Saint Luke's Day School, Alexandria, Virginia

Last Updated
2/18/05

Handbook

Accreditation

The Commonwealth of Virginia licenses St. Luke's Day School as a Pre School with a Religious Exemption License. The Fairfax County Board of Health annually inspects the facilities and issues an operating permit.

Professional memberships include the National Association of Episcopal Schools(NAES), Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI), Southern Early Childhood Association.

Purpose and Philosophy

St. Luke's Day School is dedicated to a philosophy that by providing a loving and nurturing environment, under the guidance of a qualified staff that understands the developmental needs of the pre-school child, and by affording a positive atmosphere, and enriching curriculum, the appropriate physical facilities and the proper resources, a child shall have the very best opportunity to grow while developing a sense of self.

Mission

St. Luke's Day School encourages children to choose freely from a wide range of play and learning experiences, and in doing so help them to recognize, understand and express their own emotions as well as to sympathize with the emotions of others.The children are introduced to a balanced program of interaction with friends in both teacher directed and child-directed experiences. The daily schedule includes free choice of time spent in the play and art area, group times for circle activities, Music class and Creative Movement class.

The program is geared toward helping children develop habits of oberservation, questioning and listening. It gives children awareness of one's own feelings and of one's right to express those feelings, sometimes channeling them into more appropriate means of expression. The children learn they are free to make choices as long as they stay within the limits of consideration for other people and things. Children are treasured for their uniqueness and individuality and are encouraged in self-expression.

We are committed to working closely with parents toward the welfare of the whole family. Parents are welcome to visit during the child's time at school.

Objectives

The days are planned so that children will:

be safe
feel secure
receive individual attention and affection
develop satisfying relationships with other children and adults
experience successes in order to develop a positive self-image
learn to respect the personal and property rights of others
develop intellectual and physical skills

General Staff Requirements

For teachers, a four-year college degree is preferred, but experience and college credits toward a degree are acceptable. Previous experience in a pre-school classroom is required
For teacher assistants, experience in a pre-school classroom is desired, but not required
All staff are required to attend a Sexual Abuse Workshop sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
An annual health check-up/TB test is required
All staff are CPR and First Aid certified
All staff must pass a Criminal History check by the Virginia State Police and by the Central Registry of Child Protective Services

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