The Pink Tower Preschool
Parent Handbook
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The Pink Tower Preschool
Parent Handbook |
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1999-2000 The Pink Tower is a preschool and daycare center founded on the principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in her lifelong study of how children learn. Her work showed that an organized environment of specific materials and a set of exercises focusing on the senses, language and mathematics allowed children to learn at their own pace in an ordered, disciplined manner. Our Montessori program stresses "Responsible Freedom." The children are free to move about the classroom at will, to talk with other children, and to work with any equipment which they understand. The Director will introduce your child to new materials and provide guidance as needed. Your child is not free to disturb other children, or to abuse the equipment. We also believe that children have "Sensitive Periods." They will naturally become fascinated with learning a particular skill (tying a shoe, putting things in order, counting or reading) at a particular time in their development. The Montessori curriculum takes advantage of this by allowing your child the freedom to select individual activities which correspond to his or her own periods of interest. The Montessori Classroom Sensorial Exercises: Develop the senses and sharpen the child's ability to discriminate size, shape, texture, weight, color, and sound. Language Exercises: Develop reading and writing skills in a natural and progressive way. Math Exercises: Demonstrate mathematical concepts in concrete form and develop a true understanding of the language of numbers. Cultural Exercises: Familiarize children with geography,
music, science, art, and foreign language. The Pink Tower Classroom At the Pink Tower, we practice mutual respect, self-discipline, organization, a positive attitude toward problem-solving, and creative self-expression.
We also recognize that the preschool years are critical to cognitive development and provide an excellent opportunity to introduce:
At the Pink Tower we empower children and build their self-esteem by encouraging them to do as much for themselves as they can. This includes not only choosing their own educational exercises, but also caring for themselves (washing hands, and using the bathroom if age appropriate), and helping with daily duties (such as dusting and setting the table). Because we also believe that all children learn from one another and that they reinforce their own learning by helping others, we encourage them to mentor each other. You may then observe children as well as Directors, giving "lessons." In addition to our curriculum, we know that children benefit
from fresh air and exercise so we bundle up to go outside in
the winter and we suit up to swim in the summer! Typically, our daily schedule is this:
Sharing Naps Meals All aspects of the day are an opportunity to learn, including lunch. We serve family style (that is, we pass the food and serve ourselves) so the children have the chance to learn coordination, courtesy, self control, and good nutrition. We ask children to take only as much as they will eat, to eat what they take, and to at least try each item at the main meal. Dessert is optional and is frequently fruit. We try to engage in lively group conversation. If your child follows a restricted diet for any reason, please let us know and we will respect it and see that he is provided a balanced meal within those restrictions. Potty Training Discipline When a child is disrupting the ability of others to concentrate, is breaking a rule, or is hurting another, we will respond by asking the child to sit on his or her tape (their assigned circle time seat) until they regain control. We will explain to the child why their behavior is inappropriate and discuss what they might do in the future to avoid the problem.
Health Policies When your child will be absent from school due to sickness,
please alert us so we can be on the look out for similar symptoms
in other children. Your child should not be brought to school
if during the previous 24 hours she or he has exhibited any of
the following symptoms: Please consider the other children's health as you would like other parents to consider your own. The school will notify you if your child needs to go home. We will not administer medication, including nonprescription drugs, to any child without a parent's or guardian's written authorization. Parent authorization must be on file for each prescription medication. Each prescription drug must be accompanied by a physician's or pharmacist's directions. What to Wear/What to Bring Tuition and Fees Alumni Snow Day $25/day Our children range in age from 2 1/2 to 6. Any school age child that has been in attendance at The Pink Tower may continue to attend after school, on school snow days, and in the summer for as long as they have the interest. Regular half-day students may occasionally arrange to stay later in the afternoon is staffing permits. Tuition may be paid monthly, quarterly, or by the semester. Tuition is to be paid even if your child is absent for vacation or sickness. If, at the beginning or end of a semester, your child will be in attendance for two weeks or less, by prior arrangement you may pay for 1/2 month rather than the full month. Please note that tuition is due on the 1st of each month.
If not paid by the 10th of each month, a late fee of $25 will
be charged. Please speak with Monica Chavez-Silva (236-3050),
our Vice-President and treasurer, or the director if you need
to make other arrangements. Consent Forms Attendance |
