Decatur Avenue Early Childhood Center
We at the Early Childhood Program would like to welcome the parents and the preschool children to our program. The children will begin a new journey that will help build strong foundations for future success. Our dedicated and compassionate staff looks forward to working with you to ascertain that all early childhood children reach their fullest potential as critical thinkers, problem solvers, and respectful citizens of the future. While providing an excellent preschool education, we also provide a safe and nurturing environment that is conducive to meeting the needs of our diverse population.
The Tools of the Mind Curriculum is used in all our classes. Instead of separating both the three and four year old classes, we have combined them to create a multi-aged classroom. The curriculum objectives are to develop children’s underlying cognitive skills and specific literacy skills. Additionally, it focuses on children’s social-emotional school readiness. Children’s learning styles and developmental levels are addressed through differentiation of instruction to meet the individualized learning needs of each student. Parents may access information about the Tools of the Mind Curriculum at www.mscd.edu/extendedcampus/toolsofthemind/.
A strong component of our quality program is the staff. The staff consists of a supervisor, master teachers, nurses, highly qualified teachers, certified paraprofessionals, a Community and Parent Involvement Specialist, Preschool Intervention and Referral Team members - the Positive Support Team, a social worker, a speech therapist, a resource teacher, administrative secretaries, security guards, a cafeteria worker, and custodians who are dedicated to make this program one of the best.
The Early Childhood Program is assessed on a yearly basis through the use of multiple instruments. The district also does a self assessment using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS), Supports for Early Literacy Assessment (SELA), Supports for English Language Learners (SELLCA), Self-Assessment Validation Study (SAVS), and Preschool Classroom Mathematics Inventory (PCMI). The results are used to address areas of professional development, materials, and to meet the early childhood guidelines. This process has made the program what it is today-a high functioning preschool program.
To ensure that all children reach their highest potential, we encourage a strong home and school connection. The program offers many parent meetings throughout the school year to discuss topics that parents have identified through community surveys. During the school year, you will receive a community survey which will help us identify your needs as well as the community needs. The Early Childhood Program offers parent trainers, social workers and family workers to assist parents with any concerns, suggestions, or advice that may be needed to ensure children are ready to learn. Every month parents will receive invitations to parent meetings and other programs that are offered, such as ESL classes, nutrition classes, and many more. The program will also have parent conferences, an Open House and Parents’ Night. Parents will receive the dates through parent letters, the school website and/or through telephone messages.
Children are offered lunch and a snack daily. Additionally, we offer Wrap Around child care services in the morning and after school. This service is provided by Atlantic Care. Parents must apply in order for the children to participate in this program. Atlantic Care can offer information based on eligibility requirements that must be met in order to participate in the before and after care program.
To ensure that the school is able to maintain children’s health and safety, parents should notify the school if any changes take place in either the child’s address or contact information throughout the school year. Telephone numbers need to be correct and updated so that the school can reach parents at all times. On an early dismissal day, it is important that plans are made to pick up the preschool student by an adult that has been designated on the authorized pickup form. We want all our students to feel happy and secure that they will be leaving on time with a person they know and trust. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
I look forward to working with the parents and the staff, as well as meeting the preschool children this year. I am sure this will be a very rewarding and successful school year for all. Please feel free to contact my office at (609) 383-6900 extension 2576, if you wish to speak to me.
Yours in education,
Teresa McGaney-Guy, Interim Principal
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