Novas Supernovas Student Handbook

Welcome to the East Lyme Public Schools Novas/Supernovas Playschool!

The Flanders Novas/Supernovas Program is dedicated to providing a nurturing and dynamic early childhood experience that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Our play-based approach fosters social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, ensuring that each child is ready to engage in learning with confidence and enthusiasm. Through a multi-age classroom environment, we emphasize collaboration, curiosity, and independence, setting the foundation for a love of learning in a supportive, hands-on way.

Andrea Scott
Revenue Programs Manager

2025-2026 Novas Supernovas Playschool Handbook

Program Structure

Program Structure
The Flanders Novas/Supernovas Program offers families a high-quality playschool experience centered on play, exploration, and active learning. Designed as a positive introduction to the classroom environment, our program serves as a springboard to kindergarten by focusing on essential skills that children need to thrive in school.

Our play-based curriculum is built around the Connecticut Preschool Curriculum Framework, which includes four key domains: personal and social development, physical development, cognitive development, and creative expression. These domains are integrated throughout the day in various forms, including morning meetings, center time, outdoor play, and guided discovery.
Each day begins with a morning meeting that fosters a sense of community and helps children practice social skills and classroom routines. Children are then given opportunities to engage in academic choice activities, allowing them to explore their interests at their own pace. Through structured activities and unstructured play, they develop essential academic and social skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

By combining a multi-age classroom setting with a play-based approach, we create a well-rounded experience where children learn through exploration, creativity, and collaboration. The Flanders Novas/Supernovas Program is committed to preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond by building the confidence, skills, and love of learning that will serve them throughout their educational journey.

Example Daily Schedule

Arrival and Attendance
Welcome Song and Daily Job Designation
Table Centers
Outdoor Play (weather permitting): climbing, balancing, coordination
Snack
Classroom Meeting: calendar, weather, movement, stories
Small Groups
Lunch
Choice Play
Centers include: Art, Blocks, Manipulatives, Sensory Table Play, Dramatic Play, Science Exploration and Writing

Programs Offered

Programs Offered
Novas/Supernovas Program

Ages: 3-5 years, fully potty trained

Days: Monday – Friday

Hours: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

2026-2027 Tuition: $688.00 per month ($40.00/day); Annual Cost: $6,880.00 (10-months)
All classes are multi-age, fostering peer learning and collaboration.

2025-2026 Tuition: $672.60 per month ($38.00/day); Annual Cost: $6,726.00 (10-months)
All classes are multi-age, fostering peer learning and collaboration.

The Benefits of a Multi-Age Classroom
At our preschool, we believe that learning thrives in an environment where children of different ages and developmental stages come together. A multi-age classroom fosters collaboration, empathy, and independence. Older children naturally take on leadership roles, reinforcing their own skills while mentoring younger peers. Meanwhile, younger children benefit from observing and learning from their older classmates, helping them develop confidence and social skills.

This diverse setting encourages children to work at their own pace, providing opportunities for both challenge and support. The mixed-age environment nurtures creativity, as children approach problems from different perspectives. It also promotes a sense of community, where each child feels valued and contributes to the collective learning experience. Ultimately, a multi-age classroom not only prepares children for future academic success but also helps them build essential life skills like teamwork, patience, and communication

Enrollment and Registration

Enrollment and Registration

Enrollment opens in March on a first-come, first-served basis to all families within and outside the East Lyme School district.
Preference is given to returning families.
Student/Staff Ratio: 8 students to 1 adult.
Toilet Training: All children must be fully toilet trained and capable of independently using the bathroom.
Staff reserves the right to withdraw any child from the program due to unresolved and/or harmful behavioral issues, ongoing unpaid tuition or if the experience is not a positive one for the child.

Registration Requirements
To enroll, the following must be submitted:

Completed Online Registration form on infinite campus.
Non-Refundable Deposit: $25 per child
Health Assessment Form
Birth Certificate Copy
Potassium Iodide Permission Form

Additionally, proof of flu shot is required by December 23.

Tuition and Payment

2026-2027 Tuition and Payment

Monthly Tuition:
- $688.00/month
Payments are due on the 1st of each month via the online portal.
Late Fee: $10 for payments made after 7 days; services may be suspended after 30 days of non-payment.
No reimbursements for illness or vacation absences.
Withdrawal: A 14-day notice is required. You will be responsible for payment of the current month if withdrawing mid-month.
Bank fees apply for returned payments

Operating Procedures

Operating Procedures

•The program follows the East Lyme Public Schools calendar.
•Class Start/End: The program begins the first school day after Labor Day and ends the day before the last day of school.
•Arrival/Pick-Up: Drop-off: 9:30 AM at the gymnasium door Pick-up: 1:30 PM
Check in/out via provided iPad.
Authorized adults with ID required for pick-up.
Late Pick-Up Fee: A ten-minute grace period is given. Following that, it’s $8 for each 15-minute interval after 1:40 PM.
Emergency contact information must be kept updated online.

Clothing and Needs

Attendance and Health

Attendance/Health

Regular attendance supports development. Keep children home if they have:
Fever
Skin rash
Severe cough/sore throat
Vomiting/diarrhea
Contagious illness (report immediately)
Report Absences: Notify us if your child will be absent via call or email.
Return to school only after 24 hours without fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms.
Illness at school: You will be contacted to pick up your child immediately.

Snack

Communication and Assessment

Communication and Assessment

The Bloomz app will be used for daily/weekly parent communication with updates on classroom activities.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Available in November and March.
If you have concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to Andrea Scott (Revenue Programs Manager) at (860) 334-0553 or email Andrea.Scott@elpsk12.org.
Children’s work will be sent home regularly.
Important messages from the Revenue Program Manager will be sent via email.
Families are welcome to attend special classroom celebrations. Visitor clearance must be completed through the East Lyme Public Schools Website volunteer application:
https://www.eastlymeschools.org/offices/human-resources/volunteer-application

Melissa Scanlon Melissa.scanlon@elpsk12.org
Classroom Aides

Emilie Blinderman

Lyn Rouzzo

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