STEPPING STONES
First Presbyterian School for Young Children
2007

Purpose
    The purpose of Stepping Stones - First Presbyterian School for Young Children is to provide an experience outside the home for pre-school children while providing a time for parents to pursue their own interests.

    We hope the experience at the First Presbyterian School for Young Children, in conjunction with the experiences of the home will enable the child to acquire a positive self concept; to be accepting of others; to learn to express themselves in many ways; be curious, imaginative, creative, and responsible; to want to learn; to enjoy play; to feel loved and secure.

    The First Presbyterian Church in Graham offers this program out of the basic belief that God is a God of love and that children should have the opportunity to experience this love in relationships with others within a positive learning environment.

Program Design
    You may choose to attend Stepping Stones two, three or four days per week.  Our program days are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 1:30 p.m.  Our classes are divided into infants (6 months-1 year), toddlers (1 year-2 years), two year olds, three year olds, and four & five year olds. The birthday must fall by August 31^st to be in that age class.  Average teacher-child ratio is 1-3 for infants, 1-5 for the toddlers, 1-6 for the twos, 1-8 for the threes and 1-10 for the fours.

    The First Presbyterian School for Young Children will be open August through May, generally following the public school calendar and their holidays, finishing earlier in May. Our program will be closed for bad weather if the public schools close.

    All ages participate in Chapel and a Music & Movement program. Infants and toddlers enjoy outside play along with developmentally appropriate learning activities, lunch and rest times (if needed).  The two, three, and four year old classes also have daily programs that include; circle time, group activities and individual activities at learning centers, and playground.  All children bring a lunch from home.  The three and four year old classes also look forward to field trips, cooking opportunities and 30 minute science and computer classes.  Art and other thematic activities supplement the classroom curriculum.  The HighReach Learning curriculum and all of our classroom activities focus on literacy and language development at all age levels.  Our teachers are helping the children reach physical, social, emotional, educational and developmental goals at each child's own rate of growing and learning.

            We encourage parent involvement and urge you to take part in your child's school. There will be many places for you to volunteer your talents.

    You will be contacted to volunteer in the areas of your choice. Remember, your involvement plays a critical part in making your child's pre-school years more enjoyable.  You are invited to drop by the school to visit at anytime.  Please contact your child’s teacher if you would like to schedule a conference.

    Stepping Stones is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
and maintains liability insurance as required by the Human Resources Code.

Tuition and Fees
    Tuition and fees are set by the Board of the First Presbyterian School for Young Children and are payable the first school day of each month. A yearly registration fee is due at the time of registration.

Tuition is figured on a yearly basis and divided by ten months. The amount is not flexible with long and short months or attendance.
Consequently there will be no refunds or reductions for the time a child is absent.

    2007-08 tuition is due in the office by the 10th of the month to avoid payment of a $10.00 late fee.  Monthly tuition amounts are as follows:
two days, $95.00; three days, $142.40; and the four day program is $190.00.

Enrollment
    Fall Registration will be held March 10^th through 14^th.   Returning students, First Presbyterian Church members, returning students' siblings, and teacher’s children will receive priority enrollment.  Stepping Stones has a non-discriminatory policy toward students.  Parents will be notified by letter the later part of April if their child is accepted into the program. A registration fee of $25.00 is required with each registration and is refundable if the child is not accepted. A waiting list will be maintained after classes have been filled. Please notify the Director immediately if it becomes necessary to withdraw your child. We ask that you give at least two weeks notice, preferably a month for withdrawal.

Health and Immunization records
    Please do not send a sick child to school. If your child becomes ill during school hours, you will be notified. He/she should be picked up as soon as possible. We will keep your child isolated until you arrive. DO NOT send medication with your child. Under NO circumstances shall medicine be given by one of our staff.

Immunization records will be required on each child enrolled. Forms will be available from our office.
Xerox copies (with physician’s signature) are permissible.

If you would like more information on the preschool program you may contact the Stepping Stones office.
940-549-4264 or sstones@fpcgraham.com.