Parents Handbook

• I can do it
• Mistakes are for learning
• We respect each other
• I can be a friend
• I have a lot to give
• My choices matter

The preschool years are a time for discovery.

Our curriculum provides children with the opportunities to explore art, music, creative dramatics, puppetry, science, small and large motor-skill development, and gain elementary school preparation.

These experiences stimulate physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Learning through discovery is a great joy!

For more than 30 years, we’ve provided a highly respected, safe, and nurturing environment that encourages children to explore and learn
about themselves, their peers, and their world.

Our curriculum helps students develop the intellectual and social skills needed to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

Community Arts Preschool began in 1981 at the Lakewood Center for the Arts in downtown Lake Oswego. We’ve grown from serving 32 students to more than 100, with a staff of 11 highly experienced and dedicated teaching professionals.

Since 1997, Community Arts has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This gold standard of certification requires an extensive on-going review process of the curriculum, classroom, teachers and training, including on-site observations.

Over the decades, we’ve seen many of our students and parents develop friendships that continue far beyond the preschool years.

Community Arts is a special place-we’re glad you’re part of it!

Beginning Group Circle

A time to welcome friends, sing songs, movement, sharing,and games about letters, and numbers.

Choosing Time

A free exploration of art, dramatic play,
blocks and building, manipulative play, science exploration, and reading. Small groups also work together in team building activities.

Snack Time

Children enjoy home snacks and school cooking projects.

Outdoor Play

Sand and water play, swings, slide, climbing structures and lots of room to run and explore on our enclosed playground. An indoor dance room with activities is used during inclement weather.

Ending Group

A time for music, play-acting, storytelling and games.

Arrival

Please have your child arrive at school on time, with a snack, and prepared for the playground.

Since we go outside year-round, please make sure your child brings a coat with a hood, or sweater, hat and mittens, or rain boots, depending on the day.

Children need to wear PLAY clothes. Although we use water-based paint and washable markers, we want our students to have fun and not worry about drips, or dirt on the playground. Art smocks are available, but always optional.

Soft-soled and flexible shoes are recommended. Sneakers with Velcro work well. Sandals, cowboy boots, clogs, heels, and flip flops should be avoided.

We open the doors at 8:55 (for AM classes) and begin dismissal at ll:50. Pre-K and Afternoon 4’s begin at 12:30 and dismiss at 3:30 P.M. We encourage you to bring your child into the classroom at the start of the day. At dismissal, we will bring your child to you at the classroom door.

If someone besides the child’s parent or authorized caregiver is picking them up, we need the name on a sign-out sheet in the classroom ahead of time.

Please do not park on Middlecrest-it is not safe for children. There is a parking lot behind the school.

Children cannot be left unattended in the hallway or parking lot. We ask that they walk, not run, in the hallway and be respectful of meetings and other classes in the Lakewood Center.

Children are welcome to use our playground before and after class, but
please, no tree climbing on school grounds.

At pick-up time, there is a daily summary posted in the hall outside each classroom describing “What we did at school today.” This helps you to discuss the day with your child, referring to specific activities, games, songs, and books.

Much of our program is choice-based, and we encourage children to explore and sample different activities. Please keep in mind not everyone chooses to participate in everything offered. Art is a process to be explored, and doesn’t always end with a “finished” product.

Students also initiate their own games and play with others as well.

We schedule individual parent conferences with written observations in November and March. Our teachers will share with you developmental milestones and any concerns, and we encourage you to do the same with them.

Drop-off and pick-up times are often busy, so please feel free to contact your child’s teacher in the off-hours, by phone, or e-mail, or to set-up a time to talk in person.

If something is troubling your child about school, or something is happening at home that is affecting his or her behavior, please share with us so we can be of help.

If your child is sick, please keep them home if they have a bad cold or cough, or contagious rash, and for at least 24 hours after vomiting or
having a fever.

Please call the school if your child will be absent.

Snacks range from a half sandwich with fruit or veggies and a juice box, to cheese and crackers, or a granola bar and a water bottle, depending on your child’s appetite.

Please send food in containers children can easily open themselves.

No peanut or nut items, candy or chocolate-covered snacks.

We all love to celebrate birthdays! Families can share a healthy store-bought snack with the class, make a book donation, or lead a cooking or craft project. We’ve got lots of fun birthday ideas-just ask!

We encourage parents to visit the classroom, and you are welcome to participate in activities, share any special talents or interests, or simply observe our day.

All of our teachers are certified in first aid and infant/child CPR, and re-certified regularly. In the case of a medical emergency, we contact you and 911. If needed, your child is transported to Meridian Park Hospital in Tualatin, which is the closest medical facility. We schedule fire and earthquake drills monthly for all classes.

We follow the Lake Oswego School District regarding weather-related school closures.

Local television and radio stations broadcast district cancellations and delays:

When L.O. schools are closed – so is Community Arts.

When L.O. schools open one hour late – so does Community Arts.

When L.O. schools open two hours late, we have NO morning classes, but afternoon classes are on their regular schedule.

Tuesday and Thursday 3’s
8:55 to ll:50 a.m.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 4’s
8:55 to ll:50 a.m.

4 day 4’s class (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)
8:55 to 11:50 a.m..

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday PRE-K
12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Our tuition is pro-rated over a period of nine and one-half months, with one half tuition due in June. This is the total cost of the program, regardless of vacations, holidays, snow days, or the first/last days of school. A 30-day notice is required for withdrawal from school.

MONTHLY TUITION FOR 2019/2020 SCHOOL YEAR:

• Tuesday/Thursday class – $248.00
• Monday/Wednesday/Friday class – $290.00
• Afternoon Pre-k class – $345.00
• 4 day morning class – $355.00

Tuition is due the 1st of each month and may be paid by cash, check, bill-pay through your bank, or online using your credit card. If you wish to pay online, please click on the “Pay Now” button below.

NOTE – If paying online, please add $7.00 per month for each month paid.