Parent / Student Handbook

Dear Parents,
On behalf of the Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten faculty, I take this opportunity to welcome you to our school. We count it a great honor and privilege to have your child enrolled in our school. We appreciate your interest in our school and hope that we may be of help to you in the education of your child. It is our desire to provide a Christ-centered and Bible based program of instruction which is composed of the spiritual, academic, and social needs of each student. As parents of students, you will face many new experiences while at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten. We count it a great joy that we are able to work together with you, to see your child reach excellence as we serve Christ and glorify His name.

Our goal spiritually is to help every student develop the moral character which results from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Academically, we seek to teach children the skills needed as they prepare to enter kindergarten. Socially, our desire is to train young people to be courteous, responsible, and hard-working, doing their best in everything they do. It is very important that all this training begin in the home, and we are here to reinforce the training parents have set up for their children while at home.

The faculty and staff at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten are dedicated Christians who are here to help in the training of your child. Our goal is to produce students who have a knowledge of God and a desire to do what is right in everything they do. We look forward to having an opportunity to serve you as we serve our Lord.

In Christ’s Service,
Barbara Wilson
Director

Introduction
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten was founded in 1969 as a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Santa Maria. Since that time, the school has maintained the goal of providing a quality Christian education. The Lord has provided growth in facilities, staff, and enrollment as He has seen fit. We presently provide academic training for children ages two through those developmentally ready for Kindergarten.

The academic program here at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten is exceptionally strong. We have found that children at this age have the capability to learn many new things and it is our goal to teach them as much as they are able to learn. We teach our four year old classes how to read, count to 100, the months of the year, the seasons, Bible verses and stories, and much more.

We love to see our students at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten move on to kindergarten at Valley Christian Academy. The kindergarten children at Valley Christian Academy have consistently scored in the ninetieth percentile when compared to other classes nationwide on the Stanford Achievement Test.

The faculty and staff of Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten are members of the First Baptist Church of Santa Maria. All the faculty are well qualified both spiritually and academically and have been carefully and prayerfully selected.

Mission
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7

The mission of Valley Christian Academy and Transitional Kindergarten is to provide a Christ-centered education for preschool through twelfth grade students. We endeavor to accomplish this by seeking to assure that each student has a personal relationship with Christ, educating each student through a superior academic and extra-curricular program, strengthening the family each child represents, and helping each student realize God’s purpose in his life as well as his place in God’s church.

Philosophy
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 3:32

Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten seeks to embrace a philosophy of education which is firmly based upon principles derived from God’s Word. There are several principles in particular which have shaped the development of our school. These are not exhaustive, but they are foundational.

We believe that:
Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten derives its authority from the family. God gave parents the responsibility of educating their children (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:14). First Baptist Church, as an assembly of believers, has established Valley Christian Preschool as an extension of the educational process of our church families, providing a supportive basis of encouragement as they seek to fulfill their God-given responsibilities (Proverbs 19:27, Jeremiah 10:2). As a congregation, we have further opened the ministry to other families in our community who are seeking a similar Christ-Centered and academically-challenging education for their children.

The education students receive at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten must be based on the authority, authenticity, and reliability of the Bible as the complete and final revelation of God concerning all matters of truth, faith and practice (John 17:17; II Timothy 3:16-17; Jude 3). We desire that students learn to view everything through the eyes of God as revealed in the Scripture, so that they may become God-centered in their thinking.

A truly Christian education must be Christ-centered rather than student or teacher-centered. Jesus Christ must be at the center of all that is believed, said, and done. He is the source of all wisdom and knowledge (John 14:6; Colossians 2:3, 8-10).

We have a responsibility to reach out into our community and influence young people for Christ. We are, therefore, evangelistic in our approach to Christian education (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Mark 10:14).

We must seek also to edify young people and build them up in the faith. Character training and understanding of doctrine are important aspects of a Christian education (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 1:28-29; Ephesians 4:11-16). It is our desire that our students both know the truth and apply the truth wisely in their own lives (John 8:32; John 16:13).

Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten has the responsibility of academic training. We must thoroughly educate young people, preparing them with the skills they will need to serve the Lord in any vocation into which He may lead them (II Peter 1:5).

We must additionally provide a broad range of experiences for our students, believing that these are important in the overall development of young people. Christ-honoring programs in music and drama are, therefore, an important part of the education provided here at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten (Luke 2:52; Psalm 96:1; I Chronicles 15:16; II Chronicles 5:13; Psalm 150:3-5).

Doctrinal Statement of Faith
We believe:

The Bible to be the verbally-inspired Word of God
In the creation of man by the direct act of God
In the eternal existence of one God manifest in three persons- Father, Son and Holy Spirit
In the deity and virgin birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious atonement for our sin by the shedding of His blood on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father where He is the only Mediator between God and man, His pre-tribulation rapture of the church, His return with the saints to the earth for His millennial reign upon the earth.
That men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ
That eternal conscious punishment awaits every unsaved person and eternal bliss every saved person

Hours of Operation and Schedule of Attendance
The preschool is open from 7:30 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, all year, with the exception of the following holidays:

New Year’s Day and the preceding and/or following, depending on which day of the week the holiday falls on
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
Lincoln's Birthday
Washington’s Birthday
March/April – Good Friday and Easter week
Memorial Day
Independence Day and/or the day preceding or following depending on the weekend
August/September – one week for teacher in-service
The first week of school will be four days (closed either the first Monday or Friday)
Labor Day
October – 2 days (Thursday & Friday) for Teacher's Convention
Veteran’s Day (observed)
Thanksgiving (Wednesday – Friday)
Christmas break (depending on when the holiday date falls)

Children may be enrolled for full-time sessions four or five days a week.

The daily schedules are:
Full Day
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(Dismissed any time after 2:30 nap)

Students may arrive any time after 7:30 a.m. but MUST be in their classrooms by 8:30 am to begin the school day. Please call if you are running late or will be absent.

Enrollment

Enrollment Policy
Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten accepts students without regard to race, color, and national or ethnic origin but on the basis of a willingness to accept the policies, procedures and Christ-centered approach to education outlined in this handbook. A student or family who does not cooperate or agree with the purpose and program of Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten will not be admitted or allowed to remain in school.

Age groupings are generally based on the child’s age as of September 1st of each year. Every child must be fully potty trained to enter the three and four year old classes. Once a child has been enrolled in a particular class, they will remain in that class until the start of the new school year in the fall.

All staff members are experienced early childhood educators, meeting the State Licensing requirements. They are required to participate in a continuous program of education and study for professional advancement.

Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten is open to all children who desire a Christian preschool program. A child must be at least three years of age by September 1st and may stay with us until he is developmentally ready for kindergarten, or six years old.

After enrolling your child in Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten, please make sure to keep your records updated. If a change such as address, phone number, or emergency contact occurs, please let the office know as soon as possible. Please make sure that all phone numbers of emergency contact people stay current in the event that we need to reach them in your absence.

Arrival and Dismissal
All children coming to school must be brought to the classroom, signed in by a parent or another adult designated by the parent and left in the supervision of a teacher. No older siblings may sign the child out unless they are 18 years of age or older. Please let your child know when you are leaving and do not try to sneak out, this will make it easier on your child. If your child’s teacher is not in the classroom when your child is dropped off, and you need to mention something to her, please leave a note on the teacher’s desk or notify another teacher.

Please to not teach your child to open the gates or let your child enter or leave through the gate by himself as it is dangerous in the parking lot and our outside doors are heavy. A child may not leave the classroom or school premises until he has been signed out and released to the parent or another adult designated by the parent. Your full signature must be on the sign in/out sheet – this is a California requirement. Please do not let your child leave the classroom or building without you.

Please make sure the closing teachers know that you are taking your child from the premises. Make eye contact or verbal communication with the teacher.

No child will be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick the child up. We must have written or verbal authorization for changes regarding who may pick up your child. Please keep your list up to date. All persons who are not recognized by the teacher will be asked for identification. In such cases where there is a restraining order of any kind, please make this known to the director and the child’s teacher. We must have a copy of any legal documents in your child’s file.

Each day the child’s work or notes home will be placed in the child’s cubby. Please be sure to check your child’s cubby each day and take all paper work home with you. If by chance your child has had a wetting accident that day, you will find their clothing wrapped up in a plastic bag. Please take the soiled clothes home with you and bring another change of clothing the next day your child attends.

All children who stay for nap time should take their nap items home with them at the end of each week to be washed and brought back at the beginning of the next week.

Nap Time
Everyone goes down for nap at 12:30 pm. There are no exceptions. We believe that naps and rest are a vital part of a child’s health at this stage in their life.

Finance
In order to maintain a high quality of education for your child, it is necessary that tuition be paid for the days your child is enrolled. Our teachers are hired on the assumption that your child will be in school; when he is absent, and a payment is not made for that day, our financial structure is upset. For this reason, the following policies have been set:

All fees and tuition are to be paid through TADS. Valley Christian Preschool will give a 30 day notice in case of any modification in a change of tuition rates.
There will be no refunds for absentees and no make-up or switching days without the directors approval. In cases of prolonged illnesses, adjustments must be discussed with the director. Tuition is based on the entire year, including holidays, allowing tuition to remain the same each month.
A non-refundable REGISTRATION FEE is paid when the child enters school and each succeeding school year. It is also due for each additional child in the family that is enrolled.
A non-refundable BOOK FEE is paid each year for text books used by the students.
There will be a LATE CHARGE of $1.00 per minute for children who are not picked up at the regular school dismissal time of 5:00 pm. This fee will be charged to your account and doubled on the third offense and each offense after that time.

Extra Days
There will be no refunds or make up days for absences without directors approval. If you desire an extra day, please contact the director and make arrangements. Extra days will be granted provided there is space available that day. Parents should not show up with their children assuming a spot is available without first making arrangements. Students who show up unannounced may be asked to be taken home if the class is full.

Fundraising
All families are encouraged to participate in fundraising, as this is an important way to keep tuition as low as possible and still provide a quality educational program. Families are not required to participate but the school will provide three or four fundraisers throughout the year so that families may choose one that they enjoy.

Conduct
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31

Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten is dedicated to the training of boys and girls through a Christ-centered program. Attendance at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten is a privilege and not a right. This privilege may be forfeited by any student who does not conform to the standards and regulations of the school. The administration may request the withdrawal of any student at any time who, in the opinion of the preschool, does not fit into the spirit of our school, regardless of whether or not he or she conforms to the specific rules and regulations of Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten. The following guidelines have been established to provide for student safety and an orderly environment:

Prompt obedience, following directions, respect, and a willingness to adhere to the rules of the school are expected at all times.
Polite and courteous speech is stressed and expected at all times. Students must refrain from swearing and using indecent language.
There is to be no pushing, kicking, hitting, shoving, taunting, ridiculing or other abuse of fellow students and teachers. A child who bites will be withdrawn on the third offense.
Students are to conduct themselves in an open and friendly manner with those of the opposite sex. There is to be no physical contact between boys and girls at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten.
Students are not allowed to leave an area of the campus without teacher or parent supervision.
Students are not allowed to open outside doors, gates, or climb fences.
Chewing gum is not permitted at school.
Toys are not allowed to be brought to school except for show and tell days. On sharing days, the item will be stored in the child’s cubby.
Students who abuse or damage school property, whether willfully or accidentally, will be required to pay for the damage.
No guns, knives, or weapons are allowed at school. Children will not be allowed to make their own versions at school from the play toys to imitate such weapons.

In some cases, a child’s behavior changes because there has been some kind of change occur in the home. If your child is experiencing conduct problems and you feel it is due to these changes, please notify your child’s teacher. You do not have to discuss anything in detail, but giving your child’s teacher an idea of how to better help your child may help the conduct problem in the classroom. Sometimes these conduct changes occur because there has been a death in the family or a new baby has been born.

Sexual Harassment
This policy is in compliance with the Department of Education for that state of California. Sexual harassment is a most unusual behavior and is unexpected in preschool age children. Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten opposes unlawful sexual harassment of, or by, any student or adult while at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten. Teachers will discuss this policy with their students in age-appropriate ways and inform them that they need not endure any form of sexual harassment. Any student who engages in sexual harassment may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Any employee who refuses to investigate and take appropriate action when advised of a possible case of sexual harassment may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Discipline
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28

Proverbs 25:28 refers to self discipline which comes through Christian character. It is the purpose of the disciplinary system to aid young people in the development of Christian character. The Scripture says that all things should be done “decently and in order” (I Corinthians 15:40). Thus, at Valley Christian Preschool, discipline is maintained which is firm and consistent, yet tempered with love. Teachers maintain standards of behavior in the classroom through kindness, love, and a genuine concern for their students. Misbehavior is dealt with in the following ways:

The teacher will speak to the child concerning the area of disobedience.
The teacher will either remove the child from the privilege (such as coloring or swinging improperly) or send the child to time-out (approximately one minute per year.)
The child may be placed in time-out a second time or the teacher may write a note home to the parents.
The child is sent to the director’s office to talk with her.
One of our pastoral staff could be called in to talk with the child.
The child’s parents are called and notified of misbehavior.
The parents are called in for a meeting with the director and/or one of our Pastoral staff.
After three discipline notifications, the child could be suspended from school for the remainder of the day and the next day.
If the behavior continues and the child has been suspended three times, a one-week suspension will be enforced.
If the behavior still continues, the child will be expelled from Valley Christian Preschool.

** In some cases the child may have their name written on the chalkboard for behavior whether it be good or bad, or the child may have a chart with his or her own name on it, depicting what sort of day they had in school that day.

Good behavior is dealt with in the following ways:

Verbal praise
Notes and telephone calls home
Class awards (such as stickers or prize box)

Dress Code
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
I Samuel 16:7

It is the position of Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten that Christian young people should act and dress differently from the world (Romans 12:2). In order for students to mature spiritually, the teaching of biblical separation is a vital part of the school’s program.

The Bible commands Christians to do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31). In today’s society this command has special reference to the fact that God may be honored or dishonored by our personal dress and grooming. In dress, as well as is doctrine, the Christian is to “prove all things, hold fast that which is good, abstain from all appearance of evil” (Thessalonians 5:21-22). I Timothy 4:12 exhorts: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Valley Christian Preschool believes that these commands have a practical application to the dress and appearance of students. The underlying principles of the following dress code are MODESTY (I Timothy 2:9; II Timothy 2:22), APPROPRIATENESS (Philippians 4:5), IDENTIFICATION (Colossians 3:16-17; I John 2:15-16), and DISTINCTION OF SEXES (Deuteronomy 22:5; I Corinthians 11:14-15).

School-Wide Policies:

Students should always be neat in their dress, clean in their daily grooming, and wholesome in appearance.
Students are asked to dress in a conservative manner and not to adorn themselves in a way that identifies them with Anti-Christian or rebellious groups. Please think of your child’s comfort and provide simple clothing that is free of complicated fastenings and that is appropriate for all preschool activities. Please remember our changeable weather and dress your child accordingly.
All students need to be provided with sweaters or jackets at all times. Please LABEL all outer garments.
No cowboy boots or ‘Flip flops’ should be worn at school. Cowboy boots and flip flops are a safety issue. High heeled dress shoes on girls are also a safety issue and are inappropriate at Preschool. Please make sure that the bottoms of all shoes are not slick; socks with sneakers are the best.
No cosmetics/make-up is allowed at school. Girls tend to share make-up and this leads to passing on germs and illnesses.

GIRLS: We suggest that all girls who attend Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten wear play dresses with shorts underneath, but we will not prohibit them from wearing pants. In cool weather, tights help to keep the legs warm. Please do not send them in one-piece jumpsuits without another shirt underneath them.

BOYS: All boys will be required to have their hair cut on a regular basis. Hair should be out of the eyes, off the ears, above the collar and semi-tapered. Each student should have a neat, clean-cut appearance. Boys are not permitted to wear ear-rings.

PLEASE NOTE: All children should wear clothes that are conducive to easy and successful toileting. No overalls, onesies, or belts. Pull on pants with elastic waists are best for boys and girls. Dresses or skirts are also good for girls.

Extra Clothing
All children are REQUIRED TO HAVE A CHANGE OF CLOTHING in case of accidents, which vary from wetting to spills. If at any time, the child is in need of another change of clothing and there are not any available in the cubby, the parent will be asked to bring a change of clothing over to the preschool. No diapers or pullups are allowed at the preschool. Every child MUST be fully potty trained.

Homework
As a general rule, there will be no homework given to the preschool children. However, at times you will find unfinished work left in the cubbies because the child was either absent from school or was not able to complete the work in class. This work should be taken home and completed. In some cases the teacher will request this work to be completed and brought back to school for an additional reward.

Progress Reports
In the 4 year old classes only, two times a year, a progress report will be sent home for parents to review. These reports are not intended to grade the children’s own personal work, but to give the parent an idea of what their child is learning, and areas in which the child may be able to improve to obtain the greatest of excellence that child is capable of.

Parental Support
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture of admonition of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4

At Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten we know that parental support and participation are crucial for education success. We know that ultimately parents are the ones who are Biblically responsible for their children’s education (Deuteronomy 6:6-9); so we are thankful for the trust and confidence parents place in us by giving us a part of the responsibility in the training of their children. The home, church, and school all need to be working together in harmony for the most effective training to take place. This is why we have attempted to lay out clearly our philosophy and direction in this handbook. In this way parents can see the extent to which our goals and methods match their own. Once parents decide that Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten is the place where they want their child to be educated, we ask that there be a spirit of cooperation regarding the policies and procedures of the school. If at any time, this cooperation becomes too difficult for the parents to maintain, the child will be asked to leave.

Visiting Classes
When visiting the school, all parents must first come to the Director’s office. Other than bringing your child to school and signing them in, this is true whether a parent is coming back to bring a forgotten item, to pick up a child early, or to observe the class. This prevents needless distractions which waste valuable learning time. If a parent feels it is necessary to stay a few minutes on the child’s first day, 15 minutes is permitted. All parents are asked to stay the length of only five minutes on all the other days. Our staff is trained in separation challenges and will care for the child after the parent leaves with as little distraction as possible.

Parent Conferences
Parents may call and schedule a conference with individual teachers at any time. There are no regularly scheduled conferences, but if a problem arises, please discuss it first with the teacher before bringing it to the Director’s attention. All comments are welcomed by the Director and she will help in any way she can. However, approaching the teacher first when a problem arises often times solves many problems. Please be sure to speak only with the teacher in which the problem has risen, and refrain from speaking with other teachers with whom the problem does not exist.

Volunteers
Since all of our staff have certain requirements by licensing, and First Baptist Church, including being finger printed, our volunteer program is limited. We do welcome parent’s participation during class parties and field trips.

Illness
Your child’s health is a matter of major importance to all of us. Upon enrollment, you must file with us a health form signed by a physician. Children are also required to have the standard immunizations and a tuberculin clearance. At the time of enrollment, you must bring your child’s immunization record with you. Please let Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten know upon enrolling if your child has an allergy that could endanger his or her health while in school.

For cuts and scrapes we wash and clean the area. Your child will be sent home if he appears to have symptoms of illness during the day. In such cases, he is immediately isolated from the other children and a parent is contacted and expected to come immediately. If your child is sent home during the day due to having a fever or any flu like symptoms, the child cannot return until they are symptom free for at least 24 hours. A child may return to school if he is on an antibiotic once his symptoms have subsided. There is a form you must complete and leave in the office in order for us to be able to administer medication to your child. No prescription medication will be given to the child without that child’s proper name written on the container. We cannot give over the counter medication without a doctor’s permission.

A child with any of the following symptoms should not be in school for his or her own health and the health and welfare of others:

Has or had a fever upon waking in the morning
A heavy cold, including a constant cough and a heavy, non-clear, nasal discharge
Symptoms of an intestinal upset (throwing up) or diarrhea
Symptoms of a possible communicable disease. (These are usually sniffles. Reddened eyes, sore throat, headache and abdominal pain, and rash, plus a fever.)
Head lice- must be treated with a lice treatment of Rid or a doctor prescribed treatment. Children will be checked when brought to school and not allowed to stay if nits or eggs are found.

Please examine your child each day before sending him to school. If he has been ill during the night, please keep him home the next day, again for at least 24 hours. If your child is not well enough to go outside or has to be given “over the counter” medication, he or she is not well enough to be at school. Please notify the school by 8:30 a.m. each day your child does not plan to attend school.

Nutrition
We ask that you pack nutritious snacks and lunch each day. Our first snack is at 9 am, lunch is at 11:30 am, and the last snack is at 2:45 pm after nap. Please adhere to our allergy policy of NO NUTS. This means no peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, Nutella, and most granola bars since most do contain nuts. Lunches and snacks cannot be refrigerator only or microwaveable. A cold pack in the child's lunchbox is sufficient. Please limit sweets and please, no candy.

Show and Tell Days
Show and Tell days are Wednesdays and Thursdays, except for the full-time fours, who only Show and Tell on Wednesday. No toys will be brought to school other than on a Show and Tell day. All Show and Tell items must be marked with the child’s name and be in a bag, with the child’s name and what the item is, marked on the outside of the bag. All items will remain in the child’s cubby. No guns, war toys, power rangers, or other toys of a destructive nature should be brought to school at any time.

Newsletters
Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten will keep parents informed of school happenings through notes sent home and newsletters. The newsletters will sometimes announce certain functions, list the month’s sharing, and much more. Parents need to read each newsletter and look for new changes or special happenings discussed in the newsletter.

Birthdays
Cookies, cupcakes, or doughnuts may be brought to school to celebrate your child’s birthday, but we discourage the large sugary cupcakes. Mini cupcakes, muffins, or any nutritious snack is best. Please make arrangements with your child’s teacher at least one day in advance. The other children will sing “Happy Birthday” to the birthday student and that child will be made to feel special that day at school. Please do not ask for clowns or extended parties to take place at school. Our birthday parties take place at the morning snack or during dessert of the lunch meal. We are not able to accommodate long parties due to our busy schedule and children have a hard time understanding why their birthday party wasn’t the same as another child’s. The school is not allowed to give out addresses for home parties and any child bringing invitations to school inviting fellow classmates to a home party must have an invitation for each student in the class.

Field Trips
Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten will occasionally attend a field trip that will be off campus. Permission forms will be sent home with all the information available. All field trips are properly supervised by the preschool staff and parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend. Transportation is provided.

Parking
When bringing your child to school, please park your car and enter through the front or side gate, proceeding directly to your child’s classroom. Please do not park in the handicap parking unless your vehicle is properly identified. Some of our parents need these parking spots because their children are challenged in these areas. Any vehicles parked in the handicap areas without proper identification may be towed or fined by the local law enforcement.

Please DO NOT leave a child unattended in your car while you are dropping off or picking up a student. It is against the law to leave your child unattended in your vehicle.

Community Service
The month of March is Community Service at Valley Christian Transitional Kindergarten. During that month many public services, such as fire trucks, ambulance, police car, etc. are brought in for the children to enjoy. We also seek out doctors and dentists to perform vision, hearing and dental screenings. The County of Santa Barbara also offers us a program of speech therapists working, free of charge, with children who need these services. The speech therapists are professionals who come to the transitional kindergarten and work, with the children. Other therapists may work with children at the preschool when requested by the parents.

Developmental Stages

Three Year Olds

Listens and follows directions
Can listen to a story for 10 minutes
Is able to put on shoes
Buttons and unzips clothing
Shows growth in emotional control
Knows primary colors
Begins identifying secondary colors
Knows basic shapes
Counts to 30
Recognizes the numbers 1 to 15
Recognizes the entire alphabet
Dresses and undresses self
Uses indoor and outdoor voices
Uses toilet and washes hands independently
Identifies own cubby and hangs up coat
Is able to share toys and play alone
Shows fairly good control of crayon

Four Year Olds

Identifies basic shapes
Knows primary and secondary colors
Counts to 100
Recognizes and understands concepts of 1 to 20
Is able to recognize and print own name
Is able to recognize and print alphabet letters
Knows sounds of letters and blends
Knows months of the year and days of the week
Knows meaning of common adjectives
Shows good control of pencil
Listens and follows complex directions
Reads 3 and 4 letter words
Read simple sentences
Knows difference between long and short vowel sounds

Basic Schedule

7:30 Free play with teacher involvement
8:30 Opening- Salutes, Prayer, Calendar, ABC’s, Numbers
8:50 Restroom Time/ Singing
9:00 Snack
9:20 Bible story and Memory work
9:30 Seat work
9:45-10:30 Recess for 3 year olds
10:30 Restroom Time/ Singing
10:45-11:30 Recess for 4 year olds
10:45 Craft
11:15 Lunch Setup, Learning Cards, Story Time
11:30 Lunch
12:05 Prepare for Nap
12:30 Nap
2:30 Children Up and Snack
3:00 Free Play
5:00 Preschool Closed