Depending upon learning abilities and age, we hope to help your child learn many things while attending AALC. Please refer again to the Missouri Pre-K Standards information available in the Director’s office or on the DESE website. AALC uses Project Construct curriculum which is an approach to teaching based on the theory that children construct knowledge through interactions with their physical and social environments. Through “hands-on, minds-on” learning experiences your child will develop a deep understanding of their world, learn to work collaboratively with adults and peers, and prepare to be lifelong problem solvers.

The Missouri outdoor play standard for childcare centers states: “All children must have time outdoors each day that weather permits.” This includes infants. We are required by the state to take children outside at least an hour each day when weather permits. If you feel your child is not well enough to go outside, please consider that your child may not be well enough to come to the center that day. If allergies prevent him/her from going outside, a signed doctor’s note is required. We are now a Move Smart Center. We have physical activity guidelines we follow every day to keep the children moving. Children tend to be more attentive and learn better after periods of activity and movement. To obtain a copy of the guidelines, please see Director.

We are an Advanced Eat Smart Center. Breakfast, lunch and snack menus will vary and will provide food recommended by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Each meal will be well balanced, nutritious and will include food that the children will enjoy. The snacks will be light and nutritious. Menus are available at the front desk and placed in your child’s cubby each week. 9 Our meals are served in the classrooms family style. The children will fix their plates based on portions recommended by the CACFP for their age. The teachers will sit at the table and model healthy eating habits to the children and encourage them to try new, health alternatives at meal times.

If a child becomes ill after arrival, the All Aboard staff will call you. You must pick up the child in a timely manner or have a designated person do so. If the parent cannot be reached, the first name on the enrollment form will be contacted and each name following until we find an alternate person to release your child to.

The parents must notify the staff member responsible for the child personally when the child arrives and leaves. If it is necessary for someone else to leave or pick up your child, please let the center know in advance. A written message or phone call will do. The center WILL NOT release your child to anyone not listed on the enrollment form. The center will request identification for a person that the staff does not recognize. The parents will be asked to update that list annually.

Parents are encouraged to drop in and observe the center at any time. The center will frequently invite parents to take part in field trips. The parents will receive a monthly newsletter designed to keep them up to date on the center’s activities. You can also check the parent information boards for notices of current interest and information. The website will include the newsletter, meal menu and special notices. Preschool graduation will be held in May.

If a parent should ever have any questions or concerns regarding the center, please feel free to call or drop by the center at any time. All Aboard Learning Center hopes each child will enjoy developing a healthy relationship with our teachers and the other children at the center.