Reisterstown United Methodist
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Nursery School
FAQ
What are your hours of operation?
We are open 7:30 am- 5:30 pm. Drop off begins for Full Day and Early Drop off at 7:30. Half Day students drop off from 8:50 am- 9:00 am. Half Day pickup is at 11:50 am. Full Day student may be picked up at anytime, but it must be before 5:30.
Are you open year round?
We operate on a school year schedule. We are closed for federal holidays, Christmas and Easter break, and for a short break for cleaning, preparation and training before the summer program starts and after it ends. A school calendar is posted on the web page and each family will receive a printed school calendar at the beginning of the year.
Do you offer a summer program?
We offer a summer program that begins approximately 1 week after our school year ends. It is an 8-9 week program with each week having a different theme. Full and Half day are offered.
Do you offer transportation to/from elementary schools?
We do not. Transportation must be prearranged by parents if preschool children are participating in afternoon programs at the local elementary schools. The MSDE Office of Childcare requires us to maintain a record of chain of custody and children must be handed off to a person on the child's Emergency Pick-up Form. For this reason, the pick-up person must be named and known to the family, and must come to the door to pick-up each child.
Is your center peanut free?
We require all lunches to be peanut/tree nut free at all times. Lunches are checked each morning to ensure nut products are not included. All snacks served are peanut/treenut free.
What background checks do you do on staff?
All new staff is required to submit fingerprints to state licensing for a criminal background check. The United Methodist Church requires all staff of the Preschool and the Church to complete Safe Sanctuaries training as well as a thorough background check through the Safe Sanctuaries program. In addition, we require and check references.
What is your policy on child discipline?
We follow a positive child guidance model that includes recognizing why a child behaves in a certain way and encouraging children to regulate their own behavior by giving them choices. We encourage children to talk out their problems and express feelings in a positive manner, as well as teach them to listen to what their friends are telling them. When necessary, children are given time away from the situation to reflect on their behavior and consider more appropriate responses with the support of their teacher.
You are a Christian school. What does that mean for my child?
*First and foremost, it means that all children are welcome here. We have had children of differing beliefs throughout the years without a problem. It means our teachers and staff are going to love your child with the love Jesus showed. *It also means that we start each morning with prayer, and give thanks to God before meals and snacks. *We attend Chapel each month to learn about the Bible from Pastor Jen and her husband, Mr. Dan. We take those lessons back to our classrooms and children learn traditional Bible stories. during the year. *We learn about and celebrate Christmas and Easter. We learn about the birth and death of Christ. We have an all-school Christmas celebration where families and friends are invited to a program by the children, and then back to the classroom for celebration. *Because we are not permitted to exclude children, opting out of religious learning is not an option.
Are there opportunities for families to get together?
Absolutely! We have a lot of events for parents and families! We will have a fall event for families to come together. We have our Christmas Program. We participate in Read Across America and have a special family night. Preschool Sunday will return as an annual event for families to come see the children and join in Worship with your child. We also have an annual End-of-Year School Picnic on our lawn. We offer dine out nights throughout the year for families and teachers to have social time together.
What about your staff?
Our dedicated teaching staff works as a team to provide the highest level of care and developmentally appropriate programs for children. Besides experience, each staff member is chosen for their energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and, of course, for their genuine love of teaching young children. Our staff is required to take continuing education courses annually, and teachers maintain a Maryland Excels level 4 certification at minimum. Most of our staff staff is trained in medication administration and the use of Epi-Pens, and all are certified in First Aid and CPR. We go beyond state licensing requirements by doing our own Safe Sanctuaries background check and training before a staff member or substitute starts working with children.