School Policies and Parent Handbook

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

Car Approach to School
We receive and dismiss children on the porch side of the school's entrance on 10th Street.

All school traffic should be one-way traffic, moving in a clockwise direction -- from 10th Street behind the school toward Davis Avenue.

If you are approaching the school on Davis Avenue from the direction of downtown, continue traveling past the school and turn right on 11th Street.

Take the next right, which will put you in the alley behind the school. Turn right on 10th Street and this brings you to the porch side of the school's entrance.

Cars should pull up as close as possible to the stop sign and face Davis Avenue, which allows other cars to pull in behind you. Under no circumstance should you let your child out of the car on Davis Avenue. Always approach and depart with caution.

Your child's safety is first! If you must leave your car to talk to the teacher, please be sure that your car does not interfere with the flow of school traffic.

Please do not park across the street. I would appreciate your cooperation so we can enjoy comfortable neighbor relations.

If you ever have difficulty parking, please let the director or a teacher know so that we can attempt to solve the problem.

Please be sure to inform babysitters, relatives, spouses, and substitute drivers of the above guidelines.

Arrival
All children should be escorted into the building by an adult and must be signed
in and out daily. The sign-in desk is located just inside the porch entry, which is the door on the right side as you step onto the porch.

Morning preschoolers may arrive between 8:30 and 8:45 am (afternoon preschoolers,  between 12:30 and 12:45) without incurring an early arrival courtesy charge.  Extended day children may arrive anytime between 7:30 and 8:45 am. Please try to arrive by 8:45. Each session often begins with “ellipse” time, which is when we gather the children as a group for a daily greeting, stretching exercises, and introductions to new materials and activities. You won’t want your child to miss it! A late arrival is sometimes difficult for the child, especially one on the ‘shy’ side, as s/he may not feel comfortable entering the room with all watching as she comes to join us. These feelings may then confound separation, which often causes further disruption. Not a fun way for you and your child to start the day, and a situation we would rather avoid, if possible! In the event of arrival during ellipse time, please understand that there may not be a teacher available for a personal greeting. We ask that you assist your child in hanging up his coat and removing his outdoor shoes. From there he should go put on his indoor shoes and come quietly to join us at the ellipse. If you know you will be arriving late, you might give us a call so we know your child’s arrival time.

Departure
We will appreciate prompt pick up at the 11:30/ 3:30 departure time. These are very busy times of day for both children and staff.  At 11:30 we are getting the lunchers gathered for toileting and hand washing and settling them at the lunch tables. This transition time requires the attention of all of the teachers present. Between 3:30 and 5:00 is also very busy and it is important that the 3:30 departure time is adhered to so that we can clear the pick up area for on-going full day departures.
 
Between 4:00 and 5:00 pm is another transition time that can be hectic. The teachers are busy supervising the children, perhaps outdoors, while also greeting parents and exchanging news about their children. School parking is sometimes hard to find at this time, so we appreciate your efforts to get in and out as quickly as possible. If you wish to "hang out" for a few minutes, on occasion, please be aware that parking is at a premium (Try to park down the block behind the school), and that once you are on school grounds, we are relinquishing care of your child to you!

Please be on time. If, because of an emergency, you cannot arrive to pick up your child by 5:00 pm, please attempt to make other arrangements. If that is not possible, please call the school and let the teachers know that you will be late and when they can expect your arrival. Emergencies are what they are and we understand they cannot be helped. Those who are chronically late at departure time, however, will be charged a Late Fee. (See the rate schedule for late charges.)

 

Attendance
At full attendance, stimulation is at its maximum. Regular attendance is very important, particularly for half-timers. It is important for the child to have a consistent and predictable routine so that he can anticipate events and make plans. Missing school can disrupt his work cycle and sense of direction at school and at home.

The children are stimulated by each other's movements and the variety of activities chosen. If your child is unable to attend class, please call so that the children and the teachers know not to expect him.

First Farewells
When you arrive at the school please be casual and brief when saying goodbye to your child. If he or she cries and looks as though she feels deserted, be strong. The teachers will comfort her and give assurance of your return.

The first few weeks are a time of adjustment. Try not to show over-concern. Be patient and cheerful. And don't be embarrassed, or worry about us! Separation anxiety is a very natural and healthy sign of a well-adjusted child. We are prepared and we understand.

The teachers will keep you informed regarding progress at school. Don't hesitate to phone us (at 636-1550, after at least 20 minutes) if there is a concern or if you just want to check up on her or him.

Food Service
A hot lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. Monthly menus are posted inside the door to extended day.

If your child has any food allergies or is a vegetarian, please let us know so we can make adjustments for your child.

A snack is served each day in the morning and in the afternoon. Nutrition is considered and sugar content is kept to a minimum.

The classroom includes a snack table and serving area. The snack is always available to the children during the first two hours of class, and they are free to serve themselves at their own chosen times.

Menu suggestions are always appreciated.

A parent may request we serve their child breakfast, which is available between 7:30 and 8:15 for a nominal fee, either on a full time or occasional basis.

Naps
Napping is optional, to be determined by the parents and the childcare providers.

A separate nap room is established for this purpose. If your child will be napping while at school, please send in a sleeping bag or blanket with a pillow. She may choose to bring a doll or a stuffed animal to snuggle with at nap time.

These nap supplies are to be used by your child only. We will send them home, weekly, to be laundered.

Birthday Celebrations
At school, each child’s birthday is recognized with the blowing- out of our school birthday candle while we sing the birthday song in sign language.

The birthday child is invited to bring in a special treat for the snack basket on that day. W.V. childcare law does not allow us to accept foods prepared at home. All foods must be from ‘approved food service providers.’ A variety fruit and/or cheese and cracker plate is acceptable (and can be put together at home) and a favorite with the children. Cookies and (small) cupcakes or muffins are also enjoyed. Please let us know if you plan to send in a treat for the snack basket.













Outdoor Play
When weather permits we spend a period of time each day out on our playground.

The teachers encourage the children to play outdoors to exercise their muscles and to breathe the fresh air.

On those days the weather does not permit outdoor play, we spend the same period of time for indoor activities, which allows for muscle stretching, large motor activity and "outside noises."

We request that you give the weather thoughtful consideration and help your child dress accordingly.

If the ground is wet from rain or snow, please send appropriate foot attire. Hats are also a good idea when the wind turns chilly.

If, for health reasons, you want your child to stay indoors during play time, please inform the school verbally or by note.

Field Trips
Field trips are sometimes taken throughout the year, as frequently as we can find interesting places to visit and have adequate parental assistance with driving and supervision. If you have any suggestions, let us hear them. We also take seasonal walks throughout the year. Our favorite and most frequent walk is to the "duck bridge" to feed the ducks. School policy requires that parents sign a field trip permission form upon enrolling your child.

Discipline
Physical discipline or verbal abuse of any kind will not be inflicted on any child.

If a child behaves in an inappropriate way either with another child or with school property, she will first be informed that the behavior is inappropriate, with explanation. If the source of the problem is unclear, an attempt to help the child/children tell ‘their sides’ and assist them in sorting it out between them will be made. It is important that the children develop the skills of problem solving and engage in the process of conflict resolution. If the problem continues, the children will then be asked to separate from each other or the materials being mishandled. She (they) may be asked to “rest their bodies” for a minute and then redirect their energies to purposeful classroom activity.

Any chronic behavior problems or teacher concerns will be handled cooperatively between parents and teachers.

Health Policies
School policy requires that each child have a medical examination annually, and that his immunizations are up-to-date, including the chicken pox vaccine. A health form must be filled out and signed by a physician.

No child will be allowed to attend school with a fever or other symptoms of obvious discomfort. If the child does not appear well, we will take his temperature, attempt to make him comfortable, and call his parents. We cannot administer Tylenol or any other medications without parental permission. It is the parents' responsibility to report to the school any contagious condition or disease your child has contracted. This allows us to take precautions at the center and to inform other Montessori parents.

Emergency Procedure
In the event of an emergency involving your child, we will contact you immediately. The child's doctor, and -- if necessary -- an ambulance, will be called. If the parents cannot be reached, the person designated on the emergency permission form will be contacted.

School policy requires that an emergency release form be completed for every child enrolled.

Tuition
Tuition is payable monthly and is due during the first week of every month. For your convenience, a self-addressed envelope will be sent home at the beginning of each month serving as a reminder that tuition is due. This envelope may be returned with payment by your child the following class day, or mailed, as you prefer. If the monthly payment schedule is not workable for you, or if there are occasional payment problems, please call. We will try to work something out.

Withdrawals - Refunds
No tuition will be refunded for occasional days absent due to illness, family vacation schedules or the school's scheduled closing days.

Two weeks of advanced notice is required to withdraw your child from school. This allows staff the time to announce the available opening and conduct interviews for filling your child's place. Tuition cannot be refunded for withdrawals after April 1 because it is unlikely that the space would be filled at that late date . The exceptions to this policy are, (1) termination of employment, or (2) a move from the area, also with two weeks notice.

Otherwise, preschool tuition must be paid, in full, for April and May.

Problems and Concerns
A supportive and positive attitude toward school, expressed by parents, is VERY important to the children. Giving out conflicting signals will only confuse your child.

If there is ever a problem or if you have any questions or concerns about school policies, please bring them to the attention of the director immediately, either verbally or in writing. Email me.

Our program has been greatly enhanced over the years by parent input and feedback. Our purpose is to serve you and your family as best we can.

Back to top