FILE:  IDAA-R*

CURRICULUM DESIGN/BASIC PROGRAM CHAPTER I PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following administrative rules and regulations have been set for Pre-School operations and will be adhered to in designing present or future programs. In addition, all present and future rules and regulations set by Chapter I (which have implications for Pre-School programming) will be adhered to.

1. Pre-School will be an integral part of the regular school program, on a space-available basis, in all elementary target area schools. Only children in Chapter I target area schools are eligible for participation.
2. Recruitment is carried out on the same basis as for kindergarten. Pre-School entry requirements will be printed and published.
3. Pre-School classes will generally have an enrollment of 15 to 20 students.
4. Pre-School will function in accordance with the regular school calendar established for the district with some modifications.
5. Pre-School classes are scheduled on a half-day basis. There are two distinct sessions: a morning session and an afternoon session. The scheduling pattern will be the same as the one for kindergarten.
6. Pre-School is in session five full days a week and all teachers are expected to fulfill their contracted teaching hours as outlined in the Benton Harbor Education Association labor agreement.
7. Generally, parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from Pre-School. However, students may be eligible for transportation in accordance with existing Board policies.

8. All Pre-School students are eligible for Chapter I supportive services. Requests for these supportive services may originate either with the classroom teacher or the Pre-School Administrative Assistant. Among the services available are the following:

1. health services - Chapter I nurse assigned to each school building;
2. clothing - coordinated by the Chapter I nurse;
3. dental services - coordinated by the Chapter I nurse;
4. Chapter I parent program aides;
5. Chapter I testing services; and
6. publicity services.

9. The Pre-School staff is an integral part of the regular building faculty and will be under the supervision of the building principal; the day-to-day program operation of the individual classrooms will be left to the Pre-School teachers and the Pre-School Administrative Assistant. In addition, the Pre-School teachers and the Pre-School Administrative Assistant are responsible for the development of the Pre-School curriculum. However, programming and curriculum development shall involve the building principal.
10. Evaluation and selection of the Pre-School staff will be done by the building principal in cooperation with the Pre-School Administrative Assistant. In evaluating teaching skills and general classroom programming, the building principal will consult with the Pre-School Administrative Assistant. It is understood that the final evaluation will be the responsibility of the building principal.
11. Building principals are to maintain a flexible posture relative to Pre-School classroom programming. The educational program for three and four-year-old children is less academic and structured than traditional elementary school programs.
12. Provision must be made for the free flow of parent traffic to and from Pre-School classrooms; close parent involvement is an essential element of the program. Parents are to be involved in their child's learning experiences.
13. The building principal is directly concerned with Pre-School management, housing, and budgeting. He/She shall countersign all requisitions prepared by the Pre-School Administrative Assistant and shall sign teacher payroll and absenteeism reports. The building principal is also directly responsible for the health and safety of Pre-School children attending school at the building.
14. The Pre-School Administrative Assistant shall be provided with an office, secretary, and telephone.
15. Proper playground space and equipment for Pre-School children must be developed at each elementary school housing a program.
16. Since a major reason for locating Pre-School classes in elementary school buildings is the integration of young children into the regular on-going elementary school program, programming and curriculum development must be conducted accordingly. There must be close cooperation among the Pre-School, kindergarten, and elementary school program staff. Principals of buildings with Pre-School programs shall see that they are implemented according to the guidelines and programs provided by the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction.
17. Pre-School classroom locations within the elementary building are determined by the building principal in consultation with the Pre-School Administrative Assistant, Pre-School staff, and the regular school faculty. Such factors as easy access to the outside, bathroom facilities, contact with other primary school children, etc., must be considered.
18. Where feasible, parents of Pre-School children should be hired to serve as staff in the program.
19. The Pre-School program is evaluated through the TOBE (math and language) testing program.

The Benton Harbor Area Schools, Berrien County, Michigan