Welcome to the 0-3 Program

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year at College Heights. The first day of school will be

August 3. If you were unable to attend the New Parent Orientation, you can view a recording of the session on our school website. The recording will be posted on July 23. Attached to this newsletter are the Parent Handbook and the 2026-2027 academic calendar. Please review both attachments.

I am looking forward to a wonderful school year,

Sarah Garland,

Principal, College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center

First Few Days

As we kick off the new school year, we want to assure you that it is going to be okay.

The first few days of a new routine can bring up a whole rollercoaster of emotions—not just for your little ones, but for you, too. If there are tears at drop-off (from them or you), please know that is completely normal.

Here is what we want you to keep in mind during this transition:

Goodbyes are hard, but temporary: A short, confident goodbye ritual tells your child that you are secure, which helps them feel secure. Even if they cry when you walk away, our team is right there with open arms, ready to soothe them. (Most tears dry up within five minutes of you leaving!)
The "Afterschool Rest-Collapse" is real: When your child comes home, they might be extra tired, clingy, or a bit grumpy. They’ve been working hard all day to learn new rules and process a new environment. A little extra grace, early bedtime, and cozy snuggles go a long way this week.
We are a team: We don't just care for your children; we are here to support your whole family. If you ever feel anxious, please reach out. We are happy to send a quick midday photo or update to put your mind at ease.

Change is a process, and adjustment takes time. Thank you for trusting us with your precious cargo. Before you know it, those morning tears will turn into eager waves as they run off to play with their new friends. We’ve got this, parents! Welcome to a wonderful new year.

What to Bring...

Students should bring the following. Items should be labeled with student's first and last name.

At least one change of clothing, labeled in a bag, to be kept at school
Water bottle (one-year-olds and older)
Tote bag/backpack to go back and forth daily from school to home
Sunscreen, bug spray
Diaper cream, as applicable
Blanket for rest time for all students not in a crib
Any other classroom-specific items requested by your teacher

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Erynn Mathews-Davis is the Instructional Coach at College Heights. Ms. Mathews-Davis facilitates planning, professional learning, and individual coaching with teachers. If you have questions regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment, please feel free to contact her at

emathews-davis@csdecatur.net

Meet and Greet

Students and parents will have an opportunity to see their classroom and meet their teachers at our Meet and Greet on July 31 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Families will sign up for a 15-minute time slot. Your classroom teacher will send out a sign-up the during the first few weeks of July.

The PTO is partnering with Passenger Safety Technician (and College Heights parent) Amina Williams who will be onsite during Meet and Greet from 1-3 offering free car seat installation checks. Car seat checks will take place at the parking area closest to the entrance.

Health Forms

In order for you to comply with the City Schools of Decatur policies, please submit your student’s required Georgia health forms by the deadlines below:

GA Form 3231 (Immunization Certificate): Due within 30 days of school entry (Deadline: September 11)

How to Submit:Find the health forms here. Please bring a copy of the relevant filled out forms to the front desk, or email them directly to our School Manager, Caretha Hall, at cahall@csdecatur.net.

Important Note: State law and district policy require all students to be up to date on these forms. To ensure your student's enrollment is not interrupted, please submit these documents by the dates listed above.

Advisory Council

Our Advisory Council is an important group that operates as a governing body with the purpose of maximizing school-level decisions. Virtual meetings are typically held in the early evenings every other month. We are looking for no more than two 0-3 parents to volunteer to sit on the Advisory Council. Please contact Principal Garland if you are interested.

PTO

The PTO is dedicated to supporting our school’s instructional programs and building a strong, connected community. Joining the PTO is a fantastic way to get involved and meet other College Heights families!

We are currently looking for a volunteer to fill the Board position of Assistant Treasurer.

If you're interested in learning more about the position, please reach out to our PTO President, Jackie Hatch, at collegeheightsptopresident@gmail.com.

Stay Informed: Check out the PTO Website for information on upcoming events, membership, volunteer opportunities, and ways to connect with other parents.

Show Your School Spirit: Grab your school gear through our Spirit Wear Store.

Stop by and say hi at the upcoming school Meet and Greet on 7/31. Former PTO President and Child Passenger Safety Technician Amina Williams will be onsite offering free car seat installation checks in the parking lot 1-3 p.m.