Parent Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENT PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME NOTE

PAGE
As the Principal of Little Prairie Kindergarten, it is my pleasure to
Principal’s Welcome Note ---------------------------------------- Pg 1 welcome you and your child/children to a great journey at Little Prairie.

About us ---------------------------------------- Pg 2 Here at Little Prairie, we not only strive to give the best to the children
academically, but place equal importance to nurture their values and
- Vision provide them a safe, loving and caring environment to grow socially,
emotionally and physically.
- Mission
Our curriculum strives to equip students with the 21st Century
Our Philosophy ---------------------------------------- Pg 3 competencies, namely communication, collaboration, critical thinking,
creativity, care and choice.
Staff, Curriculum & Facilities ---------------------------------------- Pg 4
We look forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure that
A Typical School Day ---------------------------------------- Pg 5
our children achieve their highest potential. We recognize that in order
to be successful in school, our children need support from both the
General Information ---------------------------------------- Pg 6
home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a
Essential Items for School ---------------------------------------- Pg 7 great difference in your child’s education.

Communication ---------------------------------------- Pg 8
Admission & Withdrawal Procedures ----------------------------- Pg 9
Financial ---------------------------------------- Pg 10
I am honoured to serve as the principal of Little Prairie School since
2013. It is great to be a part of a community where students, teachers,
and parents care for one another and strive to build meaningful
relationships that support academic and social-emotional growth in
young children.

Safety and Health (SOP) ---------------------------------------- Pg 11 I look forward to this remarkable journey with you and your child.

Holidays/Term Break/Holiday Program --------------------------- Pg 12 Thank you

General Information ----------------------------------------- Pg 13 Joice

………………………….
Ms Joice Lee
1
 ABOUT US OUR PHILOSOPHY

Little Prairie, under Dr Janice Khoo ( Doctor in Education with more The philosophy of Little Prairie (Fungates) program is to foster
than 28 years of teaching experience) began as a student care service development in children that will enable them to be competent in our
for primary students in 2005 in Johor Jaya, Johor. The main purpose 21st century society, and to support children’s growth emotionally,
then was to engage the children in meaningful activities and learning socially, creatively, intellectually and physically.
after their formal primary academic school hours, thereby inculcating
good learning habits and foundation in education. These in turn free The children will learn through actively engaging in real-world and
up the evening hours for parents to have quality evening time with personally meaningful projects (PBL: Project Base Learning) which focuses
their children. learning by doing, experimenting, problem solving, teamwork, social
skills, understanding collaboration and taking responsibility.
Little Prairie continued to flourish and we expanded our service to
childcare and Kindergarten with the Fungates curriculum in 2013. To We believe every child is unique and learn best in a nurturing, play-
date, Little Prairie has helped developed children to become based environment and projects (PBL) that fosters the 6Cs:
independent, responsible, caring , innovative individuals who are
competent to face the challenges in our ever changing world. In 2019,
Collaboration
Little Prairie opened a second branch in Eko Botani, Johor. Communication able to work together
able to share thoughts, with others to share
Mission ideas and solutions ideas and decisions.
Nurturing children with good values and equipping them with the 21st clearly.
century competencies.
Little Praireans will become SMART
Creativity
(self-disciplined, motivated, appreciative, respectful and a team builder). able to listen and respond
to make ideas workable
Vision and useful to others. Care
“The preferred centre for 21st century pre-school education” able to respect, love
and care for those in
Motto Critical Thinking the environment.
Train-up the child in the way he should go, so that when he grows up, able to process and solve Choice
he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). problems in a new way. able to decide for
themselves their
work and learning.
2 3
 A TYPICAL SCHOOL DAY
STAFF, CURRICULUM & FACILITIES

The key to any successful teaching methodology are the teachers. We

recognize the important role teachers play in the development of children
DROP-OFF TIME:
in their early years. As such, we engaged qualified, passionate, caring and Parents can drop off their child from 8am-8:30am in the morning. Due to
responsible teachers to nurture your children. safety concerns, please do not send your child to school or drop off
before 8a.m. Please plan to transit your child into their classroom at least
Little Prairie uses the Fungates Curriculum, an innovative programme that 5 minutes before their day is scheduled to start. Happiness Circle, an
strongly believes that learning must be fun and meaningful for children. important part of the spiritual curriculum, is scheduled for the very
beginning of the day. In order for your child to gain the most from their
experience at LP, we ask that you respect our 8.30a.m. start time to the
Why is FunGates a better choice for kids ? best of your ability. The teachers have carefully planned the flow of the
✔ System components are integrated to enhance learning in logical and day, and your child will miss key learning opportunities if they are
entertaining ways. consistently late.
✔ A quality curriculum designed with challenging books and apparatus.
✔ A learning environment that is built around children and their needs. To ensure smooth operation, safety and to prevent disruption to
✔ Our heartbeat is developing lifelong learners. teaching, we will not entertain admission after 8.45.a.m.
✔ Successful in guiding each child to discover the world of play and learn.
✔ Necessary knowledge and skills to excel to the next level confidently. HOURS OF OPERATION :
✔ An atmosphere of encouragement, support and stimulation.
✔ Linking the emerging learning process to a solid foundation in Half Day Full Day Extended Full
wholesome education. Day
2&3-year- 8:30am-11:30am 8:30am-2:30pm 8:30am-5pm
We are well equipped with a science laboratory, music room, library, old
smartboard, outdoor/indoor playground, sand/water play area, Art and 4-year-old 8:30am-12pm 8:30am-2:30pm 8:30am-5pm
Craft room, Innovative Centers, computers, Domestic Sciences Center,
Gardening and Discovery Centers.
5&6-year- 8:30am-12:30pm 8:30am-3pm 8:30am-5pm
old

4 5
 PARKING AND DRIVEWAY USE ESSENTIAL ITEMS

To ensure the safety of our children and all members of the Little
HALF DAY & FULL DAY
Prairie community, it is of utmost importance that we practice safety
✔ School bag
and courtesy while in the parking lot and obey the posted signs year- ✔ Basic stationery (pencil, eraser, ruler, glue, colour pencils, scissors)
round. Please watch out for others, drive slowly and hold the hands of ✔ Water bottle
very young children. ONE-WAY traffic only for drop-off and picking-up ✔ Homework Pouch
as shown in the diagram below. ✔ Apron
Line up ✔ Diapers if necessary
Area ✔ One set of school T-shirt & pants
Drop ✔ Spare plastic bag to keep used or wet clothing
Off/Pick ✔ Place handkerchief in the pocket
Up ✔ At least three spare face masks in a labelled ziplock bag.

EXTENDED FULL DAY (Until 5pm)

✔ School bag
✔ Basic stationery (pencil, eraser, ruler, glue, colour pencils)
CHANGE IN PICKUP PERSON ✔ Water bottle
Please notify your child’s teacher if someone other than you who will be ✔ Homework Pouch
picking up your child. Make sure that a list of people who can pick up your ✔ Apron
child (in addition to legal parents and guardians) is on file in the school ✔ Diapers if necessary
office. If someone who is not on the list is picking up your child, they will ✔ One set of school T-shirt & pants
only be allowed to do so if you have notified the teacher/school in ✔ Spare plastic bag to keep used or wet clothing
advance, preferably in writing. ✔ Place handkerchief in the pocket
✔ At least three spare face masks in a labelled ziplock bag.
DISMISSAL: ✔ Small blanket for nap time
Parents need to pick the child within 30mins after the dismissal time.
Please inform the teacher if you are late . Additional charges will be due
All children’s belongings are required to be labelled with
after the 30 minutes allotted time.
6 child’s name to avoid misplacement. 7
 COMMUNICATION
GROWING ME
You will receive a Monthly (Growing Me)
progress report. This report will be done based
on teachers’ observation and evaluation of your
child. It will describe the level of academic
achievement, life skills and social emotional
growth that a student has shown over the course
of a month.
HOW DID I GROW?
This is an annual consolidated progress report.
It is usually given at a Parent/Teacher’s Meeting
at the end of the school academic year.
TAIDII SYSTEM
We are currently using Diibear, a parent apps by
Taidii, which keeps you updated and be a part of
your child’s learning journey. This Diibear apps
allow teachers to send customized photos, video,
newsletter, survey and portfolio to parents in
real-time. Parents can celebrate children’s
developmental milestones and special
memories together with the teacher. It also
serves as a two-way communication between
parent and teacher.
ADMISSION/WITHDRAWALS
ADMISSION
Required to furnish accurate information as stated in the enrolment
form with accompanying copy of the following:
- a copy of the child’s birth certificate
- A copy of the parent’s /guardian’s ID
- A copy of the immunization (triple antigen) report
WITHDRAWAL
30 days written notice (withdrawal form} is required for withdrawal and
the deposit maybe used in lieu of the last month of school not
withstanding any outstanding payment of fees
FINANCE
Monthly school fees are to be paid by the 7th of every month.
Miscellaneous Fees are billed bi-annually and are to be paid within 7 days
of billing.
Fees can be transferred online and made payable to:
- Johor Jaya Branch：Little Prairie Sdn Bhd 501217839204 (Maybank)
- Eko Botani Branch: Little Prairie Sdn Bhd 3217335718 (Public Bank)
Diibear
Kindly state your child’s name in the reference column. All fees paid are
not refundable nor transferable. No deferment of fees will be allowed for
absences due to illness, vacation or any other reasons. We will not be
responsible for loss of cash handled to unauthorized person or placed in
child’s bag.
8 9
 SAFETY & HEALTH
Rest easy knowing your child is in good hands. Little Prairie’s rigorous safety
plan promises your child a secure, fun environment to learn and thrive.
FIRST AID
We take every precaution to ensure your child’s safety. First Aid provisions
are available should your child become ill or suffer a minor injury.
Parents/guardians will be notified if a significant injury or accident occurs.
Whether an injury report will be filed depends on the severity of the injury
and is at the discretion of the staff person on duty and the administrator.
MEDICATIONS
If your child is prescribed any medication, the parent/guardian must provide
the medication in its original vial from the pharmacy with the prescribed
dosage indicated. Our staff will administer the medication as directed by the
doctor.
EMERGENCIES
Should an emergency arises, we follow a comprehensive safety plan. Our
staff are trained to carry out evacuations, lockdowns, and other procedures.
We hold drills regularly to practice and update these procedures. Emergency
procedures are available for your review in our building.
ILLNESS
To prevent the spread of illness, we urge parents/guardians to keep sick
child at home. If your child becomes ill while in our care, you will be asked to
arrange for immediate pick-up. We will call the people on your emergency
list if you are unavailable.
10
FOOD & FEEDING
Little Prairie provides a nutritious breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and
afternoon snack. We do not encourage outside food unless it is due to
religious or medical concerns (e.g. allergies)
PLAY AREAS & PLAYGROUNDS
Little Prairie offers padded flooring play area for your children to safely
climb, jump, and explore. Our space also includes Discovery Centers and
sand/water play.
SANITATION
Our staff cleans and disinfects the classroom, play and eating area daily.
Children are required to wash their hands with soap and water before
eating.
SECURITY
Our students’ security is of vital importance. The front door is the only
access point to the Center, and is monitored at all times. Parents and visitors
are required to make appointments to visit the Center, and must sign-in
upon arrival. Visitors are not permitted to disturb instruction or daily
routine.
SUPERVISION
Our goal is to ensure each child is cared for, supervised, and safe. Our
supervision policies and educator to child ratio complies with the MOE and
local regulations.
WELLNESS
Your child’s wellness is crucial for their continued learning and development.
We practice sanitary habits at our center, to prevent the spread of illness.
We ask that students who are sick or have been absent for sickness remain
home and obtain a doctor’s note upon returning to preschool.
11
Parents/guardians should notify our staff about any illnesses, injuries, or
 Holidays/Term Break/Holiday Program General Information

HOLIDAYS HOMEWORK POUCH

We observe most of the public holidays as declared/authorized by the
Ministry of Education.
TERM BREAK
There will be 6 weeks of Term break in an academic year. We will
conduct school holiday program (Additional cost) during this break except
for the last week of the school year.
The purpose of the Homework pouch is for keeping the
homework or completed worksheets for children. Please check
the homework pouch daily to remove completed worksheets
and to see if there are any homework to be completed for the
day. Please note that there will be no homework for full day
care.

EDUWEEK
In order to uphold the quality of teachers, we will have a training week at
the end of the year. The school will be closed for that week. Parents will
be notified once training dates are confirmed by Fungates.
APRON
Children are required to wear an apron for art & craft activities
to avoid staining their clothes. Please wash it regularly.

**SLEEPING BAG**
For Extended full day-care children, the sleeping bags need to
The yearly school calendar be brought to school on Mondays and will be required to be
will be given at the start of brought back home every Friday to be cleaned and used for
the school year. the next School week.

**The schedule is subject to change.

12 13