Snack Procedures
The Jewish Preschool for the Community will provide kosher snacks. If you would like to bring in a special snack, please keep in mind things that are good for you and fun and easy to eat. All commercially prepared foods must be marked with a kosher symbol, generally either a U or a K. Fresh fruits and vegetables do not need a kosher symbol. Also keep in mind disposable plastic spoons, forks, and paper plates that might be needed for serving and/or eating the snack! In addition to providing snack for the week, we will also provide the Challah and grape juice for Shabbat on Fridays.
Lunch Procedures
All children have the opportunity to eat lunch at school. Dairy lunches should be brought from home. To best be able to observe the laws of Kashrut, please do not include pork or shellfish in your child’s lunch.
Please let the teachers know if items need to be placed in the refrigerator or if it needs to be heated in the microwave. We will have the motzi (blessing for bread) before each meal. Lunchtime is a time for the children to calm down and enjoy the company of those around them.
Bathroom Procedures: Diaper and Potty Training
We feel that each child should be allowed to develop at their own rate and level of comfort. Because of this approach, we do not require that children be potty trained to enter our program. We do ask that when your child is ready to begin this new experience, that you inform the teachers how you are doing this at home. We want to continue to support your child at school in this endeavor in the most consistent way.
Children who are in diapers are required to bring in their own diapers and containers of wipes. We also ask that you share with your child’s teacher any special things that might make this easier for the child at school. For example, how do you ask your child to come change their diaper? Your help in these matters will allow us to maintain the close relationship and assure your child a positive experience.
Dressing for Preschool
Dress your child for active and outdoor play. Expect paint, mud, and food spills as a by-product of the preschool experience. Smocks can be provided by the school to try to protect clothing. Please send in safe footwear. Sandals, flip-flops, etc. are dangerous since children tend to trip in them. Please send extra, weather-appropriate clothing for your child in case of accidents or mess.
Birthday Celebrations
Please let us know if you would like to bring in a special snack treat for your child’s birthday. Please do not bring special favors to be handed out in class. If you are having a party outside the classroom, please provide invitations for all the children in the class. You can give invitations to the Director to be placed in students’ folders.
Field Trips
We hope to provide the most positive enriching experience for your child, in order to do this we will provide opportunities for field trips several times throughout the year. We often take the Lions class next door to the Brookdale Nursing Home to visit the residents. When we have field trips that are not in walking distance, either a sign-up sheet will be provided for parents to drive, or each child will be expected to ride with his or her own parent(s). We do not have a vehicle large enough for everyone, so we depend on you to help us transport the children.
Children’s Art
When presented with the results of your child’s artistic expression, remember it is the process more than the product that is important. The creative process can include new knowledge about oneself, about colors and shapes, and improved skill in coordination, language, and socialization. A good response is, “Tell me about it.” Your child can help decide which pieces to keep which to send to relatives, and which to discard.