3130 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310      703-960-9505      Fax: 703-960-5156       cameron @ cameron-umc.org

Cameron Preschool At A Glance

· Follow policies, procedures and guidelines for staffing, training and facility management provided by the
        Dept. of Social Services
· License Inspection twice a year
· Staff background checks required
· Staff health screening required
· Yearly training required
         · First Aid, CPR, Health & Safety, Emergency Medication Administration and 16
              hours of Child Development
· Lead Teachers Requirements
         · 4 Year Human Science Degree OR
         · 4 Year Degree in another field with 20 hours of early childhood development training
         · ALL are required to have previous classroom experience

Morning Drop Off

· 9:15 – 9:30 parents sign in students and walk them to class
· Doors are locked during the day with an open door policy for parents; ring bell for entry

After School Pick Up

· 12:45 – 1:00 students are dismissed directly to parents’ vehicles in rear parking lot
· Only parents or authorized persons allowed to pick up students

Classroom Information

· Each child finds their cubby and stows belongs to promote name recognition
· Appropriate time to communicate with teachers
· Classroom information is posted daily
· 2 full time teachers
· Small class sizes (6:1 ratio or smaller)

Playground Time

· Every day weather permitting
· During inclement weather indoor are provided in the church hall
· Dancing, music, balls, games, etc.

Lunch

· Students bring a lunch or snack with a drink and utensils if needed

Allergies

· All students with allergies have notices posted in each classroom
· Children with allergies are kept a safe distance from foods they are allergic to
· All food is allowed
· Precautions are taken with individual student

Birthday Parties

· If desired, parents may schedule with their child’s teacher

Evening Programs

· 3 & 4-year old classes participate in a Christmas and Graduation program
· Cake & Punch reception for children and families following the programs

Preschool Sunday

· Children are invited to church to sing for the congregation and their families

Music

· Music class once or twice a week

Chapel

· Scheduled once a week on a rotating schedule
· Verse or story relating to our thematic unit

Parent / Teacher Conferences

· Held twice a year in the fall and spring
· Discuss progress, adjustments, goals or concerns

School Calendar

· Follow Fairfax County Public School yearly calendar
          A few exceptions apply
· Follow Fairfax County Public School for closing announcements

Our Philosophy:

• We believe that our Christian-centered curriculum contributes to your child’s spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs.
• We believe in providing a physical environment that is clean, safe, and oriented to children. Classrooms are arranged to offer challenging learning choices at a range of developmental levels. Activity (learning) centers allow children the opportunity to explore, to experience, and most importantly…to succeed.
• We believe the strength of our program is our teaching staff. We support our teachers with training, resources, and freedom to create a unique Christian experience for children.
• We believe in positive methods of discipline. We establish consistent, age-appropriate limits to help children function in their world. Our program is designed to develop in children a sense of independence, responsibility, and respect for others.
• We believe that parents are the most significant adults in a child’s life. We strive to create mutual respect between parents and teachers and develop a partnership for the benefit of the child. We encourage daily communication between parents and teachers. Our doors are open to parents at all times.
• Our philosophy concentrates on the fact that children learn best through play. Our play-oriented activities offer choices and freedom of expression that builds independent children with good self-esteem. We maintain a professional commitment to the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s accreditation criteria defining developmentally appropriate practices for children.