Parent Information Hub
Clothing & Shoes
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
- Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)
- Extra set of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, socks) in a labeled bag
Rest Time Items
- Sleeping bag or nap mat with bedding (labeled)
Seasonal Items (Summer)
- Sunscreen
- Hat
First Day Essentials
To help your child have a comfortable and successful first day, please bring the following items:
Vital Reminders
- Parents should pack a lunch for their child each day. The school will provide simple snacks, and we do our best to keep these snacks free from common allergens like nuts. However, it is the parents’ responsibility to carefully check and pack any snacks or food items they send from home.
Daily Personal Items
- Sippy cup or water bottle (labeled)
- Small backpack to hold belongings
For Younger Children (if applicable)
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
Important Notes
- Please label all items with your child’s name
- Send items in a bag or backpack that is easy for your child to manage
Arrival
Children should arrive during the scheduled drop-off time so they can participate fully in the day’s activities.
Please park in designated parking areas and walk your child to the classroom or drop-off location. A teacher will assist with the transition.
For safety reasons:
- Children must be checked in with a teacher before a parent or guardian leaves.
- Please hold your child’s hand while walking through the parking lot.
- Do not leave children unattended in vehicles or in the parking area.
A consistent arrival routine helps children begin their day feeling comfortable and ready to learn.
Late Pick-Up
We ask families to arrive on time for pick-up. Late pick-ups may cause distress and require additional staff supervision. Please contact the school if you anticipate being late. For late pick-up, a fee of $2 per minute will be charged for any child picked up after their scheduled dismissal time. This fee must be paid in cash directly to the staff member on duty at the time of pick-up. Checks are not accepted for late pick-up fees.
Safety First
The safety of our children is our highest priority. Following arrival and departure procedures helps maintain a secure and organized environment for all families.
Arrival & Departure
A smooth arrival and departure routine helps children feel safe, confident, and ready for their day. We ask families to follow the procedures below to ensure the safety of all children and staff.
Departure
At pick-up time, parents or authorized adults must sign children out and notify a teacher before leaving with their child.
For the safety of all children:
- Children will only be released to authorized individuals listed on the enrollment form.
- Identification may be requested if staff members are unfamiliar with the person picking up.
- Please notify the school in advance if someone new will be picking up your child.
Guided Policies & Support
Rules for Toys
To maintain a focused and safe learning environment, we have specific guidelines regarding toys from home:
- Please leave personal toys at home to prevent loss or accidental damage.
- 'Comfort items' (like a small plushie) are permitted for nap time use only.
- Educational items for 'Show and Tell' are welcome on designated days.
- Toy weapons or violent play items are strictly prohibited at all times.
Nap Time Policy
Rest is essential for healthy growth and development. All children participate in a daily quiet period:
- Our daily Nap time period occurs between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM.
- Children are not required to sleep but must engage in quiet, soul-nourishing activities.
- Please provide a labeled nap mat or sleeping bag for your child.
- Bedding is sent home every Friday to be laundered and returned on Monday.
Potty Training Support
We partner with parents to support this important milestone with patience and encouragement:
- We begin active support when a child shows consistent signs of readiness.
- Please provide several changes of clothes and extra underwear in a labeled bag.
- Dress your child in easy-to-remove clothing (avoid belts or snaps).
- Consistency between home and school routines is the key to success.
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Illness is a normal part of growing up, especially when children begin preschool and spend more time around others. With sensible precautions, many unnecessary illnesses can be avoided through appropriate dress and proper daily care.
SIGNS OF ILLNESS
Signs may not always be obvious. Your child may seem pale, irritable, tired, or show less interest in activities. To protect all children, please keep your child home if they show fever, rash, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, or eye/nose discharge.
SICKNESS GUIDELINES
Students must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning. Children with a temperature of 100.6°F (38.1°C) or higher must stay home. Parents should carefully monitor temperatures to prevent serious illness.
WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME
Fever: Must be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Stay home if symptoms include red eyes, burning, or discharge.
Rashes: Stay home until checked and cleared by a doctor.
Bronchitis / Pneumonia: Stay home if symptoms include cough, hoarse voice, or slight fever.
Impetigo: Skin infection with red spots/fluid. Children must stay home.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Stay home if symptoms include fever, mouth sores, or rash.
Diarrhea: Stay home for frequent/unusual watery movements. Supervision required after two episodes.
COMMON CONTAGIOUS ILLNESSES
- Measles: Fever, cough, rash. Spreads easily.
- German Measles (Rubella): Similar symptoms; must stay home.
- Chickenpox: Stay home until no longer contagious.
- Mumps: Stay home if fever or swollen glands occur.
OTHER CONDITIONS
- Poison Oak / Ivy: Contact causes itchy rash, bumps, or blisters.
- Head Lice: Stay home until fully treated; spread easily through contact.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Keeping your child at home when they are sick helps protect other children and staff. We truly appreciate your cooperation and attention to these guidelines.
HYGIENE
Good habits keep children healthy. Trim fingernails regularly (every five days) to prevent scratches. Clean ears gently as needed. Children should take a bath or shower each day after school. Always send your child in clean clothing, and wash school blankets at least once a week.
MEDICATION & ANTIBIOTICS
State law requires medication to be in original prescription containers with clear instructions. Parents must provide a signed release form (available on our website). Medication must be handed to teachers by an adult. Antibiotics or new prescriptions must be taken for at least 24 hours at home before returning to school.
DRESS WELL & EAT HEALTHY
In winter, children should wear layers (base layer, sweater, warm jacket). In spring, switch to lighter layers to adjust to changing temperatures. Proper nutrition and seasonal dressing help maintain strong immunity.
Welcome to our parent hub, a place dedicated to supporting your child’s journey at Arcadia Academy. On this page, you’ll find essential details regarding our health and medicine policies, clear arrival and departure routines, and a helpful guide on what to pack for school. We have also outlined our general expectations to ensure every child enjoys a safe, happy, and productive day. We want you to feel fully informed and comfortable, so please reach out to the school office directly if you have any questions or require further clarification.