Fairmont PMO

Fairmont United Methodist Church PMO Program~ 2501 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607

Close to NCSU and Cameron Village lies a hidden gem – Fairmont Parent’s Morning Out: a year-round enrichment program for preschoolers. Our cooperative program helps keep costs down and promotes community among families. PMO currently has openings in a few of the classes serving ages 1-4. Come see how PMO children are learning in their doing! Email or call to set up a tour at director@fairmontpmo.com (Leigh Pierce)or 835-1577.

Thanks for visiting our PMO program web site. Our 2010-2011 school year began in July and will run through May. This fall we have some spaces available, so families are encouraged to visit our program, meet our teachers and see how little ones spend their time with us. Please call for availability! 835-1577 We'd love to have you join us!

What makes Fairmont different? Two things that will immediately stand out are our parent cooperative program and our year round schedule. PMO begins in JULY, which makes a huge difference to many families in regard to summer childcare and enrichment opportunities for preschoolers during the long summer months. Here are a few other great things about Parent's Morning Out:

Great location: walking distance to Cameron Village and NCSU	Year Round Schedule
Center based classroom learning	Carpool lane pickup
Shady, fenced playground	Parent Cooperative Program
Lunch Bunch option	Two or four days of classes
Small class/teacher ratio	Experienced, caring teachers
Field Trips throughout the year	Special weekly classes: dance, drama, chapel, art

1. Our PMO Program:

Now in our 14th year, the Fairmont Parents' Morning Out was founded by two Fairmont UMC parents who had been searching for a program that offered socialization for both parents and their children. The program has grown over the years, and now includes classes for preschool aged children who need to learn basic skills to prepare them for kindergarten. Fairmont’s Parents’ Morning Out offers quality childcare for older babies and preschoolers in a Christian setting and welcomes families of all faiths. The program is a parent cooperative program, meaning that parents are required to volunteer on a rotating basis in their child’s classroom. The parent acts as an assistant in the classroom on their volunteer day (typically about once a month). This cooperative system not only keeps the cost of child care low, it allows the parents to remain involved in the care of their children. They are able to see first hand what their children do in class, how their children behave around other kids, and appreciate the skills the children have acquired from month to month.

We pride ourselves on offering low ratios of children to adults in all of our classrooms. Classes for one and two year olds have a maximum of 8 children with two adults: one teacher and a parent volunteer. For three year olds, the classes have a maximum of 12 children with two adults: one teacher and a parent volunteer.

We have classes for children ages 1 to 4. For more information on each individual class go to Classrooms. Classes run from 9 am to 12 pm. We also offer an additional hour daily called Lunch Bunch, where children can bring a lunch from home and stay and eat lunch and play. For more information, see Lunch Bunch. There are weekly specials such as Drama, Chapel, Music & Movement, Children’s Storytime and Art.

2. PMO 2009-2010 SCHOOL CALENDAR

3. Enrollment

We currently have a few spaces in our classes if you are interested in our program for the fall 2010 semester. Please call for availability. Families are encouraged to visit our program, meet our teachers and see how our little ones spend their time with us. Enrollment forms are available online, at the PMO office, or can be sent to you by mail.

Class options:	Tuition for 2010-2011:
One and two year olds have the option of attending either 2 or 4 days: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday or M/T/W/TH	$125 per month for 2 days/week
Three and Four year olds have a four day class (M-Th).	$250 per month for 4 days/week
All of our classes meet from 9 until 12.	There is a $125, NON-Refundable Registration Fee for all classes per year.

1 day/week = $20 per month
2 days/week = $40 per month
3 days/week = $60 per month
4 days/week = $80 per month

4. Classes

In our ones class, we provide a loosely structured environment where children interact and play with others their age. Art activities and music are an integral part of the program. Children are encouraged to dance and sing. We feel that learning begins at an early age, and teachers begin to demonstrate basic concepts such as following simple instructions, staying in line, eating as a group at the table, and repetition of colors, animals and numbers. Children begin to learn to sit as a group to learn for short periods of time, and to follow multi step instructions by the end of the school year.

In the twos class, children begin to learn basic educational concepts such as counting, alphabet recognition, name recognition, memorization, weather and the days of the week. Many two year olds also learn to potty train in their two year old year, and the two’s class has a special bathroom designed for small children. They also learn concepts such as how to hold scissors, painting with brushes, using glue, peeling apart stickers, sitting in a learning environment and listening, and how to follow the directions and play games. Children learn how to socialize, and how to play nicely with their friends. Art and music are very important to the two year old class, and music is used to teach many of the educational topics covered.

The three and four year olds class starts to teach kindergarten readiness concepts in a developmentally appropriate manner. Children learn to write their names while they are three. The alphabet and numbers are emphasized in this class. Children focus on one letter at a time, learning to recognize each letter and to begin to practice writing those letters. Children begin to learn to follow a more structured circle time and activity schedule. They also focus on using manners at the table and being courteous to one another. Art and expression are promoted in the three/four year old class, and each month, the class focuses on a new theme. The class will also participate in several field trips, including a few that focus on local attractions that the children can walk to, such as the Rose Garden, the Cameron Village Library, and the Fire Station.

5. Staff

The Fairmont PMO staff has three classroom teachers and a director. Please read their bios below. Parents volunteer daily in the classrooms as teacher assistants. The program also has a board of directors, which meets four times per year. The board is made up of church representatives, parent representatives, and the director.

Judy Gabriel – One Year Old Class Teacher
This is Judy's third year at PMO and in Raleigh. She comes to us from her home state of Michigan. She loves the weather here (especially the lack of REALLY cold weather!) and the fact that she is able to spend time with her daughter and her family. Judy has worked in childcare for over twenty years, and brings her experience in and out of the classroom with her. She worked in a private daycare, and also taught kindergarten, second and third graders.

When she is not playing with and loving on her one year old charges at Fairmont, Judy spends her time spoiling her grandchildren, tending to her indoor plants and volunteering with her church. Judy has three children and four grandchildren that she devotes much of her time to. She also enjoys living her life to its fullest!

Nicole Richardson – Two Year Olds Class Teacher
Nicole has been with Fairmont for five years, and she brings a lot to our program! She has a degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University. Nicole has been in the childcare field for over twenty years. She was married to her wonderful husband in 1994, and they have two children. Nicole likes the preschool age because she enjoys watching children discover their abilities and accomplish things they did not think they could. She is able to teach young children structure and still make it seem like a game!

In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her children and husband. They visit local museums, go to the parks and attend movies. Nicole also enjoys reading a good book when she has the time.

Sherri Pekks, Three and Four Year Old Class Teacher:

What a privilege it is to have Sherri Pekks joining us at PMO this year. Sherri comes to us from Florida with a degree in Early Childhood Education and only a few hours left towards Elementary Education. She is working on her NC credentials now although she is certified in Florida. Sherri has taught pre kindergarten classes in the past and loves the process of learning. Sherri is full of energy and creative ideas to challenge and support her students in the expansion of their world. It is completely obvious that Sherri is in her element and loves to teach this age group.

Sherri is also an artist, a wife, and a mother of two daughters – one in 1^st grade and one here at PMO. In her spare time, Sherri likes to experience what life has to offer – movies, books, painting, playing with her children, listening to the Avett Brothers, cooking. You name it, Sherri like to try it.

Leigh Pierce, Director:

This is Leigh’s first year as Director of PMO. She has been an active PMO member for 5 years, serving as a parent representative on the Board and as Acting Director during her predecessor’s maternity leave. She has a Master’s Degree from JFKU in Counseling Psychology and an BA from NCSU. Leigh has worked with children most of her adult life in some capacity – as a caregiver, a teacher, a social worker, and a counselor. Leigh has also been an assistant director of a counseling center and the director of a group home. Leigh is loving the opportunity to step back into the work force after taking time off to raise her children, especially at PMO. Leigh is so excited by the direction PMO is headed and adores the community of families she is blessed to interact with on a daily basis.

Leigh is celebrating her 17^th year of marriage this year. She has 2 girls, 1 in 1^st grade and 1 at PMO in Ms. Sherri’s class. In her spare time Leigh likes to sleep! She also loves to be with her family, watch movies, read books, run, and connect with friends.

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6. Lunch Bunch

What is Lunch Bunch?

Lunch Bunch is when children bring a packed lunch and stay after school to eat with their friends. When they are done eating they
will have free play inside or out.

When is lunch bunch?

Lunch Bunch is offered every day PMO is in session from 12:00 – 1:00 pm.
Late fees of $1.00 per minute will apply after 1:05pm.

How much is it?

Here is the payment chart:

      1 day/ week   = $20.00 per month

      2 days/ week = $40.00 per month

      3 days/ week = $60.00 per month

      4 days/ week = $80.00 per month

When do I pay?

Lunch Bunch payment must be paid in advance at the beginning of each month.

How do I sign my child up?

Fill out a Lunch Bunch registration form and turn it in to the office along with your payment.

I don't want to sign up now but I might wish to later in the school year.

Not a problem. You can sign up at anytime during the school year.

What do I do if I need more or less days than I originally registered for?

If your needs have changed, simply fill out a new form for our records.

If we miss school for any reason can I only pay for the days attended?

No. Lunch Bunch is considered a monthly fee, just as your tuition is. While we may have short months due to holidays, etc., we also have long months as well, allowing the costs to offset themselves.

I have a last minute appointment and need my child to stay for Lunch Bunch for just one day.

Last minute, unscheduled Lunch Bunch attendance will cost $7.00. Monies must be paid to the TEACHER prior to Lunch Bunch that day.

Any tips on packing lunch for my preschooler?

Send a healthy lunch with foods your child enjoys. If there is a severe peanut allergy in the classroom, peanut products could potentially be banned.

We encourage you to "Go Green" and package everything in reusable containers. These eliminate extra waste and are also easier for children (and teachers) to open. Plus, what is not eaten at school can be saved for later!

If any food needs to stay cold, please use an insulated lunch box with a cold pack. Unfortunately, we do not have refrigerator space for everyone’s lunch.

Remember to send forks and spoons if needed. Label EVERYTHING!

7. Frequently Asked Questions

The class routine prepares them for the structure of school while maintaining the
flexibility needed for each age group. Typical activities include music with movement or
song, free play, playground time, story-time, chapel, and arts and crafts.

While we are not called a preschool, our program does focus on many preschool concepts for children ages 3 & 4. We want children who enter kindergarten from our program to be prepared. We follow Project Enlightenment’s Kindergarten readiness initiatives, and strive to educate as well as encourage artistic expression in all of our children.

Parents’ Morning Out runs from July through May. Registration occurs in February, and a waiting list is maintained to fill slots which become available throughout the year.

Three and four year olds will cover many kindergarten readiness skills, including the alphabet, phonics, numbers, memory skills, following instructions and routine.

All parents are required to volunteer on a rotating basis. This typically happens once every three weeks for a two day class. The parent volunteer provides snack for that day and assists the teacher with classroom activities.

Fairmont has two large parking lots, so there are plenty of spaced. The PMO uses the parking lot by our playground. In the morning parents park and bring their child into the classroom. During pick up, weather permitting, we offer a “carpool” option, where parents pull up and a teacher brings the child to the car.

We encourage you to visit our program during our hours of operation. Please call for an appointment so our director is available to help you as well as answer any questions. For more information, contact our office at 919-835-1577

8. Contact Us

Fairmont UMC is located on Clark Avenue. We are one block from Hillsborough Street/NC State, and just a few blocks from Oberlin Road and Cameron Village Shopping Center.

9. Links

Web Site: If you have comments or suggestions for this web site, please e-mail director@fairmontpmo.com

June 29, 2009	Parent Orientation / Meet the Teacher
July 6, 2009	Fall Session Begins
August 20, 2009	Staff Development at Project Enlightenment*
September 7, 2009	Labor Day Holiday*
November 11, 2009	Veteran’s Day Holiday*
November 23-26, 2009	FALL BREAK*
December 21, 2009	WINTER BREAK*
January 4, 2010	Spring Session Begins
January 18, 2010	MLK Holiday*
February 16, 2010	Staff Development – CPR/First Aid Training/Renewal*
March 28 - April 5, 2010	SPRING BREAK*
May 20, 2010	SUMMER BREAK*
July 5, 2010	2010-2011 School Year Begins

November 15, 2009	Thanksgiving Luncheon
Saturday, December 12, 2009	Breakfast With Santa
March 14, 2010	St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon
May 2010 – Date TBA	Spring Clean-Up