Welcome to Preschool!

My name is Diane Harsch, and I am very excited about being your child’s teacher this year! We have many fun and engaging activities planned to give your child a wonderful learning experience.

Our school day will include circle time, large motor activities, recognizing letters and their sounds, writing, science, math, and choice time. Our class will learn through play while improving socialization skills and preparing your child for kindergarten.

Our class meets Monday through Thursday from 7:50 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We will be serving your child breakfast and lunch, so please let me know about any doctor-indicated food allergies or foods that cannot be consumed due to religious practices.

Please send your child with the following items:

• A child-sized backpack labeled with your child’s name
• A labeled ziplock bag containing a set of extra clothes in case of an emergency (shirt, underwear, shorts, and socks)
• A labeled water bottle every day

Please send water only. No juice, sugary drinks, or Gatorade, please.

I have been teaching for 28 years. I have taught kindergarten for six years and preschool for 22 years. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Ottawa University. I have been married for 35 years and have two adult children and two granddaughters. I enjoy spending time at Lake Pleasant and Lake Powell. I love being anywhere near the water and the beach!

Our class will utilize the Dojo app for communication, along with monthly newsletters, to keep families updated on preschool activities and important information.

Families may also contact me by email at diane.harsch@dvusd.org.

I am looking forward to having a wonderful year with your child!

Behavior Plan

    Discipline Policy All learning opportunities for young children should be positive and helpful in teaching acceptable behavior and self-control. Children will be encouraged to follow rules that they have helped to develop. Teachers and staff follow the Child Day Care Regulation (#R 9-5-510) which requires: 1. Explaining rules to children and alternatives to unacceptable behavior. 2. No physical punishment. No emotional or mental stress which would prove frightening to a child. 3. Isolation (time-out) with supervision not to exceed three (3) minutes. 4. No punishment will be associated with toilet training. 5. Food cannot be withheld as a means of punishment. Children are more successful when disciplinary methods are consistent at home and at school. All disciplinary practices will be handled with regard to the developmental age of the child. Six steps will be taken for effective guidance. We recommend the strategies. 1. Approach calmly. Your body language says a lot about your intentions and feelings. Stay neutral in order to respect all points of view in a conflict. 2. Acknowledge feelings. Make simple statements such as “I can see you’re feeling sad/angry/upset.” This helps the child let go of feelings and prepares him/her to think clearly about solutions. 3. Gather information. Listen to all points of view, both for your own information and so children can learn what others believe they need. The details revealed about a conflict are very important in finding a solution. Listen carefully. 4. Restate the problem. Use as much of the children’s language as possible and rephrase child language that may be hurtful. 5. Ask for ideas, possible solutions, and choose one together. Respect the child’s ideas, even if some are unrealistic. Explore how they might work. 6. Be prepared to give follow-up support, and acknowledge efforts and future successes. 

 Deer Valley Unified School District's Early Childhood Classrooms are based on the belief that all children are capable of success.  In partnerships with families , educators, and the community, we provide quality developmentally appropriate learning opportunities designed to meet each child's individual needs.               

Here are some links to resources we like: 

Math

ABC Mouse

Starfall