Author: Jeremy Greer

Parent Handbook
2022-2023
2016-17

www.DuluthBaptistPreschool.org

Celebrating Our 55th year of ministry to children and parents!
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 19:14

Dear Parents,
Welcome to First Baptist Duluth Weekday Preschool! Our staff, church, and weekday preschool committee are grateful that God has brought us together. We are excited to be with you and your child this year. It will be a great year filled with meaningful learning experiences to grow inside and out.
The weekday preschool of First Baptist Church Duluth is an integral part of the total ministry of the church, reaching all preschoolers and their families for Christ Jesus. We welcome all children and want to work together with you to help them to grow into all God has created them to be. Our program will include a balance of opportunities for development of the whole child from a biblical perspective: mental, physical, spiritual, social, and emotional. Age-appropriate activities will be used to guide and encourage development. There will be lots of “hands-on” experiences since preschoolers learn best through firsthand experiences, social interaction, repetition, relationship and play.
FBCD Weekday Preschool is greatly blessed with staff and committee members that have hearts for God and children. We desire to nurture each child as a uniquely created individual in an atmosphere of God’s love. Through loving and enriching experiences for children, they will grow in the areas of self-confidence, problem-solving, self-control, and becoming more independent and accepting responsibility. In addition to that, they will learn to respect their own worth as a child of God.
We encourage you to visit our classrooms, build relationships with our teachers, and participate in the variety of planned programs throughout the year. Your involvement in those opportunities serves to link your home and family with our school. We look forward to having you join us as we work together in building a foundation for your child’s future.
Serving in Him,
SoYoung Lee
Director of Children and Preschool Ministry

2022-2023
Class Teacher/Assistant Room #
Mother’s Lynn Kinney/Sarah An 108
Day Out (1’s)
Two Year Vania Wynn/Seungmi Choi/ 117
Old's Sarah An
Three Year Karen Marcus/Julie Monk 111
Old's
Four Year Nathalie Menos/Tina Mai 101
Old's
Music Alise Durkota/SherlySetiawan 112

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First Baptist Church Duluth Ministers
Senior Pastor Dr. Mark Hearn
Minister to Youth/Families Todd Jones
Minister to Children/ SoYoung Lee
Preschool Global/Worship Coordinator Mark Barneycastle
Weekday Preschool Office Staff
Preschool Administrator Cathy Howell
Administrative Assistant Andrea London
Contact Information
Preschool Office 770-476-3780
Church Office 770-476-3788
www.DuluthBaptistPreschool.org
Email: weekday@duluthbaptist.org
YOUR PRESCHOOL HANDBOOK
This handbook was prepared for you as a guide. It contains information detailing our school philosophy as well as specific policy regarding programs and procedures. Please use it as reference throughout this school year.
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Love grows here. . . Our Mission
First Baptist Weekday Preschool will demonstrate the love of Christ to our children and their families through meaningful relationships that support developmentally appropriate learning.
Love grows here . . . Our Philosophy
We believe the importance of preschool experiences cannot be overemphasized. These experiences provide the foundation upon which other education is built. We believe that this foundation should be characterized by a growing sense of confidence and opportunity for success.
We believe that all children pass through the same stages of development, yet each child has his own rate and pattern of growth. We seek to provide a growth stimulating environment in which children can explore and discover at their own unique pace.
We believe that the preschool years develop a child’s sense of community. We offer an opportunity for each child to interact positively with other children and care-giving adults, developing habits and sharing experiences which provide the foundation for an effective role in society.
“Train up a child in the way he should go , even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
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Love grows here . . . Our Family Values
Our preschool is a ministry of a Christian church and exists to demonstrate the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ to the children and adults in our community.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
It is our desire that each of our staff members have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our curriculum is taught from a Christian perspective and is based on biblical principles. However, we believe that parents are the primary teachers. Parents must spend time with their children, instructing them in the ways of God, and modeling for them a Christ-centered lifestyle.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:6 &7
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Growing - The Whole Child
Cognitive - expanding attention span, increasing vocabulary, developing ability in problem solving and reasoning, stimulating curiosity about the natural environment.
Emotional - gaining positive attitudes toward self and others, accepting self as a person of adequacy and worth, acquiring self-discipline, developing self-reliance, and expressing emotions in an acceptable manner.
Social - interacting as a part of a group, learning to solve conflict with others, taking directions from teachers, respecting the rights of others, taking turns and working cooperatively, and accepting responsibility.
Psychomotor - developing large muscle coordination by running, jumping, throwing, rhythms, and climbing. Developing small muscle coordination by drawing, working with blocks and tools, manipulating clay, painting, and cutting.
Spiritual - fostering an awareness of God's presence in the world, teaching biblical principles, demonstrating the love of Christ through personal interaction.
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Growing - Your Role as a Parent
Pray. Pray for your child. Pray for our school. Pray for our teachers and staff. Pray for your child’s classmates and their families.
Teach your child independence by encouraging him to do things for himself and allowing him sufficient time to complete the task. Teach him to put on, take off, and hang up his coat; to put away his toys; to eat using good table manners; to establish regular toilet and sleeping routines.
Get to know your child’s teacher. Work with the teacher concerning problems that may arise and celebrate your child’s accomplishments together. Refrain from discussing your child in his presence or in the presence of others.
Take time to listen to your child’s daily experiences and discuss them with real interest. Ask open -ended questions. Help your child build a positive attitude toward his teacher, his classmates, and school.
Take advantage of volunteer opportunities in your child’s classroom. Participate in school sponsored activities.
Make your child’s teacher aware of any transitions, circumstances, or loss at home that may have impact in the classroom.
Help your child learn his full name, age, address, and telephone number.
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Love grows here . . . Preschool
First Baptist Duluth Preschool provides each child with the opportunity to discover his world through a variety of experiences on a daily basis: through music and rhythmic activities, through artistic expression and dramatic play, through books, stories, and language, through small and large group activities, through self-initiated and teacher directed tasks, and in both indoor and outdoor learning
environments. Our teachers carefully plan learning experiences that challenge the needs of each child, encourage positive self-image, and establish academic and social readiness.
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Policies and Procedures
Admission - The child’s birth date must be on or before September 1 for enrollment in MDO(1) , 2, 3, and 4. Students enrolled in 3’s and 4’s classes MUST be toilet trained.
School Hours - All classes are from 9:00–1:00.
Preschool Drop-off and Pick-up - Children may be dropped off at school in the morning from 9:00 until 9:15. You may use the carpool line or walk your child into the building. After 9:15, children arriving late must be accompanied to their class by a parent. THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL 9:00.
Children should be picked up between 1:00 and 1:15. There is not a carpool line in the afternoon. You must come into the building to pick-up your child. Your children are your responsibility once you have picked them up from their classroom. Please use caution in the crowded halls and busy parking lot. Seatbelts/car seat restraints are required at all times in the parking lot.
Pick-up Late Fees - A late fee will be charged for any student not picked up by 1:20 at the rate of $1.00 per minute. The fee will be collected by cash or check when your child is picked up or will be added to your account.
Confidentiality Policy - Confidential student records concerning health, behavior, assessments, admittance, and financial information are kept in the weekday office. This information is available upon request with parental permission.
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Tuition - Monthly tuition is due on the first day of each month. Make checks payable to FBCD Weekday Preschool. Tuition may be mailed to FBCD Preschool, P.O. Box 2440, Duluth GA 30096. It will not be considered late if it is postmarked by the 10th of the month. The tuition is a yearly rate divided into nine payments. Holidays, sickness, or being absent does not affect the amount of your monthly tuition fee. You may write one check for multiple children. Simply group the individual bills together and attach the check to them.
Tuition Late Fees - A late fee of $25 will be added after the 10th of the month if tuition has not been paid. Tuition may be mailed and will not be considered late if it is postmarked by the 10th of the month. Remember to make payments early during holidays/closures when the preschool will not be in session. You may pay tuition by mailing your check to FBCD Preschool, P.O. Box 2440, Duluth GA 30096. If your family is having difficulty meeting your financial obligation to the preschool please consult the Director.
School Calendar - Our school follows the Gwinnett County Public School System calendar with the following exceptions: Our school year begins on September 1st and dismisses the week prior to Gwinnett County dismissal. Good Friday is always observed as a holiday even if the public school system is in session.
Student Withdrawal - A one month notice is required before the withdrawal of a student from the Preschool. Notice must be made in writing to the Director.
The one month advanced tuition payment will be applied to your final month provided a “30 day” notice has been given. This policy is in effect until December 31st. After this point, it is nonrefundable and will be retained by the school if the student withdraws.
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Immunization Forms - We must have a current Georgia immunization form (GA 3231) on file in the office by the first day of school. Children without a current form on file will not be permitted to attend school.
Illness / Contagious Disease - You must keep your child at home if he/she is ill. A child with a communicable illness, diarrhea, fever, undiagnosed rash, or a condition that prevents them from participating in the regular classroom routine may not attend. If your child has been given a medication that will affect his/her behavior, you will need to notify your child’s teacher prior to his/her attendance. A child must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. A child taking fever reducing medication is not considered fever free. Please inform your child’s teacher if he/she has a contagious disease so that other class members can be notified if necessary. In the case of illness or in the event of an emergency, parents will be contacted immediately. Sick children will be separated from the class until picked up by a parent. It is imperative that your contact information, including cell phones numbers, is current and on file.
Food and Medical Allergies - You must advise us in writing of any food or medical allergies your child has. You must complete an Allergy Alert Sheet with detailed written instructions for the classroom teacher and office staff.
Contact Information - It is necessary that all of your contact information is current and on file in the office. Please make us aware of any changes in address, home phone, cell phone, work phone or people authorized for pick-up as they occur during the school year.
Insurance - Your child is covered by secondary insurance only.
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Medications - No medication will be given by the staff except for EpiPens and Inhalers, with written permission. All medications must be stored in their original container.
Emergency Plan - In the case of severe or inclement weather we will be closed, or dismissed early in accordance with Gwinnett County Public Schools. If weather causes a delay in school openings for Gwinnett County, we will be closed for the day. An emergency text will be sent to alert parents of early dismissal. If the building needs to be evacuated, all children will be taken to a designated site that is secured and undisclosed. Susan Choi will notify parents in regards to pick up.
FBCD Weekday Preschool Security Tag - A security tag will be given to you during Parent Orientation. This security tag must be shown at the front door to gain access to the building. You will be required to show your driver’s license if your security tag is not available. In order for your child to be picked up by someone who is not on your approved pick-up list, a written note must be given to your classroom teacher. A driver’s license will be required for identification. The doors will remain locked during school hours to ensure your child’s safety. Any child arriving/departing outside of the stated pick-up/drop-off times must sign in or out at the front desk. Classroom and school visitors must also check in and obtain a visitor sticker from the front desk upon entering the building. There will be a $1.00 charge for any replacement or additional tags.
Conferences - There will be scheduled conferences with parents of 4 year olds twice a year. The fall conference is designed to allow parents and teachers the opportunity to get acquainted, share experiences, and set goals for the child. Spring conferences provide a review of the year’s progress.
Conferences for 3 year olds will be in the Winter and 2 year olds will be in the Spring. Parents are expected to attend.
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Lunch - Each child needs to bring a lunch to school in a paper or other soft-sided bag. The bag must fit inside your child’s tote bag. Cups for water will be provided with lunch. Do not send hard lunch boxes or juice boxes.
Snack - Each class will have a snack time daily. Children take turns bringing a snack to share with the class. Due to the increasing number of children with food allergies, all snacks are to be nut free. Snacks should be nutritious and represent a variety of food groups. Candy, cookies, cake, chocolate, or other sweets are not permitted. Please send only items from the list of approved snacks that you receive from your child’s teacher.
Bringing Things From Home - Please refrain from sending toys and other personal items to school unless requested by your child’s teacher. Security objects such as blankets or stuffed animals may be acceptable. Please consult with your child’s teacher regarding these items.
Tote Bags - Each child is required to bring an open top tote bag each day. Zippered back packs are not permitted. Open bags provide easier access for both teachers and children.
Specials - MDO classes participate in Music and Movement . All 2’s, 3’s and 4’s classes participate in Music, and Chapel.

Clothes and Shoes - Dress your children comfortably in play clothes that are washable and easy to manage themselves. All possessions, including clothes, must be labeled prior to the first day of school. Only shoes appropriate for active indoor or outdoor play are permitted. Flip-flops and open-toed sandals are not acceptable. Children enrolled in MDO, 2’s and 3’s classes must bring an extra change of clothes to school each day. The clothes must be put in a labeled zip-lock plastic bag and should be changed seasonally.
Birthdays - Your child may bring in a special birthday treat to share with his/her classmates. NO candles. Please notify the classroom teacher several days in advance. You may send the treats to school in the morning to be passed out at the teacher’s discretion, or you may bring them at your child’s designated lunch time. Birthday treats are not considered snacks. A healthy snack must still be provided.
Long-Term Travel - If your family is out-of-country for a month or more, you will receive a 25% discount on tuition in order to reserve your child’s spot at preschool. Please give 30 days advance notice to the office in writing.
Specific Teacher Requests - Teacher and classroom requests will be accepted in written format but cannot be guaranteed. Forms will be available in the spring through your child’s classroom.
FBCD Weekday Preschool, operating in exempt status, is committed to ongoing self-monitoring to ensure compliance with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Regulations. This preschool is not licensed and is not required to be licensed.

Behavior Policy
Behavior Management: Once enrolled, students are expected to adhere to the classroom behavioral guidelines and expectations. Students who are disruptive to classroom routines, damage individual or school property, are unable to exhibit emotional control, or are physically aggressive to others will require intervention. Interventions are as follows:
First Step: The classroom teacher will try redirection, giving the child a time out or break in a comfortable place away from the others, providing a soothing object to calm down, will model problem solving strategies with the child, or offer logical choices or consequences that match the behavior being corrected.
Second Step: The classroom teacher will document child’s behavior and communicate concerns with parents. Parents and Teacher will discuss a behavioral plan.
Third Step: If conflict continues, the child will be sent to the office. A parent phone call will be made by office staff personnel.
Fourth Step: Director, Classroom Teacher, and Parents will set up a meeting to discuss a plan of action.
Fifth Step: If behavioral problems cannot be resolved within the designated time frame, we reserve the right to terminate your child’s participation at our school.

Excessive Behavior: FBCD Weekday Preschool has a “Three Strikes You’re Out” policy concerning verbal physical threats or aggressive behaviors that cause physical harm in a 3 year old class or above.
The “Three Strikes” are:
· 1st Strike: Student is taken to the office. Student will have a chance to calm down and be able to discuss their behaviors with staff personnel. Once the student is able to articulate better choices to make, they will be taken back to the classroom. A parent phone call will be made by office staff personnel.
· 2nd Strike: An incident report will be sent home for the parents to sign and return. The incident report will remind the parents that this is their child’s second offense. A one day suspension from school will be implemented.
· 3rd Strike: Student will be removed from the school permanently.
Special Needs: Our staff is not trained in the area of learning disabilities or behavioral, physical, or emotional developmental challenges. We strive to serve the needs of each individual child, but if we feel we are not qualified, we will refer parents to Gwinnett County Schools or your Current County School. We support the services they provide and will help in any way that we can to make your child successful in the education setting. If a parent refuses county services, we reserve the right to dismiss the child if we are unable to meet the special needs of the student.
“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”
Proverbs 10:17

Grievance Procedures - Any parent in our program who has a grievance concerning FBCD Weekday Preschool should follow the following procedures.
If the grievance is a classroom matter, the parent should attempt to resolve the concern directly with the child’s teacher. If the matter remains unresolved, the Director should be contacted.
If the grievance is a school wide policy or procedure concern, then the parent should request an appointment with the Director. The Director may request that the grievance be put in writing if either party determines the need for further attention.
If further attention is required, the written grievance must be submitted to the Children’s Minister and the FBCD Weekday Preschool Committee for consideration. The Director will communicate any further action to the concerned parent.
If further action is necessary, a meeting will be arranged with the Preschool Director, the Children’s Minister, the concerned parent, and other individuals as requested.
Discrimination Policy - Duluth First Baptist Weekday Preschool does not discriminate in enrollment based on race, sex, creed, ethnic or religious background. Children with functioning disabilities, handicaps, and/or developmental delays are enrolled at the discretion of the Weekday Preschool Committee and the Director.
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FBCD Weekday Statement of Faith
We believe. . .
. . . the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21)
. . . there is one God, eternally existent in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30)
. . . in the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35), His sinless life ((Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9), His resurrection (John 11:25 , 1 Corinthians 15:4), His ascension to the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11)
. . . in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature; and that we are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God’s grace and through faith alone we are saved. (John 3: 16-19, John 5:24, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5)
. . . in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost – the saved to be the resurrection of life, and the lost to the resurrection of condemnation. (John 5: 28-29)
. . . in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28
. . in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. (Romans 8:13-14, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 4; 30, Ephesians 5:18)

FBCD Weekday Preschool is accredited by The Georgia Accrediting Commission

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
— Matthew 19:14 NIV

Cathy Howell
Weekday Preschool Administrator
2908 Highway 120
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 476-3780
www.DuluthBaptistPreschool.org

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