*Please note that some of our policies and procedures are subject to change in accordance of CDC COVID Guidelines.

A. PURPOSE

It is the philosophy of St. Matthew's Preschool that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploration and discovery. Preschool children are creative and receptive. Our staff strives to nurture and encourage these qualities in the children who attend. The preschool's purpose is to provide an atmosphere that encourages social, emotional, physical, cognitive and creative growth and the development of the child as a whole.

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B. CURRICULUM

Planned within the framework of philosophy and purpose, St. Matthew's Montessori-inspired curriculum includes sharing and conversation time, stories, songs and finger plays, creative art activities and crafts, games and large motor activities, science and nature activities, social studies, Christian Education, celebrations of birthdays and holidays, and kindergarten readiness activities. All of the above will be incorporated in themes that are child-centered and developmentally age appropriate. A qualified and experienced Director will supervise the total program of the Preschool. The Director and Teachers hold an A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education among other teacher trained credentials. All teachers are selected for Christian character, love of children, education, experience and training.

 

C. ENROLLMENT

Children must reach their third or fourth birthday by the kindergarten cut off date in their own school district. (Lehighton is currently September 1st). Children must be toilet trained. Applications will become available on February 1st of each year. A REGISTRATION FEE of $55.00 must accompany each application for it to be considered. Throughout the month of February, applications will be accepted with preference in the following order:

February 1st-15th - currently enrolled children that will be returning for the following year

February 16th-28th(29th) - members of St. Matthew's congregation and siblings of children currently enrolled

March 1st - open registration to members of our community on a first come first serve basis

Non-church members of our community MAY APPLY AT ANY TIME, but they will not be enrolled until March 1st. At that time, any applications received to date will be enrolled in the order in which they were received. When a class is full, other applicants will be placed on a waiting list. The registration fee of $55.00 WILL BE REFUNDED IF THE CLASS IS FULL. Registration fees are NOT REFUNDABLE for any other reason than the class being full.

 

D. SCHEDULE

The school year begins the Tuesday following Labor Day and ends the Friday before Memorial Day. (Four year-old classes will have a Graduation Ceremony that evening.)

 

Sessions:

AM Three Year Old Class: 9am - 11am (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

PM Three Year Old Class: 12pm - 2pm (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

AM Four Year Old Class: 9am - 11:30am (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays)

PM Four Year Old Class: 12pm - 2:30pm (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays)

 

Preschool holidays will follow the Lehighton Area School District schedule. They will be announced in the newsletter. We will also be CLOSED on Teacher-In-Service days. We are open when the schools have early dismissal.

 

Church Closings: Occasionally, the whole church building will be needed for a funeral. These closings will be announced as far in advance as possible to the classes involved. Please understand that when there is a funeral here at the church, we cannot lock the doors and ANYONE can come into our building. It is in the best interest of your children to cancel school for the day. School will also be closed on Election Days (November and May) due to voting being held at St. Matthew's.

 

Snow Days: We will be following Lehighton Area School District. If Lehighton has a delay, all of our AM classes will meet 10:00 am through noon; PM classes will meet 12:30 pm through 2:30 pm. If Lehighton closes, so will we. It is always the parents' choice as to whether or not they choose to bring their child to school. If Lehighton announces an early dismissal, PM classes are canceled. School closings and delays/session cancellations can be viewed on the preschool's website, Facebook page and you will receive a text message alert.

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Picture Day: A school picture day will be scheduled sometime in March of each year. An adult will need to bring and stay with each student for their scheduled picture time. Students in our 4s & 5s classes will be required to wear a cap and gown for our class pictures. Cap and gowns will be provided. Classes will not be held on Picture Day so our staff is available for all class pictures.

 

Graduation Ceremony: All children completing our 4 & 5 year-old classes will be invited to participate in a graduation celebration to be held for families during the evening hours of the Friday before Memorial Day. Graduation caps and gowns will be provided for our students and required to wear for our ceremony.

 

E. TUITION

Tuition is $120.00 per month for the three-year-old class and $135.00 per month for the four-year-old class. A family having two children in the Preschool at the same time will receive a 25% discounted tuition rate for the second child. (Second child rates are: $101.25 per month for four-year-olds and $90.00 per month for three-year-olds). Tuition checks should be made payable to ST. MATTHEW'S PRESCHOOL and should be sent to preschool in your child's bag or mailed to St. Matthew's Preschool, 222 Church Street, Lehighton, PA, 18235.

 

Payment Policy

1. Tuition is due by the 1st of the month.

2. Any payment not received by the 5th of the month will have added to it a $10.00 late payment penalty.

3. If the tuition and the penalty have not been paid by the 10th of the month, the family will be informed that the child is not to be brought back to Preschool until the outstanding debt is paid. Legal action may be taken if necessary.

4. A $30.00 fee will be charged for all returned checks.

5. In case of withdrawal, NO refund will be made on tuition already paid.

 

F. HEALTH

Before admission to class in the beginning of school, each child will be required to present a health form and immunization record, signed by a physician, for a physical exam done no more than 90 days before the opening of school. Immunizations are required to be current in accordance to the Pennsylvania Department of Health School Immunization Regulations. If these forms have not been presented by October 15th, the director will be forced to request that your child not attend school until the form is presented.

***Parents are requested to keep a child home if there is any indication of illness.*** Please be sure your child has been clear of a fever and or vomiting for a full 24 hours before attending school. Although your child may be feeling better, their resistance level is probably still low and may easily pick up another illness or spread the illness they are recuperating from. All children will be under supervision and every effort will be made to protect their health and provide for their safety. &The Church and Preschool have liability insurance coverage for accidents or injury on Church premises. In case of an emergency, if parents, the two emergency back up people, or the child's physician CANNOT be contacted, the Preschool will obtain emergency assistance and continue trying to reach parents. If you know you will be away from your listed phone numbers, it will be helpful to let us know where you can be reached.

 

G. CLOTHING

Children should wear clothing that is comfortable and easy for toilet use. During the course of the day, children may be running, painting, gluing or playing outdoors. Please avoid dressing your child in their best clothing.

 

H. Birthdays & Celebrations

 

Birthdays: We will be celebrating each child's special day here at school.  If you wish to send in something special for your child to pass out, it must be individually wrapped to be sent home. If your child is having a birthday party, invitations may be handed out at school ONLY if there is an invitation for each child in the class. For the children who have birthdays when school is not in session, we will celebrate their birthday in May. (Parents will be notified of this special celebration in advance!)

 

Holiday Celebrations: If you would like to send in a treat/goodie bag for a holiday, it must be individually wrapped to go home with the children.

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I. PARENTS

We request that ONLY YOU OR SOMEONE THAT YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED TO THE TEACHERS PICK UP YOUR CHILD AT THE END OF EACH SESSION. To protect your child, he or she will only be released to those with written authorization and identification. Any change of authorized person for pick up must be in writing. *A special note to families having custody issues...Please provide the Preschool Director with a copy of any legal papers concerning custody issues and child pick-up privileges. Without legal papers, we have to release a child to their mother or father, as well as provide copies of all paperwork requested. During the week before school begins, time will be provided for you and your child to come to the school and meet the teachers and view our classrooms. Each month families will receive a calendar and newsletter informing parents of any special days or events.

 

J. BEHAVIOR POLICY

At St. Matthew's Preschool, we maintain a positive discipline policy which focuses on prevention, redirection, love, consistency and firmness.

 

We stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property. The children are explained the rules of the preschool frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines. Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children have a hard time expressing their feelings. We will try to prevent problems, redirect when appropriate, discuss inappropriate behavior, encourage making amends when the offense involves another person, and sometimes withdraw privileges based on the principle of natural consequences.

 

If a discipline problem arises that does not respond to the above-mentioned techniques, we will hold a conference with the parents as well as develop a behavior modification plan. The plan will include observations, documentation of the child's words and actions during school and suggestions for modifying the child's behavior both at school and out of school. Hurtful physical and verbal behavior toward the other children, including bullying, will not be tolerated and may result in a child being sent home early for the day. We will do our best to avoid this possibility.

 

Teaching and modeling kindness toward others is a priority for our staff members. All attempts will be made by the staff to resolve any behavior concerns. If hurtful behavior continues without any growth or follow through from parents, the Director of St. Matthew's Preschool reserves the right to remove a child from the program if his/her behavior is deemed unsafe or harmful to the other children or staff.

 

A NOTE ABOUT ADJUSTMENT

Your child may be used to outside programs or this may be his or her first time away from the security of home. Reactions to preschool are as varied as your children's unique personalities. Some become quiet, some become loud, others may cry before they come into the building, then separate reluctantly, still others cry while you are leaving. However, most children are eager to encounter new friends and love coming to preschool. Be patient and be assured that we have probably encountered every response imaginable.

 

We encourage you to share any concerns with us, for we consider you to be the most valuable people in your child's life!

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