1. Jefferson Elementary School
Preschool
321 West Broadway Blvd.
Jefferson City, TN
Welcome to Pre-K

2. You are your child’s first teacher!
You are vitally important to your child and you will be with him/her throughout his school years, and beyond
I want to work with you to make this a successful experience for you and your child

3. What you can do to ensure your child will be successful in Pre K?
Make sure your child gets plenty of rest each night
Preschoolers sleep about 10 to 12 hours during each 24-hour period.
Establish a bedtime routine, so that your child knows what to expect
This is an excellent time to read together.

4. READ, SING, and TALK with your child EVERY SINGLE DAY!
The Most Important Indicator for Reading Success throughout school…language.
READ, SING, and TALK with your child EVERY SINGLE DAY!

5. Pre-K Hours and Transportation
Transportation is not provided for Pre K students
All Pre K students must be signed in and out by an adult each day.
Program hours are (8:30-2:00pm)
Excessive Tardies (arriving late) are discouraged.
Be mindful of our pick up time. Late pick-ups can cause undue worry and stress for your child.
(If an emergency arises, and you are delayed, please call the school so that we may reassure your child)
Remember: All children under the age of 9 years old, must be in a car seat.

6. Pre-K Weather and Closing Information
Pre K follows the Jefferson County school calendar (a copy has been provided)
If Jefferson County Schools are closed, Pre K is also closed
If Jefferson County Schools are dismissed early, Pre K students should be picked up 1 hour prior to the dismissal time.
BREAKFAST WILL NOT BE SERVED if school is on a delayed schedule
If Jefferson County Schools are delayed due to weather, Pre K will also be delayed
- 1 hour delay = Pre K begins at 9:30.
- 2 hour delay = Pre K begins at 10:30.

7. Pre K Dress Code NO FLIP FLOPS PLEASE
Wear comfortable clothing that he/she can manage by him/herself
NO FLIP FLOPS PLEASE
Wear tennis shoes or sports sandals
Girls should wear shorts under dresses or skirts
A change of clothes will be kept in the classroom in case of accidents.

8. Remember….
Label all coats, jackets, and lunch boxes with your child’s name
Also label any extra clothing you may send.

9. Remember….. No backpacks needed.
Do NOT allow your child to bring toys from home
These could become lost, stolen, or broken
No backpacks needed.
We will make a tote bag in the fall for the students.

10. Attendance Policy
TN Volunteer Pre K is a voluntary program and attendance is not mandatory, but…if you choose to enroll, attendance is expected.
If your child has
5 unexcused absences
-You will receive a letter from the county.
7 unexcused absences
-You will be contacted by the Family Resource Center
10 unexcused absences
Possible Dismissal from Pre K Program

11. Attendance Policy Excused Absences include: Doctor Visits
Dentist Visits
WIC appointments
Funerals
Court Appearances
Please provide a written excuse from these appointments so that the absences can be excused by the school office.

12. Morning Drop-Off
Please do not enter the school parking lot before 8:15a.m.
At 8:30 a.m. drive into the back traffic circle
Stay in your car until I open the door at 8:30 a.m.
Students will enter the building at the back door, and this is where you will be signing in for daily attendance.
This is also where you will pick up in the afternoon.

13. How Families can be involved in Pre K
Parent Meetings (Monthly)
Classroom Volunteers
Field Trips
Examples of Parent Meetings
PTO Open House
Family Readers Night
2 Parent/Teacher Conferences
5 Parenting workshops
End of Year Celebration
Thanksgiving Luncheon
Christmas Get Together
Registration Breakfast

14. Daily Pre K Schedule 8:30 GATHER STUDENTS AT THE BACK DOOR
AND TAKE A BATHROOM BREAK
8: GET OUR BREAKFAST
9: MORNING GROUP AND CALENDAR TIME
9: SMALL GROUP TIME:
EACH TEACHER LEADS AN ACTIVITY WITH 6-7 KIDS
10:30 CLEAN-UP AND BATHROOM BREAK
10:45 RECESS
11: ND GROUP AND MUSIC TIME
11:45 LUNCH TIME
12:15 CLEAN-UP AND QUIET TIME
12:30 FREE CHOICE LESSONS
1: SNACK AND GET READY TO GO HOME
1: MEET PARENTS AT THE BACK DOOR

15. What happens at Pre K… It’s MORE than just play!
Creative Curriculum
Developmentally Appropriate Practice for 4 year old children
Pre K classrooms are set up with Learning Centers where your child will have opportunities to:
Work with letters, numbers, and writing
Complete science experiments and explore nature
Use the computer
Work with math concepts, such as measurement, patterns, shapes, and sorting
Work on fine motor skills by using scissors, painting, & writing
Listen to books or music
Develop interpersonal skills
Develop conflict resolution and problem solving skills
We also follow a list of goals called the TN-ELDS. These can be found on the following website:

16. What happens at Pre K… It’s MORE than just play!
Story Time allows children to:
Develop receptive language skills (listening)
Develop expressive language skills (expressing thoughts or ideas about the story)
Develop critical thinking skills as they learn to relate the story to their own life or to another story

17. What happens at Pre K… It’s MORE than just play!
Small Group time allows children to
Receive instruction in literacy, math, science and social studies, as well as art, music, and drama
Instruction is delivered to a small group of children so that children can be better focused and the teacher can become more aware of where each child is in his/her learning

18. What happens at Pre K… It’s MORE than just play!
Outdoor Play
Allows children to develop gross motor skills like:
Hopping
Galloping
Skipping
Jumping
Climbing
Running
Helps develop healthy habits (exercise)

19. What happens at Pre K… It’s MORE than just play!
Large Group Time allows children to
Develop receptive (listening) language and expressive language skills
Discuss theme topics
Discuss what is happening in their world
Such as weather, upcoming events or holidays
Learn to have empathy for others through class meetings
Learn through music and movement
Learn to wait for their turn

20. MUST HAVE before August 5, 2014
Immunization and Physical Examination
This is REQUIRED. State law does not permit children to attend school without this form.
Birth Certificate
Custody Documents (if this pertains to your child)
Proof of residency- (ex: electric, water, home phone bill)

21. Fall Registration Day August 5, 2014 Free/Reduced Meals
If you receive a letter during the summer, please bring it to Fall Registration
Complete the Free/Reduced Meal form on August 5, 2014
If you have a SNAP or EBT case number, please bring it on August 5, 2014
Verify all Phone Numbers, including emergency contact information and work phone numbers
All phone numbers must be working numbers
Verify current address

22. During the Summer… You will receive a letter explaining: Home Visits
Staggered Enrollment