SonShine Academy PARENT HANDBOOK
CONTENTS
1. Welcome to Sonshine Academy
2. Hours of Operation
3. Payment Policy & Tuition
4. Registration Fee
5. School Calendar/School Closing
6. Daily Check-In and Check-Out
7. Authorized Child Pick-Up and Arrangements
8. Learning Curriculum
9. Educational Philosophy
10. What Your Child Should Bring to SonShine
11. Student Dress
12. Hot Weather, Outdoor Play, and Sunscreen
13. Meals and Snacks
14. Open Door Policy
15. Classroom Parties and Special Events
16. Immunizations
17. Medication
18. Medical Care Plan
19. Child Assessment
20. Health Check and Illness Policy
21. Head Lice Policy
22. Accidents and Injury
23. Naptime
24. Emergency Drills
25. Security and Safety
26. Standards of Conduct for Staff and Parents
27. Behavior Guidance
28. Child Maltreatment, Abuse, and Neglect
29. Withdrawal Policy
30. Nondiscrimination Policy
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1. Welcome to SonShine Preschool!
Thank you for choosing SonShine Christian Academy Preschool for your child. We realize that you have
entrusted us with your most valuable treasure. Our entire staff is committed to promoting your child’s
physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development in a Christ- centered environment
where each child is guided in growth through age-appropriate activities.
This Parent Handbook was written with you in mind. Please read it and become familiar with all of the
sections. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email the Director at
sonshine@rivervalleynaz.org or call 479-646-2671
Sonshine Academy is fully licensed through the Arkansas Department of Human Services division of
Early Care and Education Childcare Licensing Unit.
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2. Hours of Operation
Standard Day
Standard preschool hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Children should arrive between 7:30
and 8:00 a.m. Classroom activities begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. Please give our office a courtesy
call if you know you are going to be late or absent. Children may be picked up from 3:00 to 3:30
p.m.
Extended care is available from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for $100.00 per month.
Accounts may be assessed a late fee of $1.00 per minute for pick-up times beyond scheduled pick-up
Half Day Option
Half day preschool hours are from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. Half day option is only available for 5 days a
week attendance.
Three Day Option
Three-day option is available full days on Monday/Wednesday/Friday.
Note that the beginning of a school day can be an exciting but difficult period for children. To
facilitate a smooth separation from parents, encourage your child to play and relax with the
other children upon arrival. It is desirable that parents do not linger at the classroom door or
windows unnecessarily. Maintaining an efficient drop-off routine with your child will help
everyone in the class remain positive and allows class to begin on time. Know that we will do
everything possible to comfort and sooth your child if he or she experiences separation anxiety.
3. Payment Policy
All tuition fees are due by the 5th of each month and a $20.00 late fee is assessed from accounts not
current after the 10th of the month. SonShine charges a fee of $25.00 for any returned checks.
Students will not be allowed to return to class for accounts that are delinquent past the 10
th
of the
month. Once the account is in good standing the student will be allowed to return to class. Your
prompt payment each month is vital for the financial well being of our preschool operation.
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2022-2023 Weekly Tution Rate
Monday-Friday 7:30-3:30 = $150.00
Monday-Friday 7:30-Noon = $100.00
Mon/Wed/Friday 7:30-3:30 = $120.00
Extended Care 3:30-5:30= $100.00 per month
4. Registration Fee
A non-refundable registration fee of $150.00 is due at enrollment. In addition Sonshine families
will pay a curriculum fee of $100.00 per semester. Curriculum fee is due in August for fall
semester and January for spring semester.
Each year, students must re-enroll into the program and the designated registration and
curriculum fees must be paid.
These fees cover your child’s curriculum materials, payment for all Sonshine staff CPR and First
Aid certification, staff background and child maltreatment checks.
5. School Calendar and Closings
Sonshine typically follows the Fort Smith Public Schools calendar (with a few exceptions). See
the Sonshine school calendar for details. School closings include professional development days,
holiday breaks and school closings due to inclement weather. Weather related closings will not be
refunded and days will not be added at the end of the school year. Parents should tune in to local
radio and/or television stations for weather-related school closing information. If Fort Smith
Public Schools are closed for inclement weather, Sonshine will also be closed.
6. Daily Check-in and Check-out Procedures
Each class has a sign-in sheet posted at the classroom door. Your child must be signed in and out
upon arrival and departure. You will be asked to sign your name and time in the space provided
along with any special instructions or notes your child’s teacher will need for the day.
7. Authorized Child pick-up and Arrangements
Because your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to us, only adults listed on your child’s
authorized pick-up list may pick up your child, unless we receive a written note from you. All
authorized individuals should be prepared to show picture ID. The Sonshine office must have
written consent for any changes to your child’s pick-up list. Parents may call or e-mail the office
for immediate changes.
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8. Learning Curriculum
SonShine learning curriculum meets and exceeds all state standards and provides a strong
foundation for a child’s early years, inspiring a love for learning. Children learn through play,
interaction, and instruction. We encourage learning by providing an environment that promotes
higher order thinking skills and creativity. See the SonShine Curriculum Handbook for further
detail.
9. Educational Philosophy
At SonShine Academy we value…
• A Christ centered learning environment
• Teaching children to have a biblical world view
• Each child, their individual needs, and learning style
• Children’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas
• Family involvement in their child’s early educational experience
• A positive early education experience for each child
At SonShine Academy, we believe that children learn best…
• Through play
• Using authentic materials and through authentic learning experiences
• When they are actively engaged in the learning process
• By asking questions
• Experiencing the natural world
• Engaging in conversations with teachers and peers
At SonShine Academy, we will strive to…
• Teach your child to early know and love the Lord
• Provide a safe and secure environment where each child knows they are loved and
cared for by God and our staff members
• Provide authentic learning experiences that promote higher order thinking skills
and creativity
• Guide your children in growth through age-appropriate activities
• Meet each child at their level and provide learning experiences that will enhance
their growth and development in all areas of their life
• Partner with parents and families of children in our care to provide the best
possible experience for each child
• Build each child’s confidence, self-esteem, academic curiosity, and belief in God’s
love for them
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10. What Your Child Should Bring to SonShine
SonShine requests that parents supply their child with the following items:
1.. Nutritious lunch. Please no beverages. Sonshine will provide milk, juice and water
2.
Seasonal change of clothes, including socks and underwear
3.
Crib-sized fitted sheet and blanket for naptime (cots are provided)
4.
Sunscreen
5.
Coat or jacket in cooler weather
Personal items should be stored in each child’s cubby. It is important that everything brought
from home be labeled with the child’s first and last name.
Your child’s teacher will communicate with you concerning the replacement of any of the required
items or other items needed for your child.
Children are not to bring toys from home except for show-and-tell days. SonShine is not
responsible for lost or broken toys.
11. Student Dress
SonShine requests that parents send your child in comfortable clothing. Dress appropriately for
the weather and for going outside. Washable play clothes and tennis shoes are the most suitable
for Preschoolers.
A complete change of clothes, including underwear and socks, are to be kept in your child’s cubby.
Please label a zip-lock bag containing these items and regularly check to make sure the clothes
are appropriate for the season.
12. Hot Weather, Outdoor play and Sunscreen
a.
In order to provide a safe outdoor experience in hot weather conditions, SonShine
recommends parents apply SPF 15+ sunscreen prior to their children’s arrival when weather
requires. Parents are also asked to provide sunscreen that staff can put on children before going
outside. If your child has a sunscreen allergy or sensitivity, please let your child’s teacher know
and provide sunscreen specific for your child to use.
b.
Staff encourages children to play in shaded areas whenever possible and remind children to
drink plenty of water as they can dehydrate quickly in hot weather.
c.
The length of time spent outdoors will be appropriate to the weather conditions and at the
discretion of the Director. If the temperature outside is 90 degrees or above, outdoor playtime
should be limited to 15 minutes for children ages 3-5 years old.
d.
Play during extreme temperatures will be held indoors in our gym.
e.
Children will not play outside if the temperature is 32 degrees or lower.
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13. Meals and Snacks
a.
At this time SonShine does not provide meals.
b.
Lunches must be brought from home. Lunches should be of a nutritious and healthy manner.
Please do not send beverages with children’s lunch. SonShine will provide milk, juice or water with
each lunch. A cold pack should be sent in the child’s lunch box.
c.
All allergies should be listed on your child’s registration form. Please discuss any food allergies
and/or dietary restrictions with the SonShine office and your child’s teacher.
d.
SonShine is a peanut/nut free environment.
e.
SonShine provides a nutritious snack each day for all children.
14. Open Door Policy
SonShine maintains an Open Door Policy. Parents and family members are invited to visit their
child’s classroom at any time. We encourage families to participate in all SonShine activities. We
welcome families to assist in the classroom with special projects, story time, etc. See your child’s
teachers for opportunities to get involved.
15. Classroom Parties and Special Events
Birthdays, holidays and special events that occur during the school year are recognized in each
child’s classroom. If you wish to provide a “Birthday treat” you must schedule this at least one
week prior to bringing it to class. Due to Health Department rules homemade treats are NOT
permitted. Holiday and special events will have sign-up sheets prior to the event. Please
remember that SonShine is a peanut/nut free environment. Other restrictions may apply
according to each classroom.
16. Immunizations
All children must have proper immunizations, according to age. A current immunization record for
your child must be kept on file in the SonShine office. SonShine follows Arkansas requirements
for immunizations. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide verification of up- to-date
immunizations in a timely manner as their child receives them. According to our licensing
requirements, a child has ten days to be fully immunized following enrollment. After the 10
th
day,
your child may not attend class until record of the immunizations is turned into the SonShine
office. See the immunization schedule in Appendix A for a listing of required vaccinations.
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17. Medication
All medications, including over-the-counter medications, require written instructions and must be
authorized by a parent or guardian. This form is available from the SonShine office and must be
on file before medication will be given.
All prescription medications must be in the original container, have a prescription label attached
to it with the name of the prescribing physician, your child’s name, the date issued, the name and
strength of the medication, the dosage amount, and the time(s) of day it is to be given.
Medications must not be expired and must be age-appropriate. If necessary, dosing instructions
for prescription medications may be faxed from your physician’s office.
18. Medical Care Plan
Pertinent medical information about your child should be included on their enrollment form. If
your child has a severe allergy or medical condition, a medical action plan from your doctor should
be given to the SonShine office, along with any medication. A medication form should be filled
out and placed with the medication. Staff members will be advised of your child’s medical care
plan in order to best serve your child. A confidential medical alert sheet will be in all SonShine
classrooms. If your child requires an Epi-Pen, please bring one to the SonShine office so we will
have it in the event of an emergency.
19. Child Assessment
All SonShine children will be given two forms of assessment during the school year. The Ages and
Stages assessment is done to identify special needs. The Student Observation Form is an
assessment in support of learning. Assessment results will be shared with parents during
conferences in October and February.
The Ages and Stages assessment is composed of 21 questionnaires designed to be completed by
parents at any point between 1 month and 5 ½ years of age. These questionnaires can identify
accurately infants or young children who are in need of further assessment to determine
whether they are eligible for early intervention services.
The Student Observation Form is based on the Arkansas State Frameworks for Early Childhood
Education. This assessment is designed to evaluate children’s progress in the areas of
development. The assessment is based on child observations and classroom performance.
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20. Health Check and Illness Policy
A daily health check of each child is made on the child’s arrival to school. This check is carried
out in the presence of the parent(s) by the teacher, or teacher’s assistant; it is a routine part of
the greeting process. We can only accept well children into our care. If a child is not well enough
to play outdoors or take part in gym time activities, he or she should be cared for at home. You
will be notified if your child becomes ill at school. We will provide short-term care until your
child can be picked up. On occasion, this examination may lead to a decision that a child is not
well enough to attend the program.
The school is not licensed to care for sick children and neither the facilities, nor staff to care
for them. Fever control medication should not be given to a child in order to attend school. If a
child is found to have lice or to be ill, the child is sent home with the parent or brought to the
office for the parent to be called. The child may be readmitted when the illness clears up.
Your child may not attend class if he or she has:
1.
Sudden change in behavior, such as: Lethargy or lack of responsiveness, unexplained irritability
or persistent crying, difficulty breathing, a quickly-spreading rash
2.
Fever over 101 degrees/oral or 100/auxiliary (or equivalent method)
3.
Diarrhea, defined as watery/runny stools, if frequency exceeds 2 or more stools above normal
for that child, and is not related to a change in diet or medication
4.
Blood or mucus in stools (unless caused by hard stools)
5.
Vomiting illness (2 or more episodes of vomiting in the previous 24 hours)
6.
Abdominal pain which lasts more than 2 hours
7.
Mouth sores with drooling
8.
Rash with fever or behavior change
9.
Purulent conjunctivitis or “pink eye”- with white, yellow, or green eye discharge and red
(“bloodshot”) eyes
10.
Pediculosis (head lice), until after the first treatment
11.
Active tuberculosis, until a health care provider or health official states that the child is on
appropriate therapy and can attend school
12.
Impetigo, until treatment has been started
13.
Strep throat, until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has been started
14.
Chicken pox, until all lesions have crusted (usually 6 days after the rash appears)
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15.
Rubella, until 6 days after onset of rash
16.
Pertussis (whooping cough); until 5 days of antibiotic treatment
17.
Mumps, until 5 days after onset of gland swelling
18.
Measles, until 4 days after onset of rash
19.
Hepatitis A, until 1 week after onset of illness or as directed by the health department
20.
Covid 19, We will follow the current CDC guidelines for quarantine and mask porcudures
Parents or guardians of all children shall be notified of contagious illness as soon as possible. If
your child develops a communicable illness or infestation at home (such as chicken pox,
conjunctivitis, pin worms, fifth’s disease, or head lice), notify the SonShine office as soon as
possible.
21. Head Lice Policy
If a child enrolled at SonShine is found to have head lice, the parent will be required to remove
the child immediately. When the infected child is found to be nit free, he/she may be allowed
back into the classroom.
22. Accidents and Injury
SonShine Academy staff monitors all children to reduce the risk of injury; however, accidents
occur. If your child is involved in an accident, immediate attention and appropriate medical and
emotional action will be taken to meet your child’s needs. Parents will be notified of all injuries in
writing. If the injury is moderate to serious, a parent will be notified by phone as well. Signed
reports of the accident will be kept on file by the director.
23. Nap Policy
DHS Minimum Licensing requires that there shall be an opportunity for a supervised rest period.
This rest period should be at least one (1) hour, but shall not exceed two (2) hours. If children
do not fall asleep, they shall be allowed to participate in a quiet activity either on their mats or in
a supervised area.
Each child should bring a blanket for nap time. These will be sent home every Friday to be
laundered.
24. Emergency Drills
SonShine Academy will hold fire and tornado drills monthly, per DHS regulations.
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25. Safety and Security
• All volunteers and visitors are required to sign in at the SonShine reception desk. The entrance
to SonShine will remain locked except during the times of arrival, dismissal, and outside play
time.
• All staff members must have completed and approved applications, background checks, and
child maltreatment checks on file.
• SonShine is equipped with an entrance security camera that can be viewed by the Director at
any time.
26. Standards of Conduct for Staff and Parents
We believe it is vital to your child that close communication exists between our teachers and
parents. We will strive to treat each other with respect and courtesy, give encouragement and
support, and show each child that he or she is our first priority. Parents will be allowed
admittance to SonShine at any time during the school day and given immediate access to their
children. You are invited to ask for a conference with the staff any time you feel it is necessary
or desirable.
27. Behavior Guidance
SonShine Preschool believes that Behavior Guidance is not a punishment, but a way to help teach
children appropriate ways to meet their needs and stop inappropriate behavior.
Behavior Guidance shall be individualized and consistent for each child, appropriate to the child’s
level of understanding, and directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-
control.
The length of time a child is placed in time out shall not exceed one minute per year of the
child’s age. A child may be placed in a supervised area away from the group or situation. Brief
separation from the group is acceptable when the child’s behavior places others at risk of harm.
Behavior Guidance techniques include:
1.
Look for appropriate behavior and reinforce the child with praise and encouragement when
they are behaving well.
2.
Remind the child on a daily basis of the rules by using clear, positive statements regarding how
they are expected to behave rather than what they are not supposed to do.
3.
Attempt to ignore minor inappropriate behavior and concentrate on what the child is doing
properly.
4.
Use brief supervised separation from the group only when the child does not respond to a
verbal command which instructs the child as to how he or she is supposed to behave.
5.
When a misbehaving child begins to behave appropriately, encourage and praise small steps
rather than waiting until the child has behaved for a long period of time.
6.
Attend to the children who are behaving appropriately and other children will follow their
example in order to obtain your attention.
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20. CHILD MALTREATMENT, ABUSE, AND NEGLECT
SonShine Preschool is a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse and/or neglect. Our staff
will report anything we may suspect as being abuse under the child abuse laws. The staff will
consult the Director and will be directed to the proper authorities. Arkansas law allows a DHS
representative to interview a child without obtaining parental consent. If you have any questions
or concerns about this, please ask the Director for more information. The child Abuse Hotline
number is 1-800-482-5964
29. WITHDRAWAL POLICY
It is our policy that a 2-week written notice is given for withdrawing a child. SonShine reserves
the right to refuse service to any child and/or family member for any reason including those
exhibiting unacceptable behavior.
30. Nondiscrimination Policy
SonShine Academy admits students of any race, color, national origin to all the rights, privileges,
programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
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Appendix A: Immunization Schedules
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SonShine Academy PARENT HANDBOOK
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Please sign and return to the SonShine Academy Office
Child’s (Children’s) Name:
I, , acknowledge
that I have received and read the Son Shine Christian Academy’s Parent
Handbook. I agree to follow all procedures as stated within it.
Parent Signature:
Date:
