1. Purpose
   
   

The Preschool Department is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment where children can develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. This policy outlines the expectations and responsibilities of students, parents/guardians, and staff to ensure a positive educational experience for all.

2. School Hours and Attendance
   
   

Arrival Time

• The school’s hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Preschool classes begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.
• Children should arrive by 9:15 a.m. to allow sufficient time for settling into the classroom.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their child arrives on time each day.
  
  

Late Arrival

• Repeated lateness may affect a child’s learning and participation in classroom activities.
  
  

Absences

• Parents/guardians must notify the school as early as possible when a child will be absent. Notifications should be emailed to preschool@umca.ca.
• Extended absences should be communicated to the school administration in advance whenever possible.
  
  

3. Parent and Guardian Responsibilities

Parents/guardians are expected to:

• Support their child’s education and school routines.
• Maintain respectful communication with teachers and staff.
• Ensure their child attends school regularly and arrives on time.
• Read and respond to school communications promptly.
• Inform the school of any changes to contact information.

Any concerns regarding a child’s education or wellbeing should be addressed through appropriate communication channels with the principal, teacher or administration. Emails can be directed to preschool@umca.ca, for urgent matters, you can email the school principal, Suzana Pinsky, at suzana.p@umca.ca.

4. Medical Information and Health Requirements
   
   

For the safety and wellbeing of all students, parents/guardians must:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date medical information about their child.
• Inform the school of any allergies, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, developmental concerns, or special health needs.
• If your child went through any developmental, psychological, or behavioral assessment, the results must be submitted to the school at registration.
• Submit any required medical action plans and prescribed medications with clear instructions. Medical form can be found on our website under school policies (at the bottom of the page).
• Notify the school immediately of any changes to the child’s medical condition.
  
  

Illness

Children should remain at home if they:

• Have a fever, vomiting, pink eye, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms.
• Have been diagnosed with a communicable illness that may affect others.

Children may return to school according to medical advice and when they are 24 hours symptom-free.

5. Safety and Emergency Procedures
   
   

• Emergency contact information must be kept current at all times.
• Only authorized individuals listed by the parents/guardians may collect a child from school.
• Parents/guardians must notify the school in writing if someone other than the usual caregiver will be picking up the child.
• The school conducts regular emergency drills to ensure student safety.
• Pickup and drop off must be done at the school’s entrance.
  
  

6. Clothing and Personal Belongings
   
   

• Children should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing suitable for active play and learning.
• All personal belongings, including bags, water bottles, and extra clothing, should be clearly labeled with the child’s name.
• The school is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
  
  

7. Communication Between Home and School
   
   

The school values strong partnerships with families.

Communication may take place through:

• School newsletters
• Parent-teacher interviews
• Email

Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss concerns respectfully and promptly with the appropriate staff member.

8. Toys and Personal Items
   
   

• Children should not bring toys, electronic devices, valuables, or other personal items to school unless specifically requested by the teacher for educational activities.
• The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or misplaced items.
  
  

9. Partnership for Success
   
   

The success of each child depends on a cooperative partnership between the school and families. By enrolling in the Preschool Department, parents/guardians agree to support the school’s policies, maintain respectful communication, and work collaboratively with staff to promote the child’s growth, well-being, and educational development.