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Before-School Program
As an additional service to our families, we offer before-school care from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. There is no pre-
registration for this program and you will be invoiced monthly for the number of days you have used this
service.
A Touchstone staff member supervises and engages the children who come for before-school care. Often the
children prefer to simply socialize and snack on their breakfast foods during this time, while others will play
games of various kinds. At 8:15 a.m. all children are released to go their classrooms.
Our staff will register any child who is left unsupervised by a parent between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.. If you are
in the building for a meeting during this time, be sure to inform the staff member of your purpose; the school will
then pick up the expense of care during your meeting.
Helpful Hints for Parents
Even with all the detailed information included elsewhere in this publication, you might find some of the most
useful tidbits right here. Here are some suggestions, tips, and bits of wisdom based on our experience:
Pack extra snack foods – Even though we provide plenty of foods, many children like to eat frequently, and
enjoy going to their lunchboxes for small snacks throughout the afternoon. This is especially true for Curriculum
and Conference days when you should send in enough food for lunch and a few snacks.
Assume your child will get messy – We love to play outside and dig in to messy projects. We suggest you leave
an extra change of clothes in your child’s cubby (locker). Also, if you are leaving EDP to go directly to a place
where your child needs to be clean, we encourage you to communicate this to your child earlier in the day, or
bring clothes for the occasion with you.
Make sure your child understands the pick-up plan. – Children take comfort in knowing who is picking up and
at what time. If you are not sure about the time, say so. If you will need a quick
transition when you arrive, let your child know this too.
Call us if you are experiencing a delay that will make you late enough to cause your child to be concerned. –
Children take comfort in knowing you are safe.
Don’t be surprised if your child is upset that you are picking up “too early”. Kids often enjoy EDP so much that
they are upset about being asked to leave. We suggest you set up a routine that suits your needs. Some
parents announce a “five minute warning” upon their arrival. Please remember that, as important as you are
to your child, you are entering his or her world when you arrive, and some children need time for this important
transition.
If you have time, you are welcome to join in your child’s activity for a few minutes before packing up to go.
Often children are excited to share what they have been doing, and this can create a natural “bridge” for
your departure.
Use the EDP staff to help you with transitions – Call beforehand if you need your child ready for departure when
you arrive. Often we can help you get the cooperation you need if your child is tired and therefore acting out
by resisting you.
Keep us informed about what’s going on in your child’s life. For example, your child may be concerned about
a parent’s upcoming business trip, or the health of a loved one or a pet. Sometimes this information helps us to
understand the behaviors we are observing. We strive to maintain open communication with the parents and
the child’s classroom teacher as well.
“I don’t want to go to EDP today!” – Many children will say this once in a while, and although it’s not what you
want to hear when you are dropping off your child at school in the morning, take comfort – we have lots of
experience dealing with this. We recommend that you ask your child the reason for this statement. You may
find that your child has an unfounded fear or concern, or perceives a scheduling conflict (something that you