2024-2025 Little Riders Academy Preschool Handbook
PHILOSOPHY
At Little Riders Academy, we believe preschool is the foundation in the journey of a lifelong love of learning. We believe that children learn best when they are in a safe, loving environment and are allowed to learn through guided play embedded with rich experiences and language development. We create enjoyable opportunities to help preschoolers build confidence in their uniqueness while learning to socialize, make friends and explore the world around them. We value total body wellness and incorporate healthy lifestyles, nutrition and exercise practices into our daily schedule. Because of our unique sports-centered facility, we are allowed the opportunity to experience a myriad of different sports daily. It is our goal to foster happy, healthy, unique and kind young members of our community while preparing them for the next step in their education and life journey.
OUR STAFF
At Little Riders Academy, our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals who have years of experience as teachers, mothers, and caregivers. All of our teachers have a passion for educating young minds and will bring their own unique perspective to the classroom. They are both caring and nurturing and have a strong dedication to the children, families, and the community they serve. We provide a staff that incorporates extensive experience in early childhood education, Certificates, Associate's or Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood, Child Development, Physical Education or a Director's certification. Each staff member goes through extensive training, which includes but is not limited to; CPR and First Aid, Standard Precautions, FEMA (emergency preparedness), Child Abuse and Neglect. Teachers receive training in child abuse, sexual harassment, and body safety rules. Teachers and Students are never alone one on one and are always in the public eye. In order to ensure the safety of all students, each staff member has been fingerprinted and cleared at the State and Federal level which provides us with an extensive background check. All of our teachers have met all licensing qualifications for the positions they hold and meet all continuing education requirements every year to stay current in early childhood education. We will maintain a 1:8 ratio at all times which is mandated by the State of Colorado Department of Human Services.
CURRICULUM
We use a hands-on play-based exploratory curriculum. This research-based model fosters all aspects of developmentally appropriate child growth and development which includes; self-regulation, focused attention, creativity, independence, cooperation, conceptual skill building, and strong oral language. It also strengthens conceptual learning, all while playing and interacting with peers. The small classroom setting allows rich teacher-student interaction and builds a strong sense of community among the students. We believe that a healthy body and strong character is just as important as a healthy mind. We also offer a unique opportunity throughout each day, which includes a chance for your preschooler to “Learn to Play Sports”. Each month will incorporate different sports that include but are not limited to field and court activities. Included with this part of our curriculum will be exploring ways to lead a healthy lifestyle.
AGE REQUIREMENTS and SESSIONS OFFERED
We accept children 2 1/2-5 year old.
** We offer a customizable schedule, please contact Danielle Reed to customize your schedule
danielle@myimpactsports.com
CALENDAR
We will begin on August 26, 2024 and the last day of school will be Friday, May 16, 2025. Please see our calendar for more detailed information. We offer two semesters, Fall semester begins August 26, 2024- December 20, 2024. Spring semester begins January 6, 2025 through May 16, 2025. Special dates still to be determined: 2 conference days one each semester, Special Holiday Celebrations, Field Day, and Graduation/Continuation.
DAILY SCHEDULE:
Our weekly schedule and lesson plan will be posted in the classroom.
Our daily schedule includes: “Soft Start”, Welcoming, Large Group, Outside Time, Story Time, Small Group Math/Science, Small Group Literacy, Speciality Sport/ Health, Music and Movement, Play Centers.
"Soft start”: Children come in and get acclimated for the day and put their personal items away, wash hands, find their name and start with a quiet activity usually at the rug or a table.
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Daily Activities Include:
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Welcome: song and movement
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Large group *Small group math or science: hands-on activity and literacy/writing activity
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Storytime
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Outside play
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Music and movement
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Learning centers: exploratory and play focused
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Learn to Play Sports activity
LEARN TO PLAY SPORTS
Specialty Sports and Healthy Lifestyle classes will include but are not limited to:
Monday: Court Sports - Basketball, Volleyball, Paddle Sports
Tuesday: Obstacle Courses, Agility, Coordination,
Wednesday: Catching and Throwing
Thursday: Turf sports - Soccer, Football, LAX, and Baseball/Softball
Friday: Yoga, Nutrition and Free Play.
**Days of the week may change
**Please dress your child appropriately for each day’s activities.
MONTHLY THEMES
Monthly Themes:
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September
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Welcome and rules, All about Me and My Family
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October
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Seasons, Halloween
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November
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Habitats, Animals And Their Homes
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December
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Family Traditions, Holidays We Celebrate
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January
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Winter wonderland
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February
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Community Helpers, Friends, Dr. Seuss
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March
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Museums, Space, Aquarium, Butterflies, Dinosaurs
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April
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Spring, Fairy Tales
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May
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Farewell
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**Each month we will include special dates for “show and tell” and different celebrations throughout the year, that we will post on the classroom calendar and include in the monthly Newsletter.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
CHILDREN'S BELONGINGS AND STORAGE
Each student will have an assigned cubbie with their name on it, where they will store their backpacks and other belongings. We will do our best to help each child keep track of their belongings but we are not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged or misplaced items. All belongings will need to be taken home daily with the exception of full-day student that have nap items, they can leave those items at school in the designated area and laundered over the weekend. Please be sure your student has a clean change of clothes in their bag in case of any unforeseen accidents.
BIRTHDAY AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Throughout the year we have special events (i.e. holiday parties, school pictures, visits from the firefighters, etc.) which are usually scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On occasion people from our community come to visit and teach us about their professions, i.e. firefighters, dental hygienist, etc.
TOILETING POLICIES:
We prefer that your child is potty trained however, we understand that toilet training can sometimes be difficult; we are willing to assist you in your potty training journey. Because potty training is personal we will sit down and make a plan that will work for both school and home. If your child is not toilet trained, we will help support you by:
1. Develop a individual plan with the parent/guardian.
2. Give multiple opportunities during a preschool session to use the bathroom and develop toileting routines.
3. Develop a visual schedule for children learning to use the bathroom independently.
4. Families that are on a potty training plan are asked to supply diapers and wipes.
*WE ASK THAT ALL PARENTS PLEASE BRING A LABELED CHANGE OF CLOTHING IN A LARGE ZIPLOCK BAGGIE. PRESCHOOL CAN BE MESSY AND ACCIDENTS MAY HAPPEN.
*PARENT DONATIONS
We welcome donations of almost any kind! Things that you throw away can often be used for all sorts of school activities. Please watch your monthly newsletters and parent board for lists of donations needed throughout the year.
TOYS FROM HOME
Please leave all personal toys at home they are very distracting and often get lost; we will not be responsible for lost or broken personal items. We will have weekly “show and tell” days, with specific guidelines for items that are acceptable to be brought to school.
CLOTHING
Please remember that preschool is an important time for exploration of materials and equipment. The clothing your child wears to school should be suitable for messy and active play. Closed toe shoes are imperative in allowing children to run and climb safely during their school day. Please provide an extra change of clothing (socks, underwear, shirt, pants, etc.) labeled with your child’s name, to be kept in their backpack, in case an accident or spill occurs. A weekly schedule of sports or specialty activities will be sent out in advance so you can dress your child appropriately and they can wear the appropriate shoes.
TECHNOLOGY & SCREEN TIME
Occasional use of movies or videos, shall correlate with and enhance the educational program. All videos are "G" rated so no prior permission from parents will be required.
SNACK AND LUNCH
Parents need to supply all snacks and lunches for their student. We will have both morning and afternoon snack time, as well as lunch for students who attend full day. Please make sure to send your student a well-balanced lunch and healthy snacks. Please see link below for guidelines of a well-balanced diet for your preschooler according to the USDA.
USDA Choose my plate
REST TIME (FULL DAY ONLY):
Licensing requires a rest time for each child that attends over five (5) hours. All children are expected to sleep or rest quietly on a mat or cot provided. Families are asked to provide a blanket fand crib sheet for their child, please remember to label all items you bring to school. These will be sent home on Friday to be laundered and returned to the school on Monday.
HEALTH & ILLNESSES
We ask that parents be thoughtful of all students and refrain from sending your child to school if they are sick. Please remember that a child, who is too sick to take part in activities, would be more comfortable at home. For the protection of your child and his/her schoolmates, it is advised that children be kept at home if the following symptoms are present:
IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK PLEASE KEEP THEM HOME:
1. Skin Rash or sores
2. Diarrhea
3. Vomiting
4. Heavy nasal discharge
5. Chills
6. Coughing
7. Flushed face`
8. Fever of 100˚ or more
9. Nausea
10. Inflamed, itchy, red eyes or eyes with discharge
11. Earache
12. Taking an antibiotic for less than 24 hours.
Please let us know as soon as possible if your child will not be able to make it to school.
Please call 720-749-6462 ext. 224
Text Nicole Downing (303-946-1630) and Danielle Reed (720-620-2049)
If a child becomes sick at school the parent will be called. It is expected that the parent, or another designated adult, will pick up the child within an hour. If your child has a fever they should not return to school until they have been free of the fever (without medication) for a 24-hour period and recovered from their symptoms
SPECIAL NEEDS
Roughrider Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. We are dedicated to supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act. We are not required to provide individuals with disabilities personal devices. Any personal nature services including assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing are not provided by our staff. If your child is unable to perform activities of personal care, you may provide a personal care assistant at your own cost.
Before enrollment, we encourage you to talk with our Director about your child’s needs and we can advise more about our preschool setting and structure to see if it would be a good fit.
COMMUNICATIONS AND NEWSLETTERS:
Communication will play a key role in the success of your student at Rough Rider Academy. Our staff is always open to questions or concerns. Parents are kept informed of activities, holidays, special events and educational information through weekly newsletters, emails, and the Parent Information Board located in the entryway. The best way to communicate with staff will be at the end of each school day. We ask that these conversations are brief and if parents would like to set up a time for a longer conversation, please call or email Nicole Downing (720-749-6462 ext. 224, or nicole@myimpactsports.com.) Modifications of the calendar and activities may be necessary due to unexpected events such as weather. We will do our best to communicate with parents all changes and updates that may occur during the school year via email. We have our state license and copy of inspection records available for review. If you need to file a complaint, please do one of the following: Speak to the appropriate level staff member/members, Call 720-749-6462 ext. 224 OR Write a description of the complaint that includes: your name, telephone number and mailing address to:
Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Early Care and Learning,
Attention Complaint Intake
1575 Sherman Street, First Floor, Denver, CO 80203-171
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION:
Little Riders Academy
1 Superior Drive
Superior, CO 80027
Ph. 720-749-6462
Nicole Downing Preschool teacher (303)-946-1630 Email: nicole@myimpactsports.com
Danielle Reed, Director (720) 620-2049 Email: danielle@myimpactsports.com
Rylan Reed, General Manager (303) 467-2288 Email: rylan@myimpactsports.com
*DROP OFF AND PICK UP WILL BE IN FRONT OF THE SPORT STABLE:
Please walk your student to the preschool doors for pickup and dropoff.
Students must be dropped off between 8:00-9:00 (am session) or 12:00-12:05 (pm session)
A teacher will be outside to recieve kids at this time.
Pickup 12-12:05 (am session) 3:00- 3:05 (pm session)
Your child must be picked up at the specified contracted time, by an adult on your contact list. The individual who is signing the child out for the day must present a photo ID. Children will not under any circumstance be released without showing proper and valid identification. Children will only be released to individuals listed on the Emergency Info Card. If an individual not listed on your child’s card is going to pick them up, it will be allowed if in writing by a parent/guardian and received in the morning by a staff member. Preschool staff reserves the right to hold a child if the responsible parent or the third party has not provided proper notification of release, or does not provide adequate photo identification. If the child is not picked up within 10 minutes of the designated pickup time, the director will notify everyone on the emergency contact list. If we are unable to reach one of the child’s contacts, and the child hasn’t been picked up after 30 minutes of the designated pickup time, the director will contact Superior Police department. This will be reported to the Social worker on duty to file an abandoned child report. In addition, you will be charged $5.00 for every 5 minutes you are late picking your child up.
INCLEMENT WEATHER:
Anytime preschool is closed due to weather-related circumstances, we will make an announcement via major news networks and you will also have the opportunity to opt inot a text message chain for all important last minute information. We will typically follow BVSD and Jefferson County school closures. We all live in Colorado and know how erratic our weather can be. During the winter months please dress your children appropriately. Always send them with a coat/jackets, hats and gloves when necessary and proper footwear if needed. Preschool staff will make the decision to go outside but will follow the protocol listed below:
Outside temperature between 32 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
SUNSCREEN POLICY
We will not be responsible for applying sunscreen to any half day students. Please apply sunscreen to all students in the morning before coming to school (full or half day children).
We will apply Arbone Sunscreen SPF 50 or your preferred provided sunscreen.
By initially below, you give Little Riders Preschool staff permission to apply sunscreen provided by the center.
FIELD TRIPS, WALKING TO THE PARK, MOVING AROUND THE FACILITY
No field Trips are scheduled for school year.
We will be walking to the park weekly weather permitting.
By initially below you give Little Riders academy staff permission to walk your child around the facilty and also to the park.
(Please initial):
*VISITORS AND CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS:
No volunteers will be permitted in the classroom until further notice. If they are permitted thorughout the school year, see below for guidlines.
For the safety of our students and staff, classroom helpers must fill out a background check form (at their expense) and be cleared by the Director 2 weeks prior to volunteering. Proper paperwork must be filled out prior to helping in the classroom. Helpers are never allowed to be alone with students. All visitors must sign in at the front desk with a preschool staff member and provide valid identification. Visitors will be asked to sign the visitor log and provide identification and list reason for the visit.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Roughrider Academy Staff is CPR/First Aid certified. In the event of an emergency, staff will respond to the best of their ability. Every effort will be made to provide appropriate care. If a child is injured, first aid will be administered and staff will let the parent/guardian know if their child needs to be picked up. In the case of a severe injury, 911 will be called and parents will be notified that their child was transported by emergency vehicle to the hospital. Minor injuries will be reported to the parent/guardian at pick-up. A staff member will fill out an incident report. All children must be signed in and out by an authorized individual each day.
LOST CHILD ON-SITE PROCEDURES
Our student's safety is the number one priority and concern of our staff; we do several head counts throughout the day, including a name to face checks and roll calls. Again, your child’s safety is our number one concern! In the event that a students is unaccounted for during our care, all available staff will immediately begin a search. We will determine where and when the child was last seen. If the child is not found within 10 minutes, the local police department will be notified as well as the parent/guardian. When the police arrive, the search and rescue will be turned over entirely to the authorities.
NATURAL DISASTERS
In the event of a natural disaster; such as severe weather, fire, flood or a lockdown, the safety of our students and staff is our number one priority! All staff members are properly trained on all of the above safety and evacuation procedures. Drills are held to familiarize staff and children on those specific emergencies. Our staff will also be trained in the city’s lightening procedures. Remain in a safe area for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike was heard or seen, before resuming outdoor activities.
EVACUATION PLAN
In the event of an evacuation of the Sports Stable in the case of a fire, earthquake, bomb threat or other unforeseen emergencies, we will evacuate the facility and determine where the appropriate location is for preschoolers. Depending on circumstances, parents may be notified to pick up their children. Modified evacuation plans may be created depending on the children's ability.
RESTRAINING ORDERS
If there is a restraining order which prohibits someone from having contact with your child, written documentation needs to be provided and notification if any changes occur.
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
As a licensed child care facility, each staff member is required to read and sign a statement clearly defining child abuse and neglect pursuant to state law and outlining the staff member’s personal responsibility to report all incidents of suspected child abuse or neglect according to state law. All staff receives training in the area of child abuse and neglect.
Child abuse is: Physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
As a licensed childcare facility, Impact will make every effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for your child(ren). If you should suspect child abuse at our facility, a report of suspected child abuse must be made to the County Department of Social Services, Police Department, or other law enforcement agency in the community or county in which the facility is located. Law requires camp staff to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect. A report of suspected child abuse or neglect must be made immediately. Once the report is made, a Social Service worker will determine if there is a need for an investigation.
MEDICATION:
An Impact staff member who has received special training in medication administration will be on site at all times. Staff cannot administer any medications, prescription or over-the-counter, without all of the following:
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Written authorization from the health care provider
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Parent written authorization
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Medication in the original labeled container with the child’s name on it
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Written instructions from the health care provider with;
-reason for medication
-the child’s full name
-the date and duration medication needs to be given
-any information the facility may need to know regarding the medication
-the specific time of administration
If your child is taking any type of medication, if they require special medical attention, or if they take any medications on a regular basis, the parent/guardian will need to meet with the supervisor prior to camp start date. A Health Care Plan specific to your child will be put into place. The proper paperwork needs to be completed by the parent/guardian or they will be asked to return to Impact to administer medication themselves. Parents may consider checking with their healthcare provider to see if a dosage schedule can be arranged that does not involve the hours the child is at preschool. It is the parent’s responsibility to supply all medications and supplies to preschool. Children are not permitted to carry any medications, prescription or over-the-counter while at preschool.
POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
At Little Riders Academy, we also strive to create an atmosphere which utilizes positive reinforcement, redirection, and conflict resolution. We will do our best to resolve all issues when they are presented in a fair and consistent manner. We understand that every child is unique and what “works” for one child may not for another. Parents are obligated to release any information/disorders about their child which may affect their ability to execute day to day activities. We will work with parents to understand and determine which interventions work best for their child to ensure a positive experience at school. Failure to disclose appropriate information may result in dismissal without refund.
BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS:
Serious and continuous behavioral problems may result in; talks with the child, talks with the parent, written reports, meeting with the child and parent to devise and implement a behavioral contract, and dismissal as a last resort. If a child receives two written reports in a week they will be dismissed from preschool and will not be able to attend future classes until a meeting has taken place with the Director, Parent/guardian and child.
Extreme incidents may require immediate dismissal without prior notice. Refunds will not be issued for children dismissed due to behavior. Actions that will not be tolerated in Preschool and will require the child be picked up immediately.
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Behavior that is continuously disruptive
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Behavior that poses a threat to him/herself or others (hitting or fighting of any kind)
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Destruction of property
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Leaving without permission
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Failure to respond to preschool policies
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Inappropriate touching
I have read, understand and agree to the policies and procedures in the Little Rider’s Academy Preschool Handbook.