All Aboard Preschool
Parent Handbook
2015-2016
All Aboard Preschool
Located inside The Wave Aqua7c & Fitness Center
1250 Baker Ave
Whitefish, MT 59937
Last updated: 8.20.15
All Aboard Preschool is a program offered by The Wave Aqua7c and Fitness Center in support of its
mission to improve the health and well-being of our community. As such, we will strive to promote
the overall growth of your child. Learning in Science, Math, Literacy and Social Interac7on are
complemented with discovering an awareness of healthy habits such as exercise, nutri7on and selfcare.
Your child will learn:
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Problem Solving
Monthly Calendar
The Four Seasons
Colors and Shapes
Numbers and Math
Alphabets and Phonics
Music
Swimming
Social and Motor Skills
Cogni7ve Skills
Arts and CraWs
Mul7cultural Environment
Foreign Language
Daily Story Time
Philosophy & Curriculum
We believe that building a team which includes teacher, child, parent and community will provide a
sound educa7onal founda7on for your child.
All Aboard Preschool promotes an environment where children become independent, confident,
lifelong learners with a strong sense of self. We proudly offer a posi7ve, child-centered preschool
experience that fosters a love of learning in a nurturing community. In each child, we strive to
cul7vate:
• Autonomy
• A sense of belonging
• Respect for others
• Enthusiasm for explora7on
Our Curriculum
We offer a child-centered and developmentally appropriate program for three through five-year
old children. The play-based learning framework of Crea7ve Curriculum for Preschool has been
integrated with our own blend of fitness and wellness for children. Crea7ve Curriculum is a
comprehensive system of learning based on research and knowledge regarding all areas of child
development – social/emo7onal, physical, cogni7ve and language.
The teachers use their own experiences, as well as the children’s interest to adapt the
curriculum to be unique to each class. Classroom observa7ons and assessments become
important tools for the teachers to communicate with parents.
Play allows children to learn about the work and themselves. As children play, they learn new
skills, develop coping mechanisms, test new ideas, and master their bodies. Crea7ve Curriculum
for Preschool provides extensive guidance for teachers in the content areas of literacy, math,
science, social skills, and the arts. As children make choices about where to play in the
classroom, they are learning a variety of skills. For example, building with blocks promotes
material explora7ons, as well as spa7al planning, symbolic representa7on, drama7c play, and
social interac7ons. In the area of art, teachers emphasize the process rather than the finished
product. As children use art materials, they are planning and carrying out a task and also using
symbols to represent their ideas.
Our play-based curriculum offers children many opportuni7es for posi7ve interac7ons with
other children and adults. We treat each child with respect and reinforce his/her value as an
individual and as a unique member of the All Aboard Preschool and Wave community.
Staff Qualifica7ons
Our staff members meet the following qualifica7ons:
• Basic computer skills
• Childhood Development Associate (CDA) degree or higher
• Familiar with new trends in preschool curriculum and Montana State Regula7ons on
childcare.
• Passed a background check
Meet our Teachers
Ms. Rebecca Hjertberg
Ms. Rebecca’s first college degree is in Business Management and she has worked in resorts in San
Diego, Big Fork, Big Mountain and Glacier Na7onal Park. She received her Master’s degree in
Educa7on at Montana State University in Billings and completed her student teaching in New
Zealand. She has taught many grade levels and many subjects, but she likes preschoolers the best.
Her 10 years of experience teaching preschool ranges from Montessori, Chris7an based programs to
Head Start Preschool. Ms. Rebecca is a Cer7fied Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and teaches
group and private swim lesson at The Wave.
Ms. Rebecca and her family including her sister Kathy grew up on Flathead Lake and aiended
Polson Schools. She and her sister helped their Gram Blanche make and perform puppet shows
across Montana. Ms.Rebecca likes to spend 7me with her family camping while experiencing
Montana’s great outdoors. Ms. Rebecca is close to her family and donated her kidney to her cousin,
Dean, who has diabetes and lives in California. Currently, Ms. Rebecca lives in Whitefish with her
husband, Jon, and their dog, Penny. Ms. Rebecca does not have children of her own, but spends
7me with her sister’s kids, Xanny and Kaylee who also live in Whitefish. Ms. Rebecca likes to ski,
bike, hike and raW. She has even enjoyed sky diving. Ms. Rebecca likes to travel to see and do new
things. Ms. Rebecca is a dedicated professional instructor who loves to help children learn new
things.
Susan Nelson
Susan feels blessed with the opportunity to engage in the most rewarding job in the world as your
child’s Preschool Teacher. She received a B.A. degree in Art Educa7on from the California University
of Bakersfield in 2008. In seeking her true passion for teaching others she received her K-12 Art
Educa7on Creden7al from the University of Montana Western in 2013.
She has had the great opportunity of teaching in the Flathead Valley a both a full-7me Art teacher
and Subs7tute Teacher. From 2010-2013 she was the Swan Valley School 7th and 8th grade Art
Teacher. Following this adventure, she con7nued her teaching explora7on through Subs7tute
teaching all grade levels and subjects in both the Columbia Falls and Kalispell School Districts.
Her true inspira7on comes from the deep love of Art that enriches her life every day! As a local
Flathead Ar7st you can always find her knee deep in oil pain7ng, watercolors or pastels. Her two life
loves include everything Art and Volleyball. As a Bigfork Valkyries Coach she has had the opportunity
of coaching 8th grade athletes for 4 years. She believes there is no greater joy than experiencing a
child’s growth towards both physical and educa7onal success in life.
As a deeply-rooted family girl, she lives each moment with a joyful love for her connec7on with
others and the posi7ve moments of communica7on she gets to experience with them. As a
Godmother, Aunt, Sibling, Sister and Daughter her life moments are filled with love, laughter and
the simple bliss of family-7me.
Susan states, “I am extremely grateful for this moment of living my dream in the opportunity to help
your child grow in fundamental life-learning lessons and a love for themselves through physical
fitness. “
Class Offerings and Fees
Cost per Month
Member
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
4 – 5 year olds:
(Must be 4 on or before October 31st)
Non
Member
Full
Half
Full
Half
$360
$180
$420
$210
$240
$120
$280
$140
3 - 4 year olds.
Tuesday & Thursday
(Must be 3 on or before October 31st)
All children need to be poiy trained.
A yearly fee of $125 will be collected at the 7me of registra7on.
Morning Half Day Students have the op7on to stay an extra 30 minutes for lunch with the Full Day
students if they pack their own lunch. This is an addi7onal $5 charge.
Full Day
8:45AM – 3:15PM
Morning Half Day
8:45AM – 11:45AM
AWernoon Half Day
12:15PM – 3:15PM
Nondiscriminatory Policy
We are a nonsectarian preschool. All Aboard Preschool admits students of any race, color,
religion, and na7onal and ethnic origin to all rights privileges, programs and ac7vi7es and
does not discriminate in administra7on of its educa7onal and admission policies.
Closures
We follow the Whitefish School District calendar. We close on the following holidays; Labor Day,
Thanksgiving and the following Friday; the week of Christmas and New Year’s Day, Spring Break,
Memorial Day and Independence Day.
2015
November 25-27
December 21 – January 3
January 18
February 15
March 28 – April 1
May 30
Inclement Weather Closures
We may close on inclement weather days in which the Whitefish School District closes.
Please listen to your radio on ques7onable days. We will also send out informa7on via text
message when possible as well as post this informa7on on our Facebook page.
Parent Par7cipa7on
Parents have the largest role in their children’s educa7on and we want you to feel a part of our
classroom. Our teachers will provide monthly ac7vi7es that encourage parent involvement. We ask
that parents schedule visits in advance. Visitors will be asked to be respecsul of the classroom
rou7ne and learning environment. We encourage family involvement and will provide informa7on
and ac7vi7es that will enrich your family’s health and wellness.
Field Trips
Field trips can be an important enriching experience for our children. Teachers plan trips
appropriate for their class that will provide a well-rounded experience.
Informa7on and permission slips will be sent home in school bags each 7me a field trip is planned.
In order to aiend a field trip, each child needs a signed permission slip and/or payment of any
necessary fee.
A First Aid kit and Emergency Forms will be taken on the trip.
Birthday Celebra7on
We recognize that a child’s birthday is an important 7me in a child’s life. We encourage you to bring
a special treat and help your child celebrate their special day. Birthday snacks are allowed to be
brought in by parents to celebrate their child’s special day. We ask that you arrange this with the
teacher beforehand as there may be “allergy specific” requirements and opportuni7es to reinforce
healthy ea7ng habits.
Child Specific Informa7on
During arrival and dismissal 7mes, staff members must devote full aien7on to all of the children
and each specific need. Please keep conversa7ons brief. If you need to communicate specific
informa7on, a wriien note or email is preferred.
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Parent-teacher conferences are held two 7mes per school year. Parents and teachers will
have the opportunity to discuss the child. Individual goals will be discussed. At the
conference, teachers and parents will discuss the evalua7on of your child’ development
process. At any 7me that you have special concerns, please feel free to contact your teacher
or the Children’s Ac7vity Manager via phone or email.
During school hours, teachers do not answer phones. Phone calls will be sent directly to
voicemail. In the case of emergency please no7fy The Wave’s Service Desk or Children’s
Depot.
Please do not discuss problems or concerns in the presence of your child or other parents.
Please communicate with your teacher about any changes at home or within the family
structure (parent on a trip, family member sick, hospital, etc.). These changes can directly
affect your child’s overall behavior, and it is useful to our staff to be aware of these
developments. Privacy will always be respected.
Confiden7ality
Confiden7ality plays a vital role in promo7ng respect for every individual and fostering a strong
community. We take this issue very seriously and will make every effort to protect each family’s
privacy. Communica7ons among staff and parents about children should be kept confiden7al at all
7mes. It is recommended that conversa7ons about a child, behavior, or incident should be
conducted in private, away from the child and other members of the preschool community.
Discussions in the hallways should be kept to a minimum. If a parent has a ques7on or concern, we
suggest that this parent first contact the teacher via email or in person to arrange a 7me to discuss.
Communica7on
Communica7on is vital to a successful preschool program. We strive to make communica7on open
and clear to all. Here are a few ways you can expect us to relay informa7on:
o Email
o Cell Phone/Text
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Facebook
Parent orienta7on
No7ces sent home with child in monthly newsleier
Weekly lesson plans posted in classroom
Drop Off/Pick-Up
Never leave your child alone inside or outside of the building. We require all children to be walked
to our classroom by an adult no more than 10 minutes before the program begins. Parent’s must
sign their children into the facility each day and sign them out. We require all children to be picked
up by an adult no more than 10 minutes aWer our program finishes for the day. Any early drop offs
or late pickups should u7lize the drop in child care services of the Children’s Depot. Arrangements
will be made with the aiendant to transfer your child. For all late pickups, your child will be taken to
the Children’s Depot and regular pricing will apply.
Authoriza7on
Each parent is asked to give specific individuals permission to pick their child up. Parents
MUST give authoriza7on either in person or by phone each and every 7me their child is
picked up by an unauthorized adult, not listed on your registra7on form. We want to insure
safe transport for your child. If our staff members observe an authorized individual that is
disgruntled or if the staff has reasonable cause to suspect that the individual is under the
influence, or physically impaired in any way that may endanger the child, the staff may have
cause to refuse to release the child un7l another authorized adult can pick the child up.
Late Arrival
Please be considerate and try to arrive on 7me. If you do arrive late, please be respecsul of
what is going on in the classroom.
Enrollment
Enrollment for our fall preschool programs will begin in the spring of each year. Registra7on first
comes available to exis7ng families and members from the prior year. All other registra7on is
accepted on a first come first serve basis. Please realize that due to one classroom, we will fill full
day first and then fill half day slots that are available. A completed registra7on packet is necessary
for enrollment as well as a non-refundable registra7on fee which will hold your child’s placement in
our program.
Immuniza7ons
We require proof of immuniza7ons. Our standards are based on guidelines set by the State
of Montana however we do not allow excep7ons for religious reasons. Children with a
physician cer7fied medical exemp7on are accepted.
Procedures for Registra7on
All registra7on forms included in the registra7on packet must be completed and up to date
including immuniza7ons, emergency contact and pick-up/drop-off policy.
Required Forms for Enrollment
1. Registra7on form
2. Special Instruc7ons
3. Class Schedule Sign-Up Sheet
4. Drop-Off/Pick-Up Authoriza7on
5. Emergency Contact
6. Photo Consent
7. Consent for Medical Treatment
8. Release of Liability
9. Parent’s Health Statement
10. Child Care Immuniza7on History
Procedures for Withdrawal
A WRITTEN no7ce must be received 30 days prior to the first day of the month for
cancella7on in our program – NO EXCEPTIONS. If you cancel out of our program less than 30
days in advance, you will be charged that months tui7on. We need 7me to fill each vacant
spot.
PLEASE NOTE: On occasion, a program is not an op7mal fit for a child or family. We
will make every effort to work collabora7vely with families to resolve any challenges
that arise. Addi7onal resources may need to be used to support a child’s success in
our preschool environment. If, aWer all reasonable efforts are exhausted, and a
problem cannot be resolved, we reserve the right to dismiss a child from the
program.
Payment Policy
Payments must be made on 7me to ensure your child’s con7nued par7cipa7on in our
program. All fees will be draWed on the first of the month via auto pay as indicated during
registra7on. A late fee of $10 will be assessed for a returned draW.
Absences
Please no7fy us by 8:00AM if your child is not aiending for the day. A voicemail may be leW
on the preschool voicemail. Inform us about any or all illnesses/health concerns. Teachers
and students miss a child when he/she is gone and want to know everything is OK. Because
of our tui7on policy and staffing regula7ons, absences are not credited and swapping of
days is not allowed. IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT WELL ENOUGH TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL ASPECTS
OF THE DAILY SCHEDULE, PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME.
Well Child Policy
We work hard to prevent childhood illness. If children come to a school when they are not feeling
well, they will be more vulnerable to infec7on and to gewng sick. It is in the best interest of your
child and of the other children to keep your child at home when he/she is ill.
Children need to be well in order to be able to par7cipate ac7vely in our program; however, The
Wave recognizes that in some cases children who are not contagious will aiend the program when
they are not func7oning at their best. For the protec7on of other children and our staff, we rely on
the thoughsulness of each parent’s assessment of their child. Our staff reserves the right to refuse
to admit any child that is ill. Please refer to the following guidelines to help determine an ill child.
24 HOUR RULE: ANY CHILD WHO HAS SHOWN SIGNS OF ILLNESS IN THE PREVIOUS 24 HOURS
MAY NOT ATTEND CLASS.
• Fever: Has had or has a fever within the last 24 hours above 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Diarrhea: Has diarrhea or nausea in the last 24 hours defined as loose, very watery or
mucus filled stools.
• Cold: Discharge from eyes, or a profuse nasal discharge, a cough with mucus secre7ons.
• Rash: A contagious disease (rashes of any sorts or bacterial infec7ons).
• An7bio7c Time Line: A child should be on an7bio7cs for at least 24 hours before
returning to school.
If diagnosed with a communicable disease, including Strep Throat, Pink Eye, Lice or any other
common disease in a schools environment, please let the teacher know. We will not release the
child’s name, but will post that there has been a case of _________ reported for all other parents to
be aware of.
Emergencies
Each child’s program has an emergency procedure plan in place. Please ask for a copy of the plan so
that you will know what to expect in case of a natural catastrophe, unusual condi7on or other
threats. Make sure your emergency transporta7on form is updated and complete as this is the
informa7on that will be given directly to hospital staff in the case that your child is transported.
Medical Treatment
It is important for parents to keep their consent for medical treatment and emergency
contact informa7on up to date.
In the event the parent cannot be reached, the parent, or whoever signs your child in for
that day (Authorized Representa7ve to act as an agent for me), must give permission for our
staff to provide basic first aid to your child as reasonably appropriate, however, parents
understand that we shall not be required to strictly follow those guidelines when, in its
judgement, circumstances may require otherwise.
In the event that the All Aboard Preschool in its sole discre7on, believes that a child needs
more advanced care, and the emergency contact from your registra7on form cannot be
reached, parents must consent to dental, medical, surgical, and/or hospital care, treatment
and/or procedures to be performed for your child by a licensed den7st, physician,
ambulance aiendant/emergency medical technician, or other licensed health care provider
(collec7vely, “Health Care Professional”) associated with a licensed treatment facility when
deemed necessary or advisable by the Health Care Professional to safeguard your child’s
health. The parent waives their right of informed consent to such treatment. A staff member
will stay with your child un7l contact with authorized personnel is made.
Communica7on with Parents of an Emergency Situa7on
Communica7on with parents during an emergency will be made through either a text
message sent to cell phones and/or a phone call from a member of our staff and/or email. If
possible, staff will leave a message on the preschool voice mail and/or a sign on the door.
Emergency Phone Contact Informa7on for Each Child
Emergency phone numbers and email lists will be maintained to no7fy parents of any
unexpected events, such as a school closing or an evacua7on. The Emergency Form will be
supplied during the enrollment process. This form must be completed and returned to the
office before the child’s first day of class.
• The Emergency Form includes the name and phone number of the child’s local
physician. The preschool has the right to call the physician or other emergency
personnel in case of emergency. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep
emergency informa7on up to date.
Shelter and Evacua7on Sites and Plans
Our shelter and evacua7on site is the Whitefish Police Department located just up the block
at 275 Flathead Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937.
What to Bring & Dress Code
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Your child should be dressed for ac7ve and par7cipatory play. We do not want a child’s
ac7vity or crea7vity hampered because he/she is wearing clothing that should not get dirty.
Your child should wear sturdy, protec7ve shoes (no sandals, flip flops or crocs), which will
enable him/her to run, climb, and move with ease.
Children go outside most days, so please dress your child appropriately.
In the winter, hat and miiens are needed every day. Snow pants and warm boots are
important whenever there is snow on the ground.
Your child’s teacher will give you a schedule of your child’s swim lessons. On these days,
please provide your child with swimwear, a towel and goggles. Please label all belongings.
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We do not accept responsibility for clothing or other miscellaneous ar7cles that are
misplaced.
Please leave personal toys at home unless otherwise specified by the teacher.
Please bring an extra set of clothes in a large zip lock bag labeled with your child’s name to
leave at school.
Lunch
Parents should send lunch and a drinking cup in a lunch box if the child is par7cipa7ng in the Full
Day op7on. Morning Half Day students have the op7on to stay an extra 30 minutes to enjoy lunch
with the other students if they choose to bring their own lunch. This is an extra $5 charge. Please
label your child’s lunch box clearly with your child’s name on the outside of the lunch box. Lunches
are stored in the school’s refrigerator un7l lunch7me.
We encourage parents to promote good ea7ng habits by sending nutri7ous items for lunch. Please
pack an appropriate amount of food for your child with no candy. Large por7ons that are heavy on
starch, fat and sugars are discouraged.
Snacks
Snack 7me is a 7me for children to reenergize their bodies and build language and conversa7onal
skills. We ask that parents provide a snack daily for their children. We ask that parents follow snack
guidelines given by our teachers.
We would like to suggest that you use snack prepara7on 7me with your child as a learning tool. The
more you involve your child in preparing healthy and nutri7ous fuel for their bodies the more
excited they become about their own health.
We ask that children bring a water boile each day to school as we will encourage water throughout
the day. They will also be drinking water at snack 7me.
PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR TEACHER IF YOUR CHILD HAS ANY KNOWN ALLERGY. WE ASK THAT NO
“NUT” PRODUCTS BE BROUGHT TO OUR PRESCHOOL.
Photo Policy
As a parent, you have the choice to release your child’s photo. We oWen use Facebook and parent
newsleiers to communicate and update. Comple7on of our photo release form is required during
registra7on.
Posi7ve Discipline Policy
We are commiied to providing a safe and posi7ve learning environment for all children. The
school’s behavior policy encourages children to develop social skills that reflect many of our values,
including self-control, respect for others, and a posi7ve self-esteem.
Teachers model appropriate behavior and guide posi7ve interac7ons among children and adults.
Nurturing these social skills is a central component of Crea7ve Curriculum®, and it helps children
grow as successful, lifelong learners.
Our commitment to an age-appropriate and play-based curriculum ensures that ac7vi7es are child
centered and promote posi7ve social interac7ons. Teachers carefully craW the environment,
communicate and enforce clear boundaries and expecta7ons for behavior, and use nonverbal cues
and/or redirect a child’s behavior to foster success.
When a problem arises, the teacher relies on modeling appropriate behavior, teaching peacemaking
skills, and presen7ng stories or scenarios that reinforce the desired behavior. Children learn to make
suitable choices and develop techniques for regaining self-control when they feel frustrated.
Instruc7ve and individually appropriate consequences help to strengthen the child’s self-control and
self-esteem.
When a child experiences a par7cularly challenging 7me, the school encourages parents and
teachers to work together and develop appropriate strategies. If a specific circumstance needs
aien7on, the teacher will follow these procedures:
1. The teacher will observe and document a child’s behavior.
2. The teacher will discuss the child’s behavior with a parent and inform him or her of learningbased strategies the teacher will implement. The teacher will discuss op7ons with the
director.
3. The teacher will follow up with the parent about how these strategies are influencing the
behavior.
4. If concern persists, a conference will be held with the teacher, parent, and director to
discuss op7ons to help the child further develop appropriate social skills.
5. Staff members will make reasonable effort to work with the child and his/her family to
resolve behavioral concerns. At any 7me, an individual plan of ac7on may need to be
implemented, depending on the severity of the concern. If needed, there is opportunity for
teachers and the director to seek support from outside resources. The plan may include
removal of a child from the classroom and/or calling the parent to take the child home.
Repeated severe problems may result in dismissal from our program.