Serra Preschool 2011-2012 Handbook

Introduction

Welcome to Serra Preschool! You and your child are about to enter a new world. Each day will provide your child with the opportunity to make new friends and experience a variety of new ideas and activities with the encouragement and support of the teacher/director, aide and assisting parents.
This handbook is your guide to Serra Preschool and explains the school’s philosophy, history, specific practices, and policies. Read it through today and refer to its pages whenever you want answers to questions that others have asked before you. This book should also help you in all aspects of participation in the school. If, however, a question or concern is not adequately covered in this book, the preschool director, teacher or president should be able to assist you.

Origins of Serra Preschool

Serra Preschool was founded by Lee Stillman and Dean Lyons; two women who had gregarious children that demanded to play with other children. The mothers were spending much of their time getting together so their children could play. Over a period of months the mothers discussed the possibility of starting a co-operative nursery school and by November of 1965, they were deeply involved in organizing one. When they learned from the Social Welfare Department that they must have a sponsor they went to the Serra PTA (now Palisades PTA). A committee was formed and the PTA did sponsor
the preschool. In June, 1966, the first sessions were held. The pre-school has been held in vacant rooms, in various elementary schools, a church, and at present we are fortunate to have use of the YAA facility.

I. Goals for our School

Membership in a parent-participation preschool is a family experience. We share aims, benefits and responsibilities…

For our Children, an opportunity…
to be themselves and develop at their own rate.
to increase their ability to handle their emotions constructively. to build feelings of self-confidence and security.
to learn to be independent- able to solve their own problems and do things for themselves.
to be creative, cooperative, and imaginative.
to have social interaction with children their own age and adults other than their family members. to extend and enrich their experiences.
to learn limits of behavior regarding safety, health and respect for the rights of others.
to express themselves through the use of art and play materials freely and constructively.

For ourselves, an opportunity…
to share our child’s first school experience.
to understand the value of childhood play. to recognize the basic needs of children.
to be aware that growth is a continuing and individual process and that children grow and develop according to general patterns r Schoolwhich can be recognized.
to discover specific needs and abilities of our own children.
to learn to observe objectively as children work and play.
to acquire knowledge of suitable play materials and learning experiences so that the home environment will offer creative and constructive opportunities for learning.
to gain skills in working with children in groups.
to achieve a more positive approach to our child-adult relationships through professional guidance and shared experiences with other parents.
to provide a worthwhile outlet for energies and abilities of the parents outside the home. to grow in understanding the needs of the other adults and the needs of the group.

For the cooperative, we pledge…
to provide a good preschool experience at low cost.
to emphasize the concept of leadership as a shared function of the members. to utilize the diverse interests and skills of all the parents.
to accept all families seeking membership who are willing to participate and assume responsibility of membership.
to provide opportunity for family friendships through social affairs.
to participate wholeheartedly in membership discussions, presenting our own thoughts openly, and working toward consensus decisions.
to maintain the highest possible standards for our preschool, and by sharing our ideas, work to help raise the standards of all of them.

Prerequisites for Enrollment
1. Health Forms, Chest X-Ray or Tuberculin Test, and Immunizations
a. Before the first day of school the following must be completed:
1) Pre-Admission Health Evaluation Physician’s Report (Child)
2) Pre-Admission Health Evaluation Health History (Child)
3) Clear T.B. Test and Statement of Good Health (Child and Parent)
4) Identification and Emergency Information (Child)
5) California School Immunization Record
b. A Chest X-Ray or tuberculin test for participating parent and each child. T.B. tests need to be renewed every three (3) years.
c. Your child must have immunizations up-to-date for diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis B, tetanus, polio, chicken pox and measles. A blue card exemption from this requirement is acceptable.
d. Your attention is called to the fact that neither you, nor your child, may start school until all of the above are satisfactorily completed.
2. Monthly Fees
a. There is a monthly tuition charge of $91.00 for the two-day group, $136.50 for the three-day group and $168.00 for the four-day group. There is a mandatory fundraising fee of $15.00 per month that is collected monthly with the monthly tuition charge. The purpose of the fundraising fee is to limit the amount of annual mandatory fundraisers to 3 per year. (Summary: $106.00 for 2-day, $151.50 for 3-Day and $183.00 for 4-day would be the total monthly charges including tuition plus fundraising fee)
b. Prior to the orientation/general meeting held in August, first and last month’s tuition, along with a $75 materials fee is due. Subsequently, your tuition is due and payable to the treasurer one month in advance at each month’s general meeting (i.e. fourth Wednesday of September meeting pays October tuition). It is delinquent by the fifth of each month at which time a fine of $5 will be added to your tuition. A $15 fee will be charged to any member whose check is returned from the bank (N.S.F.).
c. Parents who are having financial difficulty may be given consideration by informing either the treasurer or the president of the circumstances involved. They, in turn, will bring the matter up before the board.
d. Complete explanation of fees is found in the Standing Rules under
Finances.

3. Monthly General Business Meeting
A parent from each member family (preferably the parent who will be working at the school and ideally, when possible, both parents) is required to attend the general business meetings held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. (social business from 6:00 to 6:30; business meeting from 6:30 to 7:30; family growth speaker from 7:30 to 8:30). The general business meeting is mandatory because it not only provides you the opportunity to express your own ideas and take an active part in the school’s administration, but you’ll be made aware of important changes and other information regarding the program and your child. If you cannot attend, you must notify the secretary of your absence and make up the meeting by attending the OCC meeting or the board meeting prior to or after your missed meeting. (Babysitting at board meetings is restricted to board members’ children only due to child/parent ratio.) Please refer to Article V, Section C for fines.

4. Special Requirements
Family Growth Program – Training is provided at our general membership meetings. Again, a parent from each member family (preferably the parent who will be working at the school and ideally, when possible, both parents) must be present at every general meeting to satisfy our family growth training requirements.
See Article V, Section C, and Article VIII, Section A of the Standing
Rules of Serra Parent Participation Preschool (i.e., first missed meeting is excused; $25.00 fine is incurred for a second meeting missed; $50 fine is incurred for the third meeting missed and the jeopardy status of the membership family is up for review by the board. It will be said member’s responsibility to obtain a copy of minutes, schedule and newsletter from any missed meeting as well as paying tuition on time).

1. Your Child At School

GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL

a. For the protection of your own child and the other children in school, please keep your child at home if he or she has any of the following conditions:
1. Temperature
2. Red or sore throat
3. A runny nose that is colored or cloudy
4. Cough
5. Unusual fatigue, or
6. Any communicable rash
The teacher conducts a health check of each child before he or she is admitted to school each morning; if you have overlooked any of the above symptoms in your child, he or she will have to be sent home. On your assisting days, you should be alert to the same symptoms in the children and inform the director. b. Clothe your child simply and comfortably in washable play clothes and closed-toe shoes. It is important to label sweaters, jackets, and rain gear. Don’t be surprised if your child occasionally comes home dirty or with torn clothes. While reasonable care will be exercised, your child’s freedom to play is more important. Please provide a spare change of clothing in a re-sealable bag with your child’s name on the outside, to be left at school in case clothing becomes wet or soiled.
c. Do not allow your child to bring the following to school: toys, guns, candy, gum or money.
d. Do call the school and let the teacher know if your child is sick or will not be attending school on a particular day.
e. Each parent must sign an attendance sheet when the child arrives and later sign out when he/she leaves school. A notation must be made on the attendance sheet if someone other than a parent (i.e. a relative or friend) is picking up your child.
2. Parent at School
a. Even though we have no daily health check of parents, your health is expected to be able to pass the same medical requirements as those set up for the children.
b. Wear washable, comfortable clothing on your assisting days.
c. Maintain an unhurried schedule. Try to get yourself and your child to school on time and in a relaxed, happy mood.

MECHANICS OF ASSISTING DAYS
In a cooperative preschool, every parent takes part in seeing that we have full supervision and gives full assistance to the teacher at school. A family member or legal guardian qualifies as a working parent. Any deviation from this must be discussed with the board. These are the responsibilities you have as a participating parent regarding assisting days:
1. Assisting Days
a. There is a scheduling chairman for each group. The scheduling chairman assigns the assisting days to each parent on a regular basis. A parent from each family in the 2-day group should expect to work 2-3 days per month. A parent from each family in the 3-day group should expect to work three to four times a month. A parent from each family in the 4-day group may be expected to work more often based on enrollment numbers. Families with more than one child enrolled in a single group will be scheduled to work one more day per month than the average for that month. Families with more than one child enrolled in the school, but in different groups, will be scheduled to work twice for each group, not to exceed more than once a week. (Again, this may differ in the 4-day group)
b. A written schedule will be available at the monthly general meeting. If you know in advance that you cannot work on a particular day, let the scheduling chairman know as soon as possible so he or she can accommodate your request if the schedule has not already been made up.
c. In the two-day, three-day & four-day groups, for every five (5) children, there must be one adult supervising or assisting the teacher (including the teacher and aide) to comply with licensing.
d. On your regular assisting day, working parents of the 2-day and 3-day groups must arrive at 8:15am and working parents of the 4-day group must arrive at 12:15pm. Failure to report to your working day on time will result in a $5.00 fine.
e. If you are scheduled to bring a snack, please prepare as much of it ahead of time as you can (unless it is a snack the children will be preparing themselves).
f. This will give you more time to spend with your child and other children in the school.
g. Assisting parents are not allowed to smoke during school sessions.
h. Cell phones may not be used during assisting days unless in case of extreme emergency and at the discretion of the teacher/director.
i. If you are expecting a baby, notify your scheduler, in writing, of your due date. It is your responsibility to make up the missed time or obtain coverage for your working days.
2. What To Do When You Cannot Assist on Your Scheduled Days
a. When you cannot assist on your scheduled day, it is your responsibility to secure another parent to assist in your place. You will “pay him or her back” by assisting on one of their days. This is a mutual agreement between you and the other parent. Do not wait until the morning of your assisting day to try to switch with another parent unless it is a situation that could not be foreseen (i.e. your child wakes up and is sick the morning you are scheduled to assist).
b. You need not call the scheduling chairman when you make a switch, but you must note the change on the schedule posted at school.
c. If there is a real difficulty obtaining another parent to assist you, refer to your $20
d. Sub list. (Remember, the state requires that one adult be present for every five
e. (5)children, so it is extremely important that every parent be present or replaced by another member on assisting days.)
3. What To Do When You Arrive For Your Assisting Day
a. On your scheduled assisting day, you are to check in your child on the attendance sheet, sign your self in as a teaching parent, and find out from the teacher what activities are planned for that day.
4. Your Child and You On Your Assisting Day
a. It is our hope that your child will grow and mature through the experiences of a parent-participation preschool program. Every child’s readiness for group participation matures at a different rate.
b. Encourage your child without competition or comparison.
c. Your child may feel shy and refuse to participate in snack time, music time, and/or story time. His or her behavior may be aggressive. He or she may cling to you. Accept his/her behavior and if he/she needs focused attention, give it.
5. Sibling Visits at Preschool
a. Brothers and sisters may not accompany parents on assisting days. Breastfeeding infants are the only exception and must be too small to walk or crawl.
b. On field trips, a parent is responsible for his or her own children and may, if there is room, bring along siblings. If a parent cannot attend, they can arrange for their child to go on the field trip with another parent who is only in charge of one other child.

ASSISTING DAY GUIDELINES

What we teach may not be evident to the casual observer.
SETTING THE STAGE means guiding the group unobtrusively.
Place material where it is inviting for creative expression and cooperative dramatic play. Mostly, adults stay in the background ready to help if needed, but allowing children to develop their own ideas.
Speak slowly, simply, quietly and smile freely. If you relax and enjoy yourself, the children will feel your mood. Physically, get down on the children’s level when you are involved in their activity.
Be ready to take the children’s cue for new dramatic play scenario or other materials.
In general, cooperation in routines (story time, snack time, etc.) is expected of the children.
But they have free choices as to play materials.

CREATING A FAVORABLE CLIMATE At school you are entering the child’s world. The atmosphere should be one of freedom and friendliness.
Some children cannot participate freely; help them relax by being warm and interested in their problems.
Observe carefully; it increases your ability to understand and guide children. Be aware of the children in various situations, thus getting the feeling and tone of their play.
Do not feel you have to be busy all the time in order to be assisting. You should be constantly aware of what all the children are doing and be ready to step in when and, if possible, before trouble happens. Timing is important.
A cheerful, sympathetic manner when explaining limits makes them much more acceptable and understanding to children. Children need the security of knowing their strong emotions will not lead them to doing things they will regret. They need an adult who will take the responsibility to stop them. In school, we try to keep controls at a minimum and to allow the children to make as many decisions as possible. You may expect a reaction to this decision making at home. Sometimes, when children come from a home where there are many controls placed on them, they are not sure of themselves in this much freer climate of preschool and may be extra rambunctious if this is their first experience away from tight controls. Also consider that hitting, throwing things, etc. may be symptoms of fear, anger, fatigue, and shyness, or because of the need to fight controls at this point in their development.

PRIORITIES The safety and physical welfare of the children come first.
Watch the entire group. Don’t lose interest in the group for which you are responsible by watching one child only. Never leave a group of children alone.
Respect the child as an individual. Be as courteous to him or her as you would be to an adult. Allow him to make choices. School belongs to the children so please avoid excessive talking with other assisting parents or visitors in the class on unnecessary matters.

GIVING HELP
WHEN: Parent-assistants need to know what is not allowed so that you can feel comfortable in giving guidance. Step in and give direction when a situation appears to be dangerous or when guidance is needed:
1. When the group’s rights are being violated.
2. When feelings need to be clarified.

3. When a child cannot manage a difficulty.
4. Help a conflict without passing judgment. Usually, you have not seen the beginning of the interaction.

WHO: Let one teaching parent handle a situation and see it through.
Due to emotions, you may prefer to leave the guidance of your own child to another parent who can, perhaps, be more objective.
If you feel uncomfortable or unable to handle a situation, feel free to call upon the director/teacher.

WHAT: Examples.
Encourage another child to aid the child who needs help.
Give the child a choice whenever possible, a limited choice of two things when needed.
Help the children to learn to talk about situations, to verbalize their needs and emotions. “Bill has the ball and you want it. Ask him for it.”
Encourage the shy child to stand up for himself. “You don’t have to let Mike do that.” Whoever has a toy first has use of it until he/she relinquishes it. You can help in the socialization process by assisting the waiting children by asking “What can you do while you wait for a turn?” or you can look for another similar toy (get more shovels, cars or dolls). If Tom has built something with blocks and Bill wants to join the fun, but Tom resists, tell Bill: “Ask Tom where you can sit or stand, etc.” Throwing, except for balls and beanbags, is dangerous. You might say, “That could hurt another child,” and suggest another activity. Treat toilet accidents casually. Suggest toileting before putting on a change of clothes.
If a child is hurt, admit hurt to him/her. “That really did hurt, didn’t it?” Comfort him first. If first aid is needed, try to get the director’s attention or take the child to her. Make note of even minor accidents and give it to the Director at the end of the school day.
Never discuss a child, including your own, when children are present, except for positive verbal acknowledgment.

HOW: To give directions, the parent gets the child’s attention and states the request as simply and directly as possible. Expect the child to do what you ask him/her. Give positive direction when a choice is possible.
Give warning of activity changes ahead of time.
Invite participation in creative activities, music, and dramatic play. Avoid making threats to children.
Ignore improper language in the presence of the group. If necessary, ask the director to speak with the parent.
Keep your emotions under control. Try to keep your tempo slow in speech and movement.
Never shove, push or pull children.
Avoid laughing at any activity of the children; laughing with them is different.
In limiting a child’s behavior, show acceptance for the child. Restrain a child if he/she is going to strike you.
For extremely disruptive behavior, isolate. Be sure the child has something to do when removed. Be sure he/she knows why he was removed. The teaching parent’s attitude should
not be one of punishing, but removing.

Assisting Responsibilities 2 day and 3 day groups
Inside Parent
1. Clean both bathrooms (toilets and sinks). Cleaners and gloves can be found in the locked cabinet, or under kitchen sink. Keys for cabinet can be found on the large key ring by kitchen doorway. Wipe down all toilets and sinks with either bleach or green cleaning solution. Please wipe around toilet and floor. Also, restock and replenish soaps etc.
2. Find out what the teacher needs help with and do any last minute preparations.
3. At free choice time, be seated at one of the activity tables ready to assist children. Remember it’s THEIR project! Please focus on the children, do not visit with adults during this time.
4. Help children clean up for first rug time (if a child did not complete a project, in most cases we can take the project outside or it can be done inside later). Most paint can be reused later if not take paint containers to kitchen for snack mom to wash. Put art supplies away and hang projects for drying if necessary.
5. After clean up music is over guide children to circle.
6. *Inside parent sits with children at circle. After all children are dismissed for hand washing sit at snack table with children. Hold conversation. Assist with food passing and pouring of drinks. Remind children of their manners.
7. **Assist the snack parent with clean up from snack. Wipe down tables and sweep the floor (Remember to move the stools in the science area, sweep in dramatic play areas including loft and along the length of the blue shelf and bathrooms). Mop floors on designated days. (Tuesdays and Fridays are mop days).
8. Empty all garbage cans and replace with new bags. Toss all garbage into outside garbage bins.
9. Finish clean up by checking all areas in class making sure all toys are put away. Emphasis on Loft and Dramatic play areas. Put children’s completed work in buckets. Please do a quick check of all bathrooms making sure toilets are flushed.
10. *** Assist any child in need of help from outside. If more than one child is in bathroom please supervise.
11. Join children for rug time once clean up duties have been thoroughly completed and children are sitting for last circle. Assist with library books and read to children once all books have been handed out. Make sure all children are at rug waiting for dismissal.
12. When all children are released, join the teacher for a short “parent Meeting”; a time to discuss your concerns and questions about the morning and celebrate the joys.
13. ****After meeting vacuum all rugs.

NOTES:
*Please be ready to hold a child on your lap if they are having a hard time settling into circle time. The teacher may request you take the child out side if he/she is disrupting the group. Please do not scold the child but say that when he/she is ready he/she can return to the group.
** Mop Days are Tuesdays and Fridays
*** Any child who comes in from outside and needs help with bathroom or needs a change of clothes.
**** We do not vacuum before children come in from outside. After all children have left we then vacuum.

Assisting Responsibilities 2-day and 3-day groups

SNACK PARENT

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE PREPARING SNACK OR HANDLING FOOD.

1. Make coffee if it is wanted. Get as much of the snack ready to serve as possible, i.e. baskets filled, juice/water containers filled.
2. During morning meeting snack parent goes outside with children. After meeting call in children and you will read them a story at rug.
3. After you read and teacher gets to rug you will go outside to retrieve the sign in sheet.
Check to make sure all children have been signed in and note at bottom of sheet the children who are absent. Highlight those children who are absent. You will bring the clipboard inside and place near black box in kitchen.
4. Finish snack preparations.
5. When finished with snack preparations go to assigned table. It is important that you focus on the children and not visit with other parents during this time.
6. After clean up. Put finishing touches on the snack and help prepare the tables for snack time. Put snack and napkins, along with bowl and garbage can on sensory table. * Make sure to use black closed lid garbage can.
7. Clean up after snack. Clean kitchen and wash any art materials that were used. Sweep kitchen floor and mop if needed. Take any unused food home.
8. On Friday, take dirty laundry bag home and bring back Monday morning. * Please put laundry in drawers on Monday.
9. **If a child gets injured during playtime, it is your responsibility to care for the injured child. Have child sit on chair at the door of kitchen. After you have cared for the child please note injuries on index card found in Boo Boo box. One card stays in box and one card is placed in child’s bucket.
10. ***Absolutely no children are allowed in the kitchen during school hours!!!! Note. There is a red square at door of kitchen. This is as far as a child may go.
11. When all children are released to parents, join the teacher for a short ”parent meeting”; a
time to discuss your questions and concerns and celebrate joys.

Outside Assisting Parents (When Indoors)
1. After Morning meeting sit at circle with children for arrival and story time.
2. After morning circle go to your assigned tables ready to assist children. Remember it is their project! Please focus on the children, do not visit with adults during this time.
3. Help children clean up for first rug time (if a child did not complete a project, in most cases we can take the project outside or it can be done inside later). Most paint can be reused later, if not take paint containers to kitchen for snack mom to wash. Put art supplies away and hang projects for drying if necessary. Please be sure to pick up all areas of classroom making sure it is ready for next class. Areas of concern are the science shelves, dramatic play, loft area upstairs and down. When you are putting things away from the tables be sure to put as much of the items away as possible. All the shelves and cabinets are labeled for your convenience.
4. After clean up music is over guiding the children to circle.
5. Help prepare tables for snack time; wipe down with cleaning solution. Arrange tables according to teacher’s directions. Please note that the children have jobs in assisting with table setting. When the children are finished with their job be sure to place working parents plates next to their child.
6. Assist the children in hand washing. * One parent per bathroom. Stay in the bathroom until the last child is done. * Remaining parent will assist children to their seats and finish tiding up the room.
7. After all children are seated we will do our snack poem and parents will help snack mom place food on tables.
8. Sit at snack table with children. Hold conversation. Assist with food passing and pouring of drinks. *Remind children of their manners.
9. After snack, the teacher will excuse all outside parents. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE CHIDREN-STAND OR SIT WHERE YOU CAN SEE TOWARD THE YARD.

Outside Assisting Parent- Outdoors
1. Ask the teacher what equipment/toys she would like out for the day and set up outdoor equipment. Bring out bikes, rope swing, sand toys (play dishes by kitchen area and shovels and digger trucks in sand box) and any other items directed by teacher.
2. Open the sheds and start raking the sand and sweeping the sidewalks and bike path. Remove all sand box covers and store out of the way but close by. Check the yard and sand boxes for animal droppings or other unusual items. Sweep any spider webs away in both playhouses.
*Please rake the sand in toward play structures.
3. Teacher will announce time for the morning meeting. All outside parents will come in. (Snack mom will go outside to watch children).
4. After snack you will join the children outside. ALWAYS KEEP YOU EYE ON THE CHILDREN. STAND OR SIT WHERE YOU CAN SEE TOWARD THE CENTER OF YARD.
5. There should be one parent for every area of yard. Important areas that require constant adult supervision are the rope swing, monkey bars, sensory table and Art area.
6. When children have gone inside, pick up any remaining toys, cover sand boxes and lock the sheds. Please put all artwork inside on drying rack. Clean out sensory table (dumping contents in trash cans) unless teacher says otherwise.
7. Put all painting material in kitchen making sure that all lids are washed and paint is replenished.
8. Trash cans need to be brought into the gate every Friday.
9. After everything is done go inside and sit at tables for library book sign out. After all the children have signed out a book join the children at rug for story time. Remain on the rug until last child is dismissed.
10. When all children are released to parents, join the teacher for a short “parent meeting”; a time to discuss your questions and concerns and celebrate joys.

4 Day working parent responsibilities

Snack Parent
• Clean both bathrooms (toilets and sinks) Cleaners and Gloves can be found in the locked cabinet, or under sink. Keys for cabinet can be found on the large key ring by kitchen doorway. Be sure to wipe all toilets down and sink. Concentrating on floors around toilets. Be sure bathrooms are well stocked.
• Find out what the teacher needs help with and do any last minute preparations.
• Prepare snack
• At clean up parents will put away all art materials making sure to put the messy ones in the kitchen for the snack parent to clean up, any remaining materials are to be placed on the blue shelf. Help the children with cleanup.
• While children are at circle place all snack items on sensory table and prepare the dishwashing station☹3 grey bins with hot water 1st one is soapy, 2nd one is for rinsing water and the 3rd is rinsing water as well with ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting purposes) put out dish rack and drying towel also put out beige trash can with lid, composting bin and large bowl for liquids.
• After snack wipe down tables and wash dishes. Clean kitchen making sure all dishes are dry and put away for next class. Clean all art materials, wipe down kitchen counters and make sure kitchen looks good. *** Please note on Wednesday you must take home a full black mesh bag of rags to wash and return the next day.
• Sweep the classroom including bathrooms and kitchen. Mop up any spills from snack.
• Revisit the classroom making sure all areas are ready for the next day.
• It is your responsibility to tend to an injured child. Please note injuries on boo box
• Consolidate all trash and throw out in trash bins.

4 Day working parent responsibilities
Outside parent
• Ask the teacher what materials to bring out. You can also use the children as your guide.
• Supervise the children as they arrive.
• Join the children and teacher for 1st circle
• You are encouraged to participate with the children at the tables and during playtime
• At clean up time help children put toys away and clean up art materials. Putting all messy art materials in the kitchen for snack mom to clean up.
• Help children with their snack duties. Assist children with the wiping down of tables and the moving of tables and chairs.
• The children will set up the plates and cups. Assist when necessary.
• Go around class making sure it is ready for next day. Concentrating on loft and dramatic play.
• Supervise hand washing.
• After children are seated for snack you can help snack mom with serving of food.
• After snack you will join the children outside
• At clean up make sure all tarps are replaced and all toys are placed in proper sheds. Be sure to lock all sheds.
• Bring in any paints. Making sure the lids are clean and paints are replenished. Make sure all art work is inside on drying rack
• **On Thursday trash cans are to be placed outside on curb for trash pick up next day
• After you have finished outside join the children for library sign out and story time at the rug.
• After all the children have been dismissed. Vacuum all the rugs and ask the snack parent if they need help with anything.

HELPFUL HINTS WHILE WORKING IN SCHOOL
Avoid:
Excessive visiting with other adults; talking unnecessarily. Our acoustics are not good and voices carry.
Smiling or laughing AT children’s activities- DO smile and laugh WITH the children. Gasping or exclaiming if a child is hurt or in danger of being hurt. Your excitement will cause the child to become more frightened.
Do not hesitate to protect the child if you feel there is a cause.
Do not be disturbed if your child: Is shy in the group.
Refuses snack.
Does not join in story or singing time.
Does not join in at all at first- he may be the type of child who does not plunge into a situation before appraising it. Watching is a form of participation.

Please do not be embarrassed if your child: Takes toys from others.
Refuses to give or take turns. Hits.
Refuses to share.

This is the place for your child to learn to take his or her place among others of his or her own age. If social learning were complete the child would be a superior adult-not a child.

When creative materials are offered, please do not direct, suggest, question or comment except in connection with good housekeeping habits.

When we are doing certain projects we can help with the difficult parts- but avoid making suggestions.
If you see something that needs attention don’t hesitate or be afraid to do it ! If you should ever need police, fire, or ambulance service dial 911.

PARENTS AND CHILDREN LEARN TOGETHER

by Katherine Whiteside Taylor

This book is suggested reading by Serra parents. To give you an idea of the philosophies given in the book, which we use here at Serra Preschool, some quotes from some of the more important chapters follow:
CHAPTER 2: HOW PARENT COOPERATIVES HELP
“The characteristic element is the parents’ cooperative, not only in the organization and business of the school but also in the education of the children, for parents serve as teacher assistants. This process provides some of the training most parent slack in the vital area of guiding children; it also affords valuable experience in discovering and utilizing one another’s resource and those of their community.”
“Cooperatives do not provide mothers the amount of free time needed to carry full-time outside jobs, but the several free mornings that are gained are felt by many to be a genuine
help. Although some become so involved in the cooperative’s activities that they have less free time than they had hoped for, participants often feel they gain more than they give, both as parents and as persons in their own right.”
“Clearly, a child’s parents are his most influential teachers; therefore, the greatest gift parent cooperatives can offer is to help parents and children learn together.”
CHAPTER 4: THE THREE R’S OF DISCIPLINE
“Children reflect what they receive from the central figures in their lives-their parents and their teachers. When children are trusting and generous, loving and kindly, it is not because
they have been cajoled or threatened, punished or rewarded, but because they have found these qualities in the adults closest to them.”
“Certain kinds of discipline promote the attributes, and we can establish fundamental
principles to be followed from the very earliest years. For ease in remembering, it may help
to call these fundamentals the “Three R’s of discipline,” each of which corresponds to one of three basic needs set forth in the preceding chapter. The three R’s are: relationship, which meets the need for love; readiness, which provides outlets for the sense of power; and responsibility, which is the outcome of understanding one’s self and one’s world.” CHAPTER 8: RELEASING CHILDREN’S POTENTIALS
“To release our children’s creative capacities to the full, four elements are essential: an abundance of raw materials to improvise with, such as junk, and odds and ends; abundant
freedom in space; unbroken blocks of time; and adult guides who are sensitive, accepting,
stimulating, and supportive.”
“…two of the basic elements in releasing creativity are intense experience and a medium for
giving it back. Children often respond to beauty, even when they are very young; but all of their and emotions need to be painted, sung, danced or acted out, the negative ones of fear
and irritation as well as the positive ones of joy and love.”
“The important thing is for children to express their ideas and feelings in their own way, no matter whether it is pretty or ugly, from our point of view. It may even be that we ourselves are a bit old- fashioned in some of our judgments. Our children may be much
closer, for instance, to emotional understanding and enjoyment of the dissonances in modern music and the primitive elements in modern art than many teachers and parents reared in the more classical traditions.”
If you have any additional questions, please see our Family Growth Library.

II. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE – THE MEMBERS

Members! This is your preschool. In order to know real satisfaction from the preschool and its achievements, each member must become an active participant.
Your concern about the day-to-day operation of the school is what will make it an outstanding experience for your own child. The little touches you add on your assisting day, the suggestions you make at membership meetings, and your willingness to volunteer when called upon, add up to a high quality organization. As the school year begins, you might want to give some thought to the following:
Support your teacher. The teacher is the professional director of the preschool. She has a challenging job both planning the children’s program and helping parents gain new insights into the children. You can help her to do both these jobs better by having a cooperative spirit. Express dissatisfaction in the proper place. When you feel something is going wrong, speak to the proper person. Review the organizational chart to know whom you should contact. This might be your president, your teacher, or your teacher liaison.
Contribute new ideas. One of the remarkable characteristics of a co-op preschool is its ability to grow and change. It can be different from year to year, depending on how dynamic its members are. Make this a good year for your group.

II. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE – EXECUTIVE BOARD LIST AND JOB DESCRIPTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Executive Board:
These Board positions within Serra Preschool are elective:
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Family Growth,
Membership x 2 (2-day & 3-day), Ways and Means Fundraiser, Social Coordinator, O.C.C. Delegate, Parliamentarian
(Descriptions of Board Members responsibilities are listed in the Standing Rules.)
Committees/Jobs:
The following committee positions are appointed:
Communications, E-script, iGive: Notifies all members via phone or e-mail of any high priority event or news requested by any board member or in some cases, non board member. Collects and produces a “weekly blast” to be emailed to membership (sent through Yahoo Groups) on Sundays of all low priority emails received from members throughout the week. Ensure all Priority emails have a subject in the subject line other than “Priority 2-Day”. For example: “Priority 2-day Field Trip Update”. At the beginning of the year collects E-script information from members, makes sure the paperwork is properly filled out and submits info. Maintains this account throughout the year. Informs membership about iGive and encourages them to join. Maintains account and provides an email to receive statements.
Newsletter Editor: Collects articles from teachers and other board members, posts monthly calendar, and includes any news and student pictures that pertain to each month and ensures they are emailed in the Sunday blast prior to the General Meeting.
Publicity: Handles all publicity in local newspapers. Post flyers, posters, etc., at various locations informing the public of special events of the school, e.g., fundraisers, registrations, etc. Maintains a Serra Preschool website for community communication. Maintains Twitter and Facebook Pages for Serra Preschool.
Library Learning Center: Maintains children’s library and learning center. Purchases new books and obtains books as needed from the public library. Makes library cards for each child per class.
Scholastics Book Coordinator: Promotes and Organizes Scholastic orders for families.
Purchasing: Maintain a list of necessary items and purchased items (such as toilet paper, cleaning products, etc) that are needed for monthly maintenance at the school. Completes purchasing bi-weekly. Make holiday and special event purchases as well as any last minute or special request purchases made by Teachers or Director.
Scheduling x 3 (2-day, 3-day & 4-day): Schedules parents assisting days at school. Schedules are emailed to members by the 15th of each month for the upcoming month. Posts a copy of the current monthly schedule at the school. (Monica to schedule 4-Day)
Yearbook x 3 (2-day, 3-day & 4-day): Photograph special events including field trips and children at play outdoors and indoors throughout the year. Shares pictures via email/sharing sites and provide any print or electronic photos for projects, advertising or other needs throughout the year. Compiles yearbook with collection of pictures taken throughout the year. Yearbooks are handed out the last week of school. Yearbook coordinator will be notified by VP of members who do not authorize their children’s photos to be published in print or on web sites.
Garden Improvement: Maintains all gardens (veggie, water and flowers) making improvements on a bi-weekly schedule.
Yard Maintenance: Maintains grounds (including grass, trees and sand) and makes necessary improvements on a bi-weekly schedule.
Science Corner: Works with director at the beginning of each month to develop new science projects bi-weekly to be centered around the current curriculum. Updates the science table bi-weekly, keeps science table current and clean for revolving experiments.
Board Child Care x 4: Provides childcare and snacks for BOARD MEMBERS CHILDREN AND YOUR OWN ONLY during board meetings. Responsible for set-up and clean up of play yard area. Meetings will be held once per month after school on Tuesdays from 1pm to 3:00. (Includes set up and clean up time) Must find a substitute if unable to come.
Emergency/School Safety: Organizes collection of student’s earthquake kits at the beginning of the year along with school’s kits and keeps them current. Responsible for school safety maintenance throughout the year (Includes small fix it projects related to health and safety of the facility) and arranges for safety demonstrations from local police and fire departments. Maintains first aid kit in kitchen. (Check every 3 months) Makes updates to black box information.
Teacher’s Assistant and Appreciation x 3 (2-day, 3-day & 4-day): Assist teachers with any projects such as making play dough, changing bulletin board and other project preparation. Recognize the teacher on special days (birthdays, Teacher Appreciation Day, holidays, etc.) This is done by collecting money to purchase something special or have children make something special. Set dates for Teacher Appreciation along with Teacher’s Birthday to be added to the master calendar and cooping calendar where applicable.
Critter Care: Purchase food and maintain critter cages. Handle feedings as needed and take home animals or arrange for care of animals over extended weekends or holidays.
6 Week Clean-up Coordinator: Organizes sign-ups for 6 Week Clean-ups and for Fix-it-days. Supervises, and assists with childcare in mandatory school clean up which is every 6-weeks throughout the school year. Responsible for keeping track of all volunteers, emailing reminders and verifying that each member has participated in one clean up per year. Ensures that families joining Serra Preschool mid year are signed up and understand their clean-up responsibilities. 6 Week Clean-up coordinator is exempt from a 6 Week Clean-up duty.
Dramatic Play Coordinator: Organize, wash and make necessary repairs to dress-up clothes, shoes, play food etc. over that last weekend of every month.
Student/Family Membership Appreciation x 3 (2-day, 3-day & 4-day): Make nametags for each child at the beginning of the year. Coordinate with each teacher for Birthday recognition plans and execute. Be aware that children who have summer birthdays may celebrate their Birthday recognition at the beginning (July 16 and after) or end (July 15th and before) of the school year. Responsible for membership goodwill gestures as encountered throughout the year (dinner sign ups for families with new babies, group condolence for family deaths, etc.) Act as membership liaison to families joining Serra Preschool mid year.
Field Trip Coordinator x 2 (2-day & 3/4-day): Work with Director to marry a school year field trip calendar to the Master School Wide Calendar. Make all arrangements for monthly field trips. Email information to Newsletter Editor and Communications for dissemination in Yahoo Groups. Post all information on the bulletin board at the beginning of each month. (e.i. Maps, directions, date, time, location, cost, etc.)
Kitchen Organizer: Keeps the kitchen stocked (coordinates with the purchaser) and thoroughly cleaned/organized throughout year. Label shelves and drawers according to master list on fridge.
Alumni & Community Coordinator: Compiles and maintains and email and mailing address directory of alumni from Serra Preschool and businesses that support Serra Preschool throughout the year. These will be used to contact throughout the year for various special events and fundraisers. Coordinates with Ways & Means to keep Alumni informed of events. Sends solicitations and thank you letters to community members and businesses for donation items. (coordinate receipts of donations with W & M)
Dramatic Play Set Director: Responsible for setting the stage each month for the rotating dramatic play theme scene under/above the loft area. Work with teachers to establish a set then collect props and create the scene for the children.
Special Projects Coordinator: Based upon feedback from the Board, teachers and the
Director, the coordinator would be in charge of researching the project to include cost comparisons, timeline, ordering and implementing the project. Organize and include volunteers as needed and manage special projects assistants.
Recycling Coordinator: Raise awareness with membership, organize, collect and process all recycling (Cans & Bottles) brought to school by membership. Turn in all funds and receipts from recycling to the Treasurer each month for accounting purposes. Collection should be done weekly or as needed throughout the week.
Shed Organizer: Maintain all shed organization and ensure that members are aware of the proper way to store items in the shed. Coordinate with Director to clean out sheds, one shed per month.
Toy Maintenance Coordinator: Responsible for sanitizing and cleaning toys once per month. Bring any broken toys, toys that need to be replaced or new toy needs to the director’s attention. Coordinate the disinfecting of the school should an epidemic break out.
Hall Maintenance Coordinator: Completes all tasks on a bi-weekly basis. Confirms receipt of all extra clothes – one bag per child. Ensures they are arranged alphabetically on the hook wall. Checks and notifies parents of seasonal clothing changes. Ensures each child has a full set of extra clothes, i.e. underwear, shirt, bottoms (pants/shorts/skirt) Organizes and cleans bi-weekly the utility closet, broom/mop closet and shelves. Coordinates replenishment of cleaning items with Director or Purchaser.
General Meeting Coordinator: Set the classroom prior to the start of each monthly General Meeting. Assist members bringing dishes to place them on the table, ensure there are dishes and utensils available to members. Responsible for clean up after the meeting, includes ensuring the dishes and silverware are done and put away, tables are wiped down and replaced to set the classroom for Thursday morning.
Job Journal Coordinator: Collect all job journals monthly via email, organize and maintain job journal electronic files for Vice President’s review. Let the VP know if there are any issues or outstanding job journals not being turned in.

II. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE – COMMUNICATIONS-WHO TO CONTACT
Please do communicate with the director and the appropriate board members. Use the folder system in the black box or email any suggestions the appropriate person.

PERSON REGARDING
Director – About your child, other children at school, or the children’s daily program.
If you have suggestions or ideas for children’s daily program, (e.g., art and craft ideas, or
ideas for field trips). If you have knowledge of any contacts of free or wholesale materials or equipment.
President – About general functioning or administration of the school; to get any
message to all families; use of the school’s name in the community; agenda for the board meetings or general monthly meetings; if unable to reach the appropriate officer or chairman regarding a concern you may have.
Vice President If you are unable to reach the president; if you have suggestions or opinions to share; regarding suggestions relating to programs for general
monthly meetings; if you have any questions or ideas regarding the handbook; if you are unable to attend a scheduled meeting and cannot get in touch with the recording secretary. Secretary – If you are unable to attend a scheduled meeting.
Treasurer – Regarding your tuition (e.g., if it is going to be a little late or if you need to apply for financial assistance.)
2-Day Scheduling – If you have any questions regarding the 2-day schedule
you need a substitute for your assist day and can’t find your own replacement and liaison.
3-Day Scheduling – If you have any questions regarding the 3-day schedule
you need a substitute for your assist day and can’t find your own replacement and liaison.
4-Day Scheduling – If you have any questions regarding the 4-day schedule, you need a substitute for your assist day and you can’t find your own replacement and liaison.
Membership If you know of someone who wants to join the pre-school; if you need a leave of absence, or wish to terminate.
6-Week Cleanup – If cleaning or cleaning equipment at the school needs attention or repairs
are needed.
Publicity – If you have an idea for a newspaper story or a contribution for the website about the school; if you would like to donate anything for the bulletin boards or have any ideas regarding information for the bulletin boards.
OCC Council – Concerning any facets of Orange County Council of Parent Participation
Delegate Nursery Schools or its parent organization; if you need information regarding family counseling services.
Family Growth- If you have suggestions for general meeting speakers or other special
events pertaining to parenting skills or family growth matters.
Newsletter Editor If you have announcements for the monthly newsletter; if you have any outside information (i.e. dates of events, committee reports, advertisements, information) that
would be pertinent to the group or to report your committee’s activities.
Social Chairman If you have ideas or would like to help plan a parent mixer.

DIRECTOR/TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION
I. CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
A. Responsible for the daily planning and administering of the children’s program, being accountable for its being within the purpose, goals, and philosophy of the school. Finalize plans and prepare the monthly curriculum calendar.
B. Be a part of the children’s program when children are at school.
C. Check to see that the school is left in order at the end of the school day, checking with teaching parents as they leave.
D. Plan and execute fire drills as required by the fire department.
II. ADULT PROGRAM
A. Develop plans and procedures to ensure equitable workloads for teacher and teaching parents, adequate supervision of children, harmonious working relationships and promotion of team approach among teaching parents.
B. Help teaching parents locate materials and prepare for their teaching activity of the day.
C. Model appropriate teaching attitudes and behavior for teaching parents.
D. Write educational articles for the newsletter or monthly program, to be communicated at the monthly General Meetings when applicable.
III. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
The Director must keep current in her field for her own professional growth.
IV. SCHOOL-HOME RELATIONSHIPS
A. Contact and maintain effective relationships with families.
B. Hold parent conference if parents of any child request it, or if Director deems it necessary. Arrange a schedule for parent conferences for children in the spring as deemed necessary.
C. Attend monthly meetings of the general membership.
V. SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP
Coordinate the school’s program to make use of existing children’s programs in the community, including referrals of children and families to their community agencies when specialized services are needed and available.
VI. BOARD-DIRECTOR RELATIONSHIPS
A. Attend monthly Board meetings, report on the operation of the school, and interpret recognized standards of childcare to the Board.
B. Present recommendations to the Budget Committee/Board. C. Inform Board of needed equipment.
D. Inform Board of needed repairs.
VII. HEALTH AND SAFETY
A. Work with Membership Chair to make sure health forms are up to date.
B. Be aware of the general health of children present at school and exercise authority to exclude children who are ill.
C. Notify parents of any accident at school.
D. Carry out emergency procedures as specified in the handbook.
E. Fill out report for every accident, including necessary forms and information for the insurance company.
VIII. ADDITIONAL DUTIES
A. Ensure school’s compliance with Title 22 and other applicable regulations.
B. Ensure that all staff, including self and teaching parents, has TB test every 2 years.
C. Complete required first aid and CPR course-renew CPR every 2 years and first aid every 4 years.
D. Implement school safety program, including, but not limited to, earthquake preparedness program, first aid center, and emergency contact information.

REVIEW OF PARLIMENTARY PROCEDURE
The principles underlying parliamentary laws are: insuring justice and courtesy, doing one thing at a time, a majority rules while protecting the rights of the minority.
We can be flexible at our business meetings, but reviewing the following steps may help all of us expedite business smoothly. The steps in making a motion are:
1. Address the chair
2. Receive recognition
3. State the motion: “I move…”
4. Second the motion
5. Chair restates the motion
6. Discussion
7. Vote (“aye” or “no”)
8. State results
It usually takes a majority vote to carry a motion. Motions which would take away privilege of a member, interfere with the right to discuss or change past action require a two-thirds vote.
“General Consent” may be used for informal agreements of the group. The chair may state “if
there is no objection…”, rather than going through motion procedure. If objection is made,
then a vote would be taken.
There are five ways motions may be amended:
1. To insert
2. To add
3. To strike out
4. To substitute
You could state an amendment this way: “I move to amend by inserting” (or whatever).
When an amendment is offered, the maker may say, “I accept the amendment.” If no objection is made, the chair announces the question is amended, and a separate vote is not needed.
Following are seven “subsidiary motions”, in order of precedence:
1. To lay question on the table. (If not taken from the table at same or next meeting, the question is dead.
2. To stop debate-“previous question.” (This means, let’s stop talking and take our vote now.)
3. To limit or extend debate.
The above three motions require a two-thirds vote since they are stopping debate, while the remaining require just a majority.
4. Postpone definitely. (e.g. next meeting)
5. Refer to a committee. (It would be helpful to state how formed, how many people, and what they are to do in the motion.)
6. Amend.
7. Postpone indefinitely.
Helpful phrases:
“I rise to a point of information” “I rise to a point of order”

Parliamentary Procedures for Emergency On-Line Voting
Yahoo Group Polls will be used. Vote will close on Sunday.

III. STANDING RULES OF SERRA PARENT PARTICIPATION PRESCHOOL
Article I Name
The name of this organization shall be Serra Parent Participation Preschool.

Article II Sponsoring Organization
No longer required.

Article III Policy and Purpose
Section A The purpose of this organization is to provide a program designed
to nourish the curiosities and capabilities of preschool age children, to increase their knowledge, awareness, and enjoyment of the world and their relationship to it. The organization shall provide parents the opportunity to further their education in the principles of child guidance through their observation of children, participation in the
daily program as an assistant to a trained instructor and attendance at educational meetings.
Section B This organization shall be non-profit, and shall welcome families of all
Races and creeds.
Section C The property of this organization is irrevocably dedicated to charitable or religious purposes and upon liquidation, dissolution, or abandonment of the owner,
after providing for the debts and obligations thereof, the remaining assets will not
inure to the benefit of any private person but will be distributed to a non-profit fund, foundation, or association which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable or religious purposes and which has established its tax exempt status under Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section D The governing policies (Standing Rules) of the school shall be decided upon by a majority vote for all the members.

Article IV Membership
Section A The child must be 3 years of age by December 2nd to be eligible for the 2-day group. To be eligible for the three-day group, the child must be 4 years old by December 2nd. To be eligible for the 4-day group the child must be 4 years and six months by December 2nd and must be attending kindergarten the following year. Child must be fully toilet trained and not using any type of training pants during school hours (child must be wearing appropriate undergarments to school)
Section A Adjustments shall be made at the discretion of the director and the parent.
Section B Membership shall be open to those families where at least one parent can participate. Exceptional cases shall be decided by the board.
Section C The duties of all participating members shall be:
1. To serve by turn as an assisting parent in the school.
2. To help in the administration and policy-making of the school by attending monthly business meetings and by serving as an officer or committee member on at least one committee in the organization.
3. To have access to an interview with the director before entering school and thereafter once a year as needed.
4. To complete the current family growth program by attending every
general meeting geared to the development of preschool children in a cooperative situation.
5. When ways and means projects are planned to supplement the income of the school, members are expected to support such activities as have been approved by the general membership. There are 2-3 mandatory fundraisers per year that require the support of the members.
6. To participate in one six-week clean-up, one Family Fix it day (Fall-3 day, Spring-2 day) and the end of the year clean-up day (Three total) Please note the section on fines for missing any of these clean up days below. Board members are excused from either one Fix it Day or one End of the Year Clean up.
Section D Inactive Membership
1. An inactive membership may be offered to any interested person whose child is not active in the preschool. The fee is $10 per year. (If the person
is a “waiting list” member, this fee will be applied to entrance fees when
the child is admitted to the preschool.) A withdrawing member who has paid a family growth fee to our school that year may, upon request, have this fee used for inactive membership the remainder of the fiscal year.
2. Privileges of inactive members include:
a. Receive the newsletter (information on school events and affairs.)
b. Attendance at general meetings (may participate in discussions, but may not vote).
c. Board visitations, upon inactive member’s request or invitation
from the board (may participate but may not vote). d. Assist with any committee within the school.
e. Participation in the family growth program.
f. Attendance at any social or fund raising function.
3. “Honorary Inactive Memberships” (no fees)
a. Past presidents may become honorary inactive members when they no longer have children enrolled.
b. Additional honorary memberships may be granted by the board.
4. The Board has the discretion to permanently dismiss any inactive members that are interfering with the good of Serra Preschool. Annual fee will be
donated to fundraising at the time of the members dismissal.
Article V Finances
Section A The fiscal year of the Preschool shall be from July 1 to June 30. Section B Fees
1. Registration fee. A Non-Refundable registration fee of $75 shall be payable upon the submission of the application form for each child. This includes such things as the processing fee, filing fee, insurance, OCCPPNS registration dues and Family Growth procurements. This fee may be refunded upon request only when a child has been on the waiting list 3 months or longer, and an opening to enter the child is not available.
2. Entrance Fees
a. Materials fee $75.00 per year
3. Monthly Fees
a. The monthly tuition fee shall be determined by the general membership according to operating expenses. There is a ten percent discount on tuition for additional children from the same family enrolled in the preschool. For the 2011-2012 school year it shall be $168.00 per month for the four-day group, $136.50 per month for the three-day group and $91 per month for the two-day group. There is a $15 monthly fundraising fee that will be collected monthly with tuition. The purpose of the fundraising fee is to limit the amount of annual mandatory fundraisers to 3 per year. Therefore the overall monthly fees by group are: $183.00 for four-day group, $151.50 for the three-day group and $106.00 for the 2-day group.
b. Since this organization operates on the lowest possible fee, there can be no refunds for days when children cannot attend school.
c. Tuition is due and should be paid one month in advance at each month’s general meeting (i.e. September 27 meeting pays October tuition). If not paid at the general meeting, tuition will be considered past due by the fifth of each month. Since first and last month’s tuition is due prior to the first day of school, and each subsequent month is paid in advance, no payment is due at the May meeting for June.
d. Tuition shall be considered delinquent after the fifth of each month and a $5.00 late fee shall be paid with that month’s tuition. All fines collected shall be applied to the scholarship fund. The treasurer or designated board member shall contact any member who has not paid
by the tenth of each month. Any member delinquent at the end of the month (who has not responded to the treasurer with a special
situation) shall be considered withdrawn.
A $15 fee will be charged to any member whose check is returned from the bank (N.S.F.). Any member who has two checks returned by
the bank shall be required to pay with cash or cashiers check.
e. Parents having financial difficulty should notify the treasurer immediately. Special arrangements can be made by the board if deemed appropriate.
f. Scholarship aid is available (for more information, refer to Article
XI, Section B).
g. Notice of intention to withdraw must be submitted to membership chairman 30 days prior to withdrawal.
h. Leave of absence is available. Tuition must be paid in advance to
save the child’s place. The working parent must make up the average
number of working days for the time missed.
Section C Fines
1. All assisting parents must arrive by 8:15 for the 2-day and 3-day classes and by 12:15 for the 4-day class. A fine of $5.00 will be applied to that month’s tuition by the school’s Treasurer for those working parents who are late.
2. Each member family is permitted to miss one general meeting without penalty. A member family will be fined $25 for the second missed general meeting and the member family must make up the missed meeting by attending the next board meeting or OCCPPNS meeting. It is the
responsibility of the member family to obtain any information presented at the missed general meeting, including but not limited to: schedules,
newsletter, sign-up sheets and other handouts. If a third general meeting is missed and not made up, a $50 fine will be imposed and the member family will be put up to the board for membership review and possible membership
termination.
4. There will be a $75 fine for any missed clean-up including 6 week, family fix it or end of the year clean up. Fines for missed 6 week clean ups will be assessed by the treasurer and will be paid with the final months tuition. Additionally, each family will be required to leave on deposit a check to
cover the remaining school clean ups; $75 for the Family fix it if it has not already been completed and $75 End of the Year at the May General Meeting. If the family does not show up for their clean-up duties the checks will be cashed. If they do, the checks will be destroyed.
Section D Insurance
1. Insurance deemed necessary by the general membership shall be acquired.
2. Workmen’s compensation shall be provided for the teaching staff.
Section E Budget
1. The budget committee shall consist of the executive board, with the treasurer acting as chairman.
2. Copies of the recommended budget shall be made available to the general membership for approval at the September general membership meeting.
3. Disbursements
a. Only those members’ budgeted money on a monthly basis may
spend their allotted money without checking with the treasurer.
b. Any money not budgeted will be spent at the discretion of the board, the director, and/or the general membership.
Section F Auditing
1. The board shall be responsible for an annual audit of the treasurer’s books
at the end of the fiscal year. Article VI Contracts
Section A The president, vice president, treasurer and director will meet prior to year
end for a program and performance review. The incoming president, vice president and treasurer shall also be present at this meeting.
Section B A committee consisting of the outgoing president, vice president and treasurer and the incoming president, vice president and treasurer (or elected member if any of these positions are open) shall meet to create a proposed contract renewal
offer to be presented to the director prior to the June board meeting. The new board must ratify the contract as soon as a quorum (5 members) is elected/appointed to board positions.
Article VII Substitute Teachers
Section A Substitute teacher arrangements shall be handled by the director and overseen by the vice president.
Section B Requirements for long-term substitute (3 or more weeks):
1. Minimum: 15 ECE units including one administration class.
2. Desired: experience with children as a teacher or leader.
3. Personnel data and fingerprints shall be filed with the Social Welfare
Department(Record Form #DN 27.3).
4. The substitute’s rate of pay will commiserate with local rates and will be
voted upon by the board.
Section C A Short-term substitute can be chosen by the vice president with the
Director’s approval and should have at least 12 ECE units.
Section D Emergency substitute for director. If the director is unable to get a qualified substitute and needs someone to keep the school open and functioning, the interim person responsible for the school and program should be designated by the vice president as a school administrator. This person can be any member of the board. A self-generated document stipulating the same must be on file at school.
Article VIII Meetings
Section A General Membership Meetings
1. Meetings shall be planned for the fourth Wednesday of each month of
the school year at 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise scheduled.
2. All members are required to attend all general membership meetings from start to finish, at which time the meeting is officially adjourned. The secretary
shall be responsible for maintaining attendance sheets and an attendance
chart.
3. Any member unable to attend a general membership meeting will be expected to attend either the board meeting or OCC meeting prior to or
following the missed general membership meeting. It will be that member’s responsibility to obtain a copy of the minutes, newsletter and schedule from missed meetings.
4. If a meeting is not made up, please refer to Article V, Section C for fines.
5. If a member misses more than two general meetings (in whole or in part), regardless of whether or not they were made up, that member will be required
to meet with the board, which will decide the appropriate course of action.
6. The secretary shall inform a member, in writing, when a missed meeting has not been made up.
7. Twenty-five percent of the membership shall constitute a quorum at any
regular general membership meeting. Section B Board Meetings
1. The board shall meet monthly preceding the general membership meeting.
2. Special meetings deemed necessary may be called by the president or upon the request of five board members.
3. All members are entitled to attend board meetings.
4. Any member wishing to have an item placed on the agenda should notify the appropriate board member no later than seven days before the board meeting, when possible.
5. Five board members shall constitute a quorum.
6. Any board member who misses two consecutive business meetings or any three board meetings in any school year shall be dropped from the board unless excused by the board.
7. Babysitting at board meetings is for board members only.
Section C School Sessions
1. The three-day session, shall meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week. School hours for the three-day session shall be 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Working parents leave by 12:15 p.m)The two-day session shall meet on Tuesday and Thursday of each week. School hours for the two-day session shall be 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Working parents leave by 12:15 p.m.) The four-day afternoon session will meet on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. School hours for the four-day session will be 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Working parents leave by 4pm)
2. The school calendar shall parallel the Capistrano Unified School District calendar. However, the decision to close school due to emergency situations or unsafe classroom conditions, shall be made at the discretion of the director.
3. Each member is expected to work on a regular basis, the exact number of days to be arranged by the scheduling chairman. Families with more than one
child enrolled in a single group will be scheduled to work one day more per month than the average for that month. Families with more than one child enrolled in the school, but in different groups, will be scheduled to work twice for each group, not to exceed more than once a week. Maternity leave is limited to six weeks. Parents will need to find substitutes for any additional
time that is missed. Exceptions may be determined by the board.
4. It is important that assisting members for 2-day and 3-day groups arrive at 8:15am and that assisting members for 4-day group arrive at 12:15pm. If an assisting parent arrives late, a fine of $5.00 will be imposed.
5. Any member who twice puts the license of the school in jeopardy by failing to work on his/her scheduled day or to secure a substitute shall be considered withdrawn.
6. When a member cannot work on his/her scheduled day due to an emergency, it is his/her responsibility to secure someone to work for him/her.
7. Driving and carpool arrangements shall be an individual matter. The school is in no way responsible for or connected with the transportation to and from school.
8. Different summer school arrangements may be decided upon by the general membership.
9. A visiting child who is not daily enrolled in the school must be accompanied by his or her parent or guardian.
Article IX Health Requirements
Section A Requirements for children before entering school:
1. All children must have a T.B. tine test and be immunized for the
Following:
a. Tetanus
b. Diphtheria
c. Whooping cough
d. Polio
e. Measles
f. Chicken Pox g. Hepatitis B
(Blue card exemption is accepted).
2. Upon entering school for the first time, the following forms must be completed for each child:
a. Pre-admission physician’s report
b. Identification and emergency information c. Pre-admission parent’s report
d. California school immunization record
e. Parent’s delegation of authority to consent to medical or dental treatment for minor child.
3. Children with infectious diseases or signs of colds must remain at home. Each member is responsible for notifying the director when his/her child has exposed the group to an infectious disease.
4. A health check shall be made by the director/asst director each morning. If she deems it advisable, a member may be called and asked to take the child home.
Section B Requirements for parents
1. Each parent must have a chest x-ray or tuberculin skin test every three years. The test must be dated within 12 months preceding entrance or 7 days after the first working day. This must be kept current of as long as he/she is working at the school. Exemptions are made for breastfeeding mothers.
2. A signed declaration that the parent participating is in good health and capable of assisting in the classroom.
3. A parent at school must be free of colds and infectious diseases and if he or
she comes to school sick, the director is required to ask him or her not to stay. He or she will be rescheduled.
Article X Administration
Section A Powers and Duties of Executive Board
1. The responsibility for administering the affairs of the school is delegated to the executive board. It shall implement the policies of the school and shall transact business consistent with the by-laws of the group. The board may make decisions in emergencies.
2. The executive board shall approve the hiring of school personnel and issue
contract accordingly. Section B Members of the Board
1.The executive board shall consist of the following elected officers: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, family growth chairman, and the following appointed officers: OCC delegate, ways and means chairman, social chairman, parliamentarian, and membership chairman.
2. All board members shall serve the term of one year, except under extenuating circumstances.
3. The immediate past president or director of the school shall serve in an advisory capacity.
4. All members of the board must be active members*, member’s child must be enrolled and attending in order to serve on the board.
*Active members are those who meet all school regulations. Section C Removal and Vacancies
1. A vacancy created on the executive board other than that of the president
shall be filled by appointment by the President with the approval of the executive board.
2. In the event of a vacancy in the president’s office, the vice president shall
succeed to the presidency for the unexpired term.
3. Any board member who fails to execute his/her duties or is remiss in attendance as stated in Article VII, Section B, may be removed from office, determination to be made by the board.
Section D Nomination and Election
1. Incoming officers shall be elected by a majority vote and shall meet jointly at the next board meeting with outgoing members presiding. Newly elected
officers shall assume office at the first board and general meeting after the existing school year is completed. The president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and family growth chairman shall be elected in April, with May and June to be used for orientation of the new officers.
2. Should there be only one candidate for any office, the ballot for that office
may be dispensed with and the election held by voice vote.
3. Should there be more than one candidate for any position, the vote shall be written.
Section E Functions of the Board Members
1. The president shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the executive board; shall coordinate the activities of the school; shall schedule
programs for general membership meetings; shall fill all appointive board
positions and vacated offices with the executive board’s approval; shall co- sign checks; and handle standing rule revisions.
2. The vice president shall preside in the absence of the president; shall be in
charge of the annual evaluation of the school; shall receive applications for the director position and arrange interviews; shall oversee the director’s arrangement for substitute teachers; shall handle handbook revisions; shall receive questions, suggestions and problems for referral to the board; Shall ensure that the Handbook is up to date on the Serra Preschool web site and that each member has signed off that they have read the Handbook and will abide by it. The Vice President shall oversee administration of building maintenance and ensure that the building is open on the morning of the Fix It Days.
3. The family growth representative shall arrange adult education classes; shall arrange for parent conferences with the director in the spring; shall make arrangements for father’s days as desired by the membership; shall coordinate any family programs or events; shall arrange sensory and kindergarten
readiness testing; and shall confirm the collection of earthquake kits by emergency/safety preparedness chairman.
4. The secretary shall take minutes of all meetings; shall produce and maintain records of attendance of all meetings and report absences and excuses at each board meeting; shall produce and supply attendance sheets and see that school attendance for children and assisting parents is posted and filed; shall distribute general membership meeting minutes to each member via Yahoo Groups or email blast as well as posting a copy on the school bulletin board; shall assist in any typing needed; shall type agenda for the general membership meetings if needed; and shall coordinate secretarial activities. The Secretary shall be responsible to check and forward any email messages from the Serra Preschool Gmail account to the appropriate recipients.
5. The treasurer shall receive and safely keep all funds of the school, disbursing them upon the order of the president, director and/or general membership in accordance with Article V; shall keep accurate records of receipts of disbursements, reporting monthly to the executive board and general membership; shall collect all fees required of members; shall serve as chairman of the budget committee and member of the scholarship committee; and shall be responsible for securing insurance for the school and worker’s compensation for the director.
6. The OCCPPNS (Orange County Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools) delegate shall attend OCC meetings to share the school’s ideas and activities, and shall report what is learned from the council to the group. The Delegate shall coordinate our school’s participation in OCC and OCCPPNS activities and assume committee responsibility on OCC. OCCPPNS representative shall collaborate with the Director on any requests for financial aid from OCCPPNS.
7. The ways and means chairman will be responsible for the organization of fundraising projects (to include the annual auction) for the year and present these to the board prior to the September board meeting; shall oversee Scrip sales as a part of fundraising.
8. The parliamentarian position shall be offered to the outgoing president of the Preschool; shall attend both board and general membership meetings as a voting member; shall serve in an advisory capacity, being familiar with good parliamentary procedure and the by-laws and standing rules of the school; shall assist in the revision of the standing rules yearly. Should the outgoing president be unable to serve, a parliamentarian shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the majority of the board.
9. The membership chairmen (recommended: one for 2 day and one for 3 day) shall be responsible for maintaining a waiting list of interested applicants and explain the purposes of the school and the obligations of members to anyone who seeks information; keep a file of applicants and sees that they meet all obligations and have the necessary forms completed and on file; supply applicants with enrollment forms and notifies them of vacancies when they occur; arrange the interview with the director before entering school if necessary; keep the membership roster up-to-date each month and upon enrollment of a new member, or withdrawal of a member, notify the appropriate orientation chairman, secretary, treasurer, scheduling chairman, president and director. Oversee New member coordinator when a new member joins Serra Preschool mid-year.
10. The Social Chairman shall be responsible for scheduling, coordinating and attending all social activities supported by the school. This job is designed to strengthen the sense of community through social activities at Serra Preschool.
Article XI Committees
Section A. All committees deemed necessary to carry on and direct the operation of the school, shall be appointed by the president of the executive board.
Section B. Scholarship Committee
1. The scholarship committee shall consist of the assistant treasurer and any other interested member or alumnae. It shall seek sources from which scholarship aid can be made available to both present and future members so that no family may be unable to attend our preschool due to financial reasons.
Before any scholarship aid will be given, the committee shall evaluate funds available to assure covering the costs of the scholarship.
Applicants for scholarship aid shall comply with the membership regulations as stated in Article IV, Section B, of our standing rules. Applications may be made to the board by filling out a Serra Preschool Scholarship Aid Form (attached at end of Standing Rules). Ten percent of the balance as of the beginning of the fiscal year (July1) shall be appropriated to the scholarship fund if it does not cause financial strain on the school budget.
2. Types of Scholarships
a. Temporary scholarships shall be those scholarships used for tuition on a temporary basis, or may be scholarship aid given for special events (i.e., conventions, workshops, etc.)
b. Full-year scholarships shall be any tuition scholarships given at the beginning or during the year, which are intended to continue a full school year. If money for scholarships is available but enrollment of school is full, the $50 registration fee can be used to hold a space on the waiting list.
Article XII Amendments
Section A Proposed amendments to the standing rules shall be submitted in writing to the general membership not less than two weeks prior to the general meeting at which
time they shall be voted upon. Adoption of the amendments shall require a two-thirds vote of those present.

ORANGE COUNTY COUNCIL OF PARENT PARTICIPATION NURSERY SCHOOLS What Council is:
Orange County Council is composed of 23 member cooperative nursery schools in the Orange County area. The purpose of council is to help member schools with their collective and individual problems; to supplement the educational programs of the member schools; to encourage mutual assistance among the members; to acquaint the member schools; to encourage mutual assistance among the members; to acquaint the community with the aims and purposes of parent participation nursery schools.
What You Can Do For Council:
1. Representatives attend council meetings, which are held the second Monday of each month at the California Federal Building, Euclid and Crescent, Anaheim.
2. Representatives attend the leadership workshop-council representative orientation in June and the orientation luncheon in September.
3. Presidents attend roundtable luncheons given four times a year.
4. Send representatives with a thorough knowledge of their own school, who will be able to contribute advice, suggestions and leadership.
5. Each school, through its representative, is responsible for a committee chairmanship or other appointed position throughout the year. Each school hosts one council meeting per year.
6. Include time at your mothers’ meetings for a council report and encourage discussion.
7. Acquaint your members with the purposes and structure of council and stress the importance of council services and activities available to their school.
8. Contribute news articles from your school to the council newsletter.
9. Complete all questionnaires and surveys as requested by council.
10. Participate in Nursery Education week demonstrations or activities.
What Council Does for Your School:
1. The course in nursery education which new members take became available through the council.
2. Mimeograph and ditto machines are owned by council for the use of member schools.
3. Surveys are made among the schools and information is distributed regarding salaries, rents, hiring practices, purchasing, etc.
4. Information on insurance coverage and tax exemption is available.
5. A telephone with listings in the yellow pages is maintained and membership inquiries are referred to member schools.
6. Leadership workshops are sponsored for new officers and committee heads. Materials, procedures and ideas are presented by experienced and qualified leaders.
7. A newsletter is printed as a means of communication between schools and between council and the schools.
8. Roundtable luncheons for school presidents are given by council four times a year.
9. Nursery Education Week activities are coordinated and publicized. A brochure listing member schools is printed. A demonstration nursery school is usually held in a shopping center to publicize and interest people in nursery education and nursery schools in Orange County.
10. A Speakers list is compiled and distributed to aid the schools in their parent education programs.
11. A library of nursery school books and pamphlets is maintained for reference and use by schools.
12. New schools, advisors assist those who wish to start a parent participation school.
13. A teacher placement service maintains a current list of qualified teacher applicants for co- op use.
14. Orange County Council sends four delegates plus the president to California Council meetings-southern section meets monthly in Los Angeles. The purpose of California Council is to coordinate activities and development of all parent participation nursery schools in California, to further the concept of nursery education and to actively try to raise standards of nursery schools and director qualification. California Council maintains a library of resource material and a loan fund for member schools. It organizes an annual convention for the exchange and advancement of ideas. It helps formulate legislation regarding early childhood education; and it revises and prints a manual dealing with the starting and improving of nursery schools. The organization of nursery schools in California could be diagrammed thus:
15. And perhaps the most important council service to each school ensuring the strength and continuity of each co-op by providing a forum for problem solving and the exchange of ideas. Each school’s questions and problems should be brought to council meetings where the council makes an attempt to discuss and solve them. Remember the council is you and your school, and it is only as strong and helpful to you as you wish to make it.
16. As of October 1, 1998, OCCPPNS will offer a new an improved member service called Member Assistance. The purpose of this account will be to financially support OCC member families during times of temporary difficulty. As an example, this fund might assist a family during an emergency crisis or provide funding for a professional family or child service that is beyond the means of the family.

SERRA PRESCHOOL EMERGENCY GUIDELINES
It is impossible to prevent natural disasters. Through sound planning it is possible to
minimize the serious after effects of a disaster. When everyone involved understands what is expected there is hope of maintaining order in a time of mass confusion.
Before An Emergency
◊ Discuss your home procedures with your children. Prepare Emergency Kits for your
car.
◊ Read the School Procedures.
◊ Read the evacuation maps posted behind the kitchen door.
◊ Prepare First Aid and Emergency Kits.
◊ Know who is qualified to help with CPR and first aid.
◊ Know how to cut off gas and electricity.
◊ Drill

General Emergency Procedures
◊ Remain calm.
◊ Follow specific procedures for the type of disaster.
◊ Adequate care of the children is the primary concern.
◊ Children are cared for until they are released to a parent or authorized person or until the regular program resumes.

Earthquake Procedures
◊ If inside: As soon as a tremor is felt, get quickly beneath the tables, or to the hallways
by the restrooms, away from the windows.
◊ If outside: Stay away from power lines and building overhangs until tremors cease.
◊ After the initial tremor, assemble outside in front of the school. Take attendance.
◊ Walk, do not run.
◊ Avoid trees, glass, fallen wires, and overhangs.

Fire Procedures
◊ Evacuate building. Check each room, bathroom and activity center.
◊ Sound alarm with a continuous bell.
◊ Get the attendance list.
◊ The teacher calls 911.
◊ Walk, do not run.
◊ Children follow adults outside and across the street to the park.
◊ Remain with the children unless given other instructions.
◊ Account for all children and assisting parents.

Nuclear Procedures to be determined based on the evacuation procedures followed at Las Palmas Elementary school.

LIST OF SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR PARENTS TO CARRY
IN A BACKPACK OR SPORTS BAG THAT CAN BE CARRIED
1. Medication/pain reliever
2. Extra glasses
3. Walking shoes, socks
4. Jacket/sweatshirt
5. Solar blankets
6. Food (rotate yearly)
7. Water (rotate yearly)
8. Flashlight and batteries
9. Wind-proof matches
10. Radio
11. Large trash bags (can also be used for rain cover)
12. Bunge cords
13. Roll of quarters
14. Diapers/baby food
15. Sanitary napkins (for first aid as well as personal use)
16. First aid kit
17. Clothes pins
18. Wet wipes
19. Note pad and pen

Assisting Your Child with Separation
Separation anxiety is a natural and normal part of development. At this age children are still
extremely reliant on their parents for everything, so the experience of being in a new place with unfamiliar people without their parents is very scary for some children. It takes time to
trust the new adults in the room (teacher, aide and other parents) and learn the routine of
school.
For this reason, we encourage parents to stay at school each day until their child is able to separate comfortably. For some this may happen on the first day, for others the first week,
and for some it may take a few weeks to feel confident at school.
For children taking more than a week or two to separate, we have devised a strategy for parents to follow that makes separation natural and successful. It requires a bit of commitment in the beginning, but yields tremendous results.
1. Enter the room relaxed and at ease, being on time is very important. Help your child
put his/her bucket on the shelf and put on his/her name tag.

2. Escort your child to the carpeted large group area where you will find books available.
Help your child select a book and read it to him/her.

3. When all the children have arrived, the teacher will begin large group time. It is important to establish a routine for starting the school day. Routines add to stability in a new environment and stability leads to predictability and security. Establishing a routine is critical to separation success.

4. After large group, pick an area or materials of interest to YOU! Go there and enjoy using the materials yourself. You can say, “I’m going to the . You may come with me if you like.” The child will most likely want to join you. Asking a child, “Do you want to paint, play in the blocks, etc?” is internalized as, “Why are you trying to get rid of me?” and he/she will cling more. So, involve yourself in the materials as it provides a model for your child.

5. When we (parent and teacher) feel the child is ready, I will ask you to begin the separation process by sitting on a chair by the piano. You are still in the room, but in
a boring place for a little person. If your child wants to use materials, he/she will have
to separate from you.

6. The process continues like this:

a. Child stays next to you at boring place by the piano.
b. Child looks longingly at other children and materials.
c. Child tries to convince you to go to another place in the room. (I encourage parents to bring knitting, a book, work or something else adult-like to do. Then, the parent can say, “I need to work on this right now but I’ll be here if you need me.”)
d. Your child will walk a pace or two away and return.
e. Your child will venture farther for longer periods usually accompanied by teacher suggestions and encouragement.
f. At this point, you will tell your child you need to run to your car to get something. Do so and return.
g. Repeat, and stay out of the room for 5 minutes then return.
h. When the child is used to this activity, you (with the teacher right by your side)
will tell him/her you need to run an errand (to the store, to pick-up a sibling, to the post office.) Leave and return in 30 minutes.
i. When the child is used to this, you may leave for the duration of the session.

7. Never leave the room without saying goodbye to your child. We are building trust and confidence. Sneaking out is counter-productive. Tell him/her you are leaving and will return after outside time.

8. If your child cries do not rush back into the room. This reinforces the crying. Wait until he/she has calmed down, even if it’s simply a breath between tears. This reinforces that mom/dad will return when one is calmer.

We recommend this separation strategy because it works and it has lasting positive effects on your child’s school experience. It sounds daunting, but is actually a natural progression toward success.

Your Four and Five Year Old
In reviewing four and five year old development, I ran across a book by the Gesell Institute, a
world-recognized child development research organization. The book was titled “Your Four
Year Old; Wild and Wonderful.” The title made me smile, because it was the perfect description for this age.
Four-year-old children are joyous, exuberant, energetic, adventurous and ready for anything. They especially like activities that are new and different.
Soon after they turn five you will notice a leveling out in energy. This is a natural progression
that shows continuing readiness for kindergarten. Some child development experts term ages
5 through 8, the Golden Years. This is because the rapid social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth slows after age five and levels out. This is exactly the break parents need before the hormonal growth of preadolescence that takes place around age 9.
Four-and-five-year-old children have gained strength and coordination in gross motor skills.
These older preschoolers can skip, jump, climb, turn cartwheels and throw and catch balls with ease. Some may even be ready to learn to ride a two-wheel bike! With the increase in energy combined with more gross motor skill, we will see increased physical play, such as wrestling, pretend fighting and chase games, mostly in the boys but also in the girls. We will also see the desire to climb everything. The trees definitely get a workout in the three-day class.
Four-and-five-year-old children still live in the present, but they are beginning to get a sense of time and sequence through the routines of the day. Most four-and-five-year-olds will tell you if you skip an activity that is part of their usual sequence of events. They are mastering activities and skills more quickly and want to be on to the next thing. Don’t be surprised if
your child visits many more centers or projects during inside time than last year.
Four-and-five-year-old children are becoming more social. Friendships will be a very important part of the preschool experience this year. Like we saw toward the end of last year, children will start to pair up in friendships and you might hear more requests for play dates after school.
What can we expect of children from 4 to 5 years old?
• Friendships mean a lot. As children begin to recognize more gender differences we might see more exclusion from play based on gender (i.e. “She can’t play because she’s a girl.”), which offers an opportunity to teach empathy.
• Children are getting very good at taking turns and sharing, especially with children
considered “friends”.
• They are friendly and giving.
• The children love silly humor, riddles and jokes and they are starting to make up their own jokes, which make them laugh and laugh.
• Older preschoolers love new experiences and adventures.
• Older preschoolers are making huge developmental gains in understanding and using symbols. Interest in reading and writing, especially their names and their friend’s name, starts to surface. • Four and five year olds are better able to distinguish
between real and imaginary. Their art will become more representational of the world around them.
• Their vocabulary is continuing to grow at rapid rates and they are better able to communicate their needs, desires and stories. Don’t be surprised if you hear more “potty talk” or preschooler cursing such as “You’re a poop head.” They have learned these words and recognized the reaction they get as they use them. Additionally, preschoolers think they are so funny.
• They have greater control over hand and arm muscles, which is reflected in their
drawings and eventual writing.

• They have better body and spatial awareness, meaning they can navigate the room without bumping into things or each other.

Having a general idea of where four-and-five-year-old children are developmentally helps us
plan and give them lots of opportunities to…
• Develop their blooming language abilities through books, games, plays, songs, science and art activities.
• Teach empathy and social skills through interactive play and games.
• Explore how capable we are to build confidence and look for more ways to work
together to strengthen our sense of community.
• Draw and write with crayons, pencils, markers and paint brushes.
• Explore a wide variety of art materials and build a sense of self expression and
confidence.
• Work puzzles, build things, and pretend to enhance visual discrimination, math, reading and social skills.
• Look for patterns, write stories and share in front of the group.
• Play with other children to develop empathy, understanding and socially acceptable
problem solving.
• Exercise their explosive energy with plenty of outside time and fresh air.

I am so looking forward to this year with your bright and beautiful children. I treasure each
child and family and can’t wait to continue our adventure together.
Ms. Fuller

Your Three Year Old
This year I am blessed to be facilitating the two-day class. The majority of the children in the two-day class are three years old, and fortunately this is one of my favorite ages. Having some
knowledge about where 3-year-old children are in development helps teachers plan activities that
increase their knowledge of the world around them and increase their emotional security. Three-year-old children are full of wonder and spend a lot of time watching, observing and imitating. Their days are filled with busy exploration of their world.
Three-year-old children are interested in perfecting motor skills; it is common for them to spend the entire morning going down the slide or riding a favorite tricycle.
Three-year-old children live in the present and they do not understand yesterday and tomorrow the way adults do. They often repeat activities or may undo actions such as putting a puzzle together, these sequences are important to later understandings of change and consistency.
What can we expect of children from 3 to 4 years old? Children this age …….
Start playing with other children, instead of next to them. Can start to take turns and share.
They are friendly and giving.
Begin to understand that other people have feelings and rights. Love silly humor, riddles and jokes.
Generally become more cooperative and enjoy new experiences.
Are increasingly self-reliant and probably can dress without help (except for buttons and shoelaces.)
May develop fears and have imaginary companions.
Are more graceful physically than 2 year olds and love to run, skip, jump with both feet, catch a ball, climb downstairs, and dance to music. Are great talkers, speak in sentences, and continue to
add more words to their vocabularies.
Have greater control over hand and arm muscles, which is reflected in their drawings and scribbling.
Having a general idea of where 3-year-old children are developmentally helps us plan and give
them lots of opportunities to…
Develop their blooming language abilities through books, games, songs, science and art activities. Develop more self-help skills.
Draw with crayons and explore a wide variety of art materials. Work puzzles, build things, and pretend.
Play with other children so they can learn to listen, take turns, and share.
Develop more physical coordination by having plenty of time to play outdoors.
I am blessed to be a teacher at Serra Preschool. It is truly a wonderful place for children and their parents. I look forward to a fantastic year playing, learning and getting to know all the children
and their families.
Mrs. Donaldson

Curriculum:
Our curriculum this year will be planned and will emerge from a combination of student and teacher interests. Much of the learning is integrated. We will explore things of interest: ourselves and others (social studies); animals, pets, growing things, the world around us, how things move and change (science). We will plan field trips that are of interest and meaningful to the children that, have “hands-on” learning opportunities.
The children will be learning through play. Through art, music, movement, drama, blocks, manipulative items, puzzles and games, the children will have opportunities to strengthen small muscles (by cutting, gluing, and manipulating small objects) as well as large muscle control and balance ( dancing, running, hopping, skipping, climbing, riding bikes and scooters, jumping rope, throwing, catching and kicking balls. They will enhance their auditory and visual perception and memory as well as their receptive and expressive language.
They will construct mathematical understandings by counting, sorting, comparing, classifying, graphing, pattern and logical thinking through the hands-on math materials. They will have early experiences with reading and writing through doing words, story-playing, and games. All of these activities are individualized, “developmentally appropriate” and success oriented.

General Curriculum Outline for 2-Day, 3-Day and 4-Day Classes

September: Getting to know our school, Our Friends and Our Teachers. Ocean, Beach, Fish, Pirates (Earthquake drill done at general meeting)
Dramatic Play for September: Under the Sea and Camping

October: Halloween, Apples, Pumpkins, Skeletons (Our Bodies) (Fire Drill done at general meeting)
Dramatic Play for October: Doctor’s Office or Eye Doctor

November: Thanksgiving, Fall , Leaves, Harvest Market.
Dramatic play for November: Tee Pee Indian Theme , Grocery Store

December: Winter Holidays, Ornaments, Candy Canes, Snowmen, Reindeers, Gingerbread Men(Fire drill)
Dramatic Play for December: Bakery

January: Weather, Cold, Winter Animals, Bears, Penguins, Mittens (Earthquake drill)
Dramatic play for January: Veterinarian’s office, Pet Spa/ Salon , last week Cave

February: Dinosaurs, Valentine’s , Volcano, Fossils, Friendships, Feelings
Dramatic play for February: Cave and Post Office

March: St. Patrick’s Day, Dr. Seuss, Leprechauns, Fairies, Butterflies, Rainbows (Fire drill)
Dramatic play for March: Fairy Garden

April: Recycle, Easter, Frogs, Earth Day
Dramatic Play for April: Creation Station, Jungle

May: Mother’s Day, Garden, Flowers, (Earthquake drill)
Dramatic play for May: Restaurant, Pizza Restaurant, Café.

June: Planets, End of the year wrap up
Dramatic play for June: Outerspace
**Please note: These topics can change according to the children’s and teacher’s interest. Also topics can change for individual classroom needs.
Mrs. Donaldson & Ms. Fuller

Serra Parent Participation Director/Teacher Employment Agreement
2-Day Contract
This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between Serra Parent Participation Preschool (the “School”), a non-profit corporation, and Monica Donaldson (the “Employee”), as of this 15th day of June 2011. This Agreement binds only the School, and no officer or member of the School may be held personally liable hereunder.
I. Employment
The School hereby employs Employee, and Employee hereby accepts such employment as 2-Day Teacher/Director upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, from August 1, 2011 up to and including July 31, 2012. This Agreement shall not automatically renew.
II. Duties
A. Employee shall serve as 2-Day Teacher/Director for the School and shall conscientiously and diligently perform those duties customarily performed as a Teacher and Director at the School, as set forth in this Agreement. For the term of this Agreement, Employee shall report to the Board President.
B. Director Duties. Director will be accountable to perform the listed duties under Director responsibilities in the Handbook. Please see attached list of Director duties
C. Hours. Employee’s presence at the School shall be required from 7:45am until 1p.m. every Tuesday and from 7:45am to 12:30pm every Thursday while school is in session. In addition, Employee shall be required to attend monthly Board Meetings, General Meetings, the Open House, and Orientation. The Director will attend at least one OCCPPNS meetings and attend the OCCPPNS meeting as our school’s representative when the OCCPPNS representative is unable to attend. Employee may miss one Board Meeting and one General Meeting. Any additional absences shall result in a $25 per absence deduction from the Employee’s next paycheck.
D. California State Law Required Breaks Teachers agree to waive their right to a 30-minute break. This waiver is voluntary and may be changed by notifying the Board at any time.
E. The 2-Day teacher will teach 3 of the 4 days of the 4-Day class. The 3-Day teacher will teach 1 day of the 4-day class. Teachers will loop with their class each year.
III. Compensation and Benefits
A. Wages. For the term of this Agreement, the School will pay Employee at a rate of $1,184 per month for teacher’s salary and $275 per month as the overall Director stipend, based on a 12-month contract payable on the 30th of the month for Director/Teacher. If the 30th falls on a holiday or weekend, payment will be made on the last workday prior to the 30th of the month. The amounts payable will be reduced by standard withholding and other authorized deductions.
B. Bonus: The Employee shall be eligible for one end of the year bonus. Bonuses are based on teacher performance as determined by membership’s evaluations, student/family retention and the school calendar year fundraising. Bonuses are based on this formula: [(A+B)/2 X (C/100)] D. Please refer to Standing Rules in Serra Preschool Handbook for a detailed explanation.
C. Sick/Personal Leave. Employee shall be entitled to 4 days of paid leave during the term of this Agreement for reasons relating to illness or personal necessity. Days for personal necessity must be scheduled in advance, when reasonably possible, and will be granted only when the School’s schedule permits. Such days include personal days taken for religious reasons. Days not utilized during the term of this Agreement are not accrued by the Employee and cannot be carried over to the term of any subsequent employment agreement, nor shall Employee receive any cash payment therefore. In the event the Employee resigns or is dismissed, any accumulated leave will expire and not be paid. Absences beyond the above-allotted paid leave days shall be deducted from the Employee’s next paycheck at a rate of $80 per day. The school will also provide 2 in-service, off-site, observation days to be reported back to the board.
D. Maternity Leave: Employee is eligible for a total of eight (8) weeks of maternity leave during the school year. During this absence the Employee will be paid a weekly stipend of $100 for each of the eight weeks. In addition to this Employee should check with the Employment Development Department of California for eligibility in the Paid Family Leave Insurance Program.
E. Expenses. Teachers will receive an advance each month in the amount of $100.00 to be spent on classroom supplies or related expenses. Teachers are to provide their receipts in the amount of $100.00to the Treasurer prior to receiving their next month’s $100.00 expense advance.
F. Professional Growth: The school agrees to pay for the Employee to attend one professional conference each year. This is to include one night hotel and registration. Airfare is not included, and if necessary, is at the discretion of the board.
IV. Termination
A. Either the School or the Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time, without cause, upon 30 days’ written notice to the other party.
B. Upon termination of this Agreement by either the School or the Employee, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Employee by the School other than the timely payment of any salary earned and owing.
C. Employee agrees that all school property must be returned by the last day of employment.
D. Employee agrees that the payments set forth in this Agreement shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of her employment and Employee agrees not to pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of her employment.
V. Arbitration
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, shall be submitted to arbitration, to be held in Orange County, California, in accordance with California Civil Procedure Code, Sections 1282 – 1284. In the event either party institutes arbitration under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees related to such arbitration. The non-prevailing party shall be responsible for all costs of the arbitration, including but not limited to, the arbitration fees and court reporter fees.
VI. Modification
This Agreement may not be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by Employee and the School’s Board President.
VII. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which can be given effect without the invalid provision.
VIII. Choice of Law
This Agreement is entered into and governed by the laws of the State of California in effect as of the date of this Agreement.
IX. Complete Agreement
This Agreement constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding concerning Employee’s employment.

_________________________________ ________________________
Jennifer Ellinger Date Monica Donaldson Date
Serra Preschool Board President 2011-2012 Director/Teacher

_________________________________
Chris Anderson Date
Serra Preschool Vice President 2011-2012

Serra Parent Participation Director/Teacher Employment Agreement
4-Day Contract
This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between Serra Parent Participation Preschool (the “School”), a non-profit corporation, and Monica Donaldson (the “Employee”), as of this 21st day of June 2011. This Agreement binds only the School, and no officer or member of the School may be held personally liable hereunder.
X. Employment
The School hereby employs Employee, and Employee hereby accepts such employment as Director and Teacher (“Director/Teacher”), upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, from August 1, 2011 up to and including July 31, 2012. This Agreement shall not automatically renew.
XI. Duties
F. Employee shall serve as Director/Teacher for the School and shall conscientiously and diligently perform those duties customarily performed by both a Director and a Teacher at the School, as set forth both in this Agreement and in Exhibit “A” to this Agreement. For the term of this Agreement, Employee shall report to the Board President.
G. Director Duties. Director will be accountable to perform the listed duties under Director responsibilities in the Handbook. Please see attached list of Director duties
H. Hours. Employee’s presence at the School shall be required from Noon until 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday while school is in session. In addition, Employee shall be required to attend monthly Board and General Meetings, the Open House, and Orientation. Employee may miss one board meeting and one general meeting. The Director will attend at least one OCCPPNS meeting and attend the OCCPPNS meetings as our school’s representative when the OCCPPNS representative is unable to attend. Additional absences shall result in a $25 per absence deduction from the Employee’s next paycheck.
I. California State Law Required Breaks Teachers agree to waive their right to a 30-minute break. This waiver is voluntary and may be changed by notifying the Board at any time.
J. The 2-Day teacher will teach 3 of the 4 days of the 4-Day class. The 3-Day teacher will teach 1 day of the 4-day class. Teachers will loop with their class each year.
XII. Compensation and Benefits
G. Wages. For the term of this Agreement, the School will pay Employee at a rate of 85% of current tuition income based on numbers of students enrolled as of August 1, 2011. This agreement will be reevaluated on February 1, 2012 to accommodate any potential increase or decrease in student enrollment. The board can choose to reevaluate this agreement at anytime throughout the year based on student enrollment. Said salary will be 75% of the total amount payable on the 30th of the month for teacher salary and $275 per month as the overall director stipend. If the 30th falls on a holiday or weekend, payment will be made on the last workday prior to the 30th of the month. The amounts payable will be reduced by standard withholding and other authorized deductions.
Bonus: The Employee shall be eligible for one end of the year bonus. Bonuses are based on teacher performance as determined by membership’s evaluations, student/family retention and the school calendar year fundraising. Bonuses are based on this formula: [(A+B)/2 X (C/100)] D. Please review to Standing Rules in Serra Preschool Handbook for a detailed explanation.
H. Sick/Personal Leave. Employee shall be entitled to 6 days of paid leave during the term of this Agreement for reasons relating to illness or personal necessity. Days for personal necessity must be scheduled in advance, when reasonably possible, and will be granted only when the School’s schedule permits. Such days include personal days taken for religious reasons. Days not utilized during the term of this Agreement are not accrued by the Employee and cannot be carried over to the term of any subsequent employment agreement, nor shall Employee receive any cash payment therefore. In the event the Employee resigns or is dismissed, any accumulated leave will expire and not be paid. Absences beyond the above-allotted paid leave days shall be deducted from the Employee’s next paycheck at a rate of $80 per day. The school will also provide 2 in-service, off-site, observation days to be reported back to the board.
I. Maternity Leave: Employee is eligible for a total of eight (8) weeks of maternity leave during the school year. During this absence the Employee will be paid a weekly stipend of $100 for each of the eight weeks. In addition to this Employee should check with the Employment Development Department of California for eligibility in the Paid Family Leave Insurance Program.
J. Expenses. Teachers will receive an advance each month in the amount of $100.00 to be spent on classroom supplies or related expenses. Teachers are to provide their receipts in the amount of $100.00 to the Treasurer prior to receiving their next month’s $100.00 expense advance.
K. Professional Growth: The school agrees to pay for the Employee to attend one professional conference each year. This is to include one night hotel and registration. Airfare is not included, and if necessary, is at the discretion of the board.
XIII. Termination
E. Either the School or the Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time, without cause, upon 30 days’ written notice to the other party.
F. Upon termination of this Agreement by either the School or the Employee, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Employee by the School other than the timely payment of any salary earned and owing.
G. Employee agrees that all school property must be returned by the last day of employment.
H. Employee agrees that the payments set forth in this Agreement shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of her employment and Employee agrees not to pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of her employment.
XIV. Arbitration
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, shall be submitted to arbitration, to be held in Orange County, California, in accordance with California Civil Procedure Code, Sections 1282 – 1284. In the event either party institutes arbitration under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees related to such arbitration. The non-prevailing party shall be responsible for all costs of the arbitration, including but not limited to, the arbitration fees and court reporter fees.
XV. Modification
This Agreement may not be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by Employee and the School’s Board President.
XVI. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which can be given effect without the invalid provision.
XVII. Choice of Law
This Agreement is entered into and governed by the laws of the State of California in effect as of the date of this Agreement.
XVIII. Complete Agreement
This Agreement constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding concerning Employee’s employment.
_________________________________ ________________________
Jennifer Ellinger Date Monica Donaldson Date
Serra Preschool Board President 2011-2012 Director/Teacher

_________________________________
Chris Anderson Date
Serra Preschool Vice President 2011-2012

DIRECTOR DUTIES (EXHIBIT A)
• Set the philosophical tone of the school, back up reasons for choosing it, and communicate it effectively to membership at the first General Meeting and throughout the year
• Write an educational article for the newsletter each month to be discussed/presented at the monthly General Meetings when relevant
• Meet monthly with President to collaborate and create the agenda for the monthly General Meeting.
• The Director is to provide a Director’s report (separate from the teacher’s update); which may include parent education at the General Monthly meeting.
• Facilitate a regularly scheduled collaborative meeting with Teacher(s) at least once a month.
• Attend directors meetings
• Attend all board meetings
• Director to present progress/issues of accomplishments of “Director Duties” monthly at the Board Meetings
• Attend one OCCPPNS meeting per year (can be the leadership collaboration meeting in the Fall) and attend OCCPPNS meetings upon the absence of our representative.
• Address members who are not in “good-standing” in regards to participation
• Make sure that our school is in proper physical order, and delegate appropriately
• Be available to open the school before or after school hours for school functions
• Oversee general care of maintenance of facility during the year and over the summer. To include: pet care, school grounds (garden and yard maintenance), collection of mail, payment of bills, school alarm and other items that pertain to general school maintenance
• Hold members accountable to their school jobs (including board members)
• Obtain appropriate knowledge of school’s standing rules, bylaws and handbook and be able to explain them and redirect the board and members to them
• Maintain and create a school wide curriculum calendar to use as a guide, provide to the board at the August Board Meeting
• Create a school day attendance calendar (as close to CUSD as permissible)
• Responsible for overseeing the purchase of all school educational supplies
• Organize orientation and open house events
• Contact, communicate and maintain relationships with all member families
• Accommodate for conferences as parents request and/or director deems necessary
• Present recommendations of the budget to the board
• Assist in the review of scholarship forms and present to board for renewals throughout the year
• Determine that membership has health forms up to date (needs review and signature)
• Oversee earthquake preparedness (check off supplies list) and oversee the maintenance of first aid supplies
• Assist teacher and notify parents of any serious accidents at school
• Fill out a report for accidents, both for school records and insurance (BOTH TEACHERS & DIRECTORS must do this as one will act as director while the other will act as teacher depending upon which class is involved)
• Maintain licensing requirements and assure school compliance with title 22
• Maintain required first aid and CPR
• Plan and Oversee fire drills as required by law
• Plan and Oversee earthquake drills as required by law
• Maintain professional growth

Serra Parent Participation 3-Day Teacher/Assistant Director Employment Agreement
This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between Serra Parent Participation Preschool (the “School”), a non-profit corporation, and Betsy Fuller (the “Employee”), as of this 15th day of June 2011. This Agreement binds only the School, and no officer or member of the School may be held personally liable hereunder.
XIX. Employment
The School hereby employs Employee, and Employee hereby accepts such employment as Teacher (“Teacher”), upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, from August 1, 2011 up to and including July 31, 2012. This Agreement shall not automatically renew.
XX. Duties
K. Employee shall serve as 3-DayTeacher/Assistant Director for the School and shall conscientiously and diligently perform those duties customarily performed by both a Teacher and Assistant Director at the School, as set forth both in this Agreement and in Exhibit “A” to this Agreement. For the term of this Agreement, Employee shall report to the Director and the Board.
L. Hours. Employee’s presence at the School shall be required from 7:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. every Monday, and from 7:45 until 12:30pm Wednesday and Friday while school is in session. In addition, Employee shall be required to attend monthly Board Meetings, General Meetings, the Open House, and Orientation. Employee may miss one general meeting. Additional absences shall result in a $25 per absence deduction from the Employee’s next paycheck.
XXI. Compensation and Benefits
L. Wages. For the term of this Agreement, the School will pay Employee at a rate of $1,764 per month based on a 12-month contract, payable on the 30th of the month for teacher salary. If the 30th falls on a holiday or weekend, payment will be made on the last workday prior to the 30th of the month. The amounts payable will be reduced by standard withholding and other authorized deductions.
Bonus: The Employee shall be eligible for one end of the year bonus. Bonuses are based on teacher performance as determined by membership’s evaluations, student/family retention and the school calendar year fundraising. Bonuses are based on this formula: [(A+B)/2 X (C/100)] D. Please review to Standing Rules in Serra Preschool Handbook for a detailed explanation.
M. California State Law Required Breaks Teachers agree to waive their right to a 30-minute break. This waiver is voluntary and may be changed by notifying the Board at any time.
N. Sick/Personal Leave. Employee shall be entitled to 6 days of paid leave during the term of this Agreement for reasons relating to illness or personal necessity. Days for personal necessity must be scheduled in advance, when reasonably possible, and will be granted only when the School’s schedule permits. Such days include personal days taken for religious reasons. Days not utilized during the term of this Agreement are not accrued by the Employee and cannot be carried over to the term of any subsequent employment agreement, nor shall Employee receive any cash payment therefore. In the event the Employee resigns or is dismissed, any accumulated leave will expire and not be paid. Absences beyond the above-allotted paid leave days shall be deducted from the Employee’s next paycheck at a rate of $80 per day. The school will also provide 2 in-service, off-site, observation days to be reported back to the board.
O. Maternity Leave: Employee is eligible for a total of eight (8) weeks of maternity leave during the school year. During this absence the Employee will be paid a weekly stipend of $100 for each of the eight weeks. In addition to this Employee should check with the Employment Development Department of California for eligibility in the Paid Family Leave Insurance Program.
P. Expenses. Teachers will receive an advance each month in the amount of $100.00 to be spent on classroom supplies or related expenses. Teachers are to provide their receipts in the amount of $100.00to the Treasurer prior to receiving their next month’s $100.00 expense advance.
Q. Professional Growth: The school agrees to pay for the Employee to attend one professional conference each year. This is to include one night hotel and registration. Airfare is not included, and if necessary, is at the discretion of the board.
XXII. Termination
I. Either the School or the Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time, without cause, upon 30 days’ written notice to the other party.
J. Upon termination of this Agreement by either the School or the Employee, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Employee by the School other than the timely payment of any salary earned and owing.
K. Employee agrees that all school property must be returned by the last day of employment.
L. Employee agrees that the payments set forth in this Agreement shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of her employment and Employee agrees not to pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of her employment.
XXIII. Arbitration
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, shall be submitted to arbitration, to be held in Orange County, California, in accordance with California Civil Procedure Code, Sections 1282 – 1284. In the event either party institutes arbitration under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees related to such arbitration. The non-prevailing party shall be responsible for all costs of the arbitration, including but not limited to, the arbitration fees and court reporter fees.
XXIV. Modification
This Agreement may not be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by Employee and the School’s Board President.
XXV. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which can be given effect without the invalid provision.
XXVI. Choice of Law
This Agreement is entered into and governed by the laws of the State of California in effect as of the date of this Agreement.
XXVII. Complete Agreement
This Agreement constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding concerning Employee’s employment.

_________________________________ ________________________
Jennifer Ellinger Date Betsy Fuller Date
Serra Preschool Board President 2011-2012 Teacher

_________________________________
Chris Anderson Date
Serra Preschool Vice President 2011-2012

Serra Parent Participation Assistant Director/Teacher Employment Agreement
4-Day Contract
This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between Serra Parent Participation Preschool (the “School”), a non-profit corporation, and Betsy Fuller (the “Employee”), as of this 15th day of June 2011. This Agreement binds only the School, and no officer or member of the School may be held personally liable hereunder.
XXVIII. Employment
The School hereby employs Employee, and Employee hereby accepts such employment as Director and Teacher (“Director/Teacher”), upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, from August 1, 2011 up to and including July 31, 2012. This Agreement shall not automatically renew.
XXIX. Duties
M. Employee shall serve as Assistant Director/Teacher for the School and shall conscientiously and diligently perform those duties customarily performed by both a Director and a Teacher at the School, as set forth both in this Agreement and in Exhibit “A” to this Agreement. For the term of this Agreement, Employee shall report to the Board President.
N. Hours. Employee’s presence at the School shall be required from Noon until 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday while school is in session. In addition, Employee shall be required to attend monthly Board and General Meetings, the Open House, and Orientation. Employee may miss one board meeting and one general meeting. Additional absences shall result in a $25 per absence deduction from the Employee’s next paycheck.
O. California State Law Required Breaks Teachers agree to waive their right to a 30-minute break. This waiver is voluntary and may be changed by notifying the Board at any time.
P. The 2-Day teacher will teach 3 of the 4 days of the 4-Day class. The 3-Day teacher will teach 1 day of the 4-day class. Teachers will loop with their class each year.
XXX. Compensation and Benefits
R. Wages. For the term of this Agreement, the School will pay Employee at a rate of 85% of current tuition income based on numbers of students enrolled as of August 1, 2011. This agreement will be reevaluated on February 1, 2012 to accommodate any potential increase or decrease in student enrollment. The board can choose to reevaluate this agreement at anytime throughout the year based on student enrollment. Said salary will be 25% of the total amount payable on the 30th of the month for teacher salary based on a 12-month contract. If the 30th falls on a holiday or weekend, payment will be made on the last workday prior to the 30th of the month. The amounts payable will be reduced by standard withholding and other authorized deductions.
Bonus: The Employee shall be eligible for one end of the year bonus. Bonuses are based on teacher performance as determined by membership’s evaluations, student/family retention and the school calendar year fundraising. Bonuses are based on this formula: [(A+B)/2 X (C/100)] D. Please review to Standing Rules in Serra Preschool Handbook for a detailed explanation.
S. Sick/Personal Leave. Employee shall be entitled to 6 days of paid leave during the term of this Agreement for reasons relating to illness or personal necessity. Days for personal necessity must be scheduled in advance, when reasonably possible, and will be granted only when the School’s schedule permits. Such days include personal days taken for religious reasons. Days not utilized during the term of this Agreement are not accrued by the Employee and cannot be carried over to the term of any subsequent employment agreement, nor shall Employee receive any cash payment therefor. In the event the Employee resigns or is dismissed, any accumulated leave will expire and not be paid. Absences beyond the above-allotted paid leave days shall be deducted from the Employee’s next paycheck at a rate of $80 per day. The school will also provide 2 in-service, off-site, observation days to be reported back to the board.
T. Maternity Leave: Employee is eligible for a total of eight (8) weeks of maternity leave during the school year. During this absence the Employee will be paid a weekly stipend of $100 for each of the eight weeks. In addition to this Employee should check with the Employment Development Department of California for eligibility in the Paid Family Leave Insurance Program.
U. Expenses. Teachers will receive an advance each month in the amount of $100.00 to be spent on classroom supplies or related expenses. Teachers are to provide their receipts in the amount of $100.00to the Treasurer prior to receiving their next month’s $100.00 expense advance.
V. Professional Growth: The school agrees to pay for the Employee to attend one professional conference each year. This is to include one night hotel and registration. Airfare is not included, and if necessary, is at the discretion of the board.
XXXI. Termination
M. Either the School or the Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time, without cause, upon 30 days’ written notice to the other party.
N. Upon termination of this Agreement by either the School or the Employee, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Employee by the School other than the timely payment of any salary earned and owing.
O. Employee agrees that all school property must be returned by the last day of employment.
P. Employee agrees that the payments set forth in this Agreement shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of her employment and Employee agrees not to pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of her employment.
XXXII. Arbitration
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, shall be submitted to arbitration, to be held in Orange County, California, in accordance with California Civil Procedure Code, Sections 1282 – 1284. In the event either party institutes arbitration under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees related to such arbitration. The non-prevailing party shall be responsible for all costs of the arbitration, including but not limited to, the arbitration fees and court reporter fees.
XXXIII. Modification
This Agreement may not be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by Employee and the School’s Board President.
XXXIV. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which can be given effect without the invalid provision.
XXXV. Choice of Law
This Agreement is entered into and governed by the laws of the State of California in effect as of the date of this Agreement.
XXXVI. Complete Agreement
This Agreement constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding concerning Employee’s employment.

_________________________________ ________________________
Jennifer Ellinger Date Betsy Fuller Date
Serra Preschool Board President 2011-2012 Assistant Director/Teacher

_________________________________
Chris Anderson Date
Serra Preschool Vice President 2011-2012

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/TEACHER DUTIES (EXHIBIT A)
• Explain to the parents in your class the reasons for using the language that we use with the children. Ex: not simply saying “good job” when working with students
• Explain the techniques of behavior control that our school abides by to the class so that everyone is on the same page. Also, the reasons…Ex: working out a problem, choices, distraction, environment control, etc.
• Create a class specific curriculum calendar for the year to be presented to the Board at the August Board meeting (this curriculum can be revised with Board approval throughout the year as the teacher feels necessary)
• Attend @ least 1 OCCPPNS meeting during the year
• Attend regularly scheduled monthly collaborative meetings with the Director
• Assist at orientation and represent our school at open house
• Write a class-specific article for the newsletter each month, to be presented/discussed at the Monthly General meetings when relevant
• Attend the general membership meetings and present updates of your class, etc
• Attend Board Meetings Monthly and present updates of your class
• Email parents twice per month with an update of upcoming curriculum/events
• Purchase class specific teaching supplies ($100 allowance rolled over each month when receipts are turned in to Treasurer)
• Make sure that our school is in proper physical order and report to Director
• Hold members accountable to their co-op jobs on working days
• Report members who are not in “good-standing” in regards to participation to Director
• Obtain appropriate knowledge of school’s standing rules, bylaws and handbook and be able to explain them and redirect members to them as needed
• Contact, communicate and maintain relationships with all member families
• Accommodate for conferences as parents request and/or teacher deems necessary
• Assist Director and notify parents of any serious accidents at school
• Fill out a report for accidents, both for school records and insurance (BOTH TEACHERS & DIRECTORS must do this as one will act as Director while the other will act as teacher depending upon which class is involved)
• Maintain required first aid and CPR certification
• Conduct fire drills in the class as required by law
• Conduct earthquake drills in the class as required by law
• Maintain professional growth

4-Day Class Schedule

12:15-12:30 Working Parents arrive; afternoon setup and brief afternoon meeting
12:30-12:45 Arrival; Outdoor playtime; Children gather on rug for story and circle
12:45-1:30 Free choice activities.
1:30-1:40 Clean up
1:40-1:50 Circle time; Snack set up.
1:50-2:00 Hand Washing; seating for snack; snack blessing
2:00-2:15 Snack
2:15-3:05 Outdoor Playtime. Indoor table, floor and bathroom clean up
3:05-3:15 Outdoors cleanup
3:15-3:30 Final Circle time; Dismissal
3:35-3:45 End of the day parent meeting.

3-Day Class Daily Schedule

8:15-8:45a.m. Working Parents arrive; morning set up
and brief morning meeting.
8:45- 9:00 Arrival; Good morning greeting; children
gather on the rug for story and circle.
9:00-10:10 Free choice activities.
10:10-10:20 Clean-up.
10:20-10:30 Circle time; Snack set up.
10:30-10:40 Hand washing; seating for snack; snack
poem.
10:40-10:55 Snack
10:55-11:45 Outdoor play time. Indoor table, floor and
bathroom clean-up
11:45-11:55 Outdoor clean-up.
11:55-12:10 Final circle time; dismissal.
12:10-12:15 End of the day parent meeting.

2 Day Class Daily Schedule

8:15- 8:45 Working parents arrive; morning
Set up and brief morning meeting.
8:45-9:00 Arrivals; Good morning greeting; children gather on the rug for story and circle.
9:00-10:10 Free Choice activities.
10:10-10:20 Clean up.
10:20-10:30 Circle time and snack set up.
10:30-10:40 Hand washing; seating for snack; snack poem
10:40-10:55 Snack
10:55-11:45 Outdoor playtime, Indoor table, floor and
bathroom cleanup
11:45-11:55 Outdoors cleanup.
11:55-12:10 Final circle time: dismissal.
12:10-12:15 End of the day parent meeting

Serra Preschool Budget FYE 6/30/12
INCOME
Tuition
Number of Students Price per month Total (10 months)
2-Day 21 91.00 19110
3-Day 22 136.50 30030
4-Day 8 168.00 13440

Less: Discounts to Tuition
Scholarships: # of students @ 50% per month Total Discount
2-Day
3-Day
4-Day

Total Scholarship Allocated for year

Sibling Discount # of students @ 10% per month Total Discount
2-Day
3-Day
4-Day 1 16.80 168

Registration Fee # of students $ per school year Total
50 75 3750
Art Supplies Fee 50 75 3750

Net Income from Enrollmet 69912
Carryover Balance from last year 12406
TOTAL 82318

Fundraising Activities
Auction/ Dinner 8000
Scrip-Albertson’s 200
Make It Plates 500
T-Shirts 100
Monthly Fundraise Fee 50 @ 15.00 per month 7500
Trike a Thon 2500
Rummage Sale 2000
Interest Income 30

Total 20830

TOTAL PROJECTED INCOME 103148
TOTAL PROJECTED EXPENSE 91039

NET INCOME 12109

RESERVE FUNDS (SAVINGS) 10000

Serra Preschool Master Calendar
2011-2012
August

Monday 15th Make-it plates At Serra Preschool 10:00-12:00
Wednesday 17th Board Meeting
Wednesday 24th New Family Orientation @ 6:00
NO CHILDREN PLEASE !!!!
September
Thursday 1st 2 DAY OPEN HOUSE 10:00-12:00(Make it Plates)
Friday 2nd 3 and 4 DAY OPEN HOUSE 10:00-12:00(Make it Plates)
Monday 5th Tierra Grande Play date 2 day and 4day 11:30-2
Tuesday 6th Tierra Grande Play date 3day 11:30-2
Monday 12th OCCPPNS Meeting
Tuesday 13th Board Meeting 1:30
Wednesday 14th First day of school (3-day) 8:45 -12:00 and
(4-day) 12:30-3:30
Thursday 15th First day of school (2-day) 8:45-12:00
Wednesday 28th General Meeting 6:00 Bring your calendar and
Check book, E-script numbers, Introduce Recycle
Program, iGive and Halloween Carnival
Friday 30th Bon Fire and Movie at North Beach

October
Friday 7th 6 Week Cleanup (Mandatory to do 1 during school and end of year)
Tuesday 11th Board Meeting 12:45
Monday 10th OCCPPNS Meeting
Friday 14th Bon-Fire and Halloween movie B.Y.O.P. For carving
Wednesday 26th General Meeting 6pm: Bring Check book,
Trike-a-Thon Information
Wednesday 26th Halloween Parade 3 Day and 4 Day
Thursday 27th Halloween Parade 2 Day
Friday 28th Halloween Carnival 6:00 All School Function

November
Thursday 3rd Trike-a-thon 2 day
Friday 4th Trike-a-thon 3 day and 4 day
Monday 7th OCCPPNS Meeting
Tuesday 8th Board Meeting 1:30
Friday 11th Veteran’s day Holiday NO SCHOOL
Wednesday 16th GENERAL MEETING 6pm(auction updates)

Thursday 17th 6 Week Cleanup
Monday 21st-Friday 25th THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY NO SCHOOL
Monday 28th School resumes

December
Tuesday 13th BOARD MEETING 1:30
Monday 12th OCCPPNS Meeting
Thursday 15th Holiday ornament painting @ Serra
Friday 16th Family Winter Holiday Party (PJ’S) 6:00
Monday 19th – Tuesday 3rd WINTER HOLIDAY NO SCHOOL
Friday 23rd Build a sand man @Riviera bch.

January
Tuesday 3rd School Resumes
Monday 9th OCCPPNS Meeting
Tuesday 10th BOARD MEETING 1:30
Saturday 14th Yard Sale
Monday 16th Martin Luther King JR -NO SCHOOL
Tuesday 17th 6 Week CLEANUP
Friday 20th Bonfire with movie
Wednesday 25th General Meeting 6pm, Mid Year School Reviews
Saturday 28th 3 day and 4 day fix it day

February
Friday 10th Adult Play date 5:30- 8:30 activity TBA
Tuesday 14th BOARD MEETING 1:30- Results of Mid Year
School Review
Friday 17th Lincoln’s Day – No SCHOOL
Monday 20th Washington Day- NO SCHOOL
Tuesday 21st 6 WEEK CLEAN UP
Wednesday 22nd General Meeting 6pm, Auction information
Saturday 25th Bon Fire @ Doheny

March
Thursday 1st Open House 10-12 – NO SCHOOL (2 Day)
Saturday 10th Adult Play Date 5:30-8:30
Tuesday 13th BOARD MEETING 1:30
Monday 12th OCCPPNS Meeting
Wednesday 28th General Meeting 6pm,
Auction updates
April
Friday 5th Spa Day
Saturday 7th 6 WEEK CLEAN UP
Monday 9th-13th SPRING BREAK – NO SCHOOL
Monday 16th SCHOOL RESUMES
Monday 16th OCCPPNS Meeting
Tuesday 17th BOARD MEETING 1:30
Thursday 19th Pictures with Diane 2 day
Friday 20th Pictures with Diane 3day and 4 Day
Wednesday 25th General Meeting 6pm, Auction Updates
Teacher Review
May
SMay 12th AUCTION (Date is Pending)
Tuesday 8th BOARD MEETING 1:30/ 6 WEEK CLEAN UP
Wednesday 23rd General MEETING 6pm, Yard Sale/ BBQ
Saturday 26th 2 Day fix it day
Monday 28th MEMORIAL DAY NO SCHOOL

June
Thursday 2nd Dad’s Breakfast – 2 day
Friday 1st Dad’s Breakfast – 3 day/Pending activity for 4day
Monday 4th 3 Day and 4 Day Class LAST DAY
Tuesday 5th 2 Day Class LAST DAY
Wednesday 6th ALL SCHOOL CARNIVAL
Thursday 7th End of Year CLEANUP
Friday 8th End of Year CLEANUP
Saturday 9th Make up day for fix it day
Wednesday 13th Transition Dinner 6:00

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