Practical Info

Clothing

Please send your child to school inb easy care washable play clothes that will enable them to participate freely in the many activities provided.
Try to avoid pants with belts and clothes (e.g., jumpsuits) that the children cannot manage for themselves.
Please leave a pair of non-skid slippers or shoes at school for inside wear, since wearing boots in the classroom is not comfortable and is definitely not safe for the climbing that we do in the gym during the rainy winter months.
We attempt to go outside every day (even if it is raining) so make sure your child is dressed for wet weather.
We use the gym only on those days when it is just too rainy to play outside.

Snack

The children have snack every day.
We ask that Duty Parents send nutritious snacks which include fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, crackers and muffins.
If your child has a food allergy please let the teachers know so that we can let parents know to avoid any particular foods.
We do not serve drinks at school, but a water fountain is always available for drinks throughout the morning.
Most days we have what is called a “gradual snack” which means that during free playtime (around 10:15) a snack table is readied for the children. A tablecloth is put down and an adult will sit with the children. They wash their hands first and then have snack. If the table becomes filled than they will have to wait until someone leaves. We find that gradual snack is much cosier and allows for more conversation. It also allows those children who want to finish their play to do so without being interrupted.

Birthdays

Preschool aged children often consider their birthday the most important day of the year and we try to make it a special day at school. If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at school by providing a special treat, do not hesitate to do so. We usually try to celebrate the birthday at our circle time so the treat should be simple – e.g., a cookie, muffin, or rice crispy. (No icing please)

Items From Home

We welcome books, CDs, cassette tapes, flowers, shells, bugs (in a jar) and assorted nature objects that can be left at school for several days. With the exception of toys that may be needed during the first few days of school to help ease the transition from home, we ask that toys be left at home or in the car.
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Park and Outside Play

In the Park:

Children must stay in the playground area or in the grassy area in front of the playground.
No playing with sticks for fear of eye injuries.
When coming down the fire pole a teacher or parent must be at the bottom of the pole.

Outside in the Tom Thumb Playground:

Tom Thumb has its own outdoor playground located behind the church. Children go outside every day unless it is raining when we have access to the gym. Please be alert to the following safety limits for outside play.

Watch carefully around the swing area so that children do not run in front of children who are swinging.

Limits Outside:

Children must not throw sand or dump sand on top of other children.
Shoes must stay on.
Children must not jump off the top of the red train. Only three children are allowed on top of the red train and they must be sitting. Children must get on and off the top of the train by themselves.
Children must not go up the slide. “Up the ladder, down the slide.” Watch carefully at the slide as children can lose their balance quickly and fall.

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Library

Tom Thumb has an extensive children’s library of story/picture books, non fiction and poetry and rhyming books and some great parent resources.

Books are available to borrow and can be kept for up to 2 weeks.
Sign out books on your library card which is kept in a box in the book corner.
When you return them, please cross off the books and place them in the Return Book Box. Do not re-file the books.
Some books cannot be borrowed – the books currently on display or Patricia or Liz’s personal copies.
- The parent library is directly inside the classroom door to the right.
- These can be signed out.
- Please let us know of any books you think we should purchase for our library.

Student Teachers

Tom Thumb occasionally has students from various colleges do a practicum at our school.

These students are in the process of learning about working with young children and parents we encourage you to welcome them.
Often they are more comfortable with children than with parents, but it is important that they spend time with parents, asking questions and developing a rapport.
Your help with this part of their learning is appreciated.