• During the entire school day, the teachers interact with the students only in Spanish. 
• Most students start an immersion program with little to no prior Spanish exposure. 
• Research demonstrates that at a very early age children are capable of distinguishing between different languages.
• There is a critical time period for children to acquire a language; the earlier the exposure, the more likely a child will become bilingual. 

• The more children hear Spanish, the faster they will pick up the language.
• Increased language input = greater language output
• Young children unconsciously process language in order to make meaning of sounds. 
• Perception and understanding of language precedes oral production.
• Many factors contribute to students’ progress, including language background, amount of exposure, and individual personalities.

• Increased concentration and greater ability to work through distractions
• Higher scores on tests that involve multi-tasking, creative thinking, and problem solving
• Greater adaptability to new environments and meeting new people
• Increased future employment options

• Child must be 24 hours without diarrhea, vomiting, or fever to return to school
• Fever is considered 100.4 or above
• All rashes must be diagnosed by a doctor before return 
• Bacterial pink eye, child must be on drops with no discharge
• Nut-free School 
• Child allergy lists are posted in all classrooms
• Families must report all child illnesses to the school 

• Parents pack lunch and snacks
• Refrigeration provided for milk
• Include ice packs in lunch for perishables 
• Nut-free snacks only

• All classes have a rest time
• Parents provide a sleeping mat or bag
• Sleeping supplies must be washed once a week 

• All trips are in walking distance from the school, unless otherwise indicated
• Parents sign a permission form in the beginning of the year to approve all trips and walking adventures 

All Amigos classes exceed the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) state mandated ratios.

• 12-18 months class    
  • 3 teachers : 10 students (Amigos ratio 1:3.3)
  • state mandated ratio 1:5
• 18-24 months class  
  • 3 teachers : 10 students (Amigos ratio 1:3.3)
  • state mandated ratio 1:5
• 2-2.5 year old class
  • 3 teachers : 10 students (Amigos ratio 1:3.6)
  • state mandated ratio 1:6
• 2.5-3 year old class
  • 2 teachers : 10 students (Amigos ratio 1:5)
  • state mandated ratio 1:6
• 3-4 year old class
  • 2 teachers: 12 students (Amigos ratio 1:6)
  • state mandated ratio 1:10
• 4-5 year old class
  • 2 teachers: 14 students (Amigos ratio 1:7)
  • state mandated ratio 1:10

• All required forms (completed)
• Two extra changes of clothes (extra undies)
• Nap mat & comfort items
• Lunch & snack
• Diapers (full pack) & cream
• 4 packs of wipes
• Water bottle 
• Winter: hat & gloves
• Summer: sunscreen & hat
• School shoes
• Smock for painting

LABEL EVERYTHING!!!