Family Services
Each classroom has a Family Service Worker assigned, whose role is to serve as a link between the family, school, and community. Family Service Workers assist parents with the application and school enrollment process, as well as in obtaining necessary services throughout the school year. Families are encouraged to contact their classroom's Family Service Worker if they have questions or need information about community resources.
Parent engagement is an important part of children's success in school. The Preschool Program provides multiple opportunities for parents to be engaged and encourages all parents to participate in a way that works for their family. Parents are able to volunteer in classrooms, help on field trips, attend parent meetings or trainings, and represent their classroom on the program's policy council!
Attendance
Help Your Child Succeed in Preschool: Build the Habit of Good Attendance
Showing up on time every day is important to your child's success and learning from preschool forward.
Missing 10% of preschool (one or two days per month) can:
- Make it harder to develop early reading skills.
- Make it harder to get ready for kindergarten and first grade.
- Develop poor attendance patterns that are hard to break.
What You Can Do:
- Talk to your child about all of the fun and exciting things they will do at school.
- Before the school year starts, make an exciting countdown to the first day.
- Make sure your child is at the teacher home visit.
- Set a regular bed time and morning routine.
- Lay out clothes the night before.
- Remind your child they will come home afterwards (sometimes the fear of where they will go after school causes anxiety for preschoolers).
- Develop a back-up plan for getting your child to school if something happens (misses bus or a parent is sick).
- Make sure your child has the required immunizations and physical exam.
- Schedule appointments and vacations when school is not in session.
If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk with your teacher or Family Service Worker for advice.
Child Supervision Guidelines
Child Supervision Guidelines
| Child Age | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| 0-8 years | May not be left unsupervised |
| 9-10 years | No more than 1.5 hours alone |
| 11-12 years | No more than 3 hours alone |
| 13-15 years | May be left alone all day |
| 16-17 years | May be left alone all night or over the weekend |
Babysitting Guidelines
| Babysitter Age | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| 13 years | May babysit children for up to 4 hours |
| 14-15 years | May babysit over 4 hours/not overnight |
| 16-17 years |
May babysit children overnight or over the weekend |
Prince William County Public Schools employees are mandated reporters of suspected abuse or neglect. If you suspect a child has been abused or neglected, you can also contact the Virginia Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-552-7096. Reports are taken 24 hours per day and can be left anonymously.
Community Resource Guide
Listing of frequently requested community resources within Prince William County area:
Families can also visit 211.org or call 211 for community resource information.
Home Visits
Family Service Workers complete at least one home visit with each family. The purpose of the visit is to connect with families in a confidential location, where families feel comfortable sharing family goals and asking for needed resources.
Parenting Resources
Local agencies that provide parenting resources or classes: