Young children of this age (two and young three year-olds) may need a parent/caregiver to stay with them for a short period of time when they first come into the classroom. This can help ease their separation. We have discovered that the following structure works best. It gives time for you to remain with your child as he settles into school, but it also gives you both a clear leaving time.

(1.) Enter through the Playground gate and follow the walkway to the Early Preschool Classroom, coming in through the sliding glass doors.

(2.) Bring a change of clothes + extra diapers in a plastic zip-lock bag with your child’s name on it. (This will be left
in his cubby. Replenish, as needed.)

(3.) Put your child’s jacket and zip-lock bag into his cubby.

(4.) Sign your child into the Sign-In Book (please use your full signature) found on top of the bookshelf.

(5.) Take your child over to the big circle where the teacher is reading stories. If you like, you may sit with him until Story Time is over.

(6.) When the last story is over, give your child a kiss and hug and say “I love you” and goodbye. (Or, do your own goodbye ritual here.) Then give your child to a teacher with some encouraging words and leave quickly.

(7.) If your child is crying, allow the teacher to calm your child’s distress. One of the teachers will continue to hold him and soothe him until he is ready to enter into an activity. If you stay at this point, it may prolong his distress.

(8.) This adjustment process can be unsettling to parents. If you are concerned about your child’s crying, please come to the office and one of the office staff will go over and periodically check on your child for you. Handling it this way will not disturb your child’s adjustment.

We understand that some children have unique difficulties with separation. When this occurs, please talk with the
staff. We will work out an individualized plan for you and your child. Our goal is success for your child.

(1.) Gather your child's belongings and artwork/papers from the class file on the bench outside the Church.

(2.) Sign out your child in the Sign-In Book on the bench.

(3.) Come over to the Playground gate and wait for the teacher.

(4.) A teacher will bring your child to the gate and dismiss your child from there.

(5.) Keep safety in mind! Please hold your child's hand and keep your child with you at all times.

Late Pick-Up Charge -

There will be a late pick-up charge of $10.00 for the first 15 minutes and $1.00 per minute thereafter. Please take an envelope from the teacher and take your payment to the office or put it through the mail slot next to the office front door.

Please try to bring your child on time to school. Our Preschool Drop-off Procedure is set up to assist children in separating from their parents by taking them immediately into the Library for a group story time at the beginning of the day. When they are late, children miss the opportunity to get settled in for the day. Please try to be on time to pick up your child, as well. Young children become very anxious when their parents are late.

(1.) When you arrive at school, you may need to sit outside for a few minutes before class time. On the hour, the teachers will open the door.

(2.) When you walk in, encourage your child to find the cubby with his name on it. Help him to hang up his jacket and put any belongings in his cubby.

(3.) Walk over and sign in your child in the Sign-In Book. Now is the time to do your personal leave-taking ritual and say your goodbyes.

(4.) Then, walk your child to the teacher who is standing by the story room door. The teacher will assist your child from this point on.

* If your child is crying and needs more help with separation, take him to the other teacher and she will help
him leave you. Even if he's crying, it is best to say goodbye and just go. The teacher will soothe him
until he is calmer and in control. Then she will take him into the story room.

(5.) Leave quickly. Please do not hang around or stand outside and peek in the window. This only makes your child's separation more difficult.

(6.) Feel free to stay on the school campus. Come to the office if you are concerned about your child's crying. One of the office staff will go over and periodically check on your child for you. Handling it this way will not disturb your child's adjustment but will give you the reassurance you need.

We understand that some children have unique difficulties with separation. When this occurs, please talk with the
staff. We will work out an individualized plan for you and your child. Our goal is success for your child.

(1.) Come in through the classroom front door and sign out your child in the Sign-In Book.

(2.) The teacher will then release your child from the story room.

(3.) Gather your child and his belongings from his cubbie. Check for art work/papers from the file on the table outside in the covered patio area. (The teacher in the art area will help you find things, if needed.)

(4.) Be sure to SHUT THE GATE after you.

(5) Keep safety in mind! Please hold your child's hand and keep your child with you at all times.

Late Pick-Up Charge -

There will be a late pick-up charge of $10.00 for the first 15 minutes and $1.00 per minute thereafter. Please take an envelope from the teacher and take your payment to the office or put it through the mail slot next to the office front door.