Church Mission Statement

History of Concordia

School Philosophy

Spiritual Emphasis

Curriculum

Curriculum Goals

Contact with Parents

Parent Observation

Non – Discriminatory Policy

Admission

Registration and Tuition Fees

Part – Day

All – Day

Late Payment Policy

Arrival and Departure

Emergency Closings

Discipline

Health Issues

Clothing

Meals (All Day Only)

Naptime (All Day Only)

Show and Tell

Field Trips

Holidays

Example of Daily Schedule

Conclusion

We, the members of Concordia Lutheran Church, through the power of the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are committed to the great commission of 'making disciples' at home, in the community, and throughout the world (Matt. 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8) seeking to bring others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and sustain them in their faith through God's Word and Sacrament. By the power of the Gospel, and with joy in our hearts and praise and thanksgiving on our lips, we seek to be God's Witnesses through speaking His Word, sharing His love and equipping the saints for a life of service in Him. To the glory of God, we dedicate ourselves, both individually and as a congregation, to grow in God's Word, partake in the means of Grace, encourage each other in our faith, share in God's love, live a life of prayer and bring others into the kingdom of God.

Concordia Lutheran Church established a parish school in September 1931. The establishment of the school occurred the same year that Concordia was officially organized and called their first resident pastor, Rev. A.C. Young. In 1931, the enrollment was 67 pupils. A portable chapel with a school annex at 13th and Knox Streets served as the location for the new school and church. During the first year of the school's existence, the school used two rooms in the parsonage in addition to the annex. In 1932, a building was made available to house the classes that had met in the parsonage. Another larger school building was built and dedicated in October 1937. During these early years of the school's existence, its faculty consisted of the pastor and Concordia Seminary students.

God has richly blessed Concordia since its small beginning in 1931. Concordia Congregation relocated to its present site in 1957 with a day school enrollment of 43. The basement of the church and the overflow area were used for classrooms until 1963 when a 6-room building was completed and dedicated. In 1972, half day pre-school was started for the three and four year old children; which has expanded to both half and full day preschool. Concordia added 3 more classrooms and a gymnasium in 1984. We pray the Lord of the Church will still have more growth in store for Concordia Lutheran Church and School as we remain faithful to the Savior and His saving Word.

Concordia Lutheran School is an integral part of the ministry of Concordia Lutheran Church. We adhere to and follow the church's mission and ministry statement which emphasizes "the Great Commission of 'making disciples' at home, in the community, and throughout the world. (Matthew 28: 19-20)" The purpose of Concordia Lutheran School is to provide Christian education in partnership with parents so that through Word and sacrament by grace through faith:

1. Children receive faith through the work of the Holy Spirit, grow in their relationship with God, understand their worthiness comes only from being a child of God, and have the assurance of eternal life. 
(Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:15; Matthew 19:14; John 17:3)

2. Children are equipped to worship, share their faith with others, and serve God and His people using the gifts He has given them.
(Colossians 3:16; Luke 11:28; Matthew 4:4)

3. Children are provided training for maximum spiritual, academic, physical, emotional, and social growth, with due recognition for individual differences through the various stages of development.
(John 8:31; Mark 9:36-37; John 10:10)

Since the Preschool is operated as part of the mission of Concordia Lutheran Church, there is a great deal of emphasis placed on Jesus, our Savior. Faith development is the core of the curriculum in our preschool. All activities add in some way to the spiritual life of young children. Faith development is more than having an isolated "Jesus Time" in the daily schedule.

Integrated in the curriculum are lessons that help a child understand God's love for all people. In our teaching of the Christian faith, we teach simple Bible stories and Christian principles drawn from the Bible.

The teachers will, in daily activities and relationships, strive to act out the unconditional love of Jesus. Through these activities and relationships your child will learn to:

• see themselves as God's children
• feel secure in God's love
• see their world as God's creation
• grow in a desire to care for God's creation
• respond to God's love by caring for others
• know Jesus died and rose for them

The children will participate in chapel on a regular basis. We will have daily devotions, which include Bible stories, prayers, and music led by the teacher. Several times throughout the year we will participate in Sunday worship by singing. We encourage all children to participate.

The preschool programs provide a balanced daily plan of activities, with emphasis being placed upon the overall development of Spiritual, physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth in a child-centered group.

"Play is the preschool child's work." Activities that are planned will generally be in the context of fun and should not frustrate the child's need to achieve. The children will be given first hand experiences in the areas of:
religious activities outdoor/indoor play social studies
science experiments music dramatic role play
language development art materials games
reading readiness pre-math skills

Through the activities in our curriculum, children will:

Grow Spiritually so as to:

• Know Jesus as their Lord and Savior
• Know that in love, Jesus died and rose for them
• Know that God made them and the world
• Be able to memorize and repeat short prayers
• Enjoy praising God by singing

Grow emotionally so as to:

• Develop a positive self-concept
• Show independence and self-responsibility
• Develop self-control

Grow socially so as to:

• Learn to share and take turns
• Respect authority
• Learn to appropriately communicate their needs

Grow physically so as to:

• Recognize the beauty and abilities of the bodies God has given them
• Develop gross and fine motor coordination
• Develop eye-hand and eye-foot coordination

 Grow intellectually so as to:

• Develop pre-reading skills such as visual and auditory discrimination, and understanding symbols
• Identify and sort objects by size and shape
• Learn to recognize colors and shapes
• Count and recognize numbers to ten
• Recognize alphabet letters (upper case)
• Write first name

Grow creatively so as to:

• View him/herself as a unique individual, reacted and valued by God
• Express ideas in his or her own unique way
• Be free to create artistically using a variety of media
• Develop his/her God-given talents and abilities

From time to time a child's behavior, attitudes or moods can be affected by changes in their lives. Moving to a new home, a new baby, death or illness in the family, loss of a pet, martial problems, job changes, separation or divorce can affect the behavior of children. If situations change in your family, it would be a great help if teachers are informed. It will help us empathize if the child is moody, quiet, or misbehaving. We can also help in getting your child through a difficult time. Please feel free to come to us at any time, even if it seems unimportant. The better we understand your child, the better we can work with him/her. Please understand anything you share will be kept confidential. Our pastors are also available for counseling and assistance.

You are welcome any time in our classrooms. Parent observation gives a parent a chance to see what is happening and some insight into their child’s progress. We also always appreciate parental involvement in classroom parties and field trips.

As a Christian parent who is interested in his/her child's spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, aesthetic, moral, and social growth, you as a parent will want to:

1. Attend faithfully the entire year, the regularly scheduled worship services, thereby living the Christian example for your child to follow. Please see the section entitled, "Church and Sunday School Attendance."
2. Regularly attend the meetings of the Parent-Teacher League, whereby parents can become better informed as to what their children are being taught and how they can further participate in their children's education.
3. Offer all concerns and suggestions for improvement first to your child's teacher; then if not resolved, to the principal.
4. Support your child's teacher at home recognizing the teacher as God's representative. The teachers, through their work, are helping to fulfill an obligation of the parent by educating the child.
5. Be prompt and consistent in getting your child to school on a timely and regular basis.
6. Pursue opportunities to offer your services for the school.
7. Sign the agreement on the Master Record form stating your compliance with the objectives stated above.
8. Live in peace and concord with other families.
9. Provide a moral Christian environment for your child in the family setting.
10. Be financially responsible and pay tuition and fees on time.

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

Concordia Lutheran Preschool admits children of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

• Parents may register their child at any time, by completing the registration application and paying the non-refundable registration fee. Classes will be filled in the order that registrations are received.
• In cases of limited openings, members of Concordia Lutheran Church and siblings of enrolled students of Concordia Lutheran School will receive preference.
• Each child is required to have a physical and immunization form filled out by a physician upon admission, and every two years thereafter (if applicable).
• An enrollment form and a master record form are required on a yearly basis.
• Children may begin attending the All-Day Preschool program on their third birthday and must be toilet-trained.
• Children may attend the Part-Day Preschool programs given that he/she reaches three years of age by September 1^st for the three year old program, and four years of age by September 1^st for the four year program. Children must be toilet-trained.

After a program is filled, the Preschool programs will employ a waiting list for the current term. If a family on the waiting list declines to take a position when it is available to them, that child will be placed at the end of the waiting list.

All Registration and Tuition Fees are approved each year by the Concordia Lutheran Church and School, through the Voters Assembly. Any special circumstances which result in changes or deviations from the amounts below must be approved by Concordia’s Board of Christian Day School.

All – Day Preschool (as of Sept 1, 2007)

Registration* (non-refundable)........………………………. $50.00

Weekly Tuition (52 weeks/year).....……………………… $120.00

Maximum Class Sizes

Three Year Old Class…………………………… 16

Four Year Old Class……………………………. 20

*Registration is paid at time of enrollment. If your child leaves the program for any period of time, the registration fee will need to be paid again upon re-enrollment into the program.

Tuition payments are due Monday morning of each week when the child is brought to preschool. The weekly fee is paid whether your child misses a day or not. Checks should be made payable to Concordia Lutheran Preschool. If placed in an envelope, please clearly mark it as "Preschool" to ensure the payment is applied correctly.

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Part – Day Preschool

Registration (non-refundable)........………………………. $50.00

Monthly Tuition (9 month school year)

Three Year Old Class…………………………... $75.00

Four Year Old Class……………………………. $105.00

Maximum Class Sizes

Three Year Old Class…………………………… 16

Four Year Old Class……………………………. 20

Monthly tuition payments must be received prior to the first of the month for the coming month (example: September payment is due by August 31^st). Tuition will be charged for any month the child is enrolled. If a child is enrolled for only part of a month, the child will be charged for the entire month.

Please keep in mind that the mission of the Concordia Preschool program is not to make a profit. We understand that there are times when money becomes tight and are sympathetic to your situation. If you are experiencing a financial hardship, it is your responsibility to notify a member of the Accounts and Aid committee through the church office immediately in order to work out a payment plan. If an account goes unpaid for two weeks, the parents will receive a reminder letter asking for payment in full and the Board of Christian Day School will be notified that the account is delinquent. Failure to make the weekly/monthly payments or failure to respond to communications received can result in your child being removed from the program. The Accounts and Aid committee reserves the right to turn over any unpaid fees to a collection agency.

All – Day Preschool Program:

Entry and exit to the All – Day Preschool program is thru the west door (gym entrance) of the church. The All-Day Preschool is open at 7:00 am and closes promptly at 5:30 pm. Parents and guardians are responsible for escorting the child to the classroom, signing him/her in and waiting until the teacher acknowledges their presence. For pick-up, the parent is responsible for signing their child out and making sure the teacher is aware the child is departing. Parents must notify the school in writing of anyone other than the parent who may have permission to pick up the child.

Should a situation arise causing you to be late (after 5:30 pm) in picking up your child, a phone call is expected. Children are often uneasy when left too long without advance notice. A $5.00 late fee for the first 15 minutes past 5:30pm will be charged …an additional $1.00 per minute, after the first 15 min. This late fee is to be paid when the child is picked up. Chronic lateness will result in dismissal from the program.

Part – Day Preschool Program:

Entry and exit to the Part-Day Preschool program can be either thru the west door (gym entrance) of the church, or thru the lower school doors. Please note the lower school doors are locked until 8:15 am. If it is necessary to bring your child earlier than 8:15 am, please contact the teacher beforehand. Arrangements can be made to place your child in our extended care program, or on rare occasions, to have your child enter the classroom prior to the start of school. Dismissal will be at 11:00 am at the gym door.

Important Note - We are a locked facility, an intercom and doorbell are provided to announce your arrival. When the door is electronically unlocked for you, do not allow other unknown persons to enter with you, they must announce themselves over the intercom.

If it is necessary to close school due to severe weather, mechanical failure, or other emergency, the announcement will be announced on TV station Channel 20 (NBC), and over local radio stations WMAY (970 AM), WTAX (1240 AM), and (WDBR 103.7 FM). Please do not call the teachers! Concordia will align school closing with District 186 except for early dismissals due to bad weather or other emergencies that are not affecting Concordia.

The word discipline comes from the same root word as "disciple". That best explains our objectives in disciplining children: namely, that of making disciples or followers of Christ. We realize that families differ in their approach to discipline. In our preschool programs, harsh or threatening methods will not be used. Withholding meals and snacks will not be used as a form of punishment. Children will not be punished for lapses in toilet training.

Discipline will be handled in a Christ-like manner by:

1. Praising good behavior
2. Changing the environment
3. Re-directing the child
4. Quietly removing the child from the group to allow time for the child to reflect on his or her actions, followed up with discussion of the problem and how to solve it
5. Helping the child to see what Jesus has done for them and in response how they should treat others

Parents will be notified of any severe disciplinary problems involving their child. In cases of extreme behavior or injury to another child, an incident /injury report will be written and signed by the teacher in charge. The report will also be signed by the parent and the original will go into the child's file.

The second incident of severe behavior will result in a conference of parents, teacher and director to develop strategies to correct behavior. If the behavior continues it will be determined that the child needs a different environment than we are able to provide and the child will be asked to leave the program.

Each child upon entering preschool must have a health examination form completed by a licensed physician. Parents are required to sign a medical treatment consent form upon enrollment.

If any child shows evidence of a fever, unknown rash, diarrhea, or vomiting that child should be kept at home. If a child becomes ill during school, he/she will be isolated from the group and given proper attention. Meanwhile the child's parent or guardian will be notified to pick up their child immediately.

We appreciate being informed when your child has a communicable disease. We will also inform all parents when their child has been exposed to a communicable disease.

Regulations to be followed for illness:

• Fever: A child found to have an elevated temperature of 100+ while attending school may not be readmitted for 24 hours.
• Head lice: A child may return to school 24 hours after being treated. We do, however, maintain a no nit policy. After treatment, all nits and tiny eggs, usually close to the scalp must be combed from the hair before the child will be readmitted.
• Streptococcal, Mumps, Measles, Pink Eye, Scarlet Fever, etc.: Child must be treated by a physician. A note from the child's physician stating the child is no longer contagious must be brought to school before the child is readmitted.
• Diarrhea, sore throat, vomiting, etc.: the child must be kept home from school until all signs and symptoms are absent.

Medication that needs to be administered at school requires written permission via a form filled out by the child’s parent/guardian. Forms may be obtained from the teachers. Directions are needed for the time and dose of each medicine. All medication is to be in the original container marked with the child's name, dosage needed, and physician's name.

Concordia Lutheran School, including Part-Day and All-Day Preschool is required by the State of Illinois to report any evidence of child abuse according to the Abuse and Neglected Reporting Act, as amended (IL Rev. Stat.1981, ch 23, Par 2051 et seq.)

Clothing worn by the children should be comfortable, washable play clothes that they can manage themselves at bathroom time. Comfortable running shoes are preferred. You will need to provide your child with an extra pair of tennis shoes to be worn in the gym. (no black soles) We also ask that you provide an extra change of clothes in the event your child has an "accident". If we provide a change of clothes, please launder the clothing and return to school promptly.

When weather permits we do go outside, so please remember to send a sweater or jacket for these occasions.

Breakfast and a hot lunch will be provided from the state-approved lunch program. A mid-afternoon snack is also served. It is the policy of the preschool that the children not bring food from home, unless there is a medical reason why the child cannot eat the food provided.

Children may wish to bring a special treat for their birthday, please notify the teacher when you would like to bring a treat. Private party invitations may be handed out at school only if all students of the same gender in the class are invited.

Your child will need a pillow, pillowcase and blanket for naptime. Children will be permitted to bring a stuffed bedtime 'buddy' for use at nap. Please mark these items with your child's name. Each week we will send home the pillowcase and blanket to be washed. Please return them on Mondays.

In bridging the gap from home to school, it helps the child to occasionally bring a toy for show and tell. However we do ask that you please do not send toys on days other than "Show and Tell" days. No guns or action figures such as Power Rangers, Pokemon, Batman, etc. will be permitted. We cannot assume responsibility for loss or breakage of any item brought for show and tell.

Special excursions such as walks, field trips to parks, educational or recreational facilities are planned throughout the year.

Our policies require that a parent sign a Field Trip Consent Form upon enrollment. Separate field trip permission slips will be required for each trip. Parents are encouraged to be drivers/leaders on our trips.

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Requirements for drivers: 

1. Must be licensed.
2. Must be 21 years of age or older.
3. Must have proof of insurance.
4. Must have and use seat belts for each passenger.
5. Students 12 years of age and under will not be allowed to ride in the front seat of any vehicle with a front or side airbag.
6. Students 8 years of age and under must use a car seat unless they are over 80 pounds.
7. Siblings are not to be taken along without teacher's permission.
   Adult/child ratio will vary according to class size, ages, and type of field trip. Each teacher makes the final decision.
8. A copy of the driver's insurance card and license must be on file in the school office.

Chaperones/Drivers:

1. Chaperones/drivers are responsible for the safety and well being of the students assigned to them during the entire field trip.
2. It is the responsibility of the chaperones/drivers to see that children are in seat belts.
3. Upon returning to school, chaperones/drivers are required to stay with his/her group until the teacher arrives.
4. Chaperones/drivers should refrain from smoking while on field trips.
5. Chaperones/drivers should not make unscheduled stops for treats and/or personal business.
6. Chaperones/drivers should not give unauthorized treats to students assigned to them. 
7. While moving the drivers should not converse on cell phone including the use of hands-free devices.

The All-Day Preschool will be closed on the following Holidays listed on the yearly calendar.

Labor Day New Year’s Day

Columbus Day Martin Luther King Day

Veterans Day President’s Day

Thanksgiving Day Good Friday

Thanksgiving Vacation Memorial Day

Christmas Day Fourth of July

We will also be closed two days during the year for Teacher’s Conference. Those days will be announced with the yearly calendar handout in September. We normally dismiss early on Christmas Eve.

The Part-Day Preschool follows the Day School calendar.

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7:00 am – 8:30 am Arrival / fine-motor activities

8:30 am – 8:45 am Clean-up / wash hands / bathroom

8:45 am – 9:05 am Breakfast

9:05 am – 9:15 am Clean-up

9:15 am – 9:30 am Jesus Time (Bible stories, prayer, music)

9:30 am – 9:45 am Circle time (prayer, pledge, weather, story, group activity)

9:45 am – 10:30 am Learning centers (weekly theme, math, science, pre-reading activities)

10:30 am – 11:30 am Outside / Gym play

11:30 am – 12:00 pm Bathroom, wash hands, lunch

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Prepare for nap, bathroom

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Nap time, quiet time

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Wake-up, quiet activities

3:00 pm – 5:30 pm Snack, outside / gym play, departure

8:15 am – 9:15 am Discovery Time

9:15 am – 9:30 am Jesus Time

9:30 am – 9:45 am Indoor / outdoor play

9:45 am – 10:15 am Snack time – restroom break

10:15 am – 10:30 am Calendar time

10:30 am – 10:50 am Learning circle

11:00 am Dismissal

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Preschool is a special time in a child's life. Many new and exciting experiences will affect your child and his personal growth. The preschool often is the child’s first separation from home, the first experience with a peer group, and a substitute mother/father figure. We at Concordia appreciate that you have entrusted us with your child's care and will work very hard with God's help to make this time in their lives meaningful and enjoyable.

Play is child’s work. Through play, the child learns informally many of the things that will provide foundations for later formal learning. The Preschool is therefore a very important first step down the road toward a strong Christian-based education.

We offer the possibility to continue this Christian growth with our Day School (K-8) and also Lutheran High School. Please remember that we are always here to help you and your child.

We also invite you to join our weekly worship services at Concordia, including Sunday School classes and Bible classes. Adult Information Class is also available for those interested in finding out more about the Lutheran faith.

Please join us at Concordia Lutheran Church and School as together we serve God's will for your precious child and His.

Jesus Loves Children…

 And so does