Home and school are a young child’s two most important worlds. Children must bridge these two worlds every day. If home and school are connected in positive and respectful ways, children feel secure. A priority for Anne Sullivan School Staff is communication with the families who have their children in our care. To do this effectively, there are many means such as:
Our monthly newsletter which includes a feature article on early childhood education, as well as articles from each classroom by the teachers. There are also notices about upcoming events and reminders about school closings.
Our website www.AnneSullivanSchool.com gives parents an overview of the program, the accreditation by the NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation, its curriculum, schedules, tuition and very importantly, the Family Handbook. In it, families can find updated policies on tuition and payments, nutrition, parent participation, etc. and many guidelines on discipline, assessments, developmental reports and parent conferences.
The Parents Corner at the entrance of each classroom displays the weekly lesson plans with the interest areas, songs, books, small and large group activities the teachers have planned to develop the study topic. There is also information about the menu, the teachers’ names, and important announcements and events.
The Family File is a two-way communication tool that allows the teachers and administrative staff to file reminders, letters, reports, invitations, surveys and more – and it also provides the opportunity for families to file messages, invitations, survey replies and suggestions or requests for the teachers, other families or administrators.
During the month of September and October, families will be invited to an Orientation Meeting in each classroom from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Team Teachers will present the highlights of the curriculum, daily schedule and answer any questions you may have. The meetings will be held in your child’s classroom. Child care will be provided. You will be informed by email of the date of your child’s Parent Orientation. There will be a sign-up sheet in the classroom.
There is a white board near the entrance of each classroom to inform parents of the day’s highlights. Please check this board each day. This information may be helpful as a conversation starter for asking your child about his/her day on your drive home.