Please feel free to bring in supplies the week before we begin. (School start date TBA . Again, I would ask you to leave them in the hallway up on the shelf and not disturb the Prek Classroom door which has a 'temperamental' lock! Make sure your child's name is on their belongings.

*I have been asked whether or not we follow D.E.E.C. guidelines. This is an important question! Because we are under the umbrella of the Diocese, we are not required to follow these guidelines. However, as a certified Director, licensed with the D.E.E.C., I recognize the value of many of its regulations and so we do incorporate them into the Pre-Kinder classroom as much as possible. Tables are washed daily, there is a rest time, the student teacher ratios for this age group are met and safety and supervision guidelines are followed as well. Though the curriculum planned by me is developmentally appropriate it may be more academically challenging than some and has a kindergarten readiness focus. Naturally, we also teach Religion and not just as a 'special' but by living out the Catholic, Christian principles as well.

*BATHROOM PROCEDURES

Children in my classroom may use the bathroom at ANY time. They do NOT have to raise their hands or wait. All they need to do is ask. There are always at least 1 (or 2) adults supervising in the bathroom. In addition to those times when nature calls, the two of us always bring the group before lunch and after rest. Please be sure your child has used the bathroom before they come to school and encourage them to ask if they do need to go. Toileting accidents are handled with kindness and discretion. Please be sure your child has a FULL change of clothes at school at all times.

*LUNCHTIME

The pre-kinders have a full 30 minutes to eat lunch. At that time, they do bring their lunchboxes to the cafeteria. Once they are all set up, I leave for my break and they are supervised by the aide. Children are never forced to eat any food. Healthy foods are encouraged first, desserts for later. Many children do not eat much of their lunch at school. This is because they have a time limit and also because they are distracted by their friends. They cannot be forced. The children will not go hungry and they do get a snack 2 hours later.(AND I trust you will feed them when they get home should they become hungry! ) Children who bring peanut butter must mark the lunches PB. (Use masking tape on boxes or else use marker on a bag) Children with peanut butter allergies will sit at the table with students who do not have peanut butter lunches.

*CURRICULUM

The Pre-K curriculum has been developed by me and it has been used for over 10 years with success. I am constantly adding new activities at Circle Time and strivin to find ways to appeal to every child's interest. The initial curriculum is getting the children ready for group functioning. By October we have begun our jobs which instill confidence, boost esteem and develop basic kindergarten readiness skills. The more quiet child gets to stand in the middle of the circle as flag holder and eventually overcomes his shyness. The child who needs help with letters is the "ABC Person" and leads the class, the line leader feels very special and our calendar person keeps track of our days, the counter has a very important job and who wouldn't want to be the bell ringer ?" Jobs continue all year long.
In January, the curriculum takes a shift and children begin with letter of the week. These are not in ABC order. Each child will bring in one and ONLY one item that begins with our letter sound and will present it at Morning Circle. After Circle, they must out the item back in their bags. The backpack should be standard size and without wheels. Each child names the item to promote phonemic awareness and we may open the Writing Center for interested children to copy the name(s) of certain items. Remember that all children will be on different levels and this is perfectly normal.
I do not use blends , double sounds or vowels in Pre-K as this can cause confusion and can be more readily learned in kindergarten, especially after all the groundwork has been laid.
In June we switch back to themes as well as review.

*REST TIME RULES

What are the rules at rest time? We simply have a "Quiet Time". Children watch educational or age approproiate videos and wind down so there is no battle to nap! Parents may bring in a video for us to borrow for 1-2 das. I encourage educational videos. The students do not nap - Please adjust bedtimes accordingly.

*FINE MOTOR

Why so much cutting? It's true, children will be cutting all year long but trust me when I tell you there is a method to the madness! The more adept children become at cutting, the easier it becomes for them to print, the stronger their fine motor skills become and the more confident they are. The proof is in the pudding - just give it time. Your children will be printing with great success!

*COLORING PAPERS

I do not use coloring pages as a part of my curriculum. If ever you see your child come home with them, it is a free choice activity or else something they did not get from my classroom. I do not expect parents to pay tuition for something they can do with their children at home. This includes T.V. Televiosn is not a part of my curriculum and is only used during what might normally be sleeping time.

*Why are they calling you MR. Rancitelli? Let me assure you that all of the children call me MRS. Rancitelli (I told you they could do it!) It is true that MR. Rancitelli (my husband) comes in twice a week unofficially and does a little music session with the children. It evolved quite by accident when he had some free time and asked if I'd like a visit and the children enjoyed the guitar so much that he just kept coming. He is a Diocesan employee, teacher and Music minister (and part time cook at home! :>)

How is my child doing or behaving?
If you haven't heard from me, your child may or may not be having a behavioral issue! If it's something 'small' that doesn't hurt anyone and I'm working on it in the classroom I don't like to nit pick every little thing to parents. (So, just ASK if you really want to know!) If it develops into a problem that I think you should know about or that home support might be useful with I will write a note or ask to speak to you.

*DISCIPLINE

Children of this age are usually corrected rather than disciplined. I rarely use time outs. I use selective ignoring (for children who want negative attention), psychology, re-direction, reminders of the rules and direct correction. Many children act very differently in the classroom than they do when parents are around! Most children of this age are fairly compliant and the biggest issues I address are things which in any way 'violate' another student or can be a danger to them. We are all friends, we all share, hands to ourselves, walking feet, sitting properly so as not to flip out of the chair etc...

*My child is very smart. Why can't she go to kindergarten if she is just a little shy of the age?

If this is your question I would invite you to borrow the book: "I Hate School!�. YES, I may believe your child is smart, but kindergarten teachers will tell you that there is more to functioning (and thriving) in school than being smart. Don't push your child. Let him/ her be "top dog" in class rather than low man on the totem pole. In Jr. High, you'll KNOW you made the right choice!

CONCERNS

Many parents wonder when they can address concerns or issues. ANYTIME! I have to say that the morning can be a bit hectic since I have one eye on the children but please feel free to ask anyhow. You can also send in a note, email me or pop in right after school. I DO want you to come to me with any issues that you might have.

I hope you'll drop me a note and tell me what you think of the website or the program.