A. Assisting scheduling
Parents will be scheduled to assist in the classroom on a rotating basis. Each class has one parent who will serve as the class scheduler. The scheduler will distribute schedules prior to the beginning of each month’s schedule. A schedule will also be posted on the bulletin board by the kitchen at the school. Parents are responsible for contacting the scheduler in a timely fashion with special requests (i.e. days they know they can or cannot work, birthdays, etc.). If unable to work on a scheduled day, it is the parent’s responsibility to find a replacement – NOT the class scheduler’s. When using a replacement, parents should make the change known to the teacher as soon as possible. Three assist parents are needed per class, except the Fri. p.m. session, which usually runs with just the teacher.
Parents are not allowed to bring siblings when assisting. According to school licensing, only enrolled children can attend sessions. Older children may attend on specially designated days or at the teacher’s request. Each class will have one or more emergency parents. An emergency parent is someone able to cover an assist day on very short notice.
Emergency parents should only be used in emergency situations: sickness, accident, etc. Parents using this option must make sure to take one of the emergency parent’s assist days. Parents having or adopting a child during the school year may be relieved of their assisting duty for six weeks beginning at the time of delivery or adoption.
DUTIES: Assist parents will be responsible for certain duties during the session depending on the work area: gross motor, art, or snack. The snack parent assignment is known in advance. A general outline of what is expected of assist parents is shown on the following page. A more in-depth version is available at the preschool.
SNACK: Parents are responsible for providing a nutritious snack for the children. The class scheduler will rotate the snack assignment and will clearly indicate on the schedule which parent’s responsibility it is. Parents bringing snack are not only responsible for the food but also for any plates, napkins, cups, or utensils needed. The school provides the water for snack time. Snacks must include two of the four food groups. The following are examples of possible snacks: fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables (with or without dip), crackers with cheese, fruit and/ or nut breads, muffins, or bagels
B. JOBS
TCCP Job Descriptions
Parents are responsible for completing the jobs assigned at Orientation, such as art attendant, recycling, laundry, etc. Parents may also consider running for a position on the Board of Directors. Board responsibilities include a specific job, attendance at monthly board meetings, and coordinating parents to assist specific tasks. Parents are also required to work at a special event such as: Socials, Spaghetti Dinner, or Fall Family Fun Night.
C. PARENT EDUCATION
TCCP considers parent education a vital part of its program and seeks to offer parents many opportunities to learn about early childhood development and enhance their skills as parents. Throughout the school year, TCCP will schedule a variety of parent ed/ guest speakers that will focus on different aspects of parenting. This schedule, along with a sign-up sheet, will be given to parents at Orientation.
D. PARENT ORIENTATION SESSION
The orientation session is mandatory. Parents will not be able to assist if they have not completed an Orientation. If a parent enrolls a child after school has begun, they must meet with the Events and Information Chairperson as soon as possible. Parents are also responsible for passing along any information to any other person who may assist in their place.
E. CLEANING
Parents are required to sign up for one monthly Cleaning Bee. All toys are washed and sorted, thereby reducing the spread of contamination and helping to keep the room neat and organized. If unable to complete the required cleaning bee, parents are responsible for finding a substitute. Contact the Cleaning Coordinator for a list of possible substitutes. By not completing the bee, parents forfeit the $35 cleaning fee that was included in the second month’s tuition. That $35 credit will be given to the substitute cleaner.
F. FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is very important to the school. Since tuition does not cover all of the costs of running the school, fundraising is used to cover the remaining amount. Parents are asked to contribute their time to the fundraisers. The fundraising schedule and sign-up sheet is made available at Orientation. If parents are unable to work their scheduled fundraiser, it is their responsibility to find a replacement.