WHAT IS A CO-OP?
For those unfamiliar with HCNS and wondering what exactly is a cooperative nursery school like; Here is an excerpt from our Parent Handbook!
“In choosing the Haddam Cooperative Nursery School for their children, parents elect to become a part of a committed community, playing an active part in their child’s learning. In turn, the school’s operations rely on parent’s engaged and thoughtful involvement; the ideas and skills that families bring to the school and the exchange of ideas between parents and teachers are intrinsic to our approach. Families can elect to hold certain “parent jobs” and serve on the board. The board takes on the responsibility of the business end of the school. All of the parent participation makes the preschool a close-knit community and is effective at keeping costs down.”
SNACK DUTY
As a cooperative preschool, parents providing a classroom snack, on a rotating basis, is one way that we are able to keep our parents involved. This also designates which child is the line leader for the day! They get to ring the bell for circle time, help set up snack and hold other positions of responsibility throughout the day.
Parents will be given a calendar at the beginning of each month showing your assigned date to bring in a healthy snack. Assigned snack dates are on a rotating basis with a parent providing a snack approximately once every 1-2 months, depending on the number of students enrolled. An elected representative from each class will disseminate a list of healthy, acceptable snacks for each individual class based on any allergies that might be present with that class. There will be a sign-up sheet for snacks in the classroom that must be filled in two weeks in advance. This is a state requirement. Plates, napkins, cups and utensils are provided by the school.
If you are unable to provide a snack on your assigned date, please coordinate with another parent to switch days and make sure you let the Head Teacher know. Snacks are dropped off with your child(ren) in the morning. A lunch will still need to be packed on a daily basis for your child (unless your child is in the four year old half-day program).
Birthday Celebrations!
We plan parent snack days to coordinate with a child’s birthday. If you would like to bring in a cake, cupcakes, or any other goody, please remember to also bring in a healthy alternative. Plates, napkins, cups and utensils are provided by the school unless you would like to provide them to coordinate with the birthday party.
FIELD TRIPS
All classes have a number of field trips scheduled during the school year. The trips will be listed on the calendar of events. Due to safety reasons, parents are responsible for providing transportation. You may arrange for another parent to transport your child, although you must make arrangements in advance. Only children registered in the preschool are able to participate on field trips, so siblings or other children in your care who are not registered in the preschool are not able to attend. Parents are welcome to attend field trips but it is not mandatory.
SICK CHILD
All families will be provided with an up to date sickness policy. Please keep your child at home if he or she has a fever over 100 F, is vomiting or has diarrhea or any communicable disease such as COVID-19.
Symptoms Requiring Removal of a Child from a Child Care Setting:
Fever – AND sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability, or confusion. Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 F or higher taken under the arm, 101 F taken orally, or 102 F taken rectally.
Diarrhea – runny, watery, or bloody stools.
Vomiting – 2 or more times in a 24-hour period.
Body Rash with fever.
Sore throat with fever and swollen glands.
Eye discharge – thick mucus or pus draining from the eye, or pink eye.
Yellowish skin or eyes.
Irritable, continuously crying, or requires more attention than the staff can provide without hurting the health and safety of other children in your care.
SNOW DAY PROCEDURES
HCNS follows Regional School District 17‘s announced closures, delays, and early dismissals.
Delayed Opening: Class will begin at 10:00am, and end at normally scheduled time.
Early Dismissal: Class will be dismissed at 12:00pm. Pick up begins at this time.
No School: Classes will be cancelled for the day.
