Arrival
Parents are responsible for bringing their children to school each day. On arrival, sign your child in using the ProCare app or the tablet provided, and walk your child to the classroom or meeting area. Never leave a child unattended unless a staff member is present to supervise. Leaving a child unattended on early arrival is unlawful under state statute, and failure to follow these protocols may result in a report to Child Protective Services.
Dismissal
Parents sign out using the ProCare app or tablet and collect their children at dismissal. Staff accompany children to the pick-up area. Children are released only to parents or authorized adults named on the contact form; an authorized adult other than a parent must sign the dismissal form and show photo identification. Please be prompt. Late pick-up is charged at $1.00 per minute per child. If an emergency arises, call the registrar with your expected arrival time.
Attendance
Regular, prompt attendance is expected, and licensing requires attendance records for every child. A first-come, first-served waiting list supports program capacity.
Schedule options
The Pre-K schedule offers two options for each family.
- Program #1: Capstone Pre-K, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
- Program #2: Capstone Pre-K plus the 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM wraparound program, Monday to Friday. This mirrors the AmeriSchools Academy elementary calendar, except that Pre-K offers a summer session with a two-week recess and other breaks.
Immunizations
As a condition of registration, every child’s immunization record must be current. The record must be stamped by the physician’s office, and the clinic name, address and phone number recorded on the Emergency Health Card before the child attends.
Medication
Parents must tell the school about any medical, physical or disabling condition that limits their child’s participation, including allergies to weather, pollen, food or medicine. A Medication Consent Form authorizes staff to give prescribed medication during the day. The registrar stores and administers medication, which must be in its original labelled container. Children may not carry or take medication themselves.
Snack time
The program follows the food service and nutrition standards in early childhood licensing. Afternoon snack is a learning center in its own right, exploring food and nutrition, and its cost is included in the program fee. The Food Allergies Form is completed at registration so allergens can be removed from snack choices.
Backpacks
Please send a backpack large enough to hold a folder with your child’s name. It carries papers, artwork and keepsakes home. Keeping it in one place at home helps a child take responsibility for their own belongings. Please check the backpack and folder each day.
Fire drills
Unannounced evacuation drills are conducted at least every 30 days, as required by law. Evacuation plans are posted in every classroom.
Emergency provisions
First aid is given by the classroom teacher. A child who becomes ill is accompanied to the school office, and a parent or responsible adult is contacted. Emergency care depends on the Emergency Health Card being current, which must record:
- Current home address and telephone or cell number
- Place of employment and phone numbers for all responsible adults
- Names of four responsible adults other than the parent
Children with communicable conditions, including fever, diarrhea, vomiting or another disabling condition, must stay home. Parents are responsible for reporting the absence and the health condition. Fees are not reduced for absence.
Parent conferences
Formal parent conferences are held every six weeks to discuss each child’s academic and developmental progress. The first conference takes place in person. Informal conferences also happen by phone and message. Please arrange after-care supervision independently where dismissal schedules require it.
Discipline
Play is a powerful teaching activity. Teaching discipline through play focuses on the child experiencing effective behaviors, beginning with adults modelling purposeful acts. Behavioral strategies include demonstrating appropriate coping skills, preparing developmentally appropriate activities sequenced to the child’s maturity, scheduling activities in a controlled environment, and providing clear, consistent and fair rules for behavior.
Pesticide application
Parents, students and staff are informed when pesticides are applied on school property, currently at least 48 hours before application as state statute requires. Notification includes oral notice to pupils and staff, written notice to parents or guardians, and posted signs identifying the application areas. Each site keeps written records of these notifications. This does not include non-restricted disinfectants, sanitizers or deodorizers.
