1. family and parenting
2. children

Parent Handbook
Page 1 of 11
Gale River Co-op Preschool
Parent Handbook 2013-2014
Gale River Co-op Preschool Mission Statement
Our mission is to meet the needs of a diverse community by providing a safe, play-centered
cooperative preschool where parents and children learn together.
GRCP will provide a caring and fun environment for children ages 3-5 that addresses the children’s
needs and interests, and stimulates learning and development socially, emotionally, cognitively, and
physically.
What is a Cooperative Preschool?
A cooperative preschool is a place where parents and children learn together. The classroom
experience provides parents with a valuable understanding of how their child interacts with other
children and how s/he makes choices and moves through his or her world. Parents learn while
immersed in their child’s world. By helping in the classroom and participating in the parent
education program, parents acquire skills in supporting their children and meeting their social,
physical, emotional and intellectual needs.
The classroom operates under the direction of two teachers: a program director/teacher and an
associate teacher. The teachers determine the curriculum and maintain standard procedures for the
school program.
The cooperative preschool is organized and administered by the GRCP Board of Directors and other
participating parents and members. The parents assist the teachers as parent helpers in the
classroom, raise funds, hold offices, work on committees, and maintain the school. Parents enrich the
program by contributing their time, commitment, talent and skills. Their participation ensures
smooth operation of a high quality program.
Philosophy
At GRCP, we believe in learning through play, and feel that young children learn best in a natural
setting that allows them to be active participants. The classroom provides developmentally
appropriate opportunities to stimulate each child’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional
growth.
As a cooperative preschool, we believe that families and teachers working together provide the best
environment for a child’s education and development. GRCP values diversity and respects
differences among all children and families.
Together, we help the children become self-confident, independent problem solvers who effectively
manage their environment through language and appropriate action.
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 2 of 11
Curriculum
The program will be geared towards experiential learning, with “academics” embedded in play, as
children progress through various learning centers (art, discovery, dramatic play, library/writing,
blocks, toys and games, music and movement, and sensory activities), as well as special activities
related to projects and themes. Structure will be built into the schedule to create routines and allow
children to progress through the morning understanding the expectations of the school. Daily circle
time will be held, during which skills are learned through discussions, games, presentations,
movement activities, songs and books. Children will be strongly encouraged to attend these circle
times, understanding that the ability to participate may be an emerging skill for some. The emphasis
will be on developmentally appropriate learning and kindergarten readiness, with activities geared
toward each child’s level of development. Portfolios will be kept on each child and reviewed with
parents at parent-teacher conferences.
GRCP also incorporates regular educational enrichment programs into the curriculum. These include
fall and spring sessions of weekly music classes through the Music Together program, led by
Caroline Simon, and monthly environmental education lessons by Barb Desroches.
The Cooperative Preschool Teacher
The cooperative preschool represents a unique approach to education. Its success depends on the
parents and teachers working together in administering the school, with the teachers in charge of the
educational program.
Preschool teachers are hired by the group and are paid a salary for their services. Their role is a dual
one of working closely with both parent and child. It is the preschool teacher’s responsibility to
provide the kind of environment and experience that will enable the young children to grow socially
as they learn to live and play with others, emotionally as they begin to depend upon themselves, and
intellectually as they explore their environment in the first step away from home. The teachers find
time to foster the joy of learning and share in the growth of each child with parent participation. The
teachers do not function in the traditional “teacher” role in the formal classroom. Rather, the teachers
establish an environment suitable for preschool children, arranging equipment and providing
materials to interest and challenge them. Teachers encourage the parents to contribute by making
them aware that they are expected to be, and are needed as teacher assistants. Teachers may assign
parent helpers to supervise the various play areas, help out with cleaning, or any number of other
different classroom tasks.
It is important that members feel free to make suggestions to the preschool teachers (either directly or
via the curriculum committee) about the curriculum. The group must realize however, that
educational programs are designed as a whole, not in bits and pieces, and that the teachers are in
charge of designing the educational program.
All constructive grievances regarding the program should be expressed through proper channels,
and only through these channels. Parents may discuss issues with the Curriculum Committee Chair.
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 3 of 11
Confidentiality
GRCP’s teachers will maintain confidentiality concerning any information about the children, their
names, their disabilities, medical data/conditions, their families, and the circumstances in which they
live. It is the teacher’s responsibility not to share specific information about the individual children
with others outside this facility. Parents must also maintain this confidentiality, both inside and
outside of the classroom. People and programs authorized to receive information are listed in each
child’s file.
Strategies for Discipline
At GRCP, we use positive discipline. Punishment, physical or verbal, is not used as a form of
discipline. We teach respectful and cooperative behavior by modeling it ourselves and encouraging
the children to:
• Recognize and verbalize their feelings.
• Accept responsibility for their behavior.
• Understand the natural consequences of their behavior.
• Work out their differences with each other.
Rules of conduct:
• Respect yourself and others.
• Respect the school environment.
If a child exhibits behavior that the teachers feel severely compromises the safety or well being of the
students or staff, the parents will be called to take the child home for the day.
If a child’s behavior at school threatens the safety of other students and staff or severely impairs the
ability of other children to enjoy the program, the teachers will notify selected members of the Board
of Directors. Board members, teachers, and the child’s parents may meet to develop a plan for
addressing the issue, listing a timeline for specific improvements. If problems persist beyond that
timeline, the board may suspend or expel the child from the program. Such action may be immediate
and will be made at the board’s discretion.
GRCP is committed to helping students develop fully, while maintaining the integrity of the program
for all.
By-laws (Article IV, Section 3) amended to:
A member and his and her child can be expelled or suspended by the Board of Directors following a
serious disciplinary problem or infraction of the membership guidelines outlined in the parent
handbook. Such an action by the Board may be preceded by a discussion with the teachers and
family.
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 4 of 11
Admission Policy
GRCP shall provide equal educational opportunity and treatment to all students receiving services
regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, political beliefs, and marital or
family status.
The admission criteria for GRCP are:
• Children must be between the ages of 33 months and 5 years.
• Children must be toilet trained; our facility is not certified to handle diaper changing.
• Parents must fulfill the responsibilities of membership (see below).
Applications will be sent to interested families in the spring, for the following school year. Families
currently enrolled in the preschool will have two weeks prior to general admission to enroll their
child for the following year. Priority for admitting children is based on date of paid registration.
The Vice President is responsible for registering all students, and for maintaining and updating the
waiting list on a regular basis. The waiting list will be on a first come/first served basis. A $50 nonrefundable application fee is required. If there is no space available for a child, this application fee
will be reimbursed, unless the family opts to be placed on a waiting list.
Annual Schedule
GRCP will follow the schedule of Lafayette Regional Elementary School for vacations, holidays, and
snow days. If Lafayette closes due to inclement weather, the preschool will also be closed. If
Lafayette has a two-hour delay, GRCP will open at 9:30 a.m.; students should be picked at the regular
scheduled time. Closings and delays will be posted on local radio and TV stations.
Preschool is held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00pm, Monday through Thursday.
Emergency Procedure
All students must have an up to date emergency contact form on file. This may be updated at any
time by the child’s parent or guardian. This is of great importance should a family need to be
contacted on any given day regarding a variety of emergencies such as minor injury, allergic reaction
or illness. Should there be any catastrophic emergency such as fire, flood or acts or terrorism, the staff
at GRCP will use appropriate measures to protect and insure the safety of the students at all times.
Our catastrophic exit plan is to move the children to the Potato Barn which is located on the upper
side of the farm providing telephone and electricity. The Sugar Hill Fire and Police Departments visit
our school regularly to familiarize the children with our local officers and equipment and will work
closely with us should such event occur.
Financial Obligations
GRCP is a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. Yearly rates are adjusted for an annual
budget. School costs include teacher’s salaries, some teacher workshops/enrichment opportunities,
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 5 of 11
rent, utilities, insurance, accounting and bookkeeping costs, maintenance and repairs, and school
supplies.
Classes run from September (or late August, depending on Lafayette’s schedule) through mid-June.
A $50 non-refundable application fee is required to hold a spot for your child. Tuition for the year is
divided into ten equal installments based on a daily rate. The first and last installments are due on
the first day of class. The remaining eight payments will be due on the first of each month beginning
October 1st. Tuition payments after the 15th of the month will be charged a late fee of $20. If a
member chooses to drop out of the preschool during the school year, s/he must give one month
written notice to the Treasurer, in order to receive a refund of tuition for unused days. If you have
trouble paying tuition on time, please contact the Treasurer, who will work with you to mitigate your
situation.
Parent Involvement and Responsibilities
• Parents are expected to volunteer in the classroom as a parent helper on a regular basis (one day
every four weeks) and to help clean the school as needed.
• Parents are expected to participate in fundraising activities.
• Parents are required to attend the Spring membership meetings.
• Parents are a critical part of the ongoing operations of the preschool and are needed to keep it
running; thus parents are encouraged to participate on a committee such as the curriculum
committee or the fundraising committee (see below).
Pick Up and Drop Off
Parents should notify the teacher of absences by calling and leaving a message on the school phone
(823-9995). If there is to be a planned absence, please notify the teacher beforehand.
When you arrive at school, please sign your child in. If you will not be available at your regular
phone number, please leave a phone number where you can be reached. If someone other than the
person signing him or her in is picking up your child at the end of day, please make a note to this
effect on the sign-in sheet and verbally notify the teacher.
If you would like to stay and talk with other parents at the beginning or end of the day, please do so
outside the classroom. This will minimize classroom noise and disruption.
Please be prompt when dropping off and picking up your child. Any child not picked up within half
an hour of school ending will go home with one of the parents or teachers. If a child is regularly left
at school beyond 1 o’clock, the GRCB may impose a late fee.
Cubbies/Parent Mail Pouch
Be sure to check your child’s cubby and your parent mail pouch daily for artwork and school
information. This is the main way we communicate information to parents. Also, be sure to check
any bulletin boards for other information. The Parent Helper Schedule is posted on the bulletin
board.
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 6 of 11
Clothing
Please dress your child in clothing that is comfortable and can be soiled without concern. Creativity
often involves messy, wet or sticky substances. Parent helpers should also follow this rule. We
encourage full participation, which often requires you to get up to your elbows in sand, water and
maybe even shaving cream!
Bring a change of labeled clothing for your child. If it is rainy or cold, please bring appropriate
clothing. Please bring snow pants, jacket, hat and boots in the winter months -- all labeled. We will
change back into shoes once inside. Since we are encouraging children to be independent, they
should have shoes or slippers that they can attempt to put on themselves.
Because we are outside every day as weather permits, please send your child in appropriate
footwear. If your child is wearing sandals, we recommend closed toe sandals with a back strap.
With gravel, sticks, etc., we do not want any children injuring their feet.
Snack/Lunch
In order to respect individual diets and care for a variety of allergies, we will establish from the first
day of school on that children may not share snacks or lunch. We ask that each child bring his or her
own snack, lunch and water bottle to school each day. Please send them with a nutritious snack; no
candy or sodas please. We do not allow children to chew gum. If there is any student enrolled with a
peanut allergy, GRCP will be peanut free throughout the school year.
If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at school, you are welcome to bring birthday
treats. Please notify the teachers beforehand in order to accommodate all diets and give notice to
those with individual diet requirements. For those whose birthdays are celebrated during school
vacations or in the summer months, we happily observe “unbirthdays.” Again, parents should
discuss celebration days with the teachers.
Health
In order to prevent the spread of contagious diseases in our school, please keep your child home if
s/he has any of the following symptoms:
• diarrhea and/or vomiting (within previous 24 hours)
• fever (100 or greater, within previous 24 hours)
• severe coughing
• constantly runny nose (not due to allergy) with thick or yellow discharge
• pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• blistered and/or infected skin patches
• head lice or nits.
Please inform us whenever your child will not be in school by calling 823-9995.
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 7 of 11
If your child is on medication, please let the teacher know at drop-off. All medications have possible
side effects of which we should be aware. Our policy is that we will not be responsible for giving a
child any medication except in emergency situations. If your child has an Epipen, the school must be
given written instructions from your health care provider as to how and when to administer it.
Head Lice (pediculous) policy
In an effort to minimize the spread of head lice (pediculosis) through the school, parents/guardians
should check their child at home frequently. A parent/guardian who discovers that his/her child
has head lice is required to inform the school immediately and treat the condition. If a student found
at school with an active case of head lice the student will be sent home for treatment. It is the
parents/guardians responsibility to make sure the child has been successfully treated before the child
can return to school. The child must be lice/nit free or medical documentation must be provided
indicating the infestation is not active before they can return to school. In the event that a student
does have an active case of head lice the staff may require all students to have head checks by a nurse
or designee.
Parent Helper Responsibilities
All families are expected to provide a ‘parent helper’ in the classroom approximately once each
month of the school year. If a family is not able to fulfill this responsibility, the Vice President and
Head Teacher must be notified as soon as possible, AND the family should arrange a substitute
‘parent helper’ to fulfill the obligation – either another member of that family or the parent of another
student. If a substitute may not be arranged within the GRCP membership, the family MUST notify
the Head Teacher early enough that a substitute teacher may be hired, and the family is responsible
for covering the cost of the additional teacher: $40/day.
Having parent helpers in the classroom is an integral part of our cooperative preschool. Families are
allowed six weeks of maternity leave (eight weeks for a caesarean section) from their parent helper
responsibilities.
Your Day as a Parent Helper
Parent helpers should arrive at regular drop off time and sign in on the staff sign-in sheet. Please
meet with the teachers to find out any special jobs for the day. If possible, greet all children as they
come into preschool telling them that you’ll be the parent helper for the day. During the morning,
circulate as needed or as directed by the teacher or assistant, interacting with the children.
The teacher will post and/or explain the schedule of the day’s planned activities. This will serve as a
guide in the classroom, but the program may vary from day to day. The schedule is flexible, and the
times are approximate. We usually maintain the same order of events so the children have the
security of knowing what to expect next. During activities, it is important that the children do as
much by themselves as possible. Please feel free to comment on what they are doing, how hard they
are trying, etc. rather than the product. For example, “I see you have used purple, blue, and green in
your picture” rather than “What a pretty picture” or “I like the monster you drew.”
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 8 of 11
Include all children, a few at a time, in the project so that everyone is offered a chance. Some children
will finish sooner than others and some will not want to start right away. This is OK. Once the late
starters see what the others are doing, they will probably want to join in. There may also be times
when a child does not want to participate. Children should not be forced to participate when they do
not wish to.
As the children move from one activity to another, help clean up by clearing the tables of any art
materials and other activities, wiping down the tables with 10% Simple Green and sweeping the
floor. Dismissal time the parent helper should clean the bathroom, mop the bathroom floor and
under the art table, sweep and vacuum and take out the trash. Parent helpers are free to leave at
approximately 1:15 p.m. unless other arrangements have been made with the staff. If a parent helper
is unable to stay for the entire day, that family will be expected to make up the time missed at a later
date, to be worked out with the Lead Teacher
Teacher/Parent Helper Observations
During the school day, both the teachers and the parents have a wonderful opportunity to interact
with and observe the children in the preschool setting. Information gained from observations can be
very valuable to the teachers in planning their programs and to the parents in learning more about
the children. When you are a parent helper, the teacher may ask that you supervise the children for a
short time while she observes the children and jots down notes in a journal.
Bathroom
All children should be accompanied to the bathroom by an adult. The adult will remain just outside
the door unless assistance is needed. It is not appropriate for any adult to be in the bathroom with a
child with the door fully closed.
Confidentiality
Because parents are often in the classroom as parent helpers, it is important to maintain
confidentiality concerning any information about the children. It is not appropriate for parents to
discuss the affairs of other children with the teachers or with the other parents unless it directly
involves their own child.
Fund Raising
Fund raising is a vital source of operating income for the preschool. We will give notice of fundraising opportunities as they arise and encourage and accept creative solutions from the parents.
Board of Directors
As established by the bylaws governing the Gale River Co-op Preschool, the board of directors is
responsible for the property, interest, business, and transactions of the school. What that means is
that your board manages the daily and weekly business activities of the school (collecting tuition,
paying bills, and so on), as well as establishing long-term policy and procedures. The board is
responsible to parents and the school as a whole; we all work together to make GRCP something
special for our children.
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 9 of 11
The Board solicits encouragement, suggestions, compliments, and complaints in any areas that
concern you. Board meetings are held monthly. Please check the school calendar for a schedule.
Meetings are open for all co-op members to attend but are optional for non-board members. These
meetings are a great place to find out about the inner workings of the school and a place to let your
opinions be heard. If you have an item to discuss, please call the President so that it may be included
on the agenda.
The GRCP Board is made up of active parents and/or parents of alumni. It is a volunteer board and,
as such, assumes no liabilities.
2013-2014 Board of Directors:
President
Vice President
Treasurer/Facilities
Secretary
Fund Raising Chair
Meghan McPhaul
Meaghan Caron
Heather Tabor-Russo
Amanda Clough
Wendy Thayer
Parent Committees
These committees are open to all parents, and all parents are required to join one committee:
Facilities/Maintenance – Completes small maintenance and repair chores at the school as necessary;
monitors and fills kerosene space heater as necessary; liaison between school and repair companies as
needed.
Fundraising – Coordinates and oversees fundraisers throughout the year (e.g. bake sales, bulb sales,
etc.). Fundraising is a critical aspect of our budget, and all families are expected to contribute to
fundraising events. This committee is chaired by a board member.
Website maintenance – Keeps the GRCP website up to date with current news, information, and
photographs.
Publicity/Community Outreach – Prepares and submits press releases and advertisements as
necessary; creates and circulates brochures, posters, and other school-related materials for the public.
Photo – Photographs and files images of school events for use within the school as well as for press
releases, brochures, and the GRCP website.
Recycling – Responsible for sorting the recyclables at school and transporting them to the transfer
station on a regular basis (weekly, or as necessary).
Party organizer – Works with the teachers to coordinate school events (e.g. holiday parties).
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 10 of 11
Contact Information
Gale River Co-op Preschool
P.O. Box 261
Franconia, NH 03580
Turtle Ridge Farm
392 Streeter Pond Road
Sugar Hill, NH 03586
Phone number: 603-823-9995
Website: www.galeriverpreschool.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Revised August, 2013
Parent Handbook
Page 11 of 11
GRCP 2013-2014 Parent Handbook Agreement
I, _________________________________ have read and understand the GRCP Parent Handbook 20132014. This handbook outlines and describes the responsibilities and duties of my membership. This
will serve as an annual contract between GRCP and our family, to be signed and kept on file.
Printed Name_______________________________________________________
Signature_______________________________________Date________________
Revised August, 2013