Author: Shannon

Table of Contents

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Table of Contents
Section 1 Welcome / Message from the Board Chairperson / Message from our Teacher / This year’s Preschool Board / Class Times & Meetings / School Holidays & Closures / Message from the Auction Chairperson and Board Vice Chairs						1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
Section 2 Member Responsibilities / List of Responsibilities / Parent Meetings / Housekeeping / Class Jobs / Job Folders						10 / 11 / 11 / 11 / 11
Section 3 What is a Co-Op? / “What am I Getting Myself Into?” / Group Commitments / Parent Ed Instructor’s Role / Parent Ed Instructor / Student’s Requirements / Teacher / The Executive Board						12 / 13 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 15 / 16
Section 4 Member’s Fees / Registration Fees / Payments / Registration Dates / Tuition / Payments / Financial Problems / Withdrawal from Preschool / Scholarships						17 / 17 / 17 / 18 / 18 / 18 / 18 / 19

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Section 5 Our Philosophy Concerning Children / Introduction / Development Areas / Social/Emotional / Creative Academics / Physical / What is Culture? / A Functional Definition / Values / Beliefs / Behaviors / Materials / Cultural Diversity Classroom Checklist / Art Area / Block Area / Book Area / House Area / Music and Movement Area / Toy Area / Preschool Activities Chart						20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 21 / 21 / 21 / 21 / 21 / 21 / 22 / 22 / 22 / 22 / 23 / 23 / 23 / 24
Section 6 Working With Children / Guidelines for Working with Children in the Classroom / Child’s Rights & Responsibilities / Rights of the Child / Role of the Adult / Responsibility of the Child / Guidance & Management of Children’s Behavior / Level 1: Gestural assist / Level 2: Verbal assist / Level 3: Partial Physical assist / Level 4: Full Physical assist / Procedural Guidelines / Behavioral Guidelines / Acceptable Ways of Disciplining Children / Roles of Adults / Discussing Difficult Issues						25 / 26 / 27 / 27 / 27 / 28 / 28 / 28 / 28 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 30 / 31 / 31
Section 7 School Work Days / It’s All in the Timing / Arrival Time / Dismissal Time / Who’s Going to Pick Me Up Today? / Traffic Rules & Parking / Bulletin Boards / Babysitting / Carpools / Snacks / Cooking Experience / Special Day / Birthdays / Holidays						32 / 32 / 32 / 32 / 33 / 33 / 33 / 33 / 34 / 34 / 34 / 34 / 34

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

Why Do We Mess with Snacks? / Snack Suggestions / Excursions / Items from Home / What Am I Going to Wear? / Children’s Clothing / Parent’s Clothing						35 / 35 / 36 / 36 / 37 / 37 / 37
Section 8 Health & Safety / Your Child’s Health / Absences / When to Keep Your Child Home / Communicable Disease & Chart / Immunization Requirements / Definitions / Accidental Injury						38 / 38 / 38 / 39 / 40 / 40 / 41
Section 9 Parent’s Input / Evaluations from Parents / Do You Have a Question or Concern / Parent Lending Library / Parent/Teacher Conferences						42 / 43 / 44 / 44
Section 10 Emergency Preparedness / In the Event of a Fire / Fire Escape Plan / Basic Points to Remember / Fire & Smoke Procedure / When Children Are All Together in a Room / When Children Are Scattered Throughout the Preschool / Fire Escape Route / In the Event of an Earthquake Disaster / Earthquake Evacuation Plan / After an Earthquake Disaster / Other Disaster Information / Earthquake Escape Route						45 / 45 / 45 / 46 / 46 / 46 / 47 / 48 / 48 / 49 / 49 / 50

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Section 1

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 1

Welcome

Message from the Board Chair

Hello, everyone!
My name is Denise and I will be your 2020-2021 Covington Co-Op Board Chair. I'm a stay at home grandma to Elliot who was in red class two years ago, headed to 1st grade. Riley, our granddaughter was in yellow class last year, and Elijah who is a future Covington Coop kid. I love being home with them and sharing as many experiences as possible. We do a lot and are always busy on some fun and exciting adventure! And we take my mom who is in her 80's with us often. I have been married for over 30 years
Now…seems impossible! I have two kids, daughter Breanna (Elliot & Elijah's mom and Chair Assistant), and son Andrew (Riley's daddy). Both are married and we are so happy to have such wonderful in laws and of course the best grandkids ever!! I have worked in banking at Dunn Lumber. Customer service is always interesting but I enjoyed it. I also enjoy sports, especially baseball and football! And I love being outdoors...the beach is my happy place!!
Denise Krull-Mayfield
Hello, everyone!
My name is Breanna Kennedy and I am your 2020-2021 Covington Co-op Preschool Chair Assistant. This is our 5th year with the preschool. Three years ago, my son Elliot was in the Red class, and last year my niece Riley was in the Yellow class, and my son Elijah is a future Covington Coop kiddo. Elliot & Riley's Grandma Denise is, the Board Chair. You will see Denise around the school and at meetings, but I will be helping with email's, paperwork, etc. If you have any questions, email me at bre18628@gmail.com. I work full time doing bookkeeping at a local lumber yard, and my husband Eric works for the same lumber yard in window sales. We met at work and have been married for just over 9 years. We are big Seahawks and Mariners fans and try to get to games as often as we can. We also love music and are both going to multiple
concerts this year. As a family, we love to get out of town and explore. I am looking forward to helping out this year!
All the best,
Breanna

Welcome 1

Section 1
Welcome

Message from our Teacher

My name is Karen Lee (Warehime) Brown. I have lived in Kent since I was five, except for the first ten years after I was married, when I lived in Everett, WA. I am 73 years young and have been married to the same man for 54 years.
Our four children, three girls and one boy, have raised us to what we are today and have now turned the job over to our 11 grandchildren. I thank them every day for their patience. My husband and I have been lucky enough to have all of our children living close by. Once a parent, always a parent. The only thing that changes is how we are needed. We are now taking on the roll of Great-Grandparents to our first great grandchild, Wow!
Just remember that each day we have with our children is a gift and we need to make the best of it. Take time out to enjoy your children and let them be children because sooner than you know it, life changes. Some day these children are going to imitate back to us what we have modeled for them, making our job very important. Do we want happy, patient, cooperative, risk-taking, problem-solving, positive- thinkers? Then we have to model those traits.
I was introduced to the Co-Op philosophy in 1969, when I signed our first child into her first preschool experience. I enjoyed it so much that I signed myself up for the training classes to be a Co-Op preschool teacher at Everett Community College. When I finished I was asked to teach one of their two and a half to five year old classes. I was a Co-Op parent for six years in Everett and the last three of those years I taught. I also taught classes on puppetry and was involved in the annual area-wide workshop.
In August of 1975 my family and I moved back to Kent. I took a year off from preschool to get settled in. Then in September of 1976, I joined up with Covington Co-Op Preschool for two years with our son and then our youngest daughter.
In my eight years as a Co-op parent I worked as Registrar, Parent Coordinator (I had to visit every new parent in their home), Board Chair of View Ridge Preschool in Everett, Treasurer and Board Treasurer of Covington Co-Op.
I applied for a Lab Coordinator Position at Covington in the fall of 1978 when they offered the young three year old class for the first time. I have been teaching for forty years at Covington because I think Covington is the Best.
I have training in: Math Their Way, The Whole Child, Developmentally Appropriate Practice for Young Children, Communicating with Young Children, Brain Development of Young Children, Prevention of Child Abuse and Cultural Diversity. I try to get at least fifteen hours of up-to-date training every year.
I enjoy working with these age groups because they are so loving.
Karen Brown
Lab Coordinator

2 Welcome

Section 1
Welcome

2020-2021 Preschool Board

EXECUTIVE BOARD
Chairperson Denise Krull-Mayfield
Asst. Chairperson Breanna Kennedy
1st Vice Chairperson Lindsey Bissell
2nd Vice Chairperson Adena Pasibe
Secretary Renae Boyle
Treasurer Harman Dhami
Newsletter Mani Dhami
Spirit Event Coord. TBD
Blue Class Chair Jessica Koopmans
Yellow Class Chair Nicole Dalyrmple
Red Class Chair Nichole Pennington
Orange Class Chair Adena Pasibe
Purple Class Chair Renae Boyle
APPOINTED POSITIONS
Registrar Rachael Vuu
Health & Safety Zach Rule
Supply Purchaser TBD
Auction Nicole Farchette
STAFF
Lab Coordinator Karen Brown
Teacher Assistant
Parent Ed Instructor TBD

Welcome 3

Section 1
Welcome

Class Times & Meetings

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Red	Blue	Red	Yellow	Yellow
Orange	Orange	Orange	Purple	Purple

	Class Times
BLUE CLASS	Tuesday	9:30 - 11:30
YELLOW CLASS	Thursday & Friday	9:30 - 11:30
GREEN CLASS	Cancelled for 2020-2021	12:15 - 2:15
RED CLASS	Monday & Wednesday	9:15 - 11:30
ORANGE CLASS	Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday	12:15 - 2:15
PURPLE CLASS	Thursday & Friday	12:15 - 2:30

Class Meetings / 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
BOARD MEETINGS	1st MONDAY of the month
RED CLASS	4th MONDAY of the month
YELLOW CLASS	4th TUESDAY of the month
ORANGE	4th WEDNESDAY of the month
GREEN CLASS	Cancelled for the 2020-2021 School Year
PURPLE CLASS	1st THURSDAY of the month

Note: BLUE class meets during class time and two evening meetings the 2nd Tuesday in October and February.

4 Welcome

Section 1
Welcome

School
Holidays
& Closures

2020-2021 / "No School" Calendar & Holidays
Veteran’s Day	November 11 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving	November 26-27 (Thursday & Friday)
Winter Break	December 21-January 1
Martin Luther King Day	January 18 (Monday)
President's Week Break	February 15-19 (Monday - Friday)
Spring Break	April 5 - 9 (Monday-Friday)
Memorial Day	May 31 (Monday)
Last Day of Preschool	June 7-11
Carnival	June 14-18

School Closures
In the event of snow, the preschool will be closed when the Kent School District (KSD) public schools are closed. Closing for emergencies during school hours will be at the discretion of the Lab Coordinator. Any additional snow policy will be determined by each individual class in the fall. Snow closures are also found on your local TV news, radio and the internet: http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/ / The preschool will not reschedule or make up snow days. / (Please note: Check Earthquake Procedures, Section 10 of this handbook for more information).

Welcome 5

Section 1
Welcome

Message from the Auction Chairperson

My name is Nicole Farchette. I am super excited for the auction this year after attending them myself the past 12 years. I feel like I have seen it all. It has always been one of my favorite events. I know it might be virtual this year but I hope to find creative ways to still make it great. I believe anyone who knows me would say parties, the décor, the food is my “thing”. It will be hard to not get to do all that if it is virtual. This is my 13th and last class at the preschool. If you include my step daughters it is our families 17th class. I have been here so long I can’t imagine my life without Mrs. Brown and preschool.
The auction has always been the preschools biggest fundraiser and since we couldn’t have it last year we need to make this one better then ever. I hope to incorporate the “normal” like balloons, deserts, and dinner into the auction as much as possible. I am going to try to involve the hundreds of alumni I have befriended over the last 13 years to really make this great. I am always open to ideas and help so please reach out if you think you have anything that could help make this a success.

Message from the Vice Chairpersons

Hello! I'm Lindsey your first vice chair. This will be our family's sixth year with Covington Coop. My role as vice chair is to help provide families with opportunities to fundraise, if you have an idea let me or Adena know!
I also keep track of the 2.5 hour work commitments and your families’ fundraising totals. It is really important for you to fill out a fundraising slip along with any paperwork you turn into the orange fundraising box. I really want you to get your credit! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email! Bissell.Lindsey@gmail.com
Lindsey Bissell
——————-
Hello! My name is Adena and I’m your 2nd vice chair. This will be our family's 7th year with Covington Coop. For the first 5-6 years I was the Newsletter board member. This is my 2nd year as 2nd Vice Chair.
My role as vice chair is to help provide families with opportunities to fundraise, if you have an idea let Lindsey or myself know! We also keep track of 2 1/2 hour work commitments and your families fundraising totals. It is really important for you to fill out a fundraising slip along with any paperwork you turn into the orange fundraising box. We really want you to get your credit throughout the year! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email! apasibe@gmail.com
Adena Pasibe

6 Welcome

Fundraising Guidelines & FAQs for Parents:
Please carefully review the following information regarding fundraising. It is important that these guidelines are followed in order to keep our preschool operations running smoothly.
Fundraising is important to the success of Covington Co-op Preschool!
As you are aware, fundraising is a very important part of keeping our Co-op thriving. We rely heavily on the money earned from fundraising and other contributions; this helps us to keep tuition low while providing an awesome preschool environment for our children.
Every fundraising dollar is critical to keeping our preschool doors open. You may notice many fundraising event reminders throughout the school year; this is to give you every opportunity to meet your fundraising commitment.
This year, we’re hoping to meet some of our best fundraising goals yet. Fundraising is about keeping the school solvent and allowing us the best in terms of supplies, activities, outdoor equipment, maintenance, and salary for Mrs. Brown.
When parents have collaborated with friends, family and colleagues to focus on fundraising, we have had great success! Please take the time to read any information provided to you regarding fundraisers. You are an integral part of continuing pre-K education for our children!
Fundraising Basics:
Q: What are the fundraising requirements?
A: Every family at Covington Co-op Preschool is required to meet a fundraising commitment of $100.00 for one child, or $150.00 for two children enrolled. Of course, the more you are able to raise the better, but you do need to meet this minimum requirement.
Q: How does fundraising work?
A: Throughout the school year, there will be a number of opportunities to fundraise. Each opportunity contributes a different percentage toward your fundraising commitment.
For example, let’s say you submit an order for “Fundraiser A” totaling $100.00. You also know that “Fundraiser A” earns 30% toward your fundraising commitment. Therefore, you have earned $30.00 toward your $100.00 total fundraising requirement.
Q: What percentage do I earn from each fundraiser toward my commitment?
A: The percentage earned for each fundraiser can vary each year as the profits from each company are different. We will try to determine the percentage that will go towards each parent’s fundraising commitment prior to the completion of a fundraiser; however, some percentages cannot be determined until the order is submitted. After each fundraiser is complete, we can provide a more exact amount as to what percentage you earned.
Also, look for a monthly status update from your Class Vice-Chair as to what your remaining fundraising and work commitments are.
Q: Who is responsible for turning in fundraising money, orders and slips?
A: Each PARENT is responsible for their money, orders and fundraising slips. The parent should submit their order with payment and the properly filled out fundraising slip into the orange fundraising box in the office.
Money should never be given to a Class Chair or Class Vice-Chair to be turned in. It is not their responsibility and things can get confusing when money changes hands too many times.

7 Welcome

Q: What if I have more than one child enrolled? How do I handle fundraising then?
A: If you have more than one child enrolled, please put ALL fundraising slips in the oldest child’s name so we know when you have fulfilled your $150.00 commitment.
Enrolling more than one child requires a $150.00 fundraising commitment and two 2.5 hour work commitments.
Fundraising Orders and Payments:
Q: How do I fill out a fundraising slip?
A: The fundraising slips should be filled out as follows EVERY time money is turned in. If you are paying in cash, you will need a witness to sign your slips verifying that the cash went into the fundraising box.
1. Parents need to be filling out both halves of the fundraising slip and then tearing it down the middle, thus creating TWO slips.
(Blank slips can be found on top of the orange fundraising box in the office.)
2. Place one half with the order and payment in a green fundraising envelope. Then place the envelope into the orange fundraising box.
(Green fundraising envelopes can be found on top of the orange fundraising box in the office.)
3. The other half goes in the class envelope on the white fundraising cabinet for the Class Vice-Chair to collect.
(Class envelopes are taped to the front of the white fundraising cabinet located in the office.)
Remember, all checks are always made payable to Covington Co-op Preschool. Cash payments require a witness signature on the fundraising slips.
Q: Who do I make checks payable to?
A: All checks are always made payable to Covington Co-op Preschool unless otherwise stated. NEVER make checks payable to cash.
Q: What if I want to pay by credit/debit instead of cash or check?
A: If you are paying for fundraisers via credit or debit, please have Mrs. Brown, a Class
Chair, a Class Vice-Chair or a Board Member operate the machine for you. You then need to
make a copy of the receipt, fill out a fundraising slip and attach it. It goes into the fundraising box
along with your order. Please note that there is a fee for all credit card transactions.
Q: Can I allot some of my fundraising money to a different student?
A: If you are going to be giving some of your fundraising fulfillment to another student, you have 30 days from the close of the fundraiser to do so.
If you sell something that you wish to go under a different student’s name, fill out the fundraiser slip in their name as to avoid confusion.
Resources:
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: There are many resources if you have additional questions!
If you need assistance with the fundraising slips, contact your Class Vice-Chair. They can show you the process.
For other fundraising questions, you may contact your Class Vice-Chair or All-School Board Vice-Chairs.
Also, please review the fundraising documents provided to you in your parent packets and handbook. Additional information can be found throughout the year on your class bulletin board, in your parent/student folders, via email and in the school newsletters.

Welcome 8

2020-2021 Fundraising Slip Procedure for Orders & Payments:
Please carefully review the following information regarding submission of fundraising orders and payments. It is important that these guidelines are followed in order to keep our preschool operations running smoothly.
Each parent is required to properly fill out a fundraising slip to place an order/contribution.
Cash Payments: If you are paying in cash, you will need a witness (Board Member, Mrs. Brown, or Class Chair) to sign both halves of the slips verifying that the cash amount is correct.
Make sure they are there to watch you drop it into the box.
This is for the protection of the parents and the preschool to avoid mistakes or missing cash.
Check Payments: All checks are always made payable to Covington Co-op Preschool.
Credit/Debit Card Payments: Find Mrs. Brown or a Board Member to operate the Square card machine for you. Get a written receipt, fill out a fundraising slip, and attach them together. They go in the fundraising box along with your order. Please note that there is a fee for all credit card transactions.
FUNDRAISING SLIPS SHOULD BE FILLED OUT AS FOLLOWS EVERY TIME MONEY IS TURNED IN.
Instructions:
1) Parents need to be filling out both halves of the fundraising slip and then tearing it down the middle, thus creating TWO slips. (Blank slips can be found on top of the orange fundraising box in the office.)
2) Place one half with the order and payment in a green fundraising envelope. Then place the envelope into the orange fundraising box. (Green fundraising envelopes can be found on top of the orange fundraising box in the office.)
3) The other half goes in the class envelope on the white fundraising cabinet for the Class Vice-Chair to collect. (Class envelopes are taped to the front of the white fundraising cabinet located in the office.)
If you need assistance with the fundraising slips, contact your Class Chair, Vice-Chair, or Board Vice-Chairs. They can show you the process.
* More detailed fundraising guidelines are provided on the ‘Fundraising Guidelines & FAQs for Parents’ sheet provided in your parent packet. Please carefully review this.

9 Welcome

Section 2

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 2

Member Responsibilities

List of
Responsibilities

As a parent involved in Covington Cooperative Preschool you will need to participate in the following activities during the year:
1. Work a 2-1/2 hour shift at the annual Auction, Walk Your Block, Plant Sale, Work Party or another event as approved by the Board.
2. Earn $100.00 for 1 child / $150 for 2 or more children in fundraising profits, by selling, buying or donating.
3. Be on a cleaning team from your class and clean the preschool at least twice during the school year, per child enrolled.
Attend a monthly parent meeting. You are allowed one absence.
5. Perform the duties of your class job as determined at the fall workshop.
6. Attend at least half of the scheduled excursions of your class. All for Blue Class.
7. Work in the classrooms during your scheduled workdays, or find your own replacement.
8. Have fun, learn and make friends to last a lifetime!
We also have lots of committees to improve our school and we would love any volunteers. Contact your class chair, if interested.

Member Responsibilities 10

Section 2
Member Responsibilities

Parent Meetings

There will be parent education meetings for all classes. The dates and times are to be determined.
The Parent Education Instructors present talks on current issues of parenting, conduct workshops to improve parenting skills, and provide informative handouts for reference and future reading at home. Furthermore, your voice is important regarding the operation of the preschool. For these reasons, the Covington Co-Op Preschool requires your attendance as well. The meetings also lend themselves to informal gathering of friends.
Any questions or concerns, check with your class chair, Parent Ed instructor, and/or Teacher.

Housekeeping

We take pride in providing a safe and clean environment for our children. Due to COVID our school will receive a thorough cleaning daily. We have eliminated our weekend cleanings at this time as to not contaminate the school once its been sanitized Friday afternoon after classes.

Class Jobs

Each member enrolled will fulfill responsibility of a class job per child enrolled. These jobs are picked at the class workshop.

Job
Folders

Each class job is accompanied by a job folder issued at workshop containing pertinent information regarding that job. You are asked to add any suggestions to the notebook as the year progresses. All notebooks must be turned in to your class chairperson by the end of the year (date to be determined). Failure to return your folder will result in a $5.00 replacement fee.

11 Member Responsibilities

Section 3

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 3

What is a Co-op?onsibilities

“What am I Getting
Myself Into?”

Briefly stated, it's fun. and work! By actively participating with your child in the preschool, you learn things that are special about your child and other children. You may discover talents that you didn't know you had while enjoying the company of other parents like yourself. In the process of expanding your circle of friends you also find out you are not the only parent who gets frustrated with their children and tired of parenting at times. The unique thing about the cooperative preschool is that there is only one paid person "on staff": the teacher, whose salary is paid from the parents' tuition. Parents make up the rest of the teaching staff by taking turns working in the preschool several times a month. One of the other benefits is the rich learning experience for parent and child, gained from being part of a program which encourages the growth and development of children in social, emotional, intellectual and physical ways.
In order for the preschool to operate properly, a good deal of cooperation is necessary, (hence the name Co-Op). The parents are actually the administrators as well as the staff of the school. Officers are elected democratically each year. One of the parents acts as a treasurer paying necessary expenses for supplies and the Teachers's salary. Each parent is expected to take on other responsibilities in addition to taking their turns working during preschool class. These duties might include obtaining books from the local library to use at school, arranging for field trips, registering new parents or purchasing small supplies such as soap or towels.
While schedules and procedures may vary from year to year and school to school, it remains true that everyone's help is required in order to have a successful year in a Co-Op preschool. The reason is, that if parents don't do the needed tasks, there is no one else to do them and nothing can operate smoothly if needed jobs are not done. There is a lot of fun, however, in doing this, including working on occasional fund-raising projects that finance special equipment purchases, scholarships or whatever the group decides it wants. And group-decision making can be very exciting!
Parent education is an important part of a co-op preschool. Parents attend a monthly parent education class presented by a parent-ed instructor. This is a part of the monthly parent meeting which everyone is expected to attend and where the Co-Op business is discussed. There is an annual parent education fee which provides payment to the instructor, provides written material and acts as a resource to parents and Lab Coordinator, and covers insurance for parents and students.

What is a Co-Op? 12

Section 3
What is a Co-Op?

Group Commitments

It is important that members understand the mutual obligations and benefits occurring from Parent Education Affiliation with Parent Cooperative groups. When a group makes the decision to be affiliated with Parent Education, the group makes the following commitments:
1. A parent must work in the preschool 2 or 3 times a month.
2. A parent must attend the monthly parent meetings.
A group accepts the Parent Ed Instructor as the teacher of Adult Education.
A group must plan an educational program for children based on recognized research and philosophy in the field of Early Childhood Education.
5. A group must employ a Teacher who is able to implement such an educational program with children and give support to the Parent Education Program.

Parent Ed Instructor’s Role

The instructors in the Family Studies Department act as advisors. They are available to promote Parent Education and assist in every possible way to help the preschool run smoothly. Their role is to:
1. Visit assigned groups on a regular basis.
2. Work with the Teacher to promote the philosophy of the preschool program.
3. Provide educational programs for the regularly scheduled classes or discussion groups, which may include discussion, problem solving and lectures.
4. Use effective guidance techniques in the classroom.

What is a Co-Op? 13

Section 3
What is a Co-Op?

Parent Ed. Instructor

We are still trying to figure out how and who will help be our Parent Ed Instructor this 2020-2021 school year. More information to come...

14 What is a Co-Op?

Section 3
What is a Co-Op?

Student’s Requirements

As this is a parent-child education class the student is expected to:
1. Attend parent discussion classes and participate in discussion sessions.
2. Remain with your child on assigned days and assist the Teacher.
3. Attend Parent Education workshops
4. Take an active role in the leadership and functioning of your preschool.

Teacher

The Teacher is hired by the Co-Op and is paid a salary for her services. She is responsible for implementing an educational program for children based upon
recognized research and philosophy in the field of early childhood education. She prepares a written monthly schedule of activities. She is with the children every day, is in charge of the classroom at all times and provides direction to the working parents. She attends the monthly parent meetings, monthly Board meetings and workshops.

What is a Co-Op? 15

Section 3
What is a Co-Op?

The
Executive
Board

The Covington Co-Op Preschool executive board is comprised of the following officers: Board Chairperson, 1st Vice-Chairperson, 2nd Vice-Chairperson,
Board Secretary, and Board Treasurer. The Board consists of the Executive board plus Newsletter Coordinator, Registrar, Spirit Event Coordinator, and a Class Chairperson from each class.
An open Board meeting is held once a month and is attended by the Co-Op Teacher as well as the parent-ed Instructor. Various business matters are conducted during these meetings, such as establishing a yearly operational budget, the forming of special events, and resolving the many details relating to the operation of a non-profit organization. Board members are expected to fulfill all duties and obligations established for Co-Op members as outlined in the by-laws.
Co-Op members are invited to attend any Board meeting they choose with the understanding that they do not hold a voting position. If a member wishes to address the Board, they should notify the Chairperson in advance so they may be included on the agenda. Minutes of the previous Board meeting may be found on the Board bulletin board. Minutes are also read at each monthly parent meeting.

Preschool Days

Preschool days are organized to provide young children and their parents with a variety of learning and socialization experiences. A "typical" day is
different for each class and may include an opening activity (calendar,
sharing, description of projects), centers (art projects, puzzles, painting and many other skill-oriented activities), snack, outside time or "large muscle"
activity inside, music, stories and a variety of other projects appropriate to the child's developmental level. Field trips, visitors to the classroom and other
specialized activities round out the program.
Parents take turns working in the laboratory-classroom. A schedule is
published for each month indicating parent workdays and the duties to be performed by each parent on a given workday. Specific duties are fully
described in preschool literature, but include such responsibilities as the snack preparation, painting area, housekeeping area, puzzles and playdough areas, etc. Each parent works to create a learning atmosphere and to
facilitate participation in scheduled activities.

16 What is a Co-Op?

Section 4

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 4

Member’s Fees

Registration Fees

The Covington Co-Op registration fees are used for insurance coverage and for costs incurred in printing and mailing material as well as preparing the classroom before school begins. These are established each year by the
executive board and submitted to the membership for approval. A
non-refundable registration fee is required for each child at enrollment. Later registrants will have a pro-rated fee determined by the Board.
Payments
Covington Co-Op registration fee will be paid with June tuition at time of registration. The registration fee is non-refundable but the June tuition is refundable if your student drops prior to the middle of April.
The Parent Education/Insurance fee is being split this year. Half due in October and half due in April.
Registration Dates
Registration dates vary from year to year. Please contact the Registrar at 253-630-0909 or covingtonpreschool@gmail.com, or visit our website at www.covingtoncooppreschool.com to find out current registration dates.

Member’s Fees 17

Section 4
Member’s Fees

Tuition

Tuition is utilized for part of the operational costs of the preschool and for the payment of the Teachers salary. These costs are still incurred whether or not your child attends classes. For this reason, you are required to pay tuition as long as your child is enrolled in the preschool.
Payments
Tuition payments are due at the monthly parent meeting or by the end of the month prior to the month for which you are paying. (For example: October tuition is due by September 30).
Please make checks payable to Covington Co-Op Preschool. Always remember to note your child's first and last name along with the class color on the check.
Checks or money orders for tuition may be placed in the treasurer's drawer, which is the top left drawer of the office desk. Please do not leave cash in the drawer. The preschool will not be responsible for lost or stolen cash. If you wish to pay with cash or credit card, you may do so only at the parent meeting or with the Teacher.
Financial Problems
If you have financial problems, please notify the treasurer immediately. It is possible your child may be dropped from the group if tuition is not paid within 2 months, unless otherwise determined by the Board. Members who have a prearranged leave of longer than one month, due to extenuating circumstances, may submit a written request to the board for consideration of a tuition break.
Withdrawal from Preschool
A parent may withdraw his/her child at any time. The Teacher and class chairperson must be notified two weeks prior to withdrawal in order to receive a tuition refund. There will be no refund of June tuition after May 1.

18 Member’s Fees

Section 4
Member’s Fees

Scholarships

The purpose of Covington Co-Op Preschool's Scholarship fund is to provide assistance to families who need help in meeting tuition costs in times of emergencies.
To obtain a scholarship, the following stipulations must be met:
The scholarship recipients shall complete the Covington Co-Op Preschool scholarship application.
The scholarship recipients shall have a one month waiting period after enrollment in which tuition will be paid by the recipient.
Registration fee and Parent Education/Insurance fee are to be paid by applicant.
The scholarship recipient will have an extra 2 1/2 hour work commitment.
The scholarship recipient will have an additional fundraising commitment of $25 per child enrolled.
All parent obligations must be fulfilled as stated in the by-laws.
All scholarship recipients shall pay their tuition on time each month. Late payments may cause reconsideration of the scholarship.
Once approved, scholarship recipients will pay 50% of tuition rates for each enrolled child. All scholarships are subject to availability. If there are any questions regarding the scholarship process and availability please contact the Executive Board Treasurer.
*There will be no scholarships offered for the 2020-2021 School Year*

Member’s Fees 19

Section 5

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 5

Our Philosophy
Concerning Children

Introduction

As a parent interested in your child's early education, it is likely that you have some questions about what your child will experience in preschool and why. We hope that the following information will give you some insight into our philosophy and how our program reflects our beliefs.
We believe that each child is a unique individual. We also know that children develop in different areas at different times, and grow and change at varying rates. We understand that children move into new stages of growth and development only when they are "ready" which means that they have mastered a necessary previous stage. For this reason, our program is designed to meet each child at his/her own developmental level, and allows each child to proceed at his/her own rate. You will find that our program provides many opportunities for children to practice and repeat successful activities as well as face new challenges.

Development Areas

We believe in the growth of the whole child involving the following developmental areas:

Social/Emotional	Creative Academics	Physical
● sharing	● art activities	Large motor:
● taking turns	● play	climbing, hopping, / running, jumping
● concern for others	● teacher guided learning activities	Small motor:
● appropriate expressions of feelings	● varied language experiences	puzzles, manipulative toys, play-dough
making new friends / accepting differences	● field trips to extend learning

We feel that exposure to each of these areas develops confidence and forms a foundation for later success in school.
In our preschool environment, you will find a comfortable balance of carefully planned learning opportunities. Each Teacher brings to the classroom their own unique style of teaching, just as each child has their own unique style of learning. The total environment - physical setting, Teacher, equipment, curriculum, and time structure - is designed to communicate a feeling of welcome, acceptance, safety, and security to young children.

Our Philosophy Concerning Children 20

Section 5
Our Philosophy Concerning Children

What is
Culture?

A Functional Definition
Every family and individual has a culture. It is defined to be more than race, ethnicity, or nationality. Each culture has three or four basic elements. "The current definition state(s) that there must be a group of people, who as part of their life experiences, share a set of values, beliefs, behaviors, and materials (Ephraim and Phillips, 1993)." These elements usually are passed on from one generation to the next through education and experience.
Values
Ideals which are both an influence and a filter for our world views.
Beliefs
Conviction that is held to be true in the absence of proof. Views of the world are also filtered through one's beliefs/convictions.
Behaviors
Rituals, Customs and Traditions. A verbal or non-verbal way (process) to communicate what is important or meaningful (our values and beliefs).
Materials
Concrete representations (for example: clothing, tools, language, etc.)
“Diversity is the one thing we all have in common"

21 Our Philosophy Concerning Children

Section 5
Our Philosophy Concerning Children

Cultural
Diversity Classroom Checklist

How well does your classroom or center reflect children's cultural diversity? To evaluate your setting, here's a checklist that is organized by play area.
Art Area
● Paint, crayons, and paper mirror skin colors of people in the school community. (Note: crayons designed to reflect actual skin tones are now available.)
● Other art materials representing the art and crafts of the community are available (e.g., weaving supplies, clay)
Block Area
● Toy people are multi-racial and without sex-role stereotyping.
● Animal figures simulate those found in your area (e.g., house pets).
● Toy vehicles represent those found in the community.
Book Area
● Books written in children's home language are included.
● Books depict a variety of racial, ethnic, and cultural groups, focusing on modern life-styles and including natural looking illustrations of people.
● References to color in books are non-stereotypic (avoid books that associate black with evil, white with purity and goodness).
● Books represent a variety of family situations, including single-parent families, two-parent families, bi-racial couples, stepparents, children cared for by extended family members.
● Books portray women and men in realistic situations, with both girls and boys playing active roles, and both women and men seen as independent problem solvers.
● Books show children and adults with various disabilities. Disabled characters are portrayed as real people who happen to have handicaps rather than as objects of pity who struggle hard to overcome handicaps.
House Area
● There are multi-racial girl and boy dolls with appropriate skin colors, hair textures and styles, and facial features.
● Contents and arrangement of house area mirror homes found in community (e.g. patio area in Southwest).
● Kitchen utensil, empty food containers reflect what children see their family members using.
● Dress-up clothing is reflective of the community, including occupations of the children's parents. *Dress-up is not available for the 2020-2021 School Year*
● Whenever possible, child-sized wheelchairs, crutches, glasses with lenses removed, etc. are available.
Music and Movement Area
● Music tapes and instruments are reflective of children's cultures.
● A variety of instruments are available for children's use.
● Movement games that are characteristic of the culture are played.
Toy Area
● Puzzles reflect the community atmosphere (e.g. rural or urban).
● Puzzles represent occupations of parents and others in community.
● Toy figures, puzzles, etc., depict multi-racial people and avoid sex-role stereotyping.

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Our Philosophy Concerning Children 22

Section 5
Our Philosophy Concerning Children

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23 Our Philosophy Concerning Children

Section 5
Our Philosophy Concerning Children

Preschool
Activities
Chart

General suggestions: Give minimum direction, but offer help if needed. Encourage children to help at clean-up time. Use manuscript alphabet to print child's name on art work. (Upper case and lower case)

Activity or Material	Value to Child	Parent Participation

Our Philosophy Concerning Children 24

Section 6

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 6

Working With Children

Guidelines For Working With Children In the Classroom

Cultivate a calm attitude when talking or working with children. A quiet manner helps prevent excitement and over-stimulation.
Rules are simple and basic. A child is free to explore as long as he/she:
a). does not hurt herself or others.
b). does not destroy equipment or material.
c). does not disturb others.
In giving directions, be sure that the child understands. When you talk to children, get to their level both in your choice of words and by bending down.
A child is not forced to participate. Some children need a "looking on" period before they are willing to try a new activity or participate in a group experience.
Suggest the next specific act when a child dawdles. "Where is your towel?" when a child continues washing too long.
Give the child a choice of action when feasible. Ask: "Where would you like to put up your train, here or there?" This gives the child a personal interest in the situation and develops her initiative and independence.
Offer the child a choice only when you can accept his negative reply. Don't say, "Do you want to go to the toilet?" when it is time to go!
Let the child learn by experience. Encourage him to help himself; offer assistance only when it is necessary to avoid a feeling of failure or discouragement. Perhaps you could do it faster and better for him, but through doing it himself, the child is learning.
Encourage the child whenever possible, especially after a disappointment or infraction of the rule. "We'll try again tomorrow" gives hope. "That was hard work, but you certainly kept trying" recognizes effort, regardless of the product.

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Working With Children 25

Section 6
Working With Children

continued from previous page...

Children may need help in learning how to use items such as paste, paint, and water. When possible, however, let them experience it in their own way. Avoid making models or samples for the children to copy. Judgments of the final product aren't necessary.
Use DO's instead of DON'Ts. "Do drink your juice, John," instead of, "Don't jiggle your glass."
Give children fair warning before interrupting their activity.
When children are in social conflict, let them work it through, if they can. Remember that sharing is a concept foreign to two's, and just emerging in three and four-year-olds. Step in when it is necessary to avoid injury or to suggest a possible solution.
Disapprove of the act and not the child. "What you did made me very angry."
Avoid discussing children in their presence.
Most important, relax and enjoy yourself. We hope you and your child enjoy a rich and satisfying preschool experience, and urge you to contact the Lab Coordinator or parent
education instructor if you have further questions.

Child’s Rights & Responsibilities

Rights of the Child
1. The child has the right to work alone if he/she chooses.
2. The child has the right to repeat an activity as many times as he/she feels necessary.
3. The child has the right to program his/her own day (during free play). He/She can choose their own activities and the friends that they would like to have join them.
4. The child has the right NOT to choose any activities. She/He can observe others and not get involved as long as they do not bother anyone.
5. The child has the right to make mistakes without adult interference.
6. The child has the right to request and receive adult help if needed.
7. The child has the right to struggle without help as she/he learns independence in such activities as zippering their own coat or attempting to pass a snack plate or pour their own water, etc.
8. The child has the right NOT to join a larger group activity if they so prefer.
The adult should intervene to protect the rights of the child if:
1. One child is disturbing the activities of another.
2. One child is dangerous to own self or another.
3. A child is destructive to the learning materials.
Role of the Adult
1. Reinforce the guidelines and, thereby, protect the rights of the child.
2. Facilitate the children's learning by:
a. Preparing the environment beforehand so that when the
Children enter the classroom it will be free as possible from "adult needs".
b. Observing the children and listening to them to get cues about their needs.
c. Acting as a role model for children. Be aware of the manner in which you relate to other adults in the classroom and the way you handle materials.
Responsibility of the Child
The child is responsible for all of his actions.
1. He/She is responsible for returning all the things that they use during the free time. If they take out puzzle A and leave it out and start on project D, the adult would remind them to "put away" puzzle A before starting project D.
2. If a child gets involved with a large project requiring quite a few items the adult may offer to help them put it away as long as the child is a participant in the process. If a child leaves, the adult may have to retrieve them.
3. If a child gets started on something, gets frustrated because they cannot complete it and asks for adult help, the adult may help but let the child finish the activity by themselves.
4. She/He is responsible for problem-solving their social activities with their words and
asking for help whenever needed.

26 Working With Children

Section 6
Working With Children

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Working With Children 27

Section 6
Working With Children

Guidance & Management of Children's Behavior

Minor conflicts in relationships or in learning arise periodically throughout the day with children. Encourage children to handle these on their own to promote self-control and confidence through experience and learning. Step in when a child or property are in danger. Especially encourage children to verbalize their feelings to others. For example, "Why don't you tell Mark that you want your truck back." "Danny, you can tell Alice to stop squeezing you so tightly." "Tell Becky how angry you feel when she hits you."
Use this four-tiered approach to help children handle their own impulses and behavior .
Level 1: Gestural assist
Least intrusive of the approaches. This occurs when you help a child through a conflict or problem, simply by giving a look or making a motion of some sort.
Level 2: Verbal assist
The next level of assistance. This means talking the child through the problem or behavior.
Level 3: Partial Physical assist
This is the next level of assistance and is more intrusive to the child and the situation than the first two. In this case, the adult may take a child's hand and move it toward the desired goal.
Level 4: Full Physical assist
This is the most intrusive assist and should be used only when absolutely necessary to the child's learning or safety. This assist includes actually moving the child's body in the appropriate behavior. This level of assistance will be discussed at the parent training workshop.

28 Working With Children

Section 6
Working With Children

Procedural Guidelines

Although each problem that arises must be considered on its own
characteristics, the following procedural guidelines are generally helpful:
1. Know the Child: Is this behavior unusual for the child? Let the child explain why he/she threw the clock, hit the other child, etc.
2. Stop the Behavior: Stopping the behavior gives everyone time to think about what is happening. Stopping the behavior is especially important if it is dangerous to the child or to others.
3. State the Rule: An example of this is, "Blocks are for building" when a child throws the blocks.
4. Provide an Alternative: An example of this is "Blocks are for building. If you want to throw, you can throw the balls in the other room".
5. Accompany the Rule with Rationale: An example is, "Remember to build with the blocks. Keep them on the floor. It might hurt someone if they are hit with a block that is thrown."
6. Validate Feelings: An example of this is, "I know you really want those magnets, but Joan had them first. Waiting is hard. I will be sure to call you to play with them next, when Joan is through."
7. Provide Choices: Choices allow the child to save face. "You may build with the blocks on the table. If you need to throw things, you can go in the other room and throw the balls."
8. Follow Through: Be consistent and firm. Remove the child from the situation if necessary, but allow the child the choice to return when he/she is ready to participate appropriately in the activity.

Working With Children 29

Section 6
Working With Children

Behavior Guidelines

This Preschool operates on the premise that young children are never "bad." The types of inappropriate behavior most often seen in children (including temper tantrums, refusal to cooperate, hitting other children, and failure to follow rules) are usually the result of the child's level of development. A child simply lacks the social-emotional, cognitive, and physical skills to comply with many adult demands. For these reasons the Preschool uses the following guidelines for promoting positive behavior and for responding to problem behavior.
At the Preschool, We do not hit or paddle children. Hitting is often misunderstood by children, who do not always see the connection between a slap and some action on their part. Hitting as a form of discipline rarely stops an inappropriate behavior, but does cause confusion and anger.
At the Preschool, We do not shout or yell at children. Yelling usually
frightens children and distracts them from the problem. Shouting, which is
often accompanied by name-calling on the part of the adult, also damages a child's self-esteem.
While the Preschool respects the right of every caregiver to discipline his or her own child on a personal way (except where child abuse or neglect is
concerned), volunteers in the preschool may not hit or shout at any child including their own. Hitting or shouting at a child in the presence of others upsets everyone and disturbs the classroom routine.

Acceptable Ways of Disciplining Children

The policies of this Preschool regarding discipline do not mean that inappropriate behavior should be permitted. Instead, the wishes are that any behavior will be handled by using positive techniques. Some of these techniques are listed below. Please remember that if at any time, you feel you cannot "handle" or "cope" with a situation, ask the Lab-coordinator for help. The college instructors are also available for additional resource.
1. Developing with children rules that are stated at the children's development level.
2. Clarifying the consequences of not following the rules, example, "if you do that ______, this is what will happen ________."
3. Having age-appropriate expectations for children. We do not expect children to understand complex rules.
4. Allowing children time to practice new rules. Remember that children are working on developing their memory skills so may not recall a new rule without a lot of practice.

30 Working With Children

Section 6
Working With Children

5. Ignoring some kinds of inappropriate behavior. Some misbehavior is an attempt to get attention. The more attention the child gets, the more likely it is that the behavior will be repeated.
6. Be consistent and firm in a caring way. Remove the child from the situation if necessary for a short time, giving the child a chance to start over or calm down. Give them the choice to return when he/she is ready to participate appropriately in the activity. An adult needs to stay with the child at all times.
Reinforcing desirable behavior by noticing the child. When the child realizes that attention comes from appropriate behavior, that behavior is more likely to continue.
Role of Adults
Children are most likely to respond to attempts to discipline them when the adults involved are consistent, that is, when every adult who disciplines the child uses similar techniques. Adults are invited and urged to discuss their concerns about their children's behavior with the teacher and instructors to plan together means of responding consistently to problem behaviors. In this way children can get clear messages about those behaviors that are acceptable and those that are not.

Discussing Difficult Issues

The following is to help you to have some ground rules for discussing difficult issues:
1. Accept uncertainty. Accept that you and others will put your foot in your mouth.
2. There's no such thing as a stupid question.
3. Recognize that feelings are part of the learning process. Be sensitive to your own discomfort. Tune in to yourself when something bothers you, instead of just ignoring or rejecting it.
4. Listen to understand - especially when you disagree. Assume that someone else's point of view is valid for them, and that it may also be useful for you. Value relationship.
5. Assume that everyone is learning and growing. Have compassion for yourself, as well as for others.
6. When something goes "Wrong" - remember, these ground rules. And trust your own judgment.

Working With Children 31

Section 7

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 7

School Work Days

It’s All
In the
Timing

Who’s
Going to
Pick Me Up Today?

Arrival Time
Parents must stay with their child in the car until they have gone thru the screening process. After getting cleared they will line up on the side walk and greet the teacher at the door. No parents are allowed in the school unless they are a working parent.
Dismissal Time
If, in an emergency, you find that you are going to be detained, please notify the school immediately at 253-630-0909, so that we can assure your child that he/she has not been forgotten.
Each child must be signed out each day by an authorized person taking him/her from school. You must stay outside of the school/in your car to pick your child up. You can help the Teacher by instructing your child to wait inside the school for you until you arrive to pick him/her up.

No child will be released to a person who is not authorized by the enrolled parent to pick up the child.
We must have a written authorization for anyone other than the enrolled parent to pick up a child from preschool. Each enrolled parent will be asked to provide the preschool with a list of people authorized to take the child home from school. The list will be kept on file at the preschool and your child will not be released to anyone that is not on the list. If necessary, the adult picking up the child may be asked to show appropriate identification. (Any questions about who is to take a child home, send them to the Teacher).
If you know in advance that you're not going to be the person picking up your child that day, it's helpful to communicate to the Teacher your alternate plans for who's picking up your child.

School Work Days 32

Section 7
School Work Days

Traffic Rules & Parking

The speed limit in the driveway is 5 miles per hour. When entering the parking lot, drive carefully and look for children.
No parallel parking. Please park in front of the church if you are a working parent.
Do not keep valuables in your car while you are a working parent. You may bring valuables into the preschool and store in the office. Keep in mind, the preschool is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Bulletin Boards

Many interesting notices and announcements are posted on the bulletin boards. Minutes of each monthly Board meeting, as well as the monthly treasurer's report are included on the "Board's board". Each class has its own color coded board with monthly schedules and other pertinent information. There is a Health & Safety board, a Housekeeping board and a community announcement board. Because of so much information, please be sure to check the bulletin boards on a regular basis.
Baby Sitting
Baby sitting services are not provided by the preschool, however, informal arrangements may be made among parents. Also, it may be beneficial to "trade" with parents in classes other than your own. Look on your class bulletin board for interested parents.
Carpools
Parents may initiate a carpool using the information provided on the class roster. Please car pool only if you have sufficient seat belts to ensure each child's safety. We recommend the carpool not to exceed 4 children to avoid over stimulation and to provide a safe ride for your child. Look on class bulletin board for interested parents.

33 School Work Days

Section 7
School Work Days

Snacks

Each parent supplies snacks as assigned by work schedule. Please bring enough nutritious food for each child, working parent and the Teacher. All utensils, dishes and napkins are provided by the preschool, unless you would like to donate some. Children are involved in the preparation of a
nutritious snack as part of cooking experiences. Emphasis is placed on good nutrition with a minimum use of sweets, junk food or prepared food. We encourage the children to drink water at snack time, but if you bring juice, it needs to be 100% juice. Please notify the Teacher and your Class Chair of any food allergies.
Cooking Experience
It's learning fun with food! Through out the school year, each parent will
provide one cooking experience for the class, usually scheduled when you're the "Snack Parent". A cooking experience is anything that a child can "do" to their snack - from simply spreading frosting on a cookie to making the cookie itself. Use your imagination and have fun.
Birthdays
Birthdays are family celebrations and we feel they are best celebrated in the home setting. We prefer to concentrate on the many other opportunities for individual recognition of each child every day. Each child does, however, celebrate their "Special Day" during the school year.
Special Day
This day provides a time to share the special uniqueness of each child. Parents are scheduled as the "Snack Parent" for the child's special day.
Each child is scheduled for one "Special Day" during the school year. You'll be able to choose anytime during the school year to celebrate his/her "Special Day". Your child's "Special Day" does not have to fall near or in the month of the child's birthday.
Holidays
Holiday celebration if any, will be simple and child-centered.
If you're providing the snacks and it falls during a holiday season, or one that your culture celebrates, you're welcome to share your holiday snack and communicate what is important or meaningful to that holiday snack.
It has been advised not to bring candy or treats to the school to pass out.
Instead, wait to share later with your friends after school.
(i.e.: Halloween, Valentine's Day, etc.)

School Work Days 34

Section 7
School Work Days

Why Do We Mess with Snacks?

Snack time can often be the most sociable time of the day. Using conversation you can cover learning experiences such as, an awareness of nutrition, emotional and social development, language skills, science, math, art, social science, safety and courtesy.
Children can discover a lot about themselves and the world around them through food. Learning the skills necessary for cooking helps one to develop a sense of independence, but also can help them become aware of how we can help each other.
Children enjoy helping prepare snacks. Such simple activities as cutting up fruit or pouring their own water gives them a personal interest in snack time. When the snack time includes a cooking experience where children can actually do the measuring, mixing and pouring of ingredients you will get to see just how much fun it is. Children learn most effectively by being actively involved.

Snack Ideas

Many times you will see children try different foods at preschool that they would never try at home. Early experiences with food may lay the foundation for lifelong eating habits. Children have to be educated to make good food selections. Good health habits are not acquired naturally.
Remember that young children are growing rapidly, therefore, their need for protective foods are great but their stomachs are small. This means that all the foods they eat should be body-building foods. Also, young children tend to not chew their food all the way so we need to encourage them to eat slowly and avoid foods that are not age-appropriate. For many health reasons, we encourage children not to save their snacks; it is okay for them to put their snack back on the tray and say they are finished. Because there are so many different ideas on what is nutritious we encourage you to use your best judgement. We will talk about snacks more at workshop and parent meetings.
There are many children's cookbooks available. Some of these are:
"Kids Are Natural Cooks" "Snackers"
"The Candy Monster" "Cool Cooking With Kids"
"A Child's Cook Book" "Feed Me! I'm Yours"
I Hear and I Forget,
I See and I Remember;
I Do and I Understand.
-Chinese Proverb

35 School Work Days

Section 7
School Work Days

Excursions

On occasion, an excursion is planned as an extension of classroom activities. Parents are asked to help provide transportation and supervision. An excursion is a special event for your preschool child. Arrangements need to be made to leave other children/siblings at home if you plan to attend.
You are encouraged to attend at least half of your scheduled excursions, by either driving, as a scheduled worker, or as a helper.
If you are a driving parent, you are required to have a valid driver's license, carry adequate liability insurance and provide one seat belt per person*. It is our policy not to have a child ride in the front seat. If necessary, one adult must sit in the back seat with the children.
If your child has his/her own car seat, booster, or child safety belt, please help the driver install it into the driver's car.

Items
From Home

*Please check with Mrs Brown or your class Chair before bringing anything from home into the school*
Except for the security item, (and that may be you) needed to ease your child's adjustment to school, we ask parents to use discretion in items children bring from home. Here are some suggested guidelines.
1. Items to enrich our curriculum theme are most welcome additions to our science area.
2. Books or records of interest to all the children may be shared at school. We ask that if possible, they be left for several days for maximum sharing & enjoyment.
3. Items or articles of general interest such as a bird's nest, a family pet, a souvenir of a family outing, etc., are appropriate.
4. Toys are to be left at home.
5. Please, No food items, candy or gum should be brought to school.
Remember. It is important that children be able to handle, with supervision, all items brought into the school.
Please check with the Teacher regarding visiting pets, show & tell items and visitors.

School Work Days 36

Section 7
School Work Days

What Am I
Going to
Wear?

Children's Clothing
We encourage children to develop self-help skills. Please provide clothing with simple fastening.
1. Clothing should be washable. It is our philosophy that a child's need to create comes before the need to stay neat and clean.
2. Dress children in sturdy, warm clothing, but do not overdress as children get very active and can over heat. Provide a coat & suitable head covering as children play outside every day that it does not rain.
3. Label all outer clothing with child's name. Please check lost and found once in awhile.
4. Sturdy shoes with non-slip or composition soles are best. No clogs or open-toed sandals please.
5. Please no long dresses, as they interfere with running and climbing. Long pants or shorts make it easier for running and climbing.
"Extra" clothing is kept on hand at school should the need for emergency changes occur. Please wash the "borrowed" items and return them to school.
Parent's Clothing
Clothing for parents should be washable. You will probably go home with paint, paste, or something else on you. We suggest you rinse out paint on clothing as soon as possible when you get home. Adults also need warm clothing for outdoors, because we are not as active as the children and may feel the cold more than they do.

37 School Work Days

Section 8

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 8

Health & Safety

Your Child’s Health

Your child's health is a matter of major importance to all of us. Upon
enrollment, parents must provide completed registration and health forms. (Refer to Registration and Health sheets.) In addition, the State of Washington requires each child to have up-to-date immunizations.

Absences

If your child will not be coming to school because of an illness, vacation, or other reason, please notify the Teacher/Class Chair before class. This
prevents delays in starting class. Since the tuition is based on a monthly rate, no refund will be allowed for any absences, nor will the child be able to attend a "make-up" class. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your class chair and they will bring your request up to the Board.
Your child may be sent home if he/she appears to have symptoms of illness during class. In such cases, he/she will be immediately isolated from the others and a parent will be contacted.
When to Keep Your Child Home:
1. If your child has a fever or has had one during the last 24-hour period. (Call the Teacher if you're not sure what to do.)
2. If your child is taking an antibiotic that affects their participation.
3. If your child has a cold that interferes with their full participation in school activities - including outdoor play.
4. If your child has a heavy or colored nasal discharge. (Usually indicates bacterial infection, requiring antibiotics.)
5. If your child has a constant cough not related to allergies.
6. If your child is fussy, cranky and generally not themselves.
7. If your child is just tired. Rest may prevent the development of serious illness.
8. If your child has symptoms of a possible communicable disease. (These are usually sniffles, reddened eyes, sore throat, headache and abdominal pain, plus a fever.)

Health & Safety 38

Section 8
Health & Safety

Communicable Disease

Please notify the school immediately if your child has a communicable disease.
A child may return to school:
1. If your child's cold is over and is left with a minor clear nasal drip.
2. If your child has been exposed to a communicable disease, but the school has been notified so that the incubation period can be discussed and it can be determined on what dates they should stay home.

Disease	Incubation Early symptoms Communicable Period

Health & Safety 39

*Due to immunization requirements, these diseases are very rare.

Section 8
Health & Safety

Immunization Requirements

Children enrolled in Day Care Centers, Nursery schools and/or Preschools must meet the following immunization requirements. Parents are required by state law to have the certificate of immunization form submitted to the school on or before the child's first day in school.

Age	Immunization Requirements

Definitions:
Hep B Hepatitis B Hib Hemophilus influenza type B
DPT Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella
OPV Oral Polio Virus DT Adult Tetanus, Diptheria

40 Health & Safety

Section 8
Health & Safety

Accidental Injury

It is to your child's benefit that you keep the school up-to-date on phone
numbers, emergency numbers and pertinent information.
In case of an accident or illness, the parent or guardian shall be notified
immediately. In the event they cannot be reached, the child shall be taken to the hospital and family doctor shall be called.
Neither Covington Co-Op Preschool nor any individual member within the group shall be liable for any injury either during session or in transit.
"Use our walking feet." Children should not run inside the building, and should be encouraged to use quiet voices. Parents, too.
There is a small first aid kit in each room and a first aid kit for excursions is in the broom closet. There is a written report of every accident on the clipboard in the main room. (Please note: A Risk Management plan has been developed and is in place at Covington Co-Op Preschool. The book outlining the details of this plan is located in the office.)

41 Health & Safety

Section 9

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 9

Parent’s Input

Evaluations from the Parents

The Program Evaluation Forms, a formal evaluation, may be conducted yearly to review the overall performance and effectiveness of yourself, the Teacher and the preschool Board. Prior to the evaluation, a copy will be posted on the Board's Bulletin Board if you would like to read it ahead of time.
It is important that you constantly observe, evaluate and provide your input on an on-going basis throughout the year. To do this, there is a suggestion folder in the office for you to use.
Furthermore, this is a cooperative preschool and it is important for you to assume some responsibility in implementing ideas for the betterment of the preschool as a whole.
We need everyone to strive together to make our preschool the best it can be.

Parent’s Input 42

Evaluation Forms

Do you have a question or concern?
As a board, we want to keep informed of areas that might need improvement or situations that might be causing discontent. This way a problem can be handled quickly and resolved, and the preschool can move on in a positive way.
When you have a question or concern please contact at least one of the following people immediately. They will be able to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can. This will keep everyone accurately informed.
Class Chairperson
Teacher
Board Chairperson
Addressing your question to one of the above will be the most efficient way to handle your concern…but if you are not comfortable with this you can try:
Writing a letter to the board.
Attend a board meeting.
Use the suggestion envelope.

43 Parent’s Input

Section 9
Parent’s Input

Parent Lending Library

There are many resources on parenting skills available. The library is in the office for all parent's use.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

In the end of winter quarter, the red, orange and purple classes will have individual parent-teacher (Teacher) conferences to discuss any questions or concerns about their child going onto Kindergarten. Informal conferences may be held by telephone or in the classroom throughout the year to discuss particular concerns. This is only offered to parents that want it.

Parent’s Input 44

Section 10

Covington Co-Operative Preschool

Covington Co-Op
Handbook

Section 10

Emergency Preparedness

In the Event of a Fire

Fire Escape Plan

While the likelihood of a fire is remote we want to be prepared. The most likely areas for fire to start are in the furnace room or during a project (such as cooking) when heating devices are used.
We have two excellent exits from the building: the Front door & the Back door. Everyone will be expected to exit through one of these doors depending where the fire is and where the children and adults are at the time. DO NOT use the windows as exits unless all other exits are blocked.
Basic Points to Remember:
● Report smoke or fire problems immediately
● Never exit past the origin of smoke or fire
● Do not stop to look for your child. We are responsible for the children we are with.
● The most important thing is getting all the children and adults out safely.
● We will leave any firefighting to the fire department.
● Follow this Basic Plan and use your good common sense.
The following basic plan has been developed considering that there are two main groupings of children & adults during a typical day at school.
1. Children All Together such as, juice & snacks in the Main Room (area #1) and circle or music in the Climbing Room (area #4).
Children Scattered throughout all the school, Main Room, Climbing & Workshop Rooms (area #3) including the bathrooms, hallway and the
office.

Emergency Preparedness 45

Section 10
Emergency Preparedness

Fire & Smoke
Procedure

The first person to notice a problem reports it immediately to the Teacher or parent in charge that day who will sound the alarm by calling out "FIRE DRILL". While each parent is expected to respond according to the plan, the Teacher will have overall responsibility for any special directions that are given.
Children All Together:
● If the children are all together, either in the Main Room or Climbing Room (providing there is no fire in those rooms), they will exit out the front door.
● The parent in the Main Room is responsible for checking the bathrooms.
Parents will escort children down the sidewalk and to the front of the church, where everyone will assemble.
Children Scattered in Different Rooms:
● If the children are scattered in different rooms, the children in the Main Room and those in the Climbing Room will exit through the front door and are escorted along the side of the church to reach the front of the church.
● Children in the Office and Workshop Rooms will exit through the rear door and are escorted along the side of the church to reach the front of the church.
In All Cases:
Before leaving a room with the children, the parents will check to make sure that everyone is out of that room first, then close the door behind them.
Before leaving, the Lab Coordinator will check to see all the doors are closed (meaning all the people are out), take the attendance sheet & the emergency boxes and then walk with the others to the front of the church.
Lab Coordinator will take attendance and designate someone to call the Fire Department using a phone either in the church, the pastor's home or across the street in the shopping area, depending on what is suitable at the time.
DO NOT STOP TO GET COATS OR ANYTHING ELSE!!

46 Emergency Preparedness

Section 10
Emergency Preparedness

Fire
Escape Route

Designated Meeting Place: Parking Lot, 200 feet from the building.

Emergency Preparedness 47

Section 10
Emergency Preparedness

In the
Event of an
Earthquake
Disaster

Each parent is expected to respond according to this Evacuation Plan. The Teacher will have overall responsibility for any special directions that are given.

Earthquake Evacuation
Plan

During an earthquake disaster use the following procedures:
Do Not Enter or Leave the Building During an Earthquake
If Indoors, Go to Nearest Safe Area & Drop, Cover & Hold
● Main Room (area #1)……………………... Crawl under tables.
● Climbing Room (area #4)…………………Get up against inside wall.
● Office & Building Room (area #3)……….. Move to the hallway or against inside walls. Drop to the floor with your back to the windows & your hands clasped behind your neck.
● When initial shaking stops, check for injuries and give first aid.
● Be ready for aftershocks.
Exit in a Quick and Orderly Manner
● Exit building through back door. The safest exit is the exit through the Back door. The children will be exited to the "Designated Meeting Place". Keep away from exterior walls when outside.
● In all cases, before leaving a room with children, the parents will check to make sure that everyone is out of that room first, then close the door behind them.
● Before leaving, the Teacher will do a final check to make sure everyone is out, and assign needed people to take first aid and disaster kits.
● When everyone is at the "Designated Meeting Place", attendance should be taken. The situation should be assessed to decide next plan of action.

48 Emergency Preparedness

Section 10
Emergency Preparedness

After an Earthquake Disaster

Children will remain under the care and supervision of the Teacher and adults until the children's parents are able to be reunited with their children. Listen to the radio, there may be a designated red cross shelter in the area.
● Be ready for aftershocks.
● If the building has obtained structural damage, or potential secondary hazards, such as, explosions or fire, evacuate through the back door calmly and carefully.
● Clean up any spills of potentially hazardous materials.
● Check sewage lines before allowing flushing of toilets.
● Use the Telephone for Emergency Use Only

Other
Disaster
Information

Locate the following:
1. GAS: Shut off valve located outside under Room #4 window
2. WATER: is located in the utility room inside the church’s library
3. ELECTRICITY: the fuse/breaker box is located in the storage room. Do not turn light switches on or off.
4. HOT WATER HEATER: located in the utility room inside the church’s library
5. FIRE EXTINGUISHER: located in the hallway.
6. FIRST AID & DISASTER SUPPLIES: located in Room 2, by the kitchen area, under the counter
7. THE LOCAL RADIO station broadcasting disaster information is KIRO 710 AM, 100.7 FM, KOMO 1000 AM

Emergency Preparedness 49

Section 10
Emergency Preparedness

Earthquake
Escape
Route

Designated Meeting Place: Parking Lot, 200 feet from the building.

50 Emergency Preparedness

I am looking forward to a fantastic school year with everyone!

let your class chair know so that they can put you in touch with me!

planning and executing events, happen to be great at organizing or just have questions

We are a second-generation family of this wonderful preschool; my husband attended

and has many fond memories of his time spent with Mrs. Brown. This is my daughter

Samantha’s second year in the preschool and she will be in the Red class. I also have a

son, Jack, who will begin attending next year.

The Spring Auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year! From class projects to dessert

dash baked goods, phone calls to your favorite local businesses for donations and in-

person requests, there’s a lot to be done throughout the year for this great event. If

you’re brilliant at coming up with themes, have a knack for talking to people; love