Our warmest welcome is extended to you and your child. A positive early childhood experience in a supportive Christian education setting will enlarge your child's world beyond the warmth and love of family and home. We are truly grateful that you have chosen to consider Sunlight Christian Academy for that very important transition. Take some time to look over this handbook. If you are uncertain about anything you read on the following pages, feel free to contact us in the Preschool office.
| Viewing pdf documents requires Adobe Acrobat Reader¨, which may be downloaded free from the Adobe website: |
 |
Mission
Sunlight Christian Academy shines the light of God's Word into learning for children who bear his image and have a place in his care.
Purpose and Philosophy
We have established our school to educate children in mind, body and soul. We will work to assist children in their intellectual, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development. In doing so we consider ourselves partners with the parents in the nurturing of their children. It is our goal to provide each child with an excellent educational foundation for future learning experiences and to foster readiness for the primary grades. Sunlight Christian Academy is an important ministry of Sunlight Community Church and every aspect of instruction derives from a distinctively Christian perspective.
In this Christian environment your child is seen as a unique and special gift from God and will be treated with love and respect. It is our desire that each child develop an interest in the world around him/her and a profound sense of wonder for all aspects of God's beautiful creation.
Governance Structure
Under the laws of the State of Florida, Sunlight Christian Academy is a registered DBA (“doing business as” entity) of Sunlight Community Church. The Council of Sunlight Community Church appoints and holds accountable a governing board for the Academy. Appointees to the governing board must be members in good standing of Sunlight Community Church who fully subscribe to the doctrinal standards of faith and practice for the Christian Reformed Church of North America. The governing board establishes and administers standards of performance and quality for all school programs and personnel.
Objectives
- To provide a distinctively Christian learning environment.
- To sustain an academic excellence that assists children in their intellectual, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development.
- To assist each child to develop a Biblical worldview and grow in spiritual vitality.
- To provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child.
Enrollment
Sunlight Christian Academy admits students of any sex, race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admissions policies, scholarships and other school-administered programs.
Sunlight Christian Academy requires that students who enroll must:
- be at least three years old by September 1st.
- be toilet trained.
- be able to separate from parent.
- file a record of all required immunizations with the Academy.
- complete all required forms and submit them to the Academy.
- complete a director-parent interview.
- pay the registration fee.
Registration
A non-refundable annual fee of $150 is required at the time of registration ($100 per year for returning SCA students) and does not apply towards tuition. This registration fee guarantees your child a place in the preschool class. Your child is registered when forms have been accepted as complete and the fee is received.
Governance structure
Under the laws of the State of Florida, Sunlight Christian Academy is a registered DBA ("doing business as" entity) of Sunlight Community Church. The Council of Sunlight Community Church appoints and holds accountable a governing board for the Academy. Appointees to the governing board must be members in good standing of Sunlight Community Church who fully subscribe to the doctrinal standards of faith and practice for the Christian Reformed Church of North America. The governing board establishes and administers standards of performance and quality for all school programs and personnel.
Class Schedule
Sunlight Christian Academy offers classes Monday through Friday. Our doors open at 8:00 am for arrival. We offer morning sessions from 8:30-11:30, afternoon sessions from 12:30-3:30, and an extended care program which runs through 5:30 PM each day. The school provides options for a 5-day program, a 3-day program (M,W,F), or a 2-day program (T,Th).
Class size is limited. Students will be enrolled in the order that registration forms and fees are accepted by the director. When enrollment capacity is filled, a waiting list will be maintained. Families on the waiting list will be contacted in priority order as space becomes available.
School closings and Holidays
Sunlight Christian Academy follows an amended St. Lucie county public school schedule. For one week at Christmas break and one week at Spring break we are closed and do not charge tuition for your child. Please refer to our annual calendar. If public schools are closed we will notify parents of SCA’s closing.
Tuition
The following is the tuition fee schedule:
- Five mornings: $95/week
- Three mornings: $80/week
- Two mornings: $65/week
- Five full days: $135/week
- Three full days: $110/week
- Two full days: $85/week
Active members of Sunlight Community Church and families with more than one child enrolled in SCA are eligible for a 10 percent reduction in tuition rates. Tuition must be paid weekly, no later than Tuesday. Checks should be made out to Sunlight Christian Academy. Delinquent payments will be subject to a late payment fee of $10 per day. Repeated failure to make payments on time will result in a denial of service.
If a check is returned for non-sufficient funds there will be a charge of $35 for our bank fee, and we will ask that the next two payments be made with cash or money order. If a check is returned a second time, we will ask that payments be cash or money order only.
Voluntary withdrawal of a student must be preceded by at least two weeks notice in writing to the director. If notice is not provided, you will still be responsible to pay the final two weeks of tuition.
No refund will be given for days when children do not attend due to illness. Our tuition is based on an annual fee spread out into affordable weekly payments. You will be responsible to pay every week, even if the school is closed for a holiday, with the exception of Christmas break and Spring break and one free week. Each child is given one week free from tuition that may be used during the year. This may be used for vacation or sick time.
Dismissal policy
At the discretion of the teacher and administration, a parent may be requested to withdraw their child for these or other reasons:
- If the child does not make a positive adjustment to preschool, or is considered in any way to be a detriment to the other children or preschool program.
- If the special needs of a child cannot be met after a trial period.
- Physical and/or verbal abuse of staff or children by parent or child will not be tolerated.
- If medical or immunization records are not current.
- Infection of the child with disease that may endanger others on a signed and dated information form.
School Visitors
All visitors of Sunlight Christian Academy must sign in at the school office and receive a “Visitor Badge” to be worn throughout their stay. Before leaving they must check out with the office and turn in the badge. A member of the SCA staff will be with them at all times throughout the visit.
Emergency Contact
You will be asked to provide emergency contact numbers. Please keep all emergency numbers, contacts and phone numbers up to date with the preschool office. If you are going to be somewhere other than where you typically can be reached, leave phone numbers and contact information with the director on a signed and dated information form.
Arrival and dismissal
FOR YOUR CHILD'S PROTECTION, PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING RULES:
The school day starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. Students should be in the classroom by this time. Our doors will open each day at 8:00 a.m.
Upon arrival children are to be brought into the classroom by an adult and signed in. The adult must physically sign the child in. No exceptions!
All children must also be physically signed out at the end of each day. Again, no exceptions!
If someone other than the designated person(s) will be picking up your child, please inform the director at drop-off time, or call the school and we will make a note of it. This person will be required to show an identity card with a picture. We refuse to release your child to anyone we cannot verify as the authorized person.
If there is a document filed with the courts barring either parent from seeing your child while at school or if either parent is prohibited from seeing your child at all, make sure the information is on file at the school. Notify the school about any changes in legal status.
We ask that you make every effort to pick up your child before the extended day closes at 5:30 p.m. Just as you do, our staff has families and responsibilities beyond the preschool. By policy, our staff may not take your child home with them or make other babysitting arrangements.
If a child is left at the preschool after closing, staff will take the following measures:
- Try to contact you by phone.
- Try to call your emergency contacts.
- If unsuccessful, the staff will contact the appropriate community authorities.
If you are unavoidably running late, please call ahead to let the director know so that your child will know what to expect. Additionally, there will be a $10 late pick-up fee assessed per child for each 15-minute interval after scheduled pick-up. This fee is due in cash or check at the time of pickup.
Discipline
Discipline is derived from the word "disciple" which means "a learner." Therefore at Sunlight Christian Academy we believe discipline to be a necessary part of teaching Christian behavior, attitudes and self-control. Teachers will deal with each child in accordance with the teachings of Jesus. In no instance will corporal punishment be administered, nor will discipline be related to food, rest or toileting. We prefer to give encouragement and praise of good behavior.
We will try to anticipate the problems and redirect a child's activities. We will narrow choices if necessary. Positive words will be used to encourage positive behavior. We will encourage children to use words to express themselves.
When misconduct occurs, it will be dealt with promptly, fairly and lovingly. A child may have to be removed from the group for a short time or experience a loss of privileges in order to regain personal self-control. We will not tolerate children hurting each other either physically or verbally.
Parents will be contacted and consulted in the event that there are persistent problems. If the child exhibits uncontrollable behavior or threatens his/her own safety or the safety of others, his/her parents will be called to pick him/her up immediately.
If our program cannot adequately fill the behavioral needs of a child, the director may decide to dismiss the child from the program after consultation with the teacher and the parents of the child.
Dress
Children should come dressed comfortably. We will be doing a lot of physical and art activities and we do not want them to worry about getting their clothes dirty. Each child will need to have an extra set of clothes to be left in their cubbies for emergencies. (Please include underwear, socks, pants and a shirt and make sure to label all clothing with the child’s name or three initials). Students must be dressed in clothes they can easily remove themselves in the bathroom. (no onesies, belts, overalls, etc.)
Children should have appropriate outdoor clothing according to the weather of the day. Closed toe shoes are required for playground safety.
Photographs
From time to time we may take photographs of your child for art projects, displays and preschool publications. If you desire that your child be excused from photographs, please submit a written request to the director.
Lunches/Snacks
Snacks will be provided by Sunlight Christian Academy. Lunches, however, are the responsibility of parents. We urge you to send a lunch that is well balanced such as below:
1. Protein (meat, cheese, egg, fish, peanut butter)
2. Bread (or other grain product)
3. Dairy (milk/yogurt); PLEASE NO SODA POP!
4. Fruit/vegetable (two of one or one of each)Following are some helpful tips on packing lunches:
1. Drinks and food can be kept cool or warm by use of an insulated container, ice pack, or a thermal lunch box.
2. We ask that you send only one dessert. For example, if you send cookies, do not also send candy.
3. We will not be able to heat or refrigerate your child’s lunch. Please send it in the way it will be served.
4. Thank you for including eating utensils when necessary!While we understand some children do not care for breakfast, try to get them to eat something nutritious before coming to school.
Birthdays
We honor every child’s Birthday and this will be done during snack time. If you would like to bring a birthday treat (cake or cupcakes) in with your child, please understand that we may only serve commercially prepared and unopened/unused food.
Illness
We cannot provide preschool for a child with any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100 degrees or more
- Severe diarrhea within the last 24 hours
- Communicable diseases (chicken pox, etc.)
- Undiagnosed rashes
- Extreme discomfort that would limit the child's ability to participate in activities.
Children must be symptom free for 24 hours before they may return to school. If symptoms occur when your child returns to school we will ask that you provide us with a doctor's note stating he/she may return to school.
If your child has any of these symptoms, please do not bring him/her to school. If your child develops any of these symptoms during the day, we will call you immediately. Please notify the school of any contagious disease or illness your child may have, so we can notify other parents that their children may have been exposed. Immunization records must be kept on file and updated regularly.
Allergies
If your child has allergies of any kind, please discuss this with the director. We will make every effort to accommodate your child's special needs. Be sure to note food allergies as we occasionally enjoy special snacks and pizza parties during the year.
Medical Emergencies
In an emergency, the teacher will administer the needed first aid for minor injuries. If it is necessary, paramedics will be called. Parents are financially responsible for the emergency services, including but not limited to ambulance and emergency room costs. Sunlight Christian Academy is covered with the appropriate liability insurance.
Medication
Medication may be administered by designated staff only. Please give all medication to the director, who will see that it is stored and administered properly and safely. Please do not send medication in your child's bag or pocket.
For prescribed medications, give the director or designated staff the medication in its original, child-resistant container, labeled by a pharmacist with your child's first and last names, date on which the prescription was filled, medication's name and expiration date, administration, storage and disposal instructions. Be sure to check with the director on additional local health department requirements.
For over-the-counter medications, provide the director or designated staff with a note from your child's health care provider recommending the medication, indicating the dosage, frequency, method of use, and administration duration. The medication should be in a child-resistant container, with the child's first and last names, displaying instructions for administration and storage supplied by the manufacturer, and the expiration date.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
You may schedule a meeting at any time to speak with your child’s teacher or the Director at throughout the year. Contact the school office to make an appointment.
Complaints
If you have a complaint of any kind, please direct them to the preschool director or assistant director (and not to other staff or parents).
Curriculum
At each session, the children will participate in structured and unstructured activities.
Bible Time--the children will learn about Christianity through Bible stories, Bible verses, Christian songs, and prayers. By teaching the Bible through fun activities, children will find joy in learning God's Word and will share their love for the Lord with others.
Academics--the children will be introduced to the basic skills needed to be successful in kindergarten. Along with listening and comprehension, these skills include (but are not limited to) recognition of letters, numbers and shapes. Children will also develop a sense of time and order as they use the calendar to record days, months, and seasons.
There will be time to explore rhythm and movement, nursery rhymes, finger plays, games and songs.
Other parts of the preschool day (in no particular order) include:
- Free Play--in the different centers of the preschool to provide the children with many opportunities to learn through active involvement and social interaction. Some centers will change periodically to match the theme of the week.
- Outside/large motor play--games and play designed to improve large motor skills, to be played outside or in the indoors large motor area.
- Small group time--to give more individualized instruction.
- Snack Time
- Large group time--for teacher led activities, projects, and stories.
Rest Time
For children enrolled in the afternoon extended care there will be a rest time. Rest time is important for the growth and development of each child. Sleeping is not mandatory, but we ask that your child lay quietly should he/she choose not to sleep. The daily lesson plan is very busy and the children should relax and refresh for the afternoon. Nap mats are provided. Please provide a crib-sized sheet and blanket (and take home on Fridays weekly to clean them).
Toys from home
Children are discouraged from bringing toys or personal items from home to school. Personal toys from home may cause problems, and we cannot ensure that the toy will not be broken. If your child brings a “security toy” they will be asked to keep the item in in their cubbies while school is in session.
Emergency Drills and Procedures
Fire evacuation plans and tornado cover routes are posted by classroom exits. We also practice lockdowns in the classrooms. Drills are held on a regular basis. In the event of an actual emergency, we will make every effort to contact you as soon as possible.
Playground Safety
Proper footwear is required (no sandals please!) and no loose clothing (especially with strings) should be worn. No climbing or playing on fences. Mulch is necessary for reducing fall impact and for good drainage. It is not to be picked up, thrown, or kicked for any reason. All children are expected to play cooperatively with other children. Use playground equipment for their proper purposes only. No jumping off high from any climbing bar or platform.
For use of slides: go down the slides one at a time; go down in a sitting position, feet forward; wait until the person before you finishes sliding first; no running or climbing up the slides. If anything is wrong with the equipment or if someone gets hurt, notify school staff.ALL children will show respect and respond immediately to the playground supervisors. Children not following the above rules will: (1) have time-out for FIRST offense, even if minor; (2) be sent to the office for SECOND offense;
(3) lose privilege to use the equipment that day for THIRD offense.At the time of registration you will receive an outline of the playground safety rules. We ask that you review this with your child to be sure they understand the importance of playground safety. The document must be signed and returned.
Sunlight Community Church
If you are looking for a church home, we extend a very warm invitation to attend our worship services. We desire the opportunity to share with you the joyful ministry we have at Sunlight. (www.sunlightcc.org)
In addition to our worship services, we also provide a Sunday School program for all ages. We also have an excellent "Children in Worship" program that occurs during the worship service.
Sunlight Community Church offers many opportunities to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you are interested or have questions, please feel free to speak with the Pastor at any time.© 2007 Sunlight Community Church. All rights reserved.