly regarded philosophy of the schools in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy. The fundamental components of the Reggio approach are described below.
- All children have the potential to construct their own learning and are not simply empty vessels to be filled with knowledge.
- There is a strong connection between the home and school, and the teachers and families work closely together to strengthen the child’s education.
- The school environment and curriculum are designed to foster an intrinsic love of learning. The environment encourages activity, engagement, discovery, and the use of a variety of media. The curriculum is emergent, meaning it is child-centered, flows from the children’s interests, and allows the children to return again and again to a project to add new insights.
- The teachers collaborate daily to engage the children in long-term projects based on their interests. The projects are carefully documented by the teachers through observation and recording. This documentation provides a window into the children’s learning and highlights for them the value of their thought processes.
- Time is not solely dictated by the clock. The teacher respects each child’s pace and time table. The teachers are with the children for two years, so they know each child very well and the children have the opportunity to develop and maintain a secure, consistent attachment through which they can thrive.
3.Program Description
Brown Play School serves three and four year-olds in a two-year program. It offers incoming three year-olds the option to attend 3, 4, or 5 days a week. Those choosing 3 days per week will attend Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. All incoming four year- olds will attend 5 days per week. The school is licensed for 26 children and has a Director, Head Teacher, Art Teacher, and a Co-Teacher, who are with the children everyday. BPS also offers these enrichment programs:
ART STUDIO: The art studio is a warm, open, organized, and well-stocked space where children are encouraged to build, explore, and expand their ideas daily. Through the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we understand that when a child has artistic freedom he/she has a greater sense of self-esteem, imagination, and creativity. The art teacher introduces a variety of tools and art mediums, but it is the child’s decision what to create and what to bring to life. The children care more, learn more, and enjoy an activity more when they produce their own creations.
MUSIC: Music and movement is part of the daily routine at BPS. In addition, there is a music teacher who comes twice a month to work with the children. This special program incorporates a deeper study of music and allows the children to experiment with different instruments. The children will participate in and share what they have learned in two family music night events during the school year.
WOODWORKING: Brown Play School also employs a woodworking teacher who comes to work with the children twice a month. This program provides the children with the opportunity to learn how to use real tools in a safe and well supervised environment. The children create some individual items that they are able to bring home such as a bird house or a stepping stool. They also work on group projects that benefit and remain at the school such as a balance beam for the play yard.
GREENHOUSE: In 2004 a greenhouse was added to the play yard. The greenhouse enables the children to be actively involved in growing, observing and caring for a variety of herbs and plants year round. It provides a huge sense of pride for the children to plant seeds and watch the many stages of growth. The children also carefully document the development of the plants in journals.
YOGA: Our art teacher, who is also a trained yoga instructor, has created a program specially adapted for the children’s little bodies and minds. She has found unique methods of incorporating yoga into the children’s daily schedule that provides them with a fantastic kinesthetic experience. The children benefit in many ways from yoga including an increase in self-awareness, building self-esteem, strengthening their bodies, releasing anxiety, and increasing control over their bodies.
4.Family Participation
There are many jobs at BPS which are handled by parents. Some of these include fundraising, parent representatives, and help at special gatherings. We encourage parents to share their special talents with the children. Some of the possibilities for parent participation are singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, cooking a favorite recipe, sharing a book, or maybe just joining us for lunch. Below is a list of our annual family events. Other field trips and celebrations are sometimes scheduled based on the children’s interests. Events are held at various times (evenings, mornings, and weekends) to try to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules and hopefully increase family attendance.
PLEASE NOTE: A parent or guardian must attend any field trip that requires transportation by car as the staff is not legally allowed to transport any child.
Annual Family Events
Get Acquainted Picnic
Fall Festival
Halloween Parade
Thanksgiving Lunch and Concert
Holiday Sing-A-Long
Annual Fundraisers (Cocktail Party and Road Race)
Fire Station Field trip
Grandparent’s Day
Gallery Afternoon
Family Music Night
Fundraising Commitment
There is a strong connection between the home and school, and the teachers and families work closely together to strengthen the child’s education. As part of our effort to educate children all parents must be willing to volunteer on a planning committee for either the annual Fall or Spring fundraising event. We rely on fundraiser monies to improve our facilities through new purchases such as the greenhouse, and to retain our staff by offering a retirement fund. With a collaborative effort we will ensure a positive environment for children to thrive and develop self esteem.
Program Evaluation
At the end of each school year BPS will ask each family to evaluate the preschool program by filling out a survey. This survey will consist of both specific and general questions about your family’s experience. We appreciate and value any feedback that can help improve our program.
5.Evaluation of Children
Parents meet in a private conference with the teachers to receive a comprehensive review of their child’s development. Conferences are scheduled twice a year, in the fall and spring, and are posted on the yearly calendar. In addition, several displays of the children’s work will be held throughout the year, including our annual self-portrait exhibit. Parents may call the Director or Head Teacher any time to discuss their child.
6.Classroom Management
During the preschool years children grow tremendously both socially and emotionally. At BPS they will learn to trust others outside their family, gain independence and self-control, and assert themselves in socially acceptable ways.
Children want to be accepted and they want to be productive contributors to our community. Usually by the age of three children are becoming more socially aware so the desire to play with others becomes very important to them. We find the desire to be part of the group will be one of the strongest motivators for developing positive behaviors.
When concerns and conflicts do arise, BPS teachers will use discussion, role modeling, and redirection to aid the child(ren) involved. We communicate with parents throughout the process to try to understand the driving force for the behavior and together develop ways to change it.
Our program recognizes the importance of dealing with aggressive behavior. Teachers work with children to find more acceptable ways to express their anger, negotiate with others, or handle aggression geared towards them by their peers. We will facilitate conversations between children, suggesting words and ways to resolve conflicts.
Excessive aggressive behavior is defined as that which either puts another child in jeopardy or intimidates others so as to interfere with positive interactions. Such acts as hitting, punching, biting, and pushing are considered excessively aggressive if another child’s well-being is being compromised. The policy at BPS is that parents will be notified if their child’s behaviors are considered excessively aggressive. A plan will be developed with the parent so as to construct a positive and consistent environment to help correct aggressive acts. Parents and teachers will communicate daily. If the child’s behaviors do not change and it is observed that peers are still in jeopardy, parents will be called in and expected to take their child home. If parents refuse to acknowledge the problem, or if parents do not cooperate, they will be asked to withdraw their child. It must be stated that the occasional push or punch is part of three and four year-old behavior and is dealt with in a loving, but firm manner. We only categorize behavior as excessively aggressive when it is constant and harmful to others.
7.Daily Schedule
The standard hours of operation are 8:30-11:45 a.m. with an option for an extended day, “lunch bunch”, which ends at 2:00 p.m.
8:30-9:00 Arrival & Early Centers Children arrive and settle in to one of the open centers. Quick activities are offered in the art studio.
9:00-9:20 Group Time Our first group time always includes songs, movement, and dance. In addition, we plan for the upcoming day with discussion and calendar activities.
9:20-10:30 Center Time Center time is the main activity period that gives children a chance to work in many different group dynamics. All centers are open and children may choose areas to play in. During this time the art teacher leads a project in the art studio, and at least one other teacher leads a small group activity for all children to participate in. Music, yoga, or woodworking enrichment programs are offered one day each week. A greenhouse located on the property is an important part of our curriculum giving children a chance to learn about the natural world.
10:30-10:45 Group Time The children regroup, sing songs, and prepare for snack.
10:45-11:00 Snack Snack is provided each day and includes a carbohydrate (such as crackers), fruit or vegetable, and drink (milk, juice, or water). BPS maintains a nut-free environment to accommodate children with severe food allergies.
11:00-11:15 Story & Share Time During this last group time a teacher reads a book to the children. The children are invited to recap their thoughts from our morning and they take turns sharing a special item from home.
11:15-11-45 Outdoor Play Large motor activities round off the morning with outdoor play. The children can choose to play on the climbing equipment, ride a vehicle, dig in the sandboxes, play in the pretend house, or perhaps be a caretaker in the greenhouse.
12:00-2:00 Lunch Bunch An optional, extended day program is offered to all children Monday through Friday. Additional activities are provided each day that often will include cooperative games.
8.Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
We love the fact that Brown Play school families are given many opportunities to converse with each other and the teachers both before and after school. This communication period is vital to the cohesiveness of the school. As a result we have built wonderful relationships that benefit the children, the families, and the school. Review the arrival and dismissal procedures below to keep these parts of our day running smoothly. Feel free to come early and join us in the play yard. We are usually outside from 11:15 – 11:45 and again from 1:40-2:00 for Lunch Bunch.
Morning drop-off is from 8:30-9:00 a.m. Parents or car pool drivers must take the children into the building upon arrival. Parking is permitted in the paved driveway, the gravel driveway, and on the street. Please use only the paved driveway if you plan to quickly drop-off your child (approx. 5 min). If you plan to spend more time use the gravel driveway or street parking areas.
A sign-in sheet is displayed at the entrance for the adult dropping off to sign the child in. If you have a court order, restraining order, or custody arrangement you must supply BPS with a copy for your child’s folder.
RI law states that children should not be left alone in a car or elsewhere and children should use appropriate car seats.
If your child is going home with someone other than you or your regular caregiver please fill out a “Play Date” form located in the sign-in area. No child will be allowed to leave with anyone other than a parent or designated caregiver unless this form is filled out by a parent.
Pick-up begins at 11:45 a.m. and all children should be picked up by 11:55 a.m. (1:50 – 2:00 p.m. for “lunch bunch” children). Please be prompt. In good weather, the children will be dismissed from the school yard at the back gate. Hold your child’s hand as you leave the yard. Only staff members are allowed to open the gate to let people in or out. Due to liability concerns families are not permitted to use the play yard when staff members are not present. When children are brought in for lunch or the school day has ended everyone needs to leave the yard.
In inclement weather, the teachers will dismiss the children at the front door into the small, fenced-in area.
BPS will not release any child to any person appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Late Pick-up Policy
Any person who is going to be late picking up a child should call to inform the staff and the child. A late charge of $10.00 for each 15 minutes late will be incurred if lateness exceeds more than one occurrence.
Storm Closing Policy
In the event of a closing due to the weather the director will notify families with an e-mail message by 6:30 a.m. In addition, BPS will post closings on local stations WLNE 6, WJAR 10, and WPRI 12. If weather necessitates an early dismissal families will be notified by phone.
9. Snack and Lunch
Snack
Snacks at school are designed to be nutritious. Milk, juice, and water are provided along with fruit or vegetable and a carbohydrate. BPS is strictly nut-free and every effort is made to accommodate children with food allergies. Occasionally parents want to supplement snack which is always appreciated. Please remember to follow the nutritional guidelines stated above unless it is a celebration as described in the next section. Whenever bringing food to share into the school always hand it to a staff member for safe keeping.
Lunch
Parents are responsible to provide lunch and a beverage for their child if they are enrolled in the extended day program. Please pack a nutritional lunch that is limited in, or free of sweets. Teachers will encourage children to eat all of their lunch. Whenever possible leftover food will be sent home so the parents are aware of how the child ate that day. We have found that any more than 4 items can be overwhelming for the child and usually wasteful. A microwave is available for warming up foods such as pasta or soup.
10. Celebrations and Holidays
A child’s birthday (or half-birthday for children with summer birthdays) may be celebrated at school. Families are invited to share a special snack or activity on the special day. If sending in a snack, please try to keep it nutritional without too much sugar. Parents are discouraged from sharing birthday cake or cupcakes due to the fact that we have so many birthdays during the school year.
It is our policy at BPS to celebrate many holidays such as Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, etc., in a non-religious way. We emphasize the similarities and uniqueness of all families by helping children to be aware of the wonderful traditions that are part of our lives’. Family surveys will be utilized to learn about holidays celebrated by the children and to help guide our planning. We encourage family members to come in and share their holiday traditions with the class as appropriate.
11. Child and Family Orientation Schedule
Brown Play School has several things in place to help ensure a smooth transition for children and their families at the beginning of the school year. We are dedicated to working with parents to make each child’s transition into preschool a positive experience.
- During the summer we will mail each family a wonderful pamphlet called, “So Many Goodbyes”, which is full of tips and activities to help prepare parents and children for the first day of school. In addition, the teachers will send an activity to be completed by the child, with adult assistance, which will be brought to school on the first day.
- Approximately 1-2 weeks prior to starting school we will hold a “Get Acquainted Picnic” at Agawam Park. This gives children a chance to interact with their teachers and peers in a very open and inviting outdoor setting.
- For the first day of school children will attend with a parent or guardian and experience a “mini” version of a typical school day (approx. 1 hr.). This will help your child become more comfortable while getting better acquainted with his/her teachers.
- For the last part of our transitional phase (2nd day of school) the children will attend a regular school day without a parent but with only half of the class. This gives the teachers a smaller ratio of children to work with and help ease any apprehensions.
12. Health and Safety
Child Abuse: We are required to report any suspected case of child abuse and/or neglect to the Department Of Children, Youth and Families (1-800-RICHILD) in accordance with state law.
- The use of tobacco is strictly prohibited inside or outside the premises of brown Play School. No one under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or narcotics will be allowed to interact/work with the children.
- Each child must have on file at the school a health certificate signed by a doctor and a record of immunizations. This must be sent to the school prior to your child attending. Please make sure we know about any allergies that your child may have or other helpful information which will be useful in caring for your child.
- For the safety of your child, you must keep all personal information records up to date. It is your responsibility to notify the the director of any changes to pertinent information regarding your family. All families are ensured complete confidentiality of personal information.
- Brown Play School tries to minimize the spread of communicable illnesses. Children should not attend school if in the last 24 hours they had fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other contagious conditions.
- If a child has any one of the following conditions the parent will be notified to pick up the child immediately. The following list was obtained from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
1. Chicken Pox – Children may continue at BPS following exposure or during incubation periods. Parents are urged to inform us if they suspect that their child has been exposed. Other parents must be informed by us. Parents should consult their physician if they have any questions about their child’s contagiousness.
2. Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis is a contagious infection of the eye. Its common symptoms are a yellow discharge, redness and tearing. Children cannot return to BPS until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours and the discharge has stopped.
3. Diarrhea – We cannot keep a child who has watery stool. He/she may return as soon as diarrhea stops. If your child has an allergy or condition which regularly causes diarrhea, please make sure we are aware of this at time of enrollment.
4. Impetigo – Impetigo is a contagious infection of the skin. Its common symptom is crusted sores usually appearing first in the facial area. Children cannot return to BPS until they have been on antibiotics 24 hours.
5. Strep Throat – The common symptoms of strep throat are a rash, a fever, and a sore throat. Children cannot return to BPS until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours.
6. Temperature/Fever – A child with a temperature of 100 F or more cannot be kept at BPS. We recommend the child remain home fever-free at least 24 hours.
7. Vomiting – Stomach viruses are very contagious. A child who is vomiting should remain home until vomiting has stopped for 24 hours.
8. Head Lice – This is very contagious and very common in childcare centers. Children’s heads should be checked often. If head lice or nits are found you must inform us immediately so that we can inform other parents. The child must get treatment and all clothing including bed linens must be washed with an effective head lice elimination product.
If a child comes to BPS when not feeling well, he/she will be more vulnerable to infection. It is in the best interest of your child and the others at BPS to keep your child home when ill. A child needs to be well to participate actively in the program. Often, children ask to come to school even though they are ill. Although your child may be disappointed, please keep him/her home when sick.
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer make-up days for regular or extended school days when children are absent.
Medication Policy
All medications shall be administered only on the written approval of a parent or guardian. Prescription medications will be given only as directed on the bottle or label, or as authorized by the physician. Medication should be in the original container with the patient’s name and instructions on it. Please be advised we will not dispense over the counter medication to any child.
Injuries and Medical Emergencies
BPS requires all staff to have CPR training and we have a nurse on call for medical inquiries we may have.
All minor injuries requiring basic first aid will be treated by the staff at BPS as needed. A record will be kept and parents will be notified upon arrival
For any medical emergencies we will call 911 and the child will be treated at the hospital designated by you on the Emergency Authorization Form. Parents will also be notified immediately. If they cannot be reached we will contact the alternate emergency people indicated on the form. It is imperative that parents supply us with 2 local, alternate contacts on the Emergency Authorization Form.
Emergency Procedures
BPS conducts emergency drills in accordance with the Rhode Island State laws. Every effort is made to help children understand how to react in an emergency without putting undo stress and anxiety on them. For example, a simple hand held bell is used to signal the first couple of fire drills before working our way up to the actual fire alarm.
Throughout the course of the school year we will practice fire drills, evacuations, and lock down drills. BPS has designated meeting places; along the school yard fence in the case of a fire, and the post office parking lot adjacent to the school in the case of an evacuation. In the event we need to stay locked in the school for an extended period of time we do store extra water, food, and blankets.
13. Tote Bags and Clothing
- Tote bags will be provided by the school for your child to bring each day. Please check your child’s bag regularly for notices, newsletters, and projects.
- Dress your child for active play! Clothes that are comfortable and easy for the child to remove when using the bathroom are best. Elastic waist pants are preferable. Closed shoes with ties or Velcro also work well, as opposed to slip-ons or sandals that expose feet to injury and trap rocks in the play yard.
- Boots, mittens, a hat, and warm clothing for outdoor play are necessary almost everyday in the winter and spring. Make sure that your child has sufficient clothing and please label with name or initials to help prevent loss.
- Bring in a box (preferably a shoe box) of extra clothes for your child. This box should contain an extra set of seasonal clothing plus underwear, socks, and shoes if possible. The children’s boxes will be stored in the adult bathroom.
14. Communication
At Brown Play School communication is very important. Many times there are moments of informal conversation and quite often there is a message board out during pick-up time. However, it is essential that all written communication is read thoroughly each month. This will ensure that all families are kept well-informed. These monthly notices consist of: Parent letter from Director, Child letter from the teachers for you to read to your child, Monthly calendar for you to post in your home listing all important dates.
15. Admission Process
Applications for admissions are accepted beginning September 1st of the year preceding desired enrollment. There is no application deadline.
1. Submit an application with a non-refundable $40.00 fee.
2. Director will schedule a one hour visit for the parent and child while school is in session.
3. Starting in March BPS will begin sending/mailing acceptance letters based on the number of available spots. We strive for a balance of boys and girls and, three and four year-olds. Priority is given to siblings of current or returning families.
4. Once the school is filled to capacity remaining families will be put on a waiting list. Openings can occur at any time. Families will be kept informed.
16. Tuition and Fees
2011/2012 TUITION
5 day program $5,400.00 (available for all children)
4 day program $5,100.00 (offered to 3 yr. old’s only)
3 day program $4,800.00 (offered to 3yr. old’s only)
Extended Day Option
5 day option $2,400.00
4 day option $2,000.00
3 day option $1,600.00
2 day option $1,200.00
1 day option $700.00
Snack Fee $150.00
Application Fee $40.00
** monthly and semi-annual payment plans available **
17. Brown Play School Calendar 2011 -2012
Saturday, August 27 -“Get Acquainted Picnic” @ Agawam Playground 11:00 – 1:00
Tuesday, September 6 – Parent’s Meeting @ 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 7 – OPEN HOUSE 4 yr. olds 9:15-10:15, 3 yr. olds 10:30-11:30
Thursday, September 8 – First Day of School for 4 yr. olds only
Friday, September 9 – First Day of School for 3 yr. olds only
Monday, September 12 – Normal School Schedule
Thursday, September 29 – No School – Rosh Hashanah
Monday, October 10 – No School – Columbus Day
Monday,October 31 – Halloween Celebration – All children attend – Parents invited @ 11:00
Thursday, November 10 – Parent/Teacher Conferences (Day 1) – No School
Friday, November 11 - No School – Veteran’s Day
Monday, November 14 – Parent/Teacher Conferences (Day 2) – No School
Monday, November 21- All children attend
Tuesday, November 22 – Thanksgiving Luncheon @ 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 23 to Friday, November 25 – Thanksgiving Recess No School
Monday, November 28 – School Resumes
T.B.A. - Family Sing-a-Long @ 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, December 14- Last day before holiday recess.
Thursday, December 15 to Friday, December 30 – No School – Holiday Recess
Monday, January 2 – School Resumes
Monday, January 16 – No School- Martin Luther King Day
Monday, February 20 to Friday, February 24- No School – Winter Recess
Monday, February 27 – School Resumes
Thursday, March 15 & Friday, March 16- No School – Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School
Monday, April 16 to Friday April 20 – No School – Spring Recess
Monday, April 23- School Resumes
Friday, May 11 – Grandparent’s Day All children attend during their specified time
3yr. group 9:15-10:15 and 4yr. group 10:45-11:45
Monday, May 28 – No School – Memorial Day
Tuesday, June 5 – Last Day of School Celebration for 3 yr. olds Parents invited @11:00 a.m. ( No School for 4 yr. olds)
Wednesday, June 6 – Last Day of School Celebration for 4 yr. olds Parents Invited @ 11:00 a.m.
Summer Camp (Optional) June 11, 2012 – June 29, 2012 from 8:30 – 11:45 a.m.