By Law Book

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PETER PAN PRESCHOOL INC. OF HAMILTON, ONTARIOEst. 1958

HISTORY AND INTRODUCTIONPeter Pan Co-Operative Preschool was the first of its kind in Hamilton and District.It started in the fall of 1958, after six months of investigation into co-ops, finding a location and raising funds. Mrs. Mary McNeil was its first president and Mrs. Jessie Thompson, the Supervisor (1958-1970), gave the school a solid foundation. Several hundred children are graduates of Peter Pan. In 1960, a Constitution was adapted and adopted by the Hamilton and District Co-operative Preschool Council. A copy of the bylaws, which were originally adopted in 1969 and have since been revised to fulfill the needs as the school has grown and progressed over the years, will be provided to each participating parent. They are designed to make everyone’s job at the school easier and to avoid any confusion.A half day non-sectarian, non-profit preschool for 18 month olds to 5 year olds; owned and operated through the co-operation of its member parents. Located in Church of the Resurrection, 435 Mohawk Rd. West, Hamilton, Ontario. Each participating parent contributes something to the smooth operation of the school; this is in addition to duty days, as well as raising funds.The school is open from the first week in September and ends in June for a total of 40 weeks. The week before classes begin is called “Orientation Week”, during this week the Teachers shall meet with each family to discuss their responsibilities and obligations as members of a Co-operative Preschool, as well as complete all of the necessary paperwork for their children to attend the Preschool. Classes will begin the day after Labour Day. The preschool classes for children ages 3-5 years old shall be Monday, Wednesday, & Friday mornings from 9-11:30. The mixed grouping for children aged 18 months to 3 years shall be Tuesday & Thursday morning 9-11:15. ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE OBSERVED, AS WELL AS STAFFS’ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS (usually two per year).

Peter Pan Co-operative Preschool Inc. is regulated by the Day Nursery Act under the Ministry of Family and Children Services.One Early Childhood Education teacher is on duty at the school for each class. The Supervisor, who is fully qualified to deal with the individual needs of each child, is responsible for the day to day program. The ratio of staff and parents are as follows:
2 year old programs - 1 teacher per 5 children      3 year old programs - 1 teacher per 8 children(Note: 2 parents equate 1 trained ECE)(Note: 2 parents equal-1 teacher per 8 children)If enrollment is at capacity, there will be 5 duty parents in the mixed grouping 18 months to 3 years of age and there will be 4 duty parents in the 3 year old program working under the direction of the ECE teachers. The Supervisor will tell each family how many duty days are required for the number of days they are enrolled in their respective programs.

Parent participation on duty days and fund-raising allows the fees to be kept to a minimum. An early association with other children will give your child the opportunity to grow independently, as well as gain self-confidence which will benefit him later in his school years. Both parents and child will feel more at ease when the day comes for the child to enter kindergarten. Most importantly, you are directly participating in your child’s early development and growth in an educational setting.

                                                -4- Welcome to Peter Pan Co-operative Preschool. The following goals and philosophies will dictate our programming throughout the school year. PHILOSOPHY & PROGRAM STATEMENTPeter Pan Co-op is a half day, non-sectarian, non-profit preschool where a child can develop to their fullest potential socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually. Our Goal is to provide the children with a warm, caring atmosphere in which to learn and to maintain an open-line of communication with parents.Each child is encouraged to participate in both group and individual tasks. We encourage all children to develop a natural sense of curiosity and knowledge through play & social interaction. We shall facilitate and support children with special needs and their families, through the integration program.
A Note from STAFF
Supervisor
Mrs. Coleen Rakoczy - ECE.C has 33 years experience in a co-op preschoolYour teacher holds a current Red Cross First Aid Certificate. Coleen is committed to on-going professional development through courses, workshops and conferences specific to the field of early childhood education.Mrs. Amy Craven-ECE.C Teacher has 13 years experience in a child care Centre and is committed to on-going professional development through courses, workshops and conferences specific to the field of early childhood education.The Supervisor shall take time out during the program to complete the children’s files, and all other pertinent administration work that is deemed necessary according to the requirements of the City of Hamilton, Ministry of Family and Children Services, & the Health Department. The maximum time allowed during each program shall not exceed 30 minutes and must be taken at a time when the children are settled and the Duty Parents are comfortable with their tasks at hand.
Review of Policies and Procedure Manual:
The Board of Directors with the assistance of the Supervisor & ECE Teacher shall review the Policy and Procedure Manual on an ongoing basis as the need arises to change or add items.
                                        -5-                                            VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE                         PETER PAN CO-OPERATIVE PRESCHOOL INC905-387-2768THESE POSITIONS CHANGE YEARLY UPDATED LISTS WILL BE SENT OUT SEPARATELY
PRESIDENTResponsible for all committee actions.Communications between teachers and parents.Attend Co-op Council meetings.
VICE PRESIDENT Perform the duties of the President in her absence. Responsible for public relations, promotions and advertising. Also responsible for Job Board.
TREASURER   Maintain records and deposit registration and Monthly membership fees.
CHIEF SIGNING Maintain monthly bills and bank accounts, writes cheques.
NEWSLETTER  Organize and distribute monthly newsletters, 4 per year.
SECRETARY   Record attendance at all General MeetingsRecord minutes at all Executive and General Meetings
FUND-RAISING CHAIRPERSON  Organize fund-raising events. Supervise fund-raisingRepresentatives. Maintain tally of profit contributions.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMER Books all children’s trips, and fun days, assists withAll parties and goodie bags.
PARENT LIAISON  Is the liaison for the General Membership and theBoard. Answers all questions and concerns in a confidential manner. This is usually the past president.
Supervisor   COLEEN RAKOCZY fax 905-383-9499    905-387-2768
ECE Teacher  AMY CRAVEN  905-387-2768
BOOKKEEPER LORNA EVENS fax 905-574-2548 905-574-2548
Important Dates to RememberWe need a quorum in order to vote at these meetings so please call in advance and let the secretary know if you are not attending. If we do not have a quorum the meeting must be cancelled. The secretary’s phone # will be on your Volunteer Executive Committee list given to you at the beginning of the year.
Executive (Board of Directors’) Meetings these change yearly, a list of dates will be given out to each Board of Director September October November January February April May
Parent Meetings at the School all at 7pm, 435 Mohawk Rd. West 905-387-2768
Meetings are mandatory:   We need you to help us vote on important issues.
2^nd Tuesday in October, 7pm at the school 2^nd Tuesday in April, 7pm at the school
Fund-raising Fund-raising is an integral part of the continued success of Peter Pan Preschool. A list of upcoming fundraisers, their due dates and pick-up dates will be posted on the white board in the hallway. You will also receive the information in your mail slot from the person who in charge of the fundraiser. Please call that person if you have any questions or concerns. Profits will be outlined in your Registration Package.