Early Learning Family Handbook

Parents/guardians are to call the Attendance Line before school begins to report an absence. Please leave the student’s first and last name, teacher name/grade, reason for absence, and a name and phone number where you can be reached on the day of the absence. If you do not call the school or the school is unable to contact you regarding the absence, you must provide your son/daughter with a note when they return to school, verifying the absence. If your student will be gone (vacations, surgery etc.) or needs to leave for an appointment, please notify the attendance office ahead of time via a note or phone call to the attendance line.

Tuition is due by the 15th of each month, September through June. Invoices will be sent electronically on the 1st of each month. For the most current tuition information visit: earlylearning.sspps.org/about/preschool.

Preschool start and end times are staggered by 10 minutes from the K-5 times at both Kaposia and Lincoln Center, to allow for an easier drop-off and pick-up for preschool families.

Kaposia Education Center

Parents must walk your child to the teacher Outside Door 1 (main entrance) at Kaposia to check in, and pick up your child from the teacher at the end of the day at the same door.

Lincoln Center

Parents must walk your child to the teacher at Door 1 at Lincoln Center to check in, and pick up your child from the teacher at the end of the day at the same door.

Drop Off/Pick Up Safety

Children will only be released to adults (aged 18 or older) listed on the enrollment/emergency information. Teachers will take a picture of families for easy and efficient identification at the door.

Four-year-old preschoolers who ride the bus will be met at the bus by preschool staff. At the end of the day, preschoolers will be escorted to the gathering area for students who bus. If your child has an older sibling or neighbor who rides the same bus, the older student can pick up your preschooler from staff and escort them to the bus line.

If a family member will be late for pick-up, please immediately notify the Early Learning Office at 651-457-9418. A staff member will remain with the child until picked up by a family member or emergency contact.

We understand that unexpected circumstances sometimes arise, so families are given a grace period of two late pickups. After the third late pickup, the Early Learning Coordinator will contact families to meet and develop a plan.

Your preschooler may ride the bus to/from school if your family qualifies for transportation and if your child has turned 4 years old by September 1. If you have questions about whether your family is eligible for transportation, call the Transportation Office at 651-457-9474. Bus service is available for drop-off only for the morning preschool session, or pick-up only for the afternoon preschool session. 

Children must have a BUS PASS issued by the SSPPS School District Transportation Department to ride a bus. This pass should be visible to the driver in or attached to the child’s backpack.

A parent/guardian must be at the bus stop to meet the preschool student when they get off of the bus. If no parent/guardian is at the stop, the preschooler will be returned to school, and a parent/guardian or approved emergency contact will be responsible for pick-up immediately.

For illness guidelines and medical services visit the Health and Wellness Website.

• Send a note from the doctor if your child has any activity limitations or will need to remain out of physical education or indoors at recess for more than three days. Notes from parents/guardians to stay indoors because of cold weather will not be accepted unless medically ordered to do so.
• Children should be dressed appropriately for the season and specific weather as they go outside most days for recess.
• If your child has an accident in which their clothing has obvious blood or other bodily fluids on it, the parent will be asked to bring in a change of clothing if none is available in the Health Office. This is to keep other students and staff safe from potential contact with possible blood transmitted pathogens.
• Please read communicable diseases notifications emailed or sent home with students and follow recommendations for each specific illness.

If your child becomes ill or is seriously injured during the school day, the Health Office will notify the parent/guardian so arrangements can be made for your child to be taken home.

Emergency contact information must be kept current, to include home, parent/guardian work, and daycare phone numbers. A note or phone call to the Health Office about a change in work or home phone numbers is important. Students will not be released unless accompanied by a responsible adult. It is expected that students will be picked up within one hour of the call to the parent/guardian.

Throughout the school year students attend programs, activities, field trip and events along with normal classroom routines that support their education, promote community service or encourage positive behavior. District officials may visit your child's school to cover these special events, and the South St. Paul Public School District may wish to use your child's photographs, voices, likenesses or student work for promotional and educational reasons. This includes co-curricular activities/athletic program rosters, school yearbook, district/school newsletters, etc.

If you wish to opt-out regarding the use of your child's name or image for school district and/or media purposes, please sign the Student Information Release Agreement form and return completed form to your school. This restriction is valid for one year and a new agreement must be signed for each school year.

At South St. Paul Public Schools (SSPPS), our top priority is to create a safe, welcoming, and culturally inclusive environment for all students and staff. The Educational Services team aims to foster a learning environment based on mutual respect, problem-solving, and restorative practices among students and staff at every school. Our approach is informed by evidence-based research using a variety of strategies aimed at fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.

Executive Director of Educational Services
Amy Winter
(651) 457-9416
amy.winter@sspps.org 

Assistant Director of Educational Services
Natalie Tourtelotte
(651) 552-5563
ntourtelotte@sspps.org 

Instruction & Achievement Coordinator
Scott Sundstrom
(651) 552-5595
ssundstrom@sspps.org

Packer Pathways

Our Mission with Packer Pathways is to ignite a passion in every learner to inquire, continuously improve, and engage in positively changing our world. This plan is dedicated to preparing each and every student for their future through high-quality, individualized programs, services, and personalized learning tailored to every stage of their educational journey. Covering early learning, elementary, middle, and high school, this comprehensive plan provides students with opportunities to explore real-world experiences, interactive discussions, guest speakers, enriching field trips, and flexible curriculum options, allowing students to fully engage with their learning paths. The development of the Pathway to Packer Promise is the result of extensive feedback from our stakeholders, ensuring it aligns with the collective goals and values of our learning community. Visit our website to learn more about the Pathway to Packer Promise experience!

Conscious Discipline (CD) 

CD is an innovative social-emotional learning and classroom management program with a proven track record of sustainable results. Focused in Early Learning, CD provides an array of behavior management strategies and classroom structures that teachers can use to turn everyday situations into learning opportunities. By integrating social-emotional learning, discipline and self-regulation, educators spend less time policing behavior and more time teaching vital life skills. This method eliminates the need for reward and punishment-style discipline and instead gives children a voice, empowering them with the ability and help to achieve behavioral goals, while also creating stronger communication within families. 

Special Education Services

Children with disabilities are eligible for special education and related services from birth to age 21 as defined in federal law, P.L. 101-476, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Minnesota State Board of Education Rules, Chapter 3525.0200. Families can expect their referral to be processed by the Child Study team in a timely manner and according to due process requirements. Contact your building principal

curriculum

SSP Community Preschool uses the Creative Curriculum, which incorporates the following developmental domains and learning experiences:

• Social/Emotional Learning (SEL) focuses on helping children gain knowledge about feelings and getting along with others. SEL is the process in which children are able to acknowledge and recognize the emotions of others, develop empathy, make good decisions, establish friendships, and handle challenges and situations effectively.
• Literacy and Math are embedded in all daily activities in preschool, as well as intentional learning activities such as learning letter names and sounds, counting and pattern recognition, sorting by shape and size, and name-writing practice. Teachers use small groups to work on specific skill-building according to each child's needs.
• Circle time is a group gathering where we share our ideas, plans, and observations. Circle activities are designed to stimulate young children’s thinking, enrich their social skills, and extend their attention spans.
• Gross-motor activities give children the opportunity to use their muscles--as well as their imaginations--as they engage in fun, healthy exercises, such as running, jumping, and climbing.
• Fine-motor activities help improve small-muscle development and hand-eye coordination, which are essential for pre-writing skills. Some common items found in the fine-motor/manipulative area include puzzles, beads and laces, pegboards, crayons, and scissors.
• Art activities help young children creatively express their thoughts and feelings. They help reinforce fine-motor skills and concept development in areas such as colors, shapes, and size relationships.
• Dramatic-play activities help children express themselves, practice life skills, improve social skills, increase self-esteem, build vocabulary, and solve problems.
• Music activities promote children’s listening skills, creative expression, and social skills. In music, children can explore sound, volume, tempo, and rhythm.
• Science activities offer many hands-on opportunities for observation, exploration, investigation, prediction, and experimentation. 
• Sensory activities allow children to experiment with textures and the properties of different substances. These activities also promote the development of other skills, such as math, science, and language.
• Read Alouds are designed to help preschoolers develop an appreciation and enjoyment of reading, plus enhancing vocabulary, comprehension skills, and attention span.
• Every moment is a learning opportunity in preschool. Young children's brains are forming new connections all the time. Conversations with staff and friends during mealtimes, observations made on the walk to the playground, and peer conflict resolution during free choice time provide organic opportunities for learning and growth, beyond planned learning activities.

School Safety and Security

South St. Paul Public Schools (SSPPS) is committed to the safety of every student, staff member and person who enters our buildings. From the time they arrive in the morning to the time they leave in the afternoon, the wellbeing of our students and staff remains our top priority. There are a number of key components that go into this work. 

District and school leaders continue to partner with local law enforcement and other agencies to plan, prepare, and implement a safe and supportive learning environment. For more information on the District’s Safety and Security work and the Standard Response Protocols we have in place, visit our website at www.sspps.org/departments/buildings-grounds/safety-security.

Communicating Emergencies

SSPPS places a high value on the connections we have with students, families, and the community. We communicate in a variety of ways to help grow these important relationships. While the district strives to be proactive, accurate and timely in communication with families and our greater SSP community, there may be times when circumstances dictate longer notification or response times. There may also be certain information that the district is unable to share due to data privacy reasons. The district will use a variety of communication channels when there is a need to move into a Lockdown, Secure, Evacuate or Shelter:

• ParentSquare (texts, emails, phone calls)
• Website
• Social Media (when warranted)

The district will not typically communicate with families when there is a need to move into a Hold as those are usually low level incidents where classrooms operate as normal, but hallways are kept clear to allow staff or medical personnel to deal with a situation. To ensure you are receiving messages from the District, please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in the Campus Parent Portal.

Emergency Drills

Each school is required, per MN Statute, to perform five lockdown drills, five fire drills, and one  severe weather drill each school year. One lockdown and one fire drill must each be completed within the first 10 days of school.

The primary objective of a drill is for participants to build muscle memory, and practice an action to use in various events or situations. A secondary objective is for school staff to validate procedures, clarify roles and identify operational process gaps. Drills are for staff and students, and are educational opportunities to practice life safety skills. For example, an evacuation drill is conducted at schools worldwide regularly. A fire alarm goes off, students line up and head outside. There is no trauma in these events because there is no simulation of a threat or hazard. Schools do not light fires in the hallways to simulate an evacuation due to fire. Lockdown drills are similar. There is no simulated violence needed to conduct them. The only information needed is for the protocol to be enacted, “Lockdown, locks, lights, out of sight,” and then students and staff perform the proper functions.

Evacuations/Reunification

In the event building and district leaders make the determination to evacuate a school to another location due to a severe fire or other inhibiting emergency, district leaders will communicate the evacuation plans and options families have for their student’s safe release home. Photo IDs will be checked and only adults previously listed as emergency contacts will be allowed to take students from the evacuation areas. Students will only be released to a non-family member with approval by a parent/guardian. 

Emergency School Closings

All unscheduled school closings, late starts and early dismissals due to severe weather, extreme cold or heat, or other emergencies, will be shared with families through the district’s electronic messaging system Parent Square, the district’s website (sspps.org), district social media accounts, and through local news media. Families are encouraged to have alternate plans in place for possible emergency school closings.

In accordance with district policy, decisions to cancel or shorten the regular school day are made by the superintendent or his designee, in consultation with other staff. Consultation may also include City of South St. Paul personnel, our transportation providers, and neighboring school districts, as appropriate.

The most compelling reason for closing schools involves the safety of students and employees. Decisions about school closings, early releases, and late starts will be made as early as possible to allow for appropriate notification. For more information, visit our website at www.sspps.org/newsroom/emergency-closing.

NOTE:  Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date in the Campus Parent Portal.

Emergency notification methods:

• Automated voicemail
• Email
• Text message
• District website
• Social media (Facebook and Twitter)
• Radio: WCCO 830-AM
• Television: WCCO Ch. 4, KSTP Ch. 5, FOX 9 KMSP, and KARE 11

Late Starts and Early Dismissals

Late starts and early dismissals are inherently difficult for many programs and families. With this in mind, administration will do their best to keep these to a minimum. Early dismissals will be determined as conditions dictate. All families should have a contingency plan for their children in the event of school closings. 

In the event of a LATE START, unless otherwise noted:

• Morning Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are canceled.
• Kids’ Choice will start late, in accordance with the emergency announcement (e.g. two hours late)
• Central Square Community Center/Community Education will start late, in accordance with the emergency announcement (e.g. two hours late)
• All morning Early Learning programs and classes (including community preschool, ECSE, ECFE and home visits) are canceled.

In the event of an EARLY DISMISSAL, unless otherwise noted:

• Afternoon and evening Early Learning programs and classes (including community preschool, ECSE, ECFE and home visits) may be canceled. 
• Afternoon and evening Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes may be canceled.
• After school Kids’ Choice will be closed. 

Evening cancellations

Decisions to cancel after-school and evening activities will be made by 3 pm, if possible, and are not necessarily tied to a school closing.

E-Learning

E-Learning Days occur when the district or a specific school must close due to inclement weather or other emergency situation. Students will learn from home through a variety of lessons communicated through the student’s school or teacher(s). Specific details regarding the expectations for the given E-Learning Day will be shared when the emergency closing is announced.

Each child’s progress in preschool is observed and monitored throughout the year. We use an observational assessment tool called Teaching Strategies GOLD throughout the year to track developmental and academic progress.The teacher looks for growth in areas of social/emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development. Skills are assessed in the fall, winter and spring and reported via Conferences in fall and spring, and through Progress Reports sent home in January and at the end of the year. During the school year, additional conferences may be held as requested by school personnel, parent(s), or legal guardian(s).

Birthdays are important for many preschoolers. We acknowledge children’s birthdays with songs, discussions, and stories, unless we are notified by a family they do not observe birthdays. We ask that birthday treats or desserts be saved for parties at home, and therefore not to be brought to school. Consider bringing a healthy snack such as fruit or crackers. They will be passed out at the teacher’s discretion either during the snack/meal time or as a “take home treat.”

We understand that parents plan birthday parties at home, and would like to invite the preschool class. Preschool staff cannot take responsibility for party invitations being distributed at school, and are not permitted to give out classmates’ contact information.  

In order to create a classroom environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all students and families, we choose not to celebrate holidays in general in our preschool classrooms. However, we do recognize that holidays are an important part of many lives, and may have discussions about holiday activities as preschoolers bring them up. We use classroom celebrations and special activities to reflect the season, focus on kindness and building our school community, and celebrate our learning.

Minnesota law offers a non-custodial parent the right to review and receive copies of school records and information, to attend conference, and to be informed about the child's welfare, educational progress, and status. The school is not required to hold a separate conference for each parent.

In cases where parents are separated or divorced, it is recommended that the school have legal documentation of custody and visitation rights. The custodial parent is responsible for providing the following to the school:

• A copy of the signed and certified court order; and
• Court order revisions/updates that affect custody, visitation, or record-access rights.

If there is no legal restriction, and upon request, the school will send duplicate correspondence to the non-custodial parent; arrange for review of school records by the non-custodial parents; and keep non-custodial parents apprised of major school events.

It is the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)' responsibility to inform and provide the school with current documentation if anyone is legally restricted from contact with a child. Adults listed as an authorized person on the emergency contact list are allowed to pick up a child in case of illness or emergency. Parents/guardians will be notified prior to the release of their child from school.

Children should wear comfortable, washable play clothes and closed-toe shoes (please no flip-flops - tennis shoes are best). Clothing that is easily managed by children encourages self-help and independence, and prevents toileting accidents. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather as we go outside nearly every day. Label all personal items such as backpacks, mittens, boots, etc. Please keep a full set of extra clothes for your child in their backpack.

SSP Community Preschool takes confidentiality very seriously and makes every effort to protect the privacy of every family. Communications among staff and parents about children should be kept confidential at all times, and conversations about a child, behavior, or incident should be conducted in private, away from the child and other members of the community. Discussions at drop-off and pick-up should be kept to a minimum. If you have a question or concern, please contact your child's teacher via Parent Square to arrange a time to discuss.

SSP Community Preschool complies with state and federal data privacy laws that protect the integrity of a student’s academic record and student privacy.  Student Information and Immunization/Health forms may be shared with preschool staff in order to better serve your children.

Please do not bring family pets into the school or onto school property for visitation/sharing. Student allergies and uncharacteristic, nervous responses by animals create health and safety concerns at school. Balloons and flowers of any kind are also not allowed in school due to potential allergies. Toys from home can be a distraction, can get lost or broken, and can cause conflicts with other children, so in general should be kept home. Exceptions may be made in individual classrooms for comfort objects or Show & Tell days.

Off-site preschool field trips are rare, but may be used to ignite learning or enhance our curriculum.  Parents will be notified in advance of the event, location, time, and expectations.  A Field Trip Permission Form is required for each child.  Be in contact with your teacher for details.

Snacks may be offered in some classes, either as a scheduled time of the class day, or particularly in half-day classes, as a choice-time option for children who want/need it. 

Parents may be asked to provide snacks during the year; a sign-up sheet will be posted by your child's preschool teacher. All snacks must be store-bought, unopened and in store packaging, and be nut-free. Your donations are appreciated!

Children must be fully toilet trained to attend preschool. This means that children can communicate when they need to use the bathroom and can independently take care of their own personal needs.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to have their children use the bathroom before class begins. Accidents do happen, of course, so please be sure that your child has a full set of extra clothing in their backpack every day. Children will be expected to change their own clothing in case of a toileting accident. If a toileting accident occurs that a child can not deal with on their own, or if the child does not have extra clothing to change into, the parent/guardian will be notified and asked to come to school to change and/or pick up their child. If accidents become chronic, a meeting will be held with the Early Learning Coordinator and/or your child's teacher. Age appropriate bathrooms are available to children to use any time during the day.

The school district’s weapon policy applies to preschoolers. Toys that look like weapons, such as guns or knives, are not allowed in school, on the bus, or on school property. In general, keep all toys at home unless invited by the teacher for a special event or activity.

Attendance is expected, and we also understand that families with young children have many commitments. If your child will be absent from ECFE class, please contact the Early Learning office at 651-457-9418. Thank you for prioritizing your ECFE class! You are ALWAYS welcome here!

All babies must be registered with ECFE to attend in any capacity, whether in class or sibling care. Infants under 8 weeks old may remain with their parent during their sibling’s class.

If your infant will pass 8 weeks of age during the class term, please enroll your infant in sibling care when registering for the class.

Cell phone use should be limited to use for emergencies only during ECFE classes. Giving children your full attention during class is a great practice for building strong bonds and healthy, loving attachments.

Child care providers may attend with their child and enroll another child in class, if space is available.  If class enrollment is full, a parent attending with their child will be given priority for registration.

ECFE classes are fun and can get a little messy. Dress comfortably in clothes you don’t mind if they get a little dirty. 

The family library is available to checkout books to support parenting, understanding your developing child, addressing concerns, or just for fun. Talk with your ECFE teachers for details.

We welcome caregivers of all kinds, including grandparents, to enroll in class with children ages 0-5.

South St. Paul ECFE staff or representatives of the media occasionally take photos and video of students and staff in classrooms.  These may be used in newsletters, newspapers, on television or internet pages or for educational purposes.  If you do not wish your child(ren) photographed or recorded, please discuss this with your ECFE teacher, and there is a form to complete. Parents are not permitted to take photos or video of children other than their own.

• Please bring along a blanket or any other “comfort” item your child uses at home.
• Make sure your children in sibling care are fed and dry before separating.  If necessary, we will call you for changes.
• Sibling care is offered on a limited basis.
• If you will need sibling care during the class session, you must reserve a spot with your registration and payment.
• If we are unable to provide care for your child, you will be notified by phone before the session begins.
• Extra children in class or in child care must be approved in advance by calling ECFE office at 651-457-9418.
• If you have an infant who will pass 8 weeks of age during the class term, please enroll them in sibling care when registering for the class. Your infant will be able to stay with you in class until they are 8 weeks old.

Snacks are offered during each ECFE class. Alternatives will be offered in the case of health reasons such as allergies. Parents may be asked to sign up to bring snacks; a sign-up sheet will be posted by your child's ECFE teacher. Snacks must be store-bought, unopened and in the original packaging, and nut-free. Your donations are appreciated!

Stay-and-Play cards are available for purchase and can be used at any stay-and-play session. Cards are available at FEC or by calling 651-457-9418.

The district website (sspps.org) is your primary source for news and updates, information about academic programming, school board policies and meeting information, links to school and Community Education program websites, easy access to the portal and more.

District News

Each school and often teachers, send an electronic newsletter to families on varying schedules to keep parents in the loop on what is happening. Additionally, the district publishes the following newsletters:

• SSPPS District eNews - a monthly electronic newsletter containing information and stories sent to all district families via email the Wednesday following a SSPPS School Board business meeting.
• Six Times - a printed newsletter mailed to all SSPPS families and district residents three to four times a year.

If you do not receive the District eNews to your inbox and would like to sign up for it. An electronic form can be found at: https://www.sspps.org/departments/communications

School Newsletters

Weekly newsletters are sent on Fridays by each school through ParentSquare. These newsletters include upcoming events, reminders and resources for families as well as PTA news. It also includes important messages from the principal specific to your student’s school. This is the primary school-wide communication to all families. 

Stay connected to SSPPS through social media! 

• Like our Facebook page (/SSPPS6) to see news, photos, videos, events and emergency notifications. 
• Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) (@SSPPS6) for district news and emergency notifications, real-time updates and more. 
• Follow us on Instagram (@SSPPS6) to get a glimpse of the student experience and achievements and quick stories of life in SSPPS. 
• Subscribe to the SSPPS YouTube channel (SouthStPaulSchools) to be the first to see district produced videos and watch school board meetings. 

Connect with us on LinkedIn (South-St-Paul-Public-Schools) to see employment opportunities, follow progress on our strategic plan implementation, and other district news.

The district uses the electronic notification system ParentSquare to send direct messages via email, voicemail, and/or text message to district families and staff. This system communicates emergency information quickly, as well as important messages, alerts, and reminders. Schools and programs also use this system to send families important information and reminders. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in the Campus Parent Portal. To update your contact information in the Campus Parent Portal, visit the Resources tab of the District’s website.

With ParentSquare users can:

• Fine-tune notification settings for both school and district notifications so you receive them when it is most convenient for you.
• See communications from all teachers and schools that your students are connected to, as well as the district, in the same place.
• Direct message your student’s teachers from your phone.
• Change your language settings and receive all messages in your preferred language.

The best way to receive school alerts and communications is to download the app to your smartphone. Just search for ParentSquare in your app store.

SSPPS uses Peachjar, a digital flyer management system, to share community sponsored events, classes and activities for SSP students and families. Peachjar provides an innovative flyer management system that sends school-approved eflyers directly to parents’ inboxes and posts them on schools websites, making it easy for parents to learn more about events, activities and programs offered to students. Each Wednesday and Friday, parents/guardians will be notified via email when the flyers are posted. They can then access the flyers through the email link or via each school’s Peachjar page, a link can be found on the district and school’s homepage. Learn more at https://www.sspps.org/departments/communications/peachjar

The district’s online calendars have the most current information about important dates in the district and events at your students’ schools. Customizable online calendars show the events that are most important to your family, which can be downloaded to your personal or mobile calendar. Find information on how to customize calendars for your devices at sspps.org/resources/calendar.

SSPPS uses technology tools to allow better utilization of the district’s student information system and better access to online learning tools and classroom resources.

Infinite Campus

Infinite Campus is the student information system. This is where student schedules, report cards, etc. are located as well as your Parent Portal, where you can manage your Contact Information and Preferences. All parents/guardians should have a Portal account to stay connected and to receive important messages from the District. Portal information is posted on the Resources and Parents/Family tabs of our website. If you need an Access Key to set-up your Portal account, contact your school office.