Communication

1. Parent & Staff Communication

Open communication between parents and staff is the key to operating a harmonious school. On a yearly basis, families are requested to respond to a family questionnaire/survey for program improvements. The results are discussed in a formal parent and staff meeting; goals are set and used for ongoing program planning and operations.

To address any School related issues or concerns parents are encouraged to:

1. Direct their questions or concerns to the teacher.
2. Consult with the Director.
3. Consult with the School Board.

2. Parent and Child Orientations

The School provides four formal orientations on the Program's mission and philosophy.

1. Informative, personal tours of the School are scheduled by appointment during the program year.
2. During registration, parents are given detailed information regarding school operations.
3. A welcoming letter including orientation date, pre-school map, class location, pre-school necessities and the name of the child's teacher is mailed to families prior to the new program year.
4. A formal parent orientation is scheduled before the first day of school. At this meeting, parents are given detailed information regarding the School's policies, classroom curriculum and schedule, and they meet their child's teacher in the classroom.

In addition to the above four formal orientations, parents are welcomed to arrange visits to their child in the School. It is our mission to keep parents informed of the School's ongoing programs. Therefore, every Thursday, parents will receive memos and bulletins via email, School website, or hard copies.

3. Child Assessment Plan and Parent / Staff Conferences

To support children's learning and to identify their needs and interests, the Program will conduct child assessments in the following manner. Within two months of the child's starting date, at the School each child will be observed in the areas of physical, cognitive, social, and language development using the following tools:

1. Developmental Learning Assessment Record
2. Child Observation Records
3. Individualized Education Plan/Family Partnership Plan
4. Other tools, including but not limited to photos, video clips and child's work samples.

The formal findings from the above documents will be filed in each child's portfolio in a locked cabinet to ensure confidentiality. Only the child's teacher or the administration will have access to the file.

Twice a year and on an as needed basis, the results of these assessments will be presented to the parents verbally or in writing and information obtained in this process will be used in curriculum and lesson planning.

In addition, teachers, families and relevant specialists will have regular opportunities to participate in two-way communication conferences, to discuss the child's progress, difficulties, accomplishments and to plan learning activities.

4. Memos, Handouts and Monthly Calendar

It is our mission to keep parents informed of the School's ongoing programs. Every Thursday, parents will receive memos and bulletins in English and Armenian via email, the School website, or hard copies. It is extremely important that parents read all the letters and bulletins sent by the School. Copies of notices, memos and forms are available at the Information Center in front of the office.

The school is equipped with the "One Call Now" Emergency/time sensitive communication system to send informational messages to parents when necessary via email, voice and/or text.

5. Participation and Involvement

We believe that young children grow and learn better in school when their parents become active participants in the school. It is the Program's mission to encourage all families, regardless of family structure; racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds; gender; abilities; or preferred language to volunteer in all aspects of the program such as:

1. Parent Support Committee - A voluntary committee consisting of dedicated and committed parents who play an integral role in the overall operation of the School and financial matters. Each year, these parents take leadership roles in organizing fundraising events for the School. They also serve as advisors to the Administration.
2. Volunteering in classrooms, kitchen, library, front gate student supervision, etc.
3. Parents also have the option of assisting the school by paying an annual fee, pre-determined by the School Board instead of volunteering their time.
4. Participating in an annual program evaluation and volunteering their expertise and assisting the School in reaching the set goals.
5. The School administration has the sole discretion in determining all aspects of volunteer opportunities at the School and may at its sole discretion grant, deny, or change volunteer opportunities and assignments.