2022-23 handbook and buzz book will be available soon.
2021-2022 buzz book is available on the parent portal.
| covid_handbook_21-22.pdf |
parent handbook Highlights 2021-2022
The ECC is a service to the community provided by and partially funded by Webster Groves Presbyterian Church.
FALL 2021 MASKING POLICY:
We are asking that all children under the age of 2 come to school wearing a mask on a lanyard. Disposable masks will be provided as needed. Children may remove masks on the playground. All teachers, staff, volunteers, and visitors will also be required to wear a mask the entire time they are in the school building. Our masking policy will be evaluated monthly based on current COVID case numbers, vaccination levels and availability, and current state and national guidelines.
FALL 2021 MASKING POLICY:
We are asking that all children under the age of 2 come to school wearing a mask on a lanyard. Disposable masks will be provided as needed. Children may remove masks on the playground. All teachers, staff, volunteers, and visitors will also be required to wear a mask the entire time they are in the school building. Our masking policy will be evaluated monthly based on current COVID case numbers, vaccination levels and availability, and current state and national guidelines.
SYMPTOM SCREENING
If you are unsure if your child should go to school or when they can return to school after an illness, please refer to the Student Symptom Decision Tree.
If you are unsure if your child should go to school or when they can return to school after an illness, please refer to the Student Symptom Decision Tree.
philosophy
The philosophy of the Early Childhood Center staff is to nurture each child in an environment that will foster optimum development physically, emotionally, socially, cognitively, and spiritually. Each child will be supported in developing at his/her own pace. A Christian atmosphere is maintained by seeking to be loving, kind, caring and forgiving in our relationships with one another. The program offers opportunity for Christian growth for young families and provides information to help parents understand the young child. Stories of the Judeo-Christian heritage are shared with the children, but no attempt is made to indoctrinate or to insist on compliance of any doctrinal position.
Governing body
The school was formed by the Session of the Webster Groves Presbyterian Church in the Fall of 1962. The Session has final authority over all affairs and activities. The Session delegates specific responsibilities to the Early Childhood Center Commission.
financial policy
TUITION PAYMENTS
Tuition payments are due by the 10th of each month, starting in August. To meet salary needs, we ask that you pre-pay each month (i.e., October's tuition is due September 10th). If you have problems paying the monthly tuition at any time, please do not hesitate to contact our school administrator, as arrangements can be made, including financial assistance.
Your statement will be sent via email by the 10th. If tuition is not received by the 30th of the month, and arrangements have not been made with the school, a $10 late fee will be added to the amount due. If tuition is not received by the 10th of the following month, a call will be made to the home to discuss the situation, and we will work out a payment plan. If no payment is received by the 30th of that month, and no arrangements have been made with the school administrator, we will have to remove your child from the school.
Because our school and its services depend upon the timely payment of all fees, we want to encourage you to use the payment option that is right for your family. We accept the following forms of payment: Venmo, Cash, Check, Online Banking Bill Payment, and Credit Card via the ECC website only.
Federal Tax ID: #430-66-2530
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
In 1988 we established a Scholarship Fund to provide assistance to families in need. Scholarships are awarded by an application process for one year at a time, but may be renewed. If you are interested in applying for this assistance, please contact the school administrator. Scholarships can be applied for at any time during the year. There is never a reason to let difficult financial situations keep your child away from preschool as long as scholarships are available.
Tuition payments are due by the 10th of each month, starting in August. To meet salary needs, we ask that you pre-pay each month (i.e., October's tuition is due September 10th). If you have problems paying the monthly tuition at any time, please do not hesitate to contact our school administrator, as arrangements can be made, including financial assistance.
Your statement will be sent via email by the 10th. If tuition is not received by the 30th of the month, and arrangements have not been made with the school, a $10 late fee will be added to the amount due. If tuition is not received by the 10th of the following month, a call will be made to the home to discuss the situation, and we will work out a payment plan. If no payment is received by the 30th of that month, and no arrangements have been made with the school administrator, we will have to remove your child from the school.
Because our school and its services depend upon the timely payment of all fees, we want to encourage you to use the payment option that is right for your family. We accept the following forms of payment: Venmo, Cash, Check, Online Banking Bill Payment, and Credit Card via the ECC website only.
Federal Tax ID: #430-66-2530
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
In 1988 we established a Scholarship Fund to provide assistance to families in need. Scholarships are awarded by an application process for one year at a time, but may be renewed. If you are interested in applying for this assistance, please contact the school administrator. Scholarships can be applied for at any time during the year. There is never a reason to let difficult financial situations keep your child away from preschool as long as scholarships are available.
Staff
|
Teachers:
Summer Kohring, Junior Kindergarten Shannon Drilingas, 3's & 4's Natali Park, 2's & 3's and Little Learner's Ms Marlene, Yoga |
Class Aides:
Ms Ann Ms LouLou Ms Lesli Ms Ciera |
ECC Commission 2021-2022
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Meeting Location: Conference Room
Dates: Sept 8, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1 Time: 9:00 am after drop off Associate Pastor: Rev. Hannah Zyla Session Representative: Carrie Rao Trustee: Jamie Scott Term 2, 2nd Year |
Chairperson:
Julia Ringkamp Term 2, 3rd Year Parent Representatives: Emily Odum Beth Schott Jamie Scott Claire Thomas-Morgan Megan Reeg Ex-Facto Members: Amanda Kingsbury |
General guidelines for parents
WEATHER/EMERGENCIES:
The ECC follows the Webster Groves School District announcements on weather cancellations. If WG public schools close or have a late start due to weather purposes, the ECC will not have school. However, as a safety measure for the children, the ECC reserves the right to cancel school even though public schools are open. Any time school is cancelled, an announcement will be posted to the ECC homepage as soon as possible.
Any day that the Early Childhood Center is closed because of weather or an emergency situation will not be made up. There will be no tuition adjustment because of missed days or refund of Lunch Bunch payment.
Dress children warmly to be on the playground all Winter. We will go out unless temperatures are below 32˚. Hat and gloves are appreciated.
Tornado & Earthquake Safety: Each class will walk out of its classroom, down the steps to the hallway outside the Activity Room. Children line both sides of the hall with backs to the wall. They sit and put their head between their knees, covering the back of their head with arms.
WITHDRAWAL FROM the ECC:
Parents are required to inform the Director one month in advance should they move or withdraw from the Early Childhood Center.
TOYS:
Guns and war toys are not consistent with the ECC philosophy. "Sharing time" toys should represent something positive and in keeping with our values. Please refrain from bringing any toys outside of special show-and-tell times designated by the teachers.
FUNDRAISERS:
The ECC hosts fundraisers to raise money to supplement the budget. Participation of every family is encouraged.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS:
If you wish to celebrate your child's birthday (or half-birthday for Summer babies), please inform the teacher of the day for the celebration. **DUE TO COVID-19, WE CANNOT ALLOW OUTSIDE TREATS LIKE CUPCAKES TO BE BROUGHT IN FOR BIRTHDAYS.**
SNACKS:
Parents are asked to bring a snack on the day which they are the co-oping parent helper, or on days they sign up to donate snack. Parents have the opportunity to bring special items for holiday parties or other events coordinated by the teacher. Sweet and salty snacks with fresh fruit or veggies is a great option!
**DUE TO COVID-19, OUR SNACK OPTIONS WILL BE CHANGING FOR FALL 2021. PLEASE DONATE INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED, NUT-FREE OPTIONS. WE CANNOT SERVE HOMEMADE ITEMS, FRESH CUT FRUIT OR VEGGIES, AND QUANTITY BAGGED OPTIONS.**
The ECC follows the Webster Groves School District announcements on weather cancellations. If WG public schools close or have a late start due to weather purposes, the ECC will not have school. However, as a safety measure for the children, the ECC reserves the right to cancel school even though public schools are open. Any time school is cancelled, an announcement will be posted to the ECC homepage as soon as possible.
Any day that the Early Childhood Center is closed because of weather or an emergency situation will not be made up. There will be no tuition adjustment because of missed days or refund of Lunch Bunch payment.
Dress children warmly to be on the playground all Winter. We will go out unless temperatures are below 32˚. Hat and gloves are appreciated.
Tornado & Earthquake Safety: Each class will walk out of its classroom, down the steps to the hallway outside the Activity Room. Children line both sides of the hall with backs to the wall. They sit and put their head between their knees, covering the back of their head with arms.
WITHDRAWAL FROM the ECC:
Parents are required to inform the Director one month in advance should they move or withdraw from the Early Childhood Center.
TOYS:
Guns and war toys are not consistent with the ECC philosophy. "Sharing time" toys should represent something positive and in keeping with our values. Please refrain from bringing any toys outside of special show-and-tell times designated by the teachers.
FUNDRAISERS:
The ECC hosts fundraisers to raise money to supplement the budget. Participation of every family is encouraged.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS:
If you wish to celebrate your child's birthday (or half-birthday for Summer babies), please inform the teacher of the day for the celebration. **DUE TO COVID-19, WE CANNOT ALLOW OUTSIDE TREATS LIKE CUPCAKES TO BE BROUGHT IN FOR BIRTHDAYS.**
SNACKS:
Parents are asked to bring a snack on the day which they are the co-oping parent helper, or on days they sign up to donate snack. Parents have the opportunity to bring special items for holiday parties or other events coordinated by the teacher. Sweet and salty snacks with fresh fruit or veggies is a great option!
**DUE TO COVID-19, OUR SNACK OPTIONS WILL BE CHANGING FOR FALL 2021. PLEASE DONATE INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED, NUT-FREE OPTIONS. WE CANNOT SERVE HOMEMADE ITEMS, FRESH CUT FRUIT OR VEGGIES, AND QUANTITY BAGGED OPTIONS.**
Guidelines for co-oping parents
If parents or guardians are co-oping, they are required to assist the teacher in the classroom once each month.
On the day parents work in the classroom, they are expected to arrive at school 10 minutes early and remain after dismissal or until all children have been picked up by their parents.
Background check is required.
**DUE TO COVID-19, WE ARE SUSPENDING OUR CO-OPING OPTION FOR FALL 2021 SCHOOL YEAR.**
On the day parents work in the classroom, they are expected to arrive at school 10 minutes early and remain after dismissal or until all children have been picked up by their parents.
Background check is required.
**DUE TO COVID-19, WE ARE SUSPENDING OUR CO-OPING OPTION FOR FALL 2021 SCHOOL YEAR.**
room parents 2021-2022
Junior Kindergarten:
3s & 4s:
2s & 3s:
1s & 2s:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serve as a communication liaison between the teacher and the parents (i.e., changes in schedules, snow days, etc.)
Welcome new families and serve as a host parent for the school. Be available to answer questions.
Organize class holiday parties. Discuss with the teacher how they prefer to handle parties.
Organize class participation in the school fundraisers.
3s & 4s:
2s & 3s:
1s & 2s:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serve as a communication liaison between the teacher and the parents (i.e., changes in schedules, snow days, etc.)
Welcome new families and serve as a host parent for the school. Be available to answer questions.
Organize class holiday parties. Discuss with the teacher how they prefer to handle parties.
Organize class participation in the school fundraisers.
playground safety rules
An appropriate number of adults must accompany each class to the playground. Always have an adult in front and back of the line. Lead adult holds hand.
All children will come down slides both feet first.
All children swing facing West (away from concrete block building).
Children never wait for turns behind the swings. They must be cautioned about walking too close to the swings.
Teacher needs to stay on the playground when a child needs to use restroom. Class aide will take child to the restroom.
All children will come down slides both feet first.
All children swing facing West (away from concrete block building).
Children never wait for turns behind the swings. They must be cautioned about walking too close to the swings.
Teacher needs to stay on the playground when a child needs to use restroom. Class aide will take child to the restroom.
all school guidelines
Always be welcoming and respectful of others.
Always walk and speak in your regular voice in classrooms.
Always clean up area before leaving.
Always walk and speak in your regular voice in classrooms.
Always clean up area before leaving.
child abuse prevention guidelines
Child abuse is damage to a child for which there is no "reasonable explanation." Child abuse includes non-accidental physical injury, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotion abuse.
REPORTING PROCEDURES
At the first report of suspicion of child abuse, the teacher or class aide to who it has been reported or who has observed the abuse, shall inform the Early Childhood Center Director. The Director and staff shall make a report to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738. Missouri law mandates this reporting by licensed child-care providers. A call is made in "good faith"... only reporting a suspicion. It is the Department of Family and Children's Services' responsibility to investigate the case.
REPORTING PROCEDURES
At the first report of suspicion of child abuse, the teacher or class aide to who it has been reported or who has observed the abuse, shall inform the Early Childhood Center Director. The Director and staff shall make a report to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738. Missouri law mandates this reporting by licensed child-care providers. A call is made in "good faith"... only reporting a suspicion. It is the Department of Family and Children's Services' responsibility to investigate the case.
health and safety
Your child's health and safety is of the upmost importance to the Early Childhood Center staff and commission. We follow these guidelines and need your support to provide a healthy and safe environment.
1. Health records and emergency records are maintained for every child. The health record includes up-to-date medical information, an immunization record, and emergency contact information. Please keep us informed of any changes in the telephone numbers listed on the emergency cards.
2. Teachers observe children for any signs of illness including: runny nose, coughing, breath odor, changes in skin color, fever, sore throats, pink eye, diarrhea, vomiting, or headaches. If your child exhibits any of the above, they will be isolated with the school administrator and you will be contacted to pick up your child.
3. It is important that children stay at home if they have had fever, vomiting, or diarrhea within the last 48 hours. Research shows that a child is not well and can be contagious.
4. Please dress your child in weather appropriate clothing. We go outside for play unless the temperature is below 32˚. Please have your child always wear athletic shoes or good play shoes. No sandals.
5. Proper hand washing procedures are followed in the classroom before eating, handling, or preparing food, and after going to the bathroom.
6. Parents will be notified of minor school accidents (non-emergency). An accident form will be completed.
7. In case of an emergency, a parent or emergency contact will be called immediately. If we cannot reach the parent or emergency contact and 911 is needed, 911 will be called. Until the arrival of the parent or paramedics, the Director will be in charge and will make decisions about the care of the child.
8. Children are to be escorted by an adult to their room or playground and dismissed to an adult. If your child is going home with someone else, please send an email or written note to your child's teacher stating who will be picking up your child, or call the Director. Children will be released only to those people who are on the After School Pick-Up Form. The child is the responsibility of the adult once they are dismissed by the teacher.
9. Under new rules, eight-year-olds and younger need to use a booster seat.
Please see the above PDF for complete COVID-19 protocols and procedures.
If you have any questions, please contact the school administrator.
1. Health records and emergency records are maintained for every child. The health record includes up-to-date medical information, an immunization record, and emergency contact information. Please keep us informed of any changes in the telephone numbers listed on the emergency cards.
2. Teachers observe children for any signs of illness including: runny nose, coughing, breath odor, changes in skin color, fever, sore throats, pink eye, diarrhea, vomiting, or headaches. If your child exhibits any of the above, they will be isolated with the school administrator and you will be contacted to pick up your child.
3. It is important that children stay at home if they have had fever, vomiting, or diarrhea within the last 48 hours. Research shows that a child is not well and can be contagious.
4. Please dress your child in weather appropriate clothing. We go outside for play unless the temperature is below 32˚. Please have your child always wear athletic shoes or good play shoes. No sandals.
5. Proper hand washing procedures are followed in the classroom before eating, handling, or preparing food, and after going to the bathroom.
6. Parents will be notified of minor school accidents (non-emergency). An accident form will be completed.
7. In case of an emergency, a parent or emergency contact will be called immediately. If we cannot reach the parent or emergency contact and 911 is needed, 911 will be called. Until the arrival of the parent or paramedics, the Director will be in charge and will make decisions about the care of the child.
8. Children are to be escorted by an adult to their room or playground and dismissed to an adult. If your child is going home with someone else, please send an email or written note to your child's teacher stating who will be picking up your child, or call the Director. Children will be released only to those people who are on the After School Pick-Up Form. The child is the responsibility of the adult once they are dismissed by the teacher.
9. Under new rules, eight-year-olds and younger need to use a booster seat.
Please see the above PDF for complete COVID-19 protocols and procedures.
If you have any questions, please contact the school administrator.
Webster Groves Presbyterian Early Childhood Center
45 West Lockwood Ave Saint Louis, Missouri 63119
ecc@wgpc.org 314.962.9210 x3110