GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

Inclement Weather Policy
We will follow the same inclement weather policy as Harford County Public Schools for closing and late openings, with the following exceptions:
LATE OPENINGS
- If public schools open one hour late, the morning session will begin at 10 a.m. and dismiss at the regular time. The afternoon session will not be affected. Classes for afternoon students will begin at 12:30 p.m.
- If public schools open two hours late, morning classes will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Afternoon classes will meet from 1 to 3 p.m.
- If there is a delayed opening on the day of an early dismissal, either one or two hours late, early dismissal for schools will be cancelled. Students will come to school following the delayed opening schedule and remain in school until their normal dismissal times.
EARLY DISMISSAL
- If public schools close one hour early, we will close one hour early.
- If public schools close two hours early, we will cancel afternoon classes.

If public schools are closed for the entire day, we will be closed for the entire day. In the event that Harford County Schools cancel elementary schools ONLY and all other Harford County schools are delayed, the preschool will be closed.

Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on developmentally appropriate goals for each age group. Readiness skills and thematic topics are presented in a variety of ways. Children are given the opportunity to work with materials that promote exploration and creativity. Through this practice they develop communication skills, problem solving abilities, and critical thinking capabilities, which help to foster the independence necessary for success in kindergarten. Field trips help to enrich and expand the units taught in the classroom. Christian faith is taught through Bible stories, prayers, songs, and monthly chapel sessions.

Class Size and Staffing
Classes range in size from 12 to 14 students, depending on the classroom. All 3- and 4-year-old co-op classes are staffed by one teacher, one aide, and one co-op parent. The five day 4-year-old classes are typically staffed by two teachers. All preschool teachers are degreed in Early Childhood Education and/or Elementary Education.

Registration and Admission
Admission is open to children of any race, religion or national origin. We encourage prospective families to take a tour of the school or visit a class to learn more about our program. Registration for currently enrolled, church members, and returning siblings will begin on December 5, 2011 at 9:15 A.M. For all others it will be January 9, 2011 at 9:15 A.M. When you register your child you will be asked to complete and submit a class preference form accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $125.00. You will be given the option to be placed on a waiting list if the class for which you are registering has been filled.

For admission to preschool, all 3- and 4-year-olds must be toilet trained and of class age by September 1 of the school year for which you are registering.

Health Requirements
Children must have a medical health inventory and an immunization checklist completed by May 15.

The Cooperative Experience

Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool will celebrate its 35 anniversary of preschool Christian education in 2012!

Founded in 1977, Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool (formerly Good Shepherd Cooperative Nursery School) is a parent cooperative school where parents take an active role in their child’s growth and development in school. Through regular participation, parents, along with teachers, provide a supportive and safe environment where children feel free to explore their surroundings through creative and positive play. The co-op experience is enriching, rewarding, and fun as it strengthens the bond between parents and children.

Class Sessions

The Preschool offers a variety of sessions for children ages 3 and 4. Classes designated with a C are cooperative classes in which parents participate in the classroom.

3-year-old Sessions

†  Monday/Tuesday/Thursday (C) 9:00-11:30 AM
†  Tuesday/Thursday (C) 9:00-11:30 AM
†  Tuesday/Thursday (C) 12:30-3:00 PM
†  Wednesday/Friday (C) 9:00-11:30 AM

4-year-old Sessions

†  Monday/Wednesday/Friday (C) 9:00-11:30 AM
†  Monday/Wednesday/Friday (C) 12:30-3:00 PM
†  Monday through Friday 9:00-11:30 AM
†  Monday through Friday 12:30-3:00 PM

Cooperative Classes

Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool is a partial parent cooperative school where parents take an active role in their child's growth and education. All 3-year-old classes and the three-day 4-year-old clases are co-op classes. Through regular participation parents in these co-op classes support teachers in providing a supportive and safe environment where children feel free to explore their surroundings through creative and positive play. In addition, our cooperative environment provides:

†  A gentle transition from home to school
†  A unique opportunity for parents to have a "front row
seat" to experience their child's early childhood
education
†  A friendly place where parents can meet and support
other parents
†  An experienced and nurturing staff
†  Small class size
†  Quality education at a reasonable cost

Mission

Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool strives to provide a well-planned program which stimulates the social, emotional, intellectual, physical, creative, and Christian growth of each child. To achieve this goal, our dedicated teachers create an environment that is inviting, secure, and rich in opportunities for children to express their creativity, to explore new ideas, to learn through play, and to interact with other children. In a Christian atmosphere, children are taught the love of God and how to express that love in kindness, patience, and joy in their experiences with others. Parents are valued as important partners in the educational process and are provided opportunities to participate in our program. The combination of teachers, students, and parents working together in a Christian setting helps to ensure a positive educational experience for all.

Tuition

Annual tuition rates for Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool will be posted each year prior to registration. Tuition is payable in 10 monthly installments beginning Feb. 1. All tuition should be paid in full by Nov. 30. There is a 5 percent discount for children of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd members. There is a 10 percent discount if a family has two or more children enrolled in the preschool at the same time. The 10 percent discount will be applied to the lesser annual tuition fee.

Tuition for the 2012-2013 school year will be as follows:

† 2-day classes (Tu/Th 3's or W/F 3's) $1,075.00
† 3-day classes (M/Tu/Th 3's or M/W/F 4's) $1,525.00
† 5-day classes (Mon-Fri 4's) $2,600.00

Setting

Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool occupies three classrooms located in The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Our rooms are divided into activity centers designed to support the curriculum. Children are free to choose from a wide range of activities during class, such as:

† A comfortable book corner
† Building station including blocks, trains and cars
† A dramatic play corner
† Rug area where children meet for circle time, sharing and singing
† Play yard with swings, slides, and an area for climbing, as well as an indoor gym

Licensing

Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool is registered with the Maryland State Department of Education as a non-public preschool and carries a letter of compliance from the Maryland Child Care Administration as a church-operated facility. All preschool staff members are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid.