Early Learning Center

Coordinator  (Kendall) - 503-353-7916 • palmerk@nclack.k12.or.us

Preschool Teacher (Monica) - 503-353-5944 (press 3) • lopezmon@nclack.k12.or.us

Preschool Teacher (Janice) - 503-353-5944 (press 4) • freemanj@nclack.k12.or.us

High School Office - 503-353-5940 (Tracy, Bonnie, Shanna)

Mailing address - 14211 SE Johnson Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97267

Website -  Early Learning Center - Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Center

Mission Statement

At the Early Learning Center at Sabin-Schellenberg, we operate a high quality early childhood program that provides opportunities for enriched learning for two populations: children ages 3 to 5 years old and high school students. 

Philosophy

The Staff at the Early Learning Center Preschool believe and endeavor to reflect in practice the Core Values of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC):

• Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle

• Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn

• Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family

• Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community and society

• Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member and colleague)

• Respect diversity in children, families and colleagues

• Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships based on trust and respect

Our curriculum is embedded in developmentally appropriate inquiry based activities where skills evolve in all domains of development. As students grow and mature, teachers provide guidance for the “next steps” in learning. Respect for all learners is valued by taking time to build relationships at all levels.

“In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, North Clackamas School District will make reasonable accommodations to ensure the integration and participation of children with disabilities into the preschool program. This will include the development and monitoring of an accommodation plan for the participant as well as consideration of the participant’s disability when responding to behavior concerns.”

Our professional staff works as a team to ensure a successful learning experience for preschoolers, preschoolers’ families and our secondary level students from the North Clackamas School District.  We are committed to continuous growth and deepening our practice through professional development with Oregon Department of Education, North Clackamas School District Educational Leaders, and Teaching Preschool Partners.

Kendall Palmer - Preschool Coordinator/High School Instructor 

Kendall earned her MEd. in Early Childhood and Curriculum Development & Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Kendall supports and works closely with the preschool teachers to supervise high school students' in the development of  their skills as well as in planning of the preschool curriculum.

Monica Lopez - Preschool Teacher  

Monica has completed college coursework at Rogue Community College, received her Child Development Associates Credential, and has over 35 years of experience working with young children. Her work has included working for the Medford School District for over 17 years in their child development and teen parent program. She teaches, plans the preschool program and guides the performance of the high school students.

Janice Freeman - Preschool Teacher

Janice has been working with young children for 30+ years and is a former high school graduate of the Sabin-Schellenberg Early Learning Center program.  She received her BS Degree in Child Development and Family Studies from Oregon State University. Janice spent 24 years working with children and families as a director of a SE Portland preschool program. She has been teaching, planning the preschool program, and guiding high school students as they work with our preschoolers here at the ELC since 2022.

Anna Scarpino - High School Instructor

Anna teaches our Practicum and Internship courses as well as students that work in the Center. Students in her courses are placed in local Early Childhood Programs & NCSD Schools throughout the North Clackamas School district.

Jennifer Estevez - High School Instructor

Jennifer teaches our Survey of Children & Youth course. She brings her expertise as a Special Education teacher for grades Pre K -12 to our team. Her course focuses on human development from pre-birth to early adolescence.

The preschool program at SSC includes developmentally-appropriate activities which nurture children, foster curiosity and exploration, and provide rich, stimulating environments for their growth and development. The Early Learning Center provides a safe, secure environment in which young children may experience a wide array of activities that increase their skills and build competence.  

Within the structure of the classroom, children pursue their individual interests and progress at their own rate in a play-based environment.  Children are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings, to share and take turns, and to consider the rights and feelings of others.  Professional staff and student assistants facilitate and assist as children learn problem solving and communication skills that enhance their social interactions.

Our preschool activities are purposefully planned to create an enriching experience for your child. Our lessons are designed to help children grow in their social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.  This model of classroom setup includes areas for art, sensory, dramatic play, blocks, manipulatives, table games and puzzles, cooking, group time and outdoor time.

"Play is the highest form of research." - Albert Einstein

Therefore, we give children many different opportunities to learn and practice new skills. At times it may look like children are "just playing", but they are actually reinforcing their learning, deeping their inquiry process and building a framework of understanding and knowledge in all areas of development.

PROBLEM SOLVING: As children stack, connect or piece together objects, they begin to problem solve, sort and classify.  They often exchange ideas and negotiate cooperatively to arrive at creative solutions.

EMERGENT LITERACY: Reading and writing skills emerge in many areas of the classroom.  Children are given access to books, writing materials and a variety of pretend play scenarios.  They talk with each other, write to each other and learn to organize their thoughts in story form.  The process of understanding the power of print is on-going.

GROUP TIME: Each day, children are offered the opportunity to gather for group time. Together, they experience stories, music, discussion and movement activities.  Children develop skills of communication as they enjoy learning to be part of a community.  Small groups gather throughout the day as children develop common interests.  Often, teachers will observe these small interest groups and work children’s ideas into the curriculum.

PHYSICAL: Outdoor activities are available every day. Children can ride tricycles and scooters, climb, bounce, balance, play ball or run. Children develop muscle control,flexibility, and confidence.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHERS: As children interact with each other and teachers, they begin to learn communication skills. They share ideas, problem solve, negotiate, and collaborate. Friendships are established over time and a community is formed including children, students, staff, and parents.

INDIVIDUAL: Each child has opportunities to develop their own curiosities, strengths, and personalities. Individual time to choose activities and share thoughts is essential to each child’s identity and the creation of community.

SENSORY AND SCIENCE: Science education takes many forms. Children experiment with movement, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Activities are planned to extend their natural curiosity about our world and how things work.

Will my child be ready for Kindergarten? 

Though our goal is for each child to leave preschool ready for a full day of kindergarten, every child develops on their own timeline. Parents and teachers work together to make the best decisions during conferences. Readiness for kindergarten includes emotional regulation, persistence, and a positive approach to learning in addition to academics.

The program follows the North Clackamas high school calendar

• Preschool classes are held four days a week (Monday - Thursday) unless otherwise noted on the yearly calendar. 

• Children must be signed in by an adult each day. 

• School starts at 9am and end of the day pick up time is from 2:00 - 2:30pm. 

September

• 24 Parent Orientation
• 26 Meet Your Teacher Day 
• 30 Preschool Begins 

October

• 11 School not in Session  Preschool closed
• 24 Walking Field Trip to Justy’s Farm and Market  
• 31 Dress Up Day 

November

• 4   School not in session **NO PRESCHOOL**
• 11 Veteran’s Day **NO PRESCHOOL**
• 25 & 26 Parent/Teacher Conferences **NO PRESCHOOL**
• 27 - 29  Thanksgiving Holiday **NO PRESCHOOL**

December

• 19 Winter Family Gathering
• 23 - Jan 3 Winter Break **NO PRESCHOOL**

January 

• 6    Preschool Resumes 
• 15  Pajama Day 
• 20  Martin Luther King Jr. Day **NO PRESCHOOL**

February

• 13  Friendship Day 
• 17  President’s Day **NO PRESCHOOL**
• 24 Inservice day ** NO PRESCHOOL**

March

• 24 - 28  Spring Break  **NO PRESCHOOL**

April

• 11 & 14 Parent / Teacher Conferences  **NO PRESCHOOL**
• TBA Preschool Photos 

May

• 26  Memorial Day **NO PRESCHOOL**

June            

• 3  Last official Day of Preschool 
• 4  Family Fun Day - end of the year celebration

Open communication with your child’s teacher is welcomed and encouraged. Preschool teachers are available most Fridays for check-in as needed. 

Drop off and pick up time is not the ideal time for conversations that need to be shared privately. We ask that conversations between teachers and parents/guardians be scheduled to protect the privacy of all children and families.  If concerns arise as your child interacts with others, please talk with the teacher or staff via email or by phone.

Parent / Teacher conferences will be held in the Fall and Spring this year. Daytime and evening appointments will be offered. Conferences are a time for adult conversations regarding your child's progress; we encourage this conversation to not be overheard by your preschooler.

North Classroom (Monica) -  503-353-5910 ext. 37920 • lopezmon@nclack.k12.or.us

South Classroom (Janice) -   503-353-5910 ext. 37919 • freemanj@nclack.k12.or.us

Driving on campus 

Whenever driving on the SSC campus it is important to observe the 10 MPH speed limit, stop at all crosswalks and follow traffic patterns. If you are turning around to park at the curb, you must drive down to the turnaround at the end of the drive. Buses, student drivers and parent drivers are coming and going constantly up and down the SSC driveway.  This means that even though you may be in a hurry, it is critical that all drivers drive slowly and attentively.  Buses have the right-of-way on campus. PLEASE YIELD TO BUSES. Your child will be kept safe until you arrive.

Parking on campus

When bringing or picking up your child, you should park in the designated visitor parking or in the north parking lot. Please use the crosswalk.  Do not, for any reason, leave children in unattended vehicles or allow them to walk into school unattended. NO “U” TURNS are allowed on campus.

Beginning of the day   

Each child and their caregiver will be met at the classroom door. We encourage families to create a short goodbye ritual that will help with the transition to entering their classroom. Each child must be signed in at the classroom door by the person dropping off. Please arrive by 9:15 so that your child can have transition time into the classroom prior to our morning meeting.

Ending the day  

Our preschool will have a soft close between 2pm and 2:30pm. Families will be able to pick up their child during this 30 minute window. Families are asked to enter the classroom quietly and allow their preschooler to check in with them. Please check your child’s cubby with them to gather their belongings and any projects or creations that are ready to go home. 

Please notify a staff member (in writing) if someone other than the usual person will be picking up your child.  This adult must be identified on the child’s emergency form as a person who is allowed to pick up your child.  In the case that an adult not identified on the emergency form must pick up your child (this would happen in a real emergency) a call from the parent must be made to the preschool.  Adults picking up children under these circumstances will be asked for photo identification.

It is very important that each child be picked up by 2:30. 

In an emergency, please phone the center immediately. Add our number to your contacts and everyone else’s who might be picking up your child.

Attendance/Absences 

Please help your child have a successful year by arriving on time every day of preschool. Consistent attendance builds important routines and helps children understand the value of school. If your child will be tardy or absent, please call or email.

Teacher Janice • freemanj@nclack.k12.or.us

Teacher Monica • lopezmon@nclack.k12.or.us

Teacher Payton • bowerspa@nclack.k12.or.us

Teacher Kendall • palmerk@nclack.k12.or.us

Teacher Anna • scarpino@nclack.k12.or.us

Preschool Office Phone Number: 503-353-5944

Our goal is to help children develop the self regulation strategies needed to manage themselves and build relationships with others.  Guidance and redirection is used to support building problem solving strategies, build empathy and teach seeking support when needed.  Children are never to be teased, scolded, isolated, called names, threatened or punished because of their behavior.  Should intervention, such as removing a child from an activity be necessary, the head preschool teachers will redirect the child to a different activity. 

Positive Guidance Techniques

Modeling:  The behavior of teachers and parents are children's most powerful example of how to behave.  We must model how we would like them to act.

Set consistent and appropriate limits: Adults are responsible for making sure that children have clear and reasonable limits that protect their safety and welfare, the rights of others and the environment.

Communicate at the child’s level of understanding: Adults speak quietly, slowly and clearly enough to be understood while bending down to the child's eye level, using simple language and encouraging children to talk and problem solve.

Make the task fit the child: Adults offer help that is appropriate to the child’s stage of development and understanding, looking towards more independence and self-direction. We encourage the child to try new things and offer help as needed. Adults should remember that comparing children is not appropriate as each child moves at his/her own pace.

Be Positive:  When adults give clear, simple directions and speak in a friendly tone of voice, children respond.  For example: “Please walk in the classroom” instead of “Don’t run!” 

Give Children Reasonable and Appropriate Choices: Teachers and parents should provide acceptable options. This is how they learn decision-making skills and build independence and initiative.  Offer a choice ONLY when you are prepared to accept the answer.  If there is not really a choice, give a clear statement of direction. (e.g. “It is time to pick up the blocks.”)

Respect Children: Each child is a unique individual who is doing the best she or he can at any particular time.  Exercise patience as they struggle with a new task or try to communicate with you. 

Accept the child even if the behavior is unacceptable: It is important for children to learn that some behaviors are not acceptable, even though the feelings they experience are.  We need to give clear limits (e.g. “I cannot let you hurt yourself or others.”) while communicating understanding of the child’s feelings (i.e. “I know that you are angry.  It is okay to be angry.  It is not okay to hit when you are angry.”)

In the event that further disciplinary action is needed.  Parents will be contacted by the preschool teacher in order to work out a plan for addressing the issue.

The education team - including preschool staff, high school instructors and high school students will use photographs or videos to be used for educational purposes throughout the school year. These photos are only to be used for the purpose of the student’s academic experiences (Learning Stories, Documenting Curriculum, Class Assignments etc.)

Photos are not to be scanned, emailed or posted on any personal social media sites to ensure children’s privacy. Photos will only be taken on the Center’s designated cameras and/or district owned property and not on a high school student’s personal device. The Center will facilitate printing directly or at a designated printing facility. 

We ask that families also respect the privacy of all children and families at the Early Learning Center by not taking any photographs on personal devices at the Center - especially in the Observation Room.

The final project of the high schoolers course work will be to publish a documentation portfolio featuring the domains of development they have observed flourishing in each preschooler throughout the school year. The goal of the portfolio is to Make Learning Visible as a means to capture and share each preschooler's growth.  The portfolio will be given to each preschool family at our annual Family Fun Day in June.

Please let us know if there are any questions or concerns about our photography policy.

“Documentation typically includes samples of a child’s work at several different stages of completion; photographs showing work in progress; comments written by the teacher or other adults working with the child; transcriptions of the child’s discussions, comments, and explanations of intentions about the activity; and comments made by parents.” (Schroeder-Yu, 2008 p127)

Snacks are provided to all children at our center. Snack time will be a scheduled activity. To ensure the safety and sanitation of our program, adults/staff model to the children proper hand washing and eating skills. Children wash their hands before joining the snack table and eating. All snack preparation and eating areas are thoroughly washed  before being used and sanitized with a bleach solution afterwards.

Water is provided and available in each classroom.

Children are encouraged to develop their self-help skills by listening to directions, learning to use their own utensils appropriately, and cleaning up after themselves. A teacher is always available to assist with these skills. 

A monthly menu of the daily snacks is posted in the preschool and provided to each family. We allow for flexibility in our menu when a “special” snack or celebration arises. A variety of food is included in the menu to help introduce new foods as well as keep our snacks nutritious. 

Lunch will be provided by families. Lunch boxes/bags will be kept in cubbies. We encourage that lunches include foods your child prefers and be prepared so they can enjoy their food independently. Of course, we will help as needed, while supporting self help skill development. 

Here are the nutritional guidelines for a 3- 5 year olds lunch:

• Dairy or Dairy Alternative- 6oz.
• Fruit- 1 /4 cup
• Vegetables- 1 /4 cup
• Grains- 1/2 oz.
• Protein- 1.5 oz.

Monthly tuition is $230/month from October - May.

Upon re-enrollment each Spring, a $25.00 non-refundable registration deposit must be paid to reserve your child’s fall enrollment.

Tuition is due the first week of each month.  

Payments can be made via online, check/ money order, your bank or cash:

Online - NCSD website ->, SSC Webpage ->, Donations & Payments tab ->, ELC tuition icon

Check - Payable to: Early Learning Center or SSC / ELC, with your child’s name in the memo

Bank - Our address: Early Learning Center, 14211 SE Johnson Rd., Milwaukie, OR  97267

Cash/money order - Payment of exact amount (no change available)

* Tuition fees are used for: snacks, consumables, class photos and capital improvements to the building and grounds. A portion of tuition fees goes to support scholarships for high school students in our program who wish to pursue a career working with children and families.
*Our school identification number for tax purposes is:  93-0599524

Health: 

Children with signs of illness should not attend school. It is hard for a child who is ill to participate and enjoy the preschool experience.  If your child gets sick at school, we will call the person designated on the emergency information card.

• Please keep your child at home if they are not feeling well.
• Call the preschool to let us know they will not be attending.

Preschoolers with the following, must follow the guidelines below:

• Fever temperature of 100.4° or greater. They must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication to return to the Early Learning Center.
• New cough illness - symptoms must be improving for 24 hours.
• Diarrhea - must be symptom free for 48 hours to return.
• Vomiting: one or more episodes that are unexplained  -  must be symptom free for 48 hours to return.
• Headache with stiff neck and fever - may return when symptom free.
• Skin rash or open sores - may return when rash is gone, dry or can be covered with a bandage.
• Red eyes with colored drainage - eyes must be clear with no drainage to return.
• Jaundice: new yellow color in eyes or skin - must have medical release to return.

If your child becomes ill during the day, it is crucial that we are able to contact you immediately.  Please be sure phone numbers are kept current.

Immunizations

Current immunizations are required by the Oregon Health Department to begin the school year.  NCSD nurses will review immunization records and will notify you if there are incomplete records.  

Allergies

Please inform us if your child has any allergies.  A listing of all children with allergies, dietary or cultural needs is posted in each classroom and in the kitchen. Be mindful that other staff and high school students may also have allergies.

Reporting communicable disease:  

Children get sick, often with no warning.  Please let us know if your child will not be attending due to illness. Please notify the preschool staff if your child is treated for lice or other highly communicable diseases. This information is kept confidential, but is important in tracking classroom cases to prevent further spread of head lice or other diseases.

Helmet Safety

We use helmets when children are riding scooters and tricycles. These are personalized with your child’s name to be used all year long.

Safety Drills

Sabin-Schellenberg Center is required to have scheduled safety drills throughout the year. The alarm is loud. We are aware that some children have anxiety about this and we will try to give prior notice when available.  Fire, Evacuation, Secure and Lockdown procedures are practiced with all staff and students.  Please be aware that during a drill you may be asked to not leave your vehicle or remain in the preschool until the drill has been completed. 

For more information, please visit the district website.

Parent Involvement

Children thrive when adults in their lives work well together.  The Early Learning Center is a professional technical preparation program for secondary students as well as a community preschool.  In order to serve the multiple needs of our students and families, we must all collaborate and cooperate.  Clear expectations can help parents and staff work cooperatively in the best interests of our children. As the school year progresses we will seek out opportunities  for parents to support our work and children’s learning. These opportunities will be shared via our website and messages from the preschool team.

Observation and Documentation Studio

A unique feature of our program is our observation classroom. The observation room is located between the two preschool classrooms and allows high school students to observe the classroom settings authentically without interrupting the work & discovery occurring in the preschool classrooms.  

Parents are welcome to use this space for the first ten minutes of preschool as well as the last 10 minutes of the preschool session. Please respect that this schedule may flex at times in order for the high schoolers to complete their observational assignments.

No photos allowed on personal devices while using the observation room.

Potty Training

The preschool is not equipped to change diapers or pull ups. Children enrolled in preschool must be potty trained. We will work with your family to provide consistent support for your child.

Birthdays / Holidays

We recognize that your child’s birthday can be a  special time for your family and some families have holiday treats and traditions they might like to share. If you would like to provide a treat or special activity, please notify the preschool staff the week before, so adjustments can be made to the snack and activity schedule. Please be sensitive to the feelings of all children. Private party invitations should not be delivered unless the entire class is invited. 

Items from home:  

We ask that you only send items with your child that are necessary, such as: a coat or jacket and lunch. Toys, special stuffies and other items could be damaged or forgotten overnight leading to distress for preschoolers and their families. 

We will also provide sheets and blankets for rest time. These items will be laundered at the Center.

Clothing:  

Casual and washable clothes will allow preschoolers to be creative inside the classroom as well as outside without worrying about getting dirty. Also clothing should allow your child to use the bathroom independently. We do have extra clothing if needed.

Sturdy shoes, rain boots or tennis shoes are recommended. Please do not send your child to school in flip flops or other non-sturdy shoes.

April

• Current families are sent a form to indicate if their child will return.

• Siblings of children who are returning to the ELC in the fall are automatically given a preschool spot if the family decides to enroll their second child.

• Families that have a younger sibling of an exiting preschooler will also be offered the opportunity to enroll their younger child.

• If an exit-ed preschooler (not currently enrolled) has eligible siblings they will need to enter the lottery.

May

• The lottery is advertised at NC12 elementary schools.

•  Applications for the following year become available and the due date is TBD.

• Applicants must be three years of age, and potty trained, by September 1st.

• The lottery will be witnessed by preschool coordinator, program assistant, an exiting preschool parent and district administrator

• Families are notified and asked to send a $25 non refundable deposit to hold a space at preschool.

• The waiting list is made up of children not chosen in the lottery and anyone turning in an application after the lottery application deadline

June – August

• As families notify us of changes in their plans to attend, the waiting list is monitored and adjusted.

• Children who live in the NC12 attendance area are given preference in the lottery, but not on the waiting list.
• Class size is limited to 12 children.
• If more than one sibling from a family has submitted a lottery application and is   chosen during the lottery, the additional siblings are enrolled as well.

Classroom Placement Guidelines

• An attempt is made to balance children who will be turning 4 and children who will be turning 5 during the school year.
• An attempt is made to place children in the most appropriate setting.

Note - the timeline for the lottery is subject to change as needed.

The preschool schedule follows the North Clackamas High School calendar. Our policy is as follows:

• 2 – Hour delay - the ELC will open at 11:30 am

• School closed – ELC closed

Any school closures or delays for the district will be announced on the local radio and TV stations and the NCSD website: 

The NCSD website includes Closure Resources