Home

Welcome
Our History
Teacher-Director’s Philosophy
A Commitment from the Board to the Membership
How to Be a Good (even great) Co-oper (General Information)
Understand Your Responsibilities and Fulfill Them
Arrival and Departure
Read All Notices and Check Mail Boxes
Fundraising
Toys From Home
A Change of Clothing
Illness
Immunizations
Toileting
Fieldtrips
Birthdays
Express Your Dissatisfaction in the Proper Place
Support Your Teacher
Working Parents
Art Parent Description
Activity Parent Description
Snack Parent Description
Suggestions for Snack
Food Allergy
Daily Schedule
PCN Parent Agreement
Action Guidelines for non-compliance of Required Working Days
You May Be Surprised by What You See in Preschool
Children’s Limits
Disciplinary Philosophy and Policy
PCN Discipline Policy
Emergency Procedures
Admission/Withdrawal
Scholarship Fund
Parent and Child in Preschool – The ABC’s of Preparing Your Child for Preschool
Self-Esteem is the Key to Success in School and Life
A Note to Parents from Your Child

We are happy to welcome newcomers and returning veterans to the Petoskey Children's Nursery family. Get ready for a fantastic year of sharing, growing, learning and cooperating. Our teacher and the Board of Directors have worked hard to provide the best opportunities for your entire family. While your children attend our classes, you will be part of some very pleasing experiences too!

I hope that this handbook will reduce or eliminate any beginning-of- the -year confusion. It is packed with helpful hints and information. Please read it carefully, It explains our teacher's philosophy, classroom activities, your responsibilities and PCN policies.

Plans for a co-operative nursery in Petoskey began in the middle of September 1963, when about twenty mothers gathered in the basement of the Presbyterian Church with an idea and very little more besides boundless enthusiasm. After many, many more meetings and lots of hard work, we held our first class on November 10, 1963, more than 30 years ago. We first rented classrooms in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church then moved to Petoskey United Methodist Church in the fall of 2000. We are licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Social Services.

The Petoskey Children's Nursery, Inc. is a co-operative, non-denominational and non-profit organization. Our purpose, as stated in our by-laws, is to provide a supervised program in which the emotional, physical and social needs of our children can be satisfied. A Board of Directors elected by our membership manages administration of the nursery. Our teacher, Phyllis Dickmann, started with us many years ago as a substitute, and took over full teacher responsibilities in 1993.

"Our cooperative nursery is a very special school and is the ideal way to expand a child's world securely. It is a special time too, when children want you involved with them, and in our hectic world n is admirable to have parents take time to be involved. My philosophy is that nursery school should be an exciting, enjoyable experience with the emphasis on maturing through social, motor and verbal activities in a loving and understanding atmosphere. Children need time and opportunity to play and grow, for one needs to learn to move before one can move to learn. Every child needs to know they are special and unique and be provided with appropriate choices for their level of growth. The area of emphasis for our school is as varied as the children themselves, with a balance of free and organized play and indoor and outdoor activities. In addition, children will have the opportunity to make choices as well as learn to do what is asked. Our day is focused on our goal of having each child possess a positive self-image and be able to communicate and feel comfortable with and in their surroundings. It is a privilege and honor for me to work with you and your child in this endeavor.”

A Commitment from the Board to the Membership:

· To administer effectively, our non-profit, non-sectarian cooperative nursery school.

· To assist our highly qualified teacher who determines the appropriate curriculum.

· To provide a stimulating and reliable flow of information.

· To provide a safe and interesting environment in which to conduct classes. To clearly identify each parent's duties within the co-op.

· To appreciate EACH individual contribution.

Every parent brings to the nursery school fresh enthusiasm, and a desire to "do it right.” While we look forward to the dynamic blend of parents we encounter each year, we do offer the following guidelines to clarify your responsibilities.

UNDERSTAND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND FULFILL THEM

Everyone's contributions count! This is an organization where the functioning of the whole depends upon the functioning of each part, and the contribution of each adult, large or small, can make or break the school as a whole.

Orientation (sign up at summer picnic for your time) is the time you become acquainted with your teacher, your Board of Directors, your teacher, your Board of Directors, your responsibilities, your "job" and your school routine.

General Membership Meetings are held 2 times a year and must be attended by one or both parents. These meetings are mandatory. The first will be held in the fall, the second in the spring. If you are unable to attend because of an emergency, you must call the Secretary with your reasons. A fine is levied for unexcused absences. Other obligations include holding one school job or board position. Please become familiar with how the Phone Tree works.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

Working parents should arrive promptly at their assigned times to assist the teacher with preparations for the day and remain after class to complete jobs.

Children should be at school by 8:55 (12:55 for afternoon classes) and be picked up promptly at 11:00 for the T-Th class and 11:15 for the M-W- F class (2:30 for the afternoon classes). Habitual tardiness will be brought to the attention of the Board. If you are unable to pick up your child, arrange for another parent or relative to pick them up and PLEASE INFORM THE TEACHER.

Call the school (347-6581) if your child will be absent, exceptionally late, or picked up early. You may call the teacher at home if not too early.

PCN follows the Petoskey Public School cancellation announcements due to acts of God. If they are closed, we are closed. During winter months listen to radio and TV for storm closings. Expect a call via our telephone tree.

The afternoon class will be canceled if the public school schedules a half-day and if school is dismissed for the day due to weather.

READ ALL NOTICES AND CHECK MAIL BOXES

This is the best way to stay informed and it is the responsibility of each parent to read the classroom door every day for new information schedules, etc. Car-pool members be sure to pass along the information to the other parents in the group.

FUNDRAISING

A rare member joins a co-op for fundraising opportunities. PCN however wants to put the FUN back in Fundraising. There are various ways to make extra income for the school and some of them can be quite painless. The money raised by these activities is vital to our organization. Your participation in fundraising is required, so please pitch in to the best of your ability.

There are at least 2 fundraisers each year. These are used to raise the fundraising income as stated in the annual budget. If the goal is reached by the first, there may be no need for additional fundraising.

Again, the term co-op takes on special meaning. Remember that parents before you have worked hard to build up Petoskey Children's Nursery for you. Many years of members to come will reap the harvest of your efforts this year. We need everyone's effort to carry on the PCN tradition of excellence.

TOYS FROM HOME

Children may bring items from home for share-time only if their parent is a 'working parent’ that day. Please discourage children from bringing toy guns, knives, lassoes, etc. PCN does not assume responsibility for loss or damage to these items.

A CHANGE OF CLOTHING

At the beginning of the school year provide a spare change of “Just In Case” clothing in a clearly labeled zip lock bag. At the end of the school year pick up all clothing.

ILLNESS

Fever – Please keep your child home when his/her temperature is 100* or higher.

Chicken Pox – Incubation period id 12-21 days. If your child gets chicken pox please the child home until all of the lesions are scabbed over.

Coughs and Colds – Here there are no fast rules. Please use your best judgment when deciding to send your child to school. Children are not always the best at covering their mouths and blowing their own noses. Take into consideration both how your child feels and the effect on other families.

Strep, infections, pinkeye, etc. - Please follow your doctor’s advice and send your child back as soon as they are up to it. We will MISS them!

Parents shall provide an immunization record showing their child has received the recommended dose(s) of all of the applicable immunizations as stated in the Northwest Michigan Community Health Agency’s “Recommended Immunization Schedule”, which will be posted at school in the beginning of the year. Further information about this policy can be found in the PCN Policy and Procedure manual, Chapter number 100, subject 6.

Under DSS regulations, PCN does not provide diaper-changing facilities. All children attending PCN should know how to use the toilet. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the teacher and she/he will discuss options with you.

FIELD TRIPS

During the school year, several fun and interesting field trips are planned. The parent holding the field trip job will arrange for drivers to transport children. There will be 2 adults in each vehicle to supervise a maximum of 5 children. Only scheduled working parents need to stay, but all parents are welcome. Only PCN students should attend field trips. Please check with the teacher if siblings are welcome. At the conclusion, the children will be transported back to school. Pick them up at school at the normal end of class time unless you have met us at the field trip location.

If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday by sending cupcakes or a special treat, please notify your class representative of the date in advance. You may also plan a birthday date for those who have summer birthdays. Please sign up as the snack parent on the day you wish to celebrate.

EXPRESS YOUR DISSATISFACTION IN THE PROPER PLACE

Nothing can be as demoralizing to a nursery school as the unhappy parent who complains just to a small group of friends. Nothing can make the whole thing unhappy than the " negative remark dropper.” However, this IS your nursery school and you have a right to express dissatisfactions. When you feel something is wrong, speak to the proper person. First, research your gripe. Is the topic covered in the handbook? Did you miss important information discussed at a meeting?

If you are concerned about your child, their adjustment to school or behavior while in school, go to our expert, our teacher. She can offer insights, or perhaps recommend a referral. The teacher will let you know when she is available for a meeting. DO NOT expect her to discuss personal concerns at the beginning of class. That is her time to greet the children! Please do not make a negative comment during drop off or pick up time, none of us would like to start or end our day that way.

If you have a concern about the progress, policies, or the organization of the co-op, contact a board member.

The Board will address all suggestions submitted in writing and placed in our suggestion box. You never know how useful constructive criticism can be! Contact your Class Representative. They attend the Board meetings for the sole purpose of keeping you informed, so do not be afraid to ask. You are welcome to attend any Board Meeting. The time and place of the meetings will be posted and sometimes listed in the newsletter. Please contact a Board Member ahead of time if you are interested in attending so extra chairs, goodies, etc. can be provided.

SUPPORT YOUR TEACHER

We have an unparalleled teacher. She is a well educated, experienced and respected professional. She teaches in our nursery school because she cherishes the parent/child/family aspect of a co-op. She has a challenging job planning the children's program and helping parents gain new insights into their own child and group as a whole. You can help her do her job better by having a cooperative spirit. A word of appreciation helps, even teachers need praise!

Our teacher, Phyllis Dickmann, is always enthusiastic about discussing our children with us. Call her any time (within reason) at school or home (347-3867). This goes too for the Board Members, they are always eager to answer your questions. Let us make this a great co-op year!

The best part of being involved with a co-op is the opportunity to share the nursery school experience with your child. You will work approximately 2 times per month (or approx. 13 times for the TTH classes and 15 times for the MWF class). For each class there will be three parents (snack parent, art parent, play parent) assisting the teacher. The team goes through the daily routines, story time, free play and outdoor play - weather permitting. The responsibilities of each parent are posted in the room as well as in this handbook. Each month you sign up for your days to be a working parent.

Please try to stick to the assigned day that you signed up for, but if you are unable to work, it is your responsibility to call another parent and exchange working days. Please make changes on the schedule posted so you will be sure to receive credit for your days worked.

Working parents SHOULD NOT bring along any other children who are not enrolled in nursery school. If there is a problem, perhaps you can arrange to trade babysitting with another co-op member.

Following are descriptions of the responsibilities each parent must perform during the day.

Arrive early; Direct class in daily art project; Monitor “in” door during drop-off.

· Use "I Did It" board to know who has completed the project. Have children put their own clothespin on their name and, whenever possible, have kids place finished work on trays. Make project for absent child and/or put project parts in mailbox.

· Clean up after project and return tools, materials to their proper places. Begin to clean equipment (soak brushes, clean containers, etc.)

· Participate in clean up, story time, snack time, sharing and large group activity.

· Before snack, help children line up at the sinks. Assist (along with Activity Parent) children washing and drying their hands.

· Help children get their hats and coats on and then assist parents with finding their children’s artwork.

· Return art trays to room. Put any unclaimed art project in student's mailbox.

Arrive early; Play games, read books, encourage activities; Monitor “out” door during drop-off

· Continue playing games, reading books, playing with blocks or balls, leading dramatic play, etc.

· Before snack, help children line up at sinks. Assist (along with Art Parent) children washing and drying their hands in the bathroom.

· Unlock and get toys from storage shed when playing outside. Put toys away and lock shed if you are the final class of the day.

· Encourage and help children to put their outdoor clothes on. Help and play on playground.

· AM-parent empty wastebaskets only if full; PM-parent empty regardless and take to dumpster.

· In an emergency, YOU CALL 911; if the class needs to exit the building get the emergency cards next to telephone and bring them with class.

Arrive early; Bring snack for class, teacher, and other working parents. (napkins and cups are provided)

· If you need the refrigerator for the snack place in church kitchen fridge and label it PCN, otherwise, put snack on the counter cabinet.

· Assist art parent in getting ready for the art project. Make sure 2 spray bottles are filled with sanitizing solution and ready for clean up.

· Wash tables with spray bottle cleaning solution. (MWF class use place mats put these on the tables)

· Set out napkins, cups and snacks while class goes to wash hands. Your child may help you after their hands are washed.

· Pour drink into snack pitchers and place on the "J" table so the children may pour their own drink. Do not put milk in the pitchers, only juice or water.

· Return to classroom after the children’s departures to clean pitchers and vacuum carpets.

The following are some suggestions we have of items that are nutritional and interesting for the children. We would be delighted to hear your ideas too!

Fresh, Canned, or Dried Fruit (apples, pears, bananas, grapes, oranges, cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple chunks)

Approximately 1 gallon of drink will be needed per class. We request milk or pure fruit juices.

We also enjoy cooking experiences at school several times throughout the year. You may be requested to bring ingredients for a project instead of a snack.

If your child has a food allergy please notify the teacher in a dated letter stating the allergy and any instructions regarding the allergy. Provide alternate snacks to store in classroom in the event that snack is not appropriate for your child on any particular day.

Arrival of working parents 20-25 minutes before class is scheduled to begin (8:35 a.m./12:05 p.m.). The snack parent fills cleaning bottles. Others help set-up and monitor in/out doors.

Arrival of Children - Parents must bring their children down to the room where they will put on name badges and are greeted by the teacher. Please check your mailbox at this time.

Small Group Choices - art, block play, drama, sand table, science, puzzles, games, housekeeping, and reading.

At fall General Membership Meeting, each family will be required to sign a parent agreement contract. This agreement describes the requirements of each PCN family.

1. Work in the classroom approximately 2 times per month (although this could be slightly higher if enrollment is low). While the "working adult" is usually a parent it may be any loving adult who is special to the child- a relative or older sibling or a regular babysitter are all possibilities. If an adult not familiar with the nursery procedure is working in my place I will brief them on the duties involved for whichever position (art, activity, snack) I am signed up. I will also remind him/her to read the "working parent" duties posted in the classroom.

2. Sign up for a school job or board position and fulfill the duties associated with that position.

3. Attend or be excused from the mandatory fall and spring General Membership meetings, with the understanding it is my responsibility to find out what I missed at the meeting. If I fail to attend and do not have an excused absence, I must pay a $5 fine to PCN.

I have read and understand the above and agree as well to follow all conditions as set forth in the PCN By-laws and Policies and Procedures available to each member at his/her at orientation.

This will be kept on file, however there is an unsigned copy in your handbook as well as a description of action to be taken for non-compliance with working parent duties.

1. If any member fails to fulfill the signed PCN Parent Agreement for cooperative days worked, the following steps will be taken:

2. If a member falls behind in required working days for 1 month, the class representative will make reasonable steps towards reconciliation.

3. If a member falls 2 months behind in required working days without making satisfactory arrangements for make-up, the class representative will notify the member in writing with copies to the Petoskey Children's Nursery Board Members.

4. If after 2 weeks from the date of the letter, no satisfactory arrangements have been made, the president of the board will call the member to inform them that attendance to the nursery has been suspended.

If after 1 month from the date of the original notification no satisfactory arrangements have been made, the member will receive a letter of termination from The Petoskey Children's Nursery by the board of directors.

The children may be more active and noisy than you expected. There is no objection to good-natured noise. This is normal for this age. If the noise is keeping the other children from THEIR day, we remind children to use "indoor" voices, and keep their "outdoor” voices for the playground later.

You may not always notice formal classroom - type instruction, but there are goals in mind for all aspects of our program.

PCN will provide a program of daily activities planned by the teacher and relationships that will offer opportunities for the growth and development of each student in all of the following areas:

You may see the teacher spending a great deal of time with one particular child. She knows when a child needs extra attention or needs to be diverted from interfering with the play of other children. The other children understand this and know "When I'm in trouble, then my teacher will see that I get help." No child is ever overlooked. (Notice the attention during your working day - everyone's chance to shine.) The teacher tries to give each child the attention he needs WHEN he/she needs it.

In general, cooperation in routine IS expected of the children, however the teacher may not insist that a child join the others. Some children will not be ready yet to join a group activity and we can help them most by encouraging WITHOUT PUSHING or "making" them. There is no use in trying to make a children walk before he is physically able; and likewise, he must be socially and emotionally ready for new experiences before we insist that he have them. Actually, choosing not to learn, in itself, is a learning experience. He will become ready more quickly if we permit him to develop at his own speed, rather than pushing him through one stage into another. Children are different, and we cannot expect them all to be ready for the same experience at the same time.

It is our desire to instill in our children respect for others and their property. When you are assisting, please remind the children of these rules. Please, emphasize the positive whenever possible.

· Children should not sit on tables or climb on chairs and shelves. Please try to limit the outside climber to five or less for safety.

· Anything brought out must be put back in the proper place. (Try to keep ahead of the scheduled clean up time!)

· Materials are not to be thrown. "Let me show you how we can use that in a fun way.”

· Hitting, biting, kicking, scratching and spitting are not allowed. Tend to the injured first, then the aggressor.

· During snack, wait until everyone is present to begin. When the majority of the class is finished, we will move on to the next activity. Remaining children still enjoy snack and join us as soon as they are finished.

It is the philosophy of the Petoskey Cooperative Nursery not to use any corporal punishment at any time to discipline the children enrolled in the nursery school. Discipline is accomplished through positive reinforcement.

1. Basic classroom rules are discussed at the beginning of each term. Cooperation and consideration are of prime importance. The parents and the teacher reinforce specific examples of good conduct. Specific examples of misconduct are handled through positive reinforcement as the need arises.

2. When a problem or misconduct occurs, either the teacher and/or the parent immediately speaks with the child and:

3. If the child does repeat the problem or misconduct the teacher issues a "time out" period for 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the individual child's ability to sit still and handle the 'time out."

4. After the "time out" period ends the teacher returns to the child, asks the child to explain why the "time out" was necessary and stresses the positive rules to the child. One example of such a rule would be "walking feet please in the room.”

5. At the end of the scheduled class, the parent of the child involved is generally informed that a "time out" was necessary that day and asked to continue the positive reinforcement at home.

Just as a family is committed to growing together, so is the Petoskey Children's Nursery Inc. We have many strengths and common goals: high ideals, concern for others, good friendships, sharing work and play, and reaping the benefits of a safe, nurturing, successful experience for young children and their families.

Discipline includes these goals for our children: safety and respect for self and others, and teaching by modeling appropriate behavior to build life long self - discipline. Above all, our classroom must be a safe place for all involved in the program. Because not all children are developmentally ready for group play situations in the early preschool years, the Petoskey Children's Nursery has an adjustment period of six (6) weeks to determine if this program best fits the needs of your child. If a problem exists, the following communications will take place:

1. Upon recognizing a particular pattern of negative behavior, the parent will be notified of such behavior. Discussion will focus on the positive ways to help the situation, with all parties co-operating and with ongoing written and oral communication.

2. After six (6) weeks, the parents, teacher and a designated board member will determine if the child should remain at PCN, or if his/her needs could be better met elsewhere.

3. Problems arising throughout the school year will be dealt with along the same guidelines.

a) Inappropriate behavior will have immediate consequences. Inappropriate behavior in our classroom is purposeful injury to self or others, excessive anger, deliberate destruction, and continued refusal to be part of classroom activities.

b) PCN reserves the right to dismiss a child for reasons of non-cooperation or inability of the child and/or parents inability to adjust to the school's program and/or philosophy throughout the school year.

PCN follows the schedule of the Petoskey Public School for snow days. When they are closed, PCN is closed. During the winter months listen to radio stations for storm closings. We will attempt to also use the “phone-tree” notify everyone.

The teacher and parents will escort the children out of the classroom at the safest exit and gather at meeting point, which will be the parking lot basketball hoop. If it is unsafe to remain at the basketball hoop the class will go to Petoskey High School.

It may be necessary to crawl to avoid smoke inhalation. We will be practicing STOP, DROP and ROLL in our October safety unit.

As warning, we will receive a call from the Sheriff’s Department. We may also be alerted by sirens or a member of the church staff.

For the all clear, we will receive another call from the Sheriff’s Department.

Admission to Petoskey Children's Nursery, (PCN), will be based on the criteria outlined in PCN's Policies and Procedures Manual, Chapter number 100, including submission of all required forms, and monies.

To withdrawal from PCN, a member should also refer to PCN’s Policies and Procedures Manual, Chapter number 100, subject 4, which states a member can terminate their membership from the school at any time. Members shall give one month’s notice to the Membership Chairperson in case of withdrawal for any reason. The remainder of tuition shall be refunded on a prorated basis with one month’s written notice.

Purpose --The purpose of the Scholarship fund is to provide assistance for monthly tuition for any registered family facing a financial hardship.

Eligibility--Any family that has paid the registration fee and first month's tuition is eligible to request scholarship funds.

Approval Committee -The scholarship approval committee members are the teacher, president and assistant treasurer. Families may contact any one of these three members to request scholarship funds after becoming a registered family. Written requests are preferred. ALL REQUESTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.

Disbursement -The treasurer will be asked to write a check for tuition payable to Petoskey Children's Nursery from the scholarship funds. This will be done without disclosure of beneficiary. The assistant treasurer will credit the requesting family for the payment.

Fund Balance--A fund balance will be maintained in the scholarship fund by designating the proceeds from a fundraising event to the fund. All or part of any proceeds may be placed in the fund. No extra fundraising is necessary if the board decides the current balance is adequate.

Petoskey United Methodist Church Petoskey Children's Nursery