Class Information 

PIKES PEAK SCHOOL OF EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING

Preschool Program Policies & Procedures

Program Overview

The PPSEL Preschool Program serves children ages four to six years old. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, 7:30-3:15  with both morning and full-day options, and a shortened schedule on Fridays 7:30-11:30. The preschool follows the PPSEL academic calendar, and classes are not held when the school is closed. PPSEL will close as deemed appropriate in the circumstances of inclement weather. PPSEL’s yearly calendar may be accessed via our website.

Children may arrive up to ten minutes before the start of class and must be signed in at the classroom by a parent or guardian. For safety reasons, children may not be dropped off outside the building. Students must be toilet trained prior to enrollment, with exceptions considered for children with documented special needs.

 

Enrollment Policy

PPSEL Preschool is a Colorado UPK provider and admits students according to UPK policies and procedures.  Additional hours outside of UPK paid hours are available for private pay. Families may contact the school office for current tuition rates and program details.

The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or family status. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, children with disabilities are provided equal access to the program and are integrated whenever appropriate. Individual assessments are conducted to ensure that the program can meet each child’s needs.

Educational Philosophy

PPSEL follows the Expeditionary Learning model, which emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-based instruction. We believe children learn best through active exploration and by engaging all of their senses. Instruction is designed to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning.

The curriculum includes early literacy and writing, mathematics, science, social studies, technology, fine arts, and social-emotional development. A variety of instructional methods are used, including literature, music, movement, dramatic play, and experiential learning opportunities.

Staffing and Learning Environment

Classrooms are led by qualified teachers and supported by additional staff to ensure that all state-mandated staff-to-child ratios are met or exceeded. Teachers design activities that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to each child’s interests and needs.

The classroom environment balances structured learning with opportunities for independent exploration. Children engage in a wide range of activities throughout the day, including art, sensory play, dramatic play, and hands-on learning experiences. Outdoor play is an important part of the daily routine and takes place whenever weather conditions allow. Families are encouraged to dress children appropriately for changing weather conditions.

 Full-day students are provided with a rest period each day. While children are encouraged to rest, they are not required to sleep and may participate in quiet activities if they are not tired. Occasionally, G-rated educational videos may be used to support classroom instruction.

 Family Communication

Formal parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice each year to discuss student progress. Teachers are also available for additional conferences as needed, and families are encouraged to communicate openly with staff regarding any questions or concerns.

 Clothing and Personal Belongings

Children should be dressed in comfortable clothing suitable for active play and outdoor activities. Because children may become messy during the day, an extra set of clothing should be kept at school.

To prevent loss or damage, children are asked to leave personal toys and valuables at home. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged items.

Safety Policies

The safety of all children is a top priority at PPSEL. Parents and guardians are required to sign children in and out each day. Only individuals listed as authorized on a child’s enrollment form may pick up that child, and identification may be required. Children will not be released to unauthorized individuals under any circumstances.

Children must be picked up promptly at the end of the school day. A late fee will be assessed for pickups occurring more than ten minutes after dismissal. If a child is not picked up within thirty minutes and emergency contacts cannot be reached, local authorities may be contacted to ensure the child’s safety.

Children are supervised at all times while at school. Staff members conduct regular attendance checks and headcounts throughout the day, including during transitions and outdoor play. All visitors to the school must sign in and are not permitted unsupervised access to children.

If a staff member at any time cannot locate a child, an administrator will be notified and a search of the premises will be initiated. If the search fails to identify the whereabouts of the child, local law enforcement and the child’s parent or guardian will be notified.

In the event of an accident, staff will provide appropriate first aid and document the incident. For serious injuries or emergencies, every effort will be made to contact parents or emergency contacts. If necessary, emergency medical care will be obtained. Fire and severe weather drills are conducted regularly to ensure preparedness.

PPSEL does not provide transportation for preschool students. For any fieldwork activities, parents are responsible for transportation and must complete required permission forms.

Director or designated staff will check for product recalls on a regular basis.  Any recalled items will be removed from use immediately upon identification.  

Nutrition

Healthy eating is encouraged as part of the school day. Children participate in daily snack times, and families are asked to provide nutritious snacks and drinks. Full-day students may either bring lunch from home or participate in the school lunch program. Candy, soda, and gum are not permitted.

Health Policies

HEALTH RECORDS:

Included in your enrollment packet is a medical form with an immunization record. State regulations require that this information be on file for every child enrolled at the school. Medical information must be updated every year, or sooner if your child’s medical condition changes.

ILLNESS:

Please do not bring your child to school if any of the following conditions are present:

*Fever over 100 degrees (taken orally)

*Nasal discharge if profuse of discolored

*Severe diarrhea

*Severe cough

*Yellowish skin or eyes

*Pink eye

*Unusual spots or rash

*Sore throat or difficulty swallowing

*Vomiting

 *Lice or scabies

*Unusual sleepiness or crankiness

You will be notified if your child is ill, exhibiting any of the above symptoms. Parents must make every effort to pick up sick children upon notification. If we are unable to reach you we will call your emergency contacts. Please be sure the persons you list, as emergency contacts, understand their responsibilities. Your child will be isolated from other children until you arrive.

Children who have been sick may return to school when:

*Fever has not been above 99 degrees for 24 hours prior to readmittance

*Nasal discharge is clear

*Diarrhea or vomiting has ceased

*Treatment has begun for lice or scabies

*Chicken pox are scabbed over

*An antibiotic regime has been taken for 24 hours

*Eyes are no longer tearing, swollen or red, and there is no discharge.

*A physician has diagnosed rashes or spots and child has been cleared to

return to school

 Please notify us immediately if your child contracts a contagious disease, such as chicken pox. We are required by law to notify other parents that their children may have been exposed to the disease. A notice posted at the school will inform parents.

MEDICATIONS: The school can only administer medications that have written instructions from a physician. This includes prescription and over-the counter medications. All medications must be brought to the school in their original containers, with your child’s name and dosage printed on the label. Medications must be handed to a staff member. Please do not put medications in a backpack or allow children to carry them. Please provide a calibrated spoon, dropper or cup if so required. Medications will be stored in the office in a locked storage box.

Parents must provide written authorization signed by a physician for the school to administer medication.   These forms are located at the front desk. A separate form must be completed for each medication. The person administering the medication will record the date and time the medication was administered on the “follow through” area of the authorization form.

 

 

 

Guidance and Discipline

PPSEL is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment. Teachers use positive guidance strategies to support children’s behavior, including redirection, modeling appropriate interactions, and helping children develop problem-solving skills. Discipline practices are never punitive, humiliating, or harmful.  Teachers and administrators will work collaboratively with parents to identify, address, and support students experiencing behavior challenges through consistent communication and shared strategies.

Reporting and Compliance

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE:

By law childcare workers are required to report all suspected cases of child abuse to the department of social services. If a parent suspects child abuse, they may report it to El Paso County DHS at 105 N. Spruce St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 or call

(719) 444-5700 to report the suspected abuse.

REGISTERING A LICENSING COMPLAINT:

If a parent wishes to lodge a complaint against the center, they may call the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care at (303) 866-5948 or issue a complaint in writing to Colorado Department of Human Services, 1575 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203.

 

Family and Community Engagement Policies