New Year, Old Rules

Though Joyful Noise is open all year, September always feels new.  Since our oldest students go off to kindergarten and we have room for new, younger students, it feels like a "beginning" for us.

Since the phrase "power struggle" can be used to describe the relationship between kids and adults, I would like to offer some observations we have found that can make everyone's day run smoother.  The first three categories are communication, health, and safety.

Teachers will be helping your child to communicate using words instead of screaming, hitting, etc.  We will also try to "read" the types of communication that other children use, such as recoiling in fear, smiling in pleasure, and point these out to the kids.  ("Can you see that he is afraid?  Please take that bug out of his face.")

Communication between teachers and parents is so important for the comfort, health, and safety of children.  If you say, "He had a weird morning, can you watch for a fever?" we may be able to notice that a child is getting sick in time for you to make a doctor's appointment.  Without the "heads up", we may not have noticed until your child was feverish and tearful and crying for Mommy.  A few words from a teacher regarding behavior we see at school can alert parents to a new phase in their child's development.  Sometimes we need help from parents so we can help a child get through the day.

If a parent feels happy about something at school or troubled, I would urge communication with a teacher, assistant director, director, and especially the parent representative to the preschool board.  Michael's mom, Vicki, brings opinions from a parent's perspective to our monthly preschool board meetings.

Health is so important.  How often we use the words "health" and "happiness" together!  a few precautions at preschool will hopefully help prevent the spread of disease.  We have the children wash hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after outdoor play.  Hand washing includes running water, soap, rubbing hands together, and drying with one paper towel, not just wetting hands and drying off on dirty jeans!

A strange thing we have learned that has turned out to be real handy, is to cough and sneeze into your shoulder or arm.  This prevents germs from either spewing into someone's face, or placing germs on the hand which then go straight to the toys or other people.  If you are showing your child at home to cough into her hand, we will be sending her into the bathroom to wash hands every time her hands are used for coughing or sneezing.  She will be much more comfortable if she can turn her head into her upper arm, sneeze, and continue playing.  Of course, too much coughing and sneezing can indicate being sick, in which case she will need to stay home instead of coming to school.

Healthful lunches and snacks are so important, but also open to interpretation.  Brussel sprouts, while healthy, may not be even tasted, while candy, while eaten, doesn't do a child's body much good!  We strive for a happy medium, help children open their lunch boxes and bags, and encourage main dish before dessert.  All food needs to be ready-to-eat: we watch kids rather than "fix" their lunch.

A few school rules can help ensure the safety of your child and others.  Please go in and out the wooden gate with your child, and make sure the gate is closed behind you.  Please toot the horn for us to deliver your child to the parking lot rather than leaving an infant in the car.  Sign your child in and out, and alert the staff to any changes in pick-up or routine.  Please place only food, napkins, spoons, etc in the lunch box, no toys, money, or medicine.  Prepare to be "carded" if a staff member does not recognize  you, and feel free to learn the names and faces of the preschool teachers!

While communication, health, and safety seem to be the most important areas, there are a few more things that can help your child feel more comfortable and lessen power struggles between kids and teachers and also kids and parents.

A child who feels competent (powerful) can get on with the business of playing and being with friends.  Sending your child in clothes that either fall off during play or trap her so she pees her pants may make her feel babyish and also cut down on play time.  Supplying your child with the necessary items for a successful day aid their comfort and confidence.  These include and extra outfit and jacket (blanket for naps), lunch, and a clear understanding of when they will be picked up and by whom.

Teachers can help the child feel good about making choices: what to play, who to play with, inquiring if they are hot or cold, full or still hungry, whether they would like and old familiar puzzle, or a new, harder one.  We assist them in doing things for themselves, with the knowledge that we are also here to help.  "Together We're Better!"