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Preschool Handbook

Preschool Handbook

District Mission Statement

The mission of Cambridge-Isanti Schools, in partnership with our community, is to Educate, Empower and Inspire EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY to achieve their full potential.

All School District policies referenced in this handbook are located on the district website under the heading, About Us.

Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year!

Dear Families,

We welcome you to a new school year at Cambridge-Isanti Preschool!

The Preschool Handbook provides information that you may need throughout the school year. Portions of this handbook may be amended during the school year. The most up-to-date handbook will always be available on our website.

As this may be a child’s first experience attending school on their own, we look forward to building a positive relationship and helping your child continue to develop a love for learning that they can carry with them. We are very excited to be part of this journey with you!

Please feel free to contact me or visit Cambridge-Isanti Preschool!

Sincerely,

Kim Goodmanson, Early Childhood Coordinator
763-691-6612, kgoodmanson@c-ischools.org

About Cambridge-Isanti Preschool

Cambridge-Isanti Preschool provides educational experiences that enhance the cognitive, literacy, emotional, social and physical development of children ages three to five years. The Cambridge-Isanti Preschool Focus of Learning is based on the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress from the Minnesota Department of Education. Meaningful unit themes spark children's interest and connect the different learning areas of the lesson plan. Various learning activities that relate to and expand each unit theme maximize the learning experience. The preschool staff are responsible for planning and creating activities that help children experience the joy of learning. Overall, our goal is to help children develop the foundational skills, attitudes and enjoyment of school that will contribute to future educational success.

Cambridge-Isanti Preschool Belief Statements

  • We Believe that parents/caregivers are children’s first and most influential teachers, and that the success of schools is largely determined by the involvement and support of parents/families.
  • We Believe the early years are fundamental for building and nurturing confident, determined, and passionate learners.
  • We Believe it is essential to provide a relationship-based program which enables children to learn in a safe and nurturing environment.
  • We Believe that children learn best through engaged, meaningful play.
  • We Believe in providing inclusive settings that acknowledge children’s diverse backgrounds, abilities, interests, needs, and learning styles.

Parent Advisory Council

The Early Childhood Parent Advisory Council plays an important role in the functioning of our Early Childhood program because it provides a voice for parents. Some of the areas the council helps with are: budget, procedures, parent-involvement activities, marketing, etc. The council meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Early Childhood Parent Room inside Cambridge Intermediate School. All are welcome to attend, free childcare is provided, just register online on Eleyo. Please call the Early Childhood Coordinator at 763-691-6612 for more information.

Upcoming Family Events

  • Halloween Bash - October 25, 2024
  • Sweetheart Dance - February 07, 2025
  • Family Gym Night - January 17, 2025

Preschool Enrollment

We offer child-only classes for children aged 3 years to Kindergarten entrance. Five, three and two-day-a-week classes for 3 & 4 and 4 & 5 year-olds are available. We offer full-day and half-day options.

Cambridge Schedule

  • Full-Day: 7:40am - 2:10pm
  • Half-Day: 7:40am - 10:25am or 11:25am - 2:10pm

Isanti Schedule

  • Full-Day: 7:45am - 2:15pm
  • Half-Day: 7:45am - 10:30am or 11:30am - 2:15pm

Preschool Enrollment Checklist

To secure enrollment, these must be completed:

  • Online registration
  • Receipt of $40 annual, non-refundable registration fee ($20 for 2nd child)

Priority for preschool placement is given to children who are three years of age or older by September 1st. Children who turn 3 between September and December will be considered for enrollment on a space availability and teacher approval basis. Enrollment of age-eligible children can occur at any time, provided there is space. It is recommended that children be able to use the bathroom independently when they come to preschool. If this is an obstacle, please contact the Early Childhood Coordinator at 763-691-6612 to see if an appropriate plan can be made. Children who turn 3 after December 31st will need to wait until the following fall.

Tuition

  • Tuition is established as a daily fee, based on the number of days the class is in session each month. Tuition is $38 per contracted full-day and $17 per contracted half-day.
     
  • Invoices are emailed around the first, with payments due on the tenth of each month. There is a ten-day grace period before a $20 late charge is assessed. If you need assistance, please call us to work out a suitable solution.
     
  • Tuition payments are made through the Eleyo registration system. From the Early Childhood website, click on Log-In to Pay Fees near the middle of the page. Eleyo offers automatic payments and accepts all major debit/credit cards. If you pay for the entire school year by September 30th, you will receive a 5% discount!
     
  • To help teachers maximize their limited prep and planning time, please pick your children up on time. A $10 late fee will be charged after 10 minutes, and $5 every 5 minutes thereafter. After 3 late pick up occurrences you will be contacted by the Early Childhood Coordinator.
     
  • In the event of a school closing due to inclement weather C-I Preschool teachers will communicate through Seesaw about eLearning plans. Tuition is not discounted for weather related closings.
     
  • Per program policy, accounts that are past due may result in moving the student to a reduced schedule class, i.e. a child that is attending M-F may be switched to a T/Th class. Overdue accounts are turned over to Advantage Collections at the end of the school year. Any account turned over to collections will require approval for future registrations and may need to enroll in autopay.
     
  • A two-week notice to the preschool office is required if you need to end your Cambridge-Isanti Preschool enrollment. Any refund will be prorated based on tuition paid, timing of two-week notice and minus the registration fee.

Important Dates

  • September 5-6: Preschool Teacher Meet & Greet Days
  • September 9-12: First Days of Preschool
  • October 28-29: Parent-Teacher Fall Goal Setting Conferences
  • March 24-25: Parent Teacher Spring Progress Conferences
  • June 4-5: Last Days of Preschool

Teaching & Learning

4 Star Parent Aware

Cambridge-Isanti Preschool has earned a 4 Star Parent Aware rating from the State of Minnesota. This rating is the highest possible rating. Parent Aware helps families find quality care and education. Programs that earn the 4 Star Parent Aware are going above and beyond health and safety requirements and have:

  • Volunteered for extra, in-depth training
  • Devoted themselves to strong, caring relationships with each child
  • Adopted the latest approaches to keeping children’s learning on track
  • Committed to daily activities and routines that help children learn

More information about the Parent Aware program can be found online at www.parentaware.org.

Curriculum

The MN Early Childhood Indicators of Progress serve as a foundation for our preschool curriculum. The Cambridge-Isanti Schools department of Teaching and Learning facilitates the curriculum development and writing process for all grade levels, including preschool. We use Big Day for PreK and Handwriting Without Tears as our core resources.

It is important to know that the Cambridge-Isanti Preschool is developmentally-focused as opposed to academically-focused.

Preschool-age children are referred to as “reactive” learners (as opposed to older children who have the ability to learn “on-demand”) who prosper when learning activities are geared towards their interests and experiences in a play-based environment.

Below are the major developmental areas covered in our curriculum:

  • Social & Emotional Development
  • Approaches to Learning
  • Language & Literacy Development
  • Creativity & the Arts
  • Cognitive Development
  • Physical & Motor Development

Every Child is Unique

While we do have lesson plans that provide uniformity and predictability, we also value the uniqueness of each child. This uniqueness can be seen in numerous ways. For instance, children have unique temperaments, personalities, learning styles, and so on.

Pyramid Model

C-I Early Childhood is a Pyramid Model site. The Pyramid Model is a research based framework, or approach, for intentionally teaching social-emotional skills to young children to help them be successful at school. The base of the pyramid consists of creating positive relationships between the child and the teaching staff within a consistent, predictable environment. The second section of the pyramid includes using targeted teaching strategies, such as visual schedules, picture cues and social stories to help children learn problem solving skills, emotional regulation and impulse control. The top of the pyramid consists of individualized interventions for the children who need additional support in the classroom.

What are some of the social-emotional skills we teach?

  • Following rules, routines and directions
  • Identifying feelings in oneself and others
  • Problem solving
  • Suggesting play ideas & activities to peers
  • Sharing and turn taking
  • Giving positive encouragement
  • Expressing empathy with others
  • Managing feelings and calming down
  • Being respectful or people, places and things

Classroom teams are coached by trained peer coaches, which leads to positive outcomes for both staff and children! Research suggests that coaching can promote confidence and competence in supporting children with challenging behaviors. For more information on The Pyramid Model, visit www.challengingbehavior.org.

Early Childhood Screening

Early Childhood Screening is required by law for all children prior to the start of Kindergarten. Early Childhood Screening is offered free of charge by Cambridge-Isanti Schools. We strongly encourage parents to Screen at age 3 (The ideal age for screening is 31/2). Screenings can be scheduled online at www.c-ischools.org/screening or by calling our office at 763-691-6691.

Early Learning Scholarships

Early Learning Scholarships are state-funded programs that enable children to attend preschool who otherwise might not be able to afford it.

School Readiness & Pathway II Scholarships are awarded through Cambridge-Isanti Preschool. Parents can apply to the program to see if they qualify. An application is available by calling 763-691-6691 or emailing earlychildhood@c-ischools.org. Applications are emailed through Adobe Sign which allows us to collect information electronically and securely. To process your application income verification such as the 1040 from your most recent tax return must be attached to your electronic application, sent to earlychildhood@c-ischools.org, faxed to 763-691-6692, dropped in the lock box outside door 3 of Cambridge Intermediate School or mailed to Early Childhood, 428 2nd Ave NW, Cambridge, MN 55008.

Pathway I Scholarship is a state-funded program to assist in the cost of tuition. Families may apply for Pathway I scholarships by visiting www.familiesfirstmn.org.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is for all parents, families or guardians and their children ages birth to kindergarten entrance. Classes include adult-child activities and time for the adults to discuss parent & child development with a licensed parent educator. Early childhood teachers plan learning activities that help children learn social, language and problem solving skills. To learn more about ECFE and see what classes are available, please visit our website at www.c-ischools.org/school/early-childhood.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Early Childhood Special Education is for children ages birth to kindergarten entrance identified with specific social, emotional, physical and learning needs. Teachers and specialists work with children and families through home visits and center based services. Contact Early Intervention staff through the Cambridge or Isanti Primary School offices for more information or log onto www.helpmegrowmn.org

School & Community Resources

Animals

Due to health risks, no animals are allowed in school unless there is pre-approval by the teacher and it is for an educational purpose.

Background Checks

Employment and Services Criminal History Background Checks Notice to Parents and Guardians: The school district has adopted Policy 404, the purpose of which is to promote the physical, social and psychological well-being of its students. Pursuant to this policy, the school district shall seek criminal history background checks for all applicants who receive an offer of employment with the school district. The school district also shall seek criminal history background checks for all individuals who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to the school district, regardless of whether compensation is paid. These positions include, but are not limited to, all athletic coaches, extracurricular academic coaches, assistants, and advisors. The school district may elect to seek criminal history background checks for others such as volunteers, independent contractors, and student employees.

Behavior Expectations

Positive Discipline - The word discipline can mean to follow the teachings of another, stemming from the word disciple. With this in mind, we believe positive role modeling is foundational. The Cambridge-Isanti Schools character education values of Responsibility, Respect, Compassion, Honesty and Self-Discipline are incorporated into our curriculum and program goals. Since social and emotional development is a major learning area for preschool-age children, we give particular attention to teaching and helping children learn appropriate and positive skills and behaviors, like sharing, waiting, and taking turns.

C-I Early Childhood is a Pyramid Model site. The underlying theme is to teach students the desired behavior in the same way you would teach other core subjects. In other words, rather than telling the students what not to do, the focus will be on teaching them what to do. The basic themes that students are taught begin from these core values: Respect Yourself, Respect Others and Respect Property.

Bullying Prohibition

“Bullying” means intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harmful conduct that is objectively offensive and an actual or perceived imbalance of power exists between the student engaging in the prohibited conduct and the target of the prohibited conduct, and the conduct is repeated or forms a pattern; or substantially interferes with a student’s education opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges. An act of bullying, by either an individual student or a group of students, is expressly prohibited on school district property or at school-related functions. ll information regarding Policy 514 - Bullying Prohibition and the Bullying Reporting Form can be found on the district website.

Changes in Student Information

Please notify the school with any change in address and home, work or cell telephone number.

Communication

Good communication is essential, especially considering the ages of our children. We have a color calendar that shows each day your child has class, as well as parent-teacher conference days and other relevant information. Classroom phone numbers are listed in this handbook. Feel free to call the classroom directly if you need to talk to the teacher. If you need other assistance, call the Early Childhood office at 763-691-6691. Our main office is located in Cambridge Intermediate School.

Complaints

The school district takes seriously all concerns or complaints by students, employees, parents or other persons, please see Policy 103 for the process to make a formal complaint.

Conferences

Student-parent-teacher conferences for each student will be held in the fall and again in the spring.

Discipline

The general policy of the school district on Student Discipline is Policy 506.

Policy 501 – School Weapons states, in part: No students or non students, including adults and visitors, shall possess, use, or distribute a weapon when in a school location, except as provided in this policy. The school district will act to enforce this policy and to discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, school employee, volunteer, or member of the public who violates this policy.

Dress

Dress your child in comfortable clothes suitable for messy art activities and movement. Tennis shoes or soft-soled shoes work best at preschool. Remember to send your child dressed for the weather so he/she can enjoy outdoor activities. Please label all clothing, shoes, boots and backpacks with identifying information. Lost items are stored in the Early Childhood office at CIS & in the Isanti Primary School office at IPS.

Drug and Tobacco Free Schools

Minnesota schools are drug and tobacco free zones (this also includes electronic and other alternative smokeless tobacco products). The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for employees and students by prohibiting the use of alcohol, toxic substances, and controlled substances without a physician’s prescription. Please review Policy 418 - Workplace/Drug Free School and Policy 419 – Tobacco Free Environment. These policies are in effect 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. School rules apply in all areas within 300 feet or one city block of school boundaries.

Electronic Devices/Use of Technology

Social Media - Please refrain from using social media to address any confidential school concerns or questions. Instead, use school emails and phone numbers. If you need assistance finding the email or classroom phone number of your child’s teacher, please contact our office at 763-691-6691.

Food and Snacks

Homemade treats/snacks are not allowed in any classroom or grade level due to health factors and State Health Department directives. Snacks must be purchased and brought to the room in an unopened commercial package. In compliance with Cambridge-Isanti Schools Wellness Policy, students/families are encouraged to send healthy snacks and. Students should NEVER bring items of any kind in a glass container. For further information please refer to Policy 533 - Wellness Policy.

Birthdays - Birthdays are very special and we celebrate at preschool! Cambridge-Isanti Schools implement the practice of healthy foods and snacks. Children may choose to bring something that can be easily sent home with classmates. Invitations for birthday parties must be distributed outside of the class time.

Harassment and Violence

Maintaining a learning and working environment free of harassment and violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability is a priority for Cambridge-Isanti Schools. School district Policy 413 - Harassment and Violence and Policy 525 –Violence Prevention outline what constitutes violence and harassment. The reporting form is found on the website. Reports should be made to the building principal or Human Rights Officer, the Director of Administrative Services and Human Resources, 763-689-6235.

Health Services and Emergencies

Is my child well enough to be in school?

Keep your child home if he/she has any of the following:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever of 100.0 degrees or more
  • Family circumstances causing excess emotional distress
  • Injury causing inability to function due to pain or impairment

It is also our school district policy that a student is not to return to school until he/she is:

  • Fever-free for 24 hours, without use of fever-reducing medications
  • Vomiting or diarrhea free for 24 hours
  • If your child has an infectious disease please check with your health care provider or the school nurse before returning to school

We follow the Minnesota Department of Health exclusion guidelines for infectious diseases, notification, and reporting. Notify the school nurse if your child is ill or has an infectious disease that may affect the health of other children.

Due to privacy laws, we do not send home notes when a student in class has been diagnosed with pink eye, head lice, strep throat, etc.

You will be contacted if your child becomes ill at preschool. Keep your emergency information updated. If an emergency exists, an immediate attempt will be made to contact a parent/guardian, but if warranted, 911 will be called while parents/guardians are being contacted. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached a representative of the school will act as an agent to consent to the giving of any and all medical, dental, hospital, or surgical care to the student.

Students with Health Conditions

Please include all allergies, restrictions and health conditions on your child’s enrollment form and contact the school nurse. Our school nurse will work with you to maintain these records, write emergency plans and handle all medications.

Immunizations Requirements: We follow Minnesota state laws and regulations in regards to immunizations. The nurses are available to address any questions and/or concerns regarding the well-being of your child. Please feel free to contact the nurse at your child’s school. Heidi Holmberg in Cambridge at 763-691-6505 and Lisa Bingham in Isanti at 763-691-8704.

Lockdown

All schools in Minnesota are required to annually complete 5 lockdown drills involving both staff and students. During these drills, students are asked to take shelter with their class in a locked, quiet room. Once a thorough exam of the building is done, an all-clear signal will be given and they will return to their daily activities. It is our hope that these drills will help us be prepared should a dangerous situation occur.

Locked School Doors

The only doors unlocked during the school day are the main front entrance doors that lead you into the school office. At our Cambridge Site, please use Door 3 and ring the doorbell. At our Isanti site, please use Door 1. All visitors must report to the office to sign in, present a government issued photo ID, and wear a visitor badge while in the building.

Lost and Found

Please check with the office if you would like to look through our Lost and Found. By putting your child’s first and last name on possessions, you help us return lost items to their owners.

School Closings and Alerts

There is always a potential for severe weather warranting school closings or delays during Minnesota winter months, but the decision to close or delay school is never easy. In the event of a school closing due to inclement weather C-I Preschool teachers will communicate through Seesaw about eLearning plans. Tuition is not discounted for weather related closings.

Student Disability Nondiscrimination

The purpose of Policy 521 – Student Disability Nondiscrimination is to protect disabled students from discrimination on the basis of disability and to identify and evaluate learners who, within the intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need special services, accommodation, or programs in order that such learners may receive a free appropriate public education. Inquiries regarding compliance with the policy may be directed to the building principal or the Director of Student Support Services, who is the Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 Coordinator, 763-689-6196.

Telephone Calls

Parents/guardians are able to call their child’s teacher directly – the staff directory of telephone numbers is included near the front of this handbook. Voice mail messages are encouraged or you may contact the teacher via email if you have questions or concerns.

Visitor Sign-In Procedures

To ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors to our buildings, Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools has implemented the following visitor safety procedures. This is a district wide policy, and all visitors to any Cambridge-Isanti Public School building are required to adhere to the procedures.

  1. Enter through the designated visitor or main entrance to report to the main office.
  2. Identify yourself & present your Government issued photo identification.
  3. Wear your visitor badge and lanyard at all times.

Return to the office to turn in your visitor badge & retrieve your license before leaving the building. Please let your child’s teacher know of any changes to your child’s transportation arrangements to and from school.

Please refer to school district Policy 903 for more information.

To help teachers maximize their limited prep and planning time, please pick your children up on time. A late fee will be charged for pickups later than 10 minutes after class.

Volunteer Program

Volunteers support and enhance a wide range of programs and activities in our schools. A volunteer can be anyone willing to donate his/her time and talent. Please consider volunteering in our schools. A background check is required for many of our volunteer activities and is good for three years, please see our Volunteer Policy 625 and Volunteer Background Check Procedure on the website. The volunteer application is collected online at District Volunteer Application. Early Childhood Volunteer Coordinator: Amy Huntley, ahuntley@c-ischools.org

Wellness Policy

All foods and beverages sold on school grounds will meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Before and aftercare programs must also comply with the school district’s nutrition standards.

Student wellness will be a consideration for all foods offered, but not sold, to students, including foods provided through: celebrations and parties and classroom snacks brought by parents. Schools will not use food or beverages as rewards for academic performance (unless this practice is allowed through a student’s individual education plan or behavior intervention plan) and will not withhold food or beverages as punishment. If students bring in food items to share with classmates it is preferred that the food meets the USDA Smart Snacks guidelines, in any event all food brought to school to share with classmates must be in sealed store bought packaging. Please note this does not apply to snacks a student brings for his or her own personal consumption. For further information please refer to Policy 533 - Wellness Policy.

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