ZIPPCO PHILOSOPHY AND CURRICULUM
ZIPPCO was formed over 20 years ago to provide a place for children to play and learn, interacting in a group environment. Each child's individual needs are recognized and are encouraged to progress at their own pace to feel a personal sense of accomplishment and confidence. The ZIPPCO program always has your child's best interests in mind. We want all participants to feel comfortable with the program, ensuring that their child(ren) is in secure, safe and pleasant environment.

The following basic development areas are introduced and covered throughout the school year by the teachers, helpers, and other individuals involved with the ZIPPCO program:

EARLY READING           
Stories, Books, Puzzles
Songs, Rhymes, Finger Play
Letter Recognition, Letter Sounds, Phonics
          
WRITING           
Scribbling, Tracing
Name, Letters, Numbers
Practice Worksheets
 
EARLY MATHEMATICS           
Counting, Number & Shape Recognition
        

SOCIAL STUDIES
Community Awareness, Geography, Identity, DiversitySCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY           
Calendar, Weather Chart
Observe, Explore, Experiment
Computer Basics

           
ARTS            
Music
Arts & Craft projects
Creative Expression
Imaginative Play

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH
Controlled Movement and Motor Skills
Exercise, Hygiene, Nutrition
Safety

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT          
Authority/Rules/Cooperation  
Friendship/Respect  
Feelings/Attitude/Behavior
Fairness/Sharing 
Manners

ROLE OF THE TEACHER
The teacher is responsible for the children while in the classroom, acknowledging that each child is developing and interacting in a positive and appropriate level. The teacher presents a stimulating 2-hour program that develops cognitive thinking, creative play, fine motor skills and positive social skills. The children are motivated to participate in these class activities and are encouraged
to practice proper behavior. In the event that a child's performance interferes with the groups’ activity,
they will be prompted to redirect their energy towards
a positive action. Time Out is rarely enforced but may be used for children who are continually unresponsive. The teacher may communicate with family members/caregivers about their child's classroom activity.


ROLE OF THE PARENT HELPER
ZIPPCO is an involved participant cooperative. With parent participation, ZIPPCO is able to offer reasonable tuition rates. We require that each family take their turn in helping in the classroom. Each month, a sign up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board at the school’s entrance. Due to class size, it may be necessary for parents to participate more than once a month. We ask that you do your part and be fair to the other parents in your class. In the event that you are unavailable to be the parent helper, we ask that you still sign up and make arrangements with a suitable caregiver to assist the teacher in the classroom.


Your scheduled “Helper Day” is a special day for you and especially your child. Your child will be asked to lead in classroom activities, provide snacks and drinks for the class, and share a special "show and tell". It is an excelent opportunity for you to observe how your child interacts in a structed playtime and learning environment.


PLEASE NOTE: We highly recommend that the "Special Helper" does not share this day with a sibling. Too often the presence of a younger sibling inhibits the parent helper from performing the tasks required.  If an occasional unexpected circumstance arises making it impossible to be there without a sibling, an exception may be made, however the younger sibling must be able to consistently sit quietly during circle time, art time, and cannot be demanding of parent’s attention.


Responsibilities for the Classroom Helper:

• Arrive 5 minutes before class to meet with the teacher about the day.
• Bring nutritious snack* and drinks. Special treats are welcome on party days and birthdays.
• Assist the teacher in preparing special projects planned for the day.
• Assist the children with their activities, as per teacher instruction.
• Help straighten the room up after each activity.
• Check the helpers list in the classroom, or ask the teacher if anything else needs to be done.

*Any food allergies must be brought to the attention to the class.  If your child has food allergies, please provide the teacher and your class participation person with a specific list of these allergies as well as a list of approved snacks. If there is a child in your class with food allergies, please provide an approved snack.


MISCELLANEOUS NOTES:

• Please arrive at ZIPPCO at scheduled times for drop off and pick-up. Always use the rear entrance to the education building.
• When arriving for class, please wait at the bottom of the stairs, until called into class by the teacher or helper.  The teacher may arrive early. However she needs this time to prepare for class.
• Always accompany your child up to the classroom, leaving promptly after delivering your child to class. Please conduct friendly discussions outside of the classroom so that the teacher and students are not distracted and so that class may begin without delay.
• If a child is being dropped off or picked up by someone other than a parent or regular caregiver, please advise the teacher in advance of these special arrangements.
• Be sure to check the bulletin board for any new information each time you come to ZIPPCO.  The bulletin board is located in the entrance hall.  There is a monthly newsletter given to each parent, with information for the month ahead, please be sure to read this each month.
• Please do not send sick children to ZIPPCO.  It is not fair to your child or the other children.  Remember the teacher is NOT permitted to dispense medicine.
• We ask that all security items (pacifiers, stuffed animals, sip cups, blankets, etc.) be left at home.  This is a distraction and items will not be permitted in ZIPPCO classroom.
• Your child must be toilet trained.
• ALL parent concerns be brought to the attention of the ZIPPCO Board.