Discovery Corner Preschool goes with the Hempfield School District for snow delays and cancellations. When the school district has a
1 or 2 hour delay, the preschool will open at 10:00 am. Big Paws and Grand Paws classes will operate until 1:00 pm, like usual.
The Little Paws class will extend until 12:00 noon. If Hempfield is cancelled, so is Discovery Corner Preschool.
Children are to be dropped off in their classrooms between 8:45 and 9:00 am. We also ask that authorized parents or guardians pick up the students promptly at the end of class (11:30 am for Little Paws and 1:00 pm for Big Paws and Grand Paws). Habitual lateness in picking up children will result in late fees being added to tuition bills. Also, please find a parking spot in the church parking lot, and do not park in the driveway or handicapped spots.
We believe that discipline is part of the educational process and the suitable behavior is expected from each child in the Preschool. Children are gently, but firmly, reminded when behavior is disruptive or inappropriate. "Time Out" is used for repeated occurances along with notification to the parents or guardians. When unacceptable behavior is consistent and unchanging, the school staff takes the responsibility of recording the occurances and presenting it to the Board of Directors for an appropriate response or dismissal.
The Preschool schedules two conferences per school year for parents to officially meet with teachers to discuss their child's performance. All information discussed in those conferences is confidential and will only be documented at the permission of the parents or guardians. Unofficially, the staff is always available to discuss special concerns or changes that may require adaptive measures or individualized attention.
Because the staff is totally dedicated to the growth and well-being of the children, communication and dialogue with parents and guardians are among the most important means to continually evaluate our effectiveness.
The Preschool requests that you do not bring your child to school if he or she is visibly ill or has a fever. Please alert the church office (717-394-7231) if your child will be absent or tardy. Parents will be contacted if a child becomes ill during class and may need to be picked up early. As a requirement for enrollment, parents must fill out an immunization form and a medical information form,
and return them by the first day of school.
No one on the Preschool staff is permitted to administer any type of medication to a child. If a child is ill and taking medication, the child should not attend school. If the child requires medication for conditions other than illness, the parent or guardian must administer the medication before, or if necessary, during class.
The preschool classes take several field trips per year and in order for a student to participate, a field trip permission form must be filled out. All trips are voluntary and are chaperoned by staff members and parents. All transportation is provided by insured parents and child safety seats are required for any trip off site. Also, it is recommended that all students purchase a Discovery Corner T-shirt and/or sweatshirt for easy recognition on field trips (and to help promote and support the school!)
