• 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
• Peanut-free School (other nut products permitted)
• Child allergy lists are posted in all classrooms
• Families must report all child illnesses to the school 

• School will provide a healthy morning snack (ex. fruit pouch)
• Parents pack lunch and extra snacks
• Refrigeration provided for milk 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 meet and most 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
  • 2 teachers : 12 students (Amigos ratio 1:6)
  • state mandated ratio 1:6
• 2.5-3 year old class
  • 2 teachers : 12 students (Amigos ratio 1:6)
  • state mandated ratio 1:6
• 3-4 year old class
  • 2 teachers: 14 students (Amigos ratio 1:7)
  • 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!!!