Montessori School of Portsmouth Ages 3-6

Parent Handbook

“Helping children reach their full potential.” Updated March 2015

Dear Parent(s): Greetings to all of you and welcome to The Children’s School. Here your child will be immersed in a peaceful, innovative and educational environment that will challenge, intrigue and delight, while developing intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth.

As The Children’s School embarks on the school year, it is necessary that our daily policies, guidelines and procedures be communicated in a clear and concise manner. Your handbook has been prepared for this purpose and is required reading for all parents and staff at the start of each school year. You will find this guide to be very helpful as we work together to maintain an organized and vibrant school. Should you have any questions as you read through the Handbook, please call me at your convenience, and I will be happy to address them with you. Please give special attention to items in italics, in bold print or those that are underlined and or highlighted. For the convenience of our returning families, the areas that have been revised since last year are highlighted in yellow. Once you have read the Handbook, it is required that you sign the sheet stapled to the back of the handbook and return it to the School If you have any questions at all about one or more of the policies contained herein, please see me.

We seek to continue our partnership with you in carrying out the work of Maria Montessori, and we look forward to another exciting year working with your wonderful children!

Fondly,

Jennifer Conheeny Owner/Director

School Information 1985 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI 02871 401-683-5850 phone and fax 401-683-5810 (emergency #) www.portsmouthmontessori.com email:[email protected] School Hours: 7:30-3:30 extended day 5:00 Consulting Physician Christina Dierolf

Table of Contents Educational Philosophy 1 Licensing 1 The Child 1 The Teacher 1 Parental Involvement 1 The Curriculum 1 The Pre-Primary Program 2 Enrollment Requirements 2 Financial Policies 2 Registration, Deposit & Other Fees 2 Tuition 2 Tuition Payment Options 3 Other Enrollment Information 3 Sufficient Reason for Termination 3 Returned Checks 3 Overtime & Late Pick-Up Fees 4 Arrival Time/Tardiness 4 Holidays & Vacations 4 Inclement Weather 4 Signing-In & Signing-Out 5 Dismissal Authorization 5 Community Snack Program 5 Birthdays 6 Personal Belongings 6 Parent Conferences 6 Behavior Management Plan 6 Destruction of Materials or Other School Property 6 Outdoor Playtime 6 Clothing 7 Field Trips 7 Illness 7 Communicable Diseases 7 Administration of Medication Emergency Medical Procedure 8 Supervision of Children 8 Schedule of Daily Activities 9 Principles for Reconciliation 9 Procedure for Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect 9 Communication 10 Suggested Readings 10

______Parent Handbook Acknowledgment

The Children’s School does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, color, creed, ethnic or national origin for admissions, educational policies, hiring practices, or in any of its school policies or practices. Educational Philosophy The Children’s School was established on the belief that children between the ages of 0-6 years develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially at a rate that will never again be duplicated in their lifetime. Once these precious years have passed, so has an enormous potential for learning.

Our programs stress respect for the child and the individual rate of development of each child. Children pass through “sensitive periods” where they naturally exhibit an inner drive to master new concepts. Thus, it is the teacher’s role to detect these “periods” and prepare the environment for learning.

Children have a natural curiosity and will learn new concepts experienced through concrete, hands-on activities. Play is children’s work and one of the most effective teachers. We integrate child-centered programs that allow the child choices of activities and the decision of whether to work alone or with others. Children are encouraged to be in control of their own learning and, in doing so, build confidence in themselves and become willing to take on life’s challenges and become successful in future endeavors.

Licensing The Children’s School is licensed by The Department of Children, Youth and Families.

The Child As part of the Montessori classroom, children of mixed ages and abilities work together. This permits individual development, discourages competition and allows the children to help one another. A child may choose whatever activity suits a particular stage of his/her development or interest. S/he progresses from that point at a self- designated pace and pattern. Children may work at a task uninterrupted for as long as they wish, provided they do not disturb others. They may work alone, in small groups or in a large group. While they are not required to work together, the non-competitive atmosphere of the class encourages easy social relationships.

The Teacher The teacher works individually with a child, introducing materials and giving guidance where needed. The teacher’s primary task of careful observation of each child is essential in determining needs so as to prepare the environment for growth. This method of teaching is indirect in that the teacher neither imposes on the child as in direct teaching, nor abandons the child as in non-directive, permissive teaching. Rather, cues are taken from the child, providing appropriate challenges when the child indicates readiness. In this way, the child feels success with a minimum of frustration. Parental Involvement You are a vital part of our School Community, and we value your participation in our program. We invite all parents to become involved by volunteering when possible, such as on field trips, special classroom activities or school functions. We value your input and will request parent evaluation of program during the school year.

The Curriculum The curriculum is based on a holistic approach to learning, encompassing the following areas:

practical life activities (motor and social); sensory skills (training of the five senses); and academic skills (math, reading, writing, geography and science)

Library work, movement, music and art are closely integrated into classroom activities. Monthly visits from experts in these areas are included in tuition rate. The Pre-Primary Program The Montessori philosophy contains specific themes based on the learning behaviors of children. They include:

 the prepared environment which provides exploratory activity for varying developmental levels  multi-year and multi-age classroom for children between ages three and six years  independence in learning with guidance from the teacher to ensure overall mastery of curriculum goals  cooperative learning which offers opportunities for peer teaching, both spontaneous and guided  the development of grace and courtesy which teaches children to feel respect and empathy for the ideas and rights of others Enrollment Requirements  up-to-date immunizations/ proof of lead test  annual medical examination  must be 3 years of age  Written authorization for emergency medical treatment  Emergency release form filled out  Signed Financial agreement

Financial Policies The Financial Policies, Fees and Tuition schedule is distributed at the time of initial registration and with each subsequent re-registration. Tuition and payment schedules are established annually by the Director and the School’s Financial Planner. The Children’s School will not accept a re-registration for any child until any and all outstanding financial obligations have been met. In such cases, the child will not be re-admitted to the School for the following academic year unless arrangements have been made with the Director regarding payment of the overdue amount. Registration, Deposit and Other Fees Registration Fee: A $75.00 non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of initial registration and with each subsequent re-registration. Deposit: A $250.00 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. This deposit will be applied to the last agreed upon months tuition. If child is withdrawn before this time, deposit it forfeited

Resource/Enrichment Fee: A $200.00 New Family Development Fee is due on or before September 1st. This fee is forfeited if a child is withdrawn after September 1st. A $150 dollar enrichment fee is also paid annually to provide extended opportunities to children for fieldtrips, classroom visits and materials

*The school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 1:00 for children who are enrolled in the half day program, 3:30 for children who are enrolled in the full day program.

Please inquire about extended day rates/application.

Tuition Payment Options Three tuition payment options are available; please refer to Financial Policies and information Document. However, enrollment of your child is a commitment for the entire 2015-2016 school year. (Military clause is honored)

Voluntary withdrawal or termination for sufficient reason, as determined by the School, any time after registration or re-registration by families choosing the any Tuition Payment Option will result in the forfeit of any and all fees and monthly installments previously paid and an obligation to fulfill the financial commitment made to The Children’s School.

All tuition is due on or before the dates indicated in policies. Monthly installments are due on or before the first day of the month. If payment is not received within three days of the due date, the child cannot return to school until full payment, together with a $35.00 late fee, is made. There is no credit for absences, vacation or holidays, or closings due to inclement weather.

Other Enrollment Information Sibling Discount: a 10% discount is calculated on the lowest sibling rate.

Unless all financial commitments made at the time of enrollment are regularly met, The Children’s School regrets that it cannot keep your child at our school. Questions regarding the financial policies, fees and/or tuitions should be forwarded to the Director.

Sufficient Reason for Termination The Children’s School reserves the right to terminate any child for inappropriate, hurtful or disruptive behavior toward self, other children, the staff or the classroom as a whole. Additionally, The Children’s School may terminate any child for the disregard of or non-compliance with any School policy by the child or the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s). If such inappropriate, hurtful or disruptive behavior and/or disregard for School policies occurs, a one-time conference will be scheduled with the parents. If the problem continues beyond the conference, the child may be terminated. In addition, from time to time, in rare instances, it may be determined by The Children’s School that a Montessori environment is not suitable for a particular child and/or family. In such instances, The Children’s School reserves the right to terminate that child/family based on their observations of such.

Returned Checks There will be a $30 fee charged on each check that is returned for insufficient funds. After two returned checks, only cash payments will be accepted for your child to remain in the program.

Overtime & Late Pick-Up Fee Licensing permits only a certain number of children in attendance at any one time and we staff our program accordingly. Our staffing is determined based upon information received from all parents at registration time. Requests for additional time, therefore, need to be approved by the director. Please be mindful of this and plan your time accordingly at pick up time. Any parent who is habitually late picking up after their scheduled class time will be charged an additional fee of $10 per 15-minute increment.

Arrival Time/ Tardiness Our Instructional Day begins at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 3:30. Anyone arriving after 9:00 a.m. should ring the doorbell at the entrance. To limit interruption to instruction, look for sign on the door, if Meeting is in Progress wait until Meeting is over to ring bell. Meeting time is approx. 9:15-9:45 Quiet Time This time is required by the division of licensing. Although children do not have to sleep during this time, rest is required. Please prepare your child for this time by sending the appropriate rest time items. Holidays & Vacations The Children’s School generally follows the Portsmouth Public School calendar.* any exceptions to the Portsmouth Public School calendar will be indicated on the TCS school calendar received each year. Please post the school calendar in a familiar place in your home for your convenience in remembering these standard school closings:

Labor Day (Sep) New Year’s Day (Jan) Columbus Day (Oct) Martin Luther King Day (Jan) Veterans Day (Nov) Presidents Day (Feb) Thanksgiving (Nov) Good Friday (Mar/Apr) Christmas (Dec) Memorial Day (May)

Recesses & School Vacations are as follows:

Thanksgiving Day & the day after February Vacation Holiday Recess (December-1-2 weeks, includes New Year’s Day) April Vacation

When any legal holiday falls on a Sunday, the day following it is a full legal holiday.

*The Children’s School reserves the right to close additional days as needed for Montessori training or other teacher development opportunities that may arise after the school calendar has been distributed.

Inclement Weather We will follow the Portsmouth Public School Department with respect to school closings in inclement weather. Please listen to WPRO-FM (92.3), WPRO-AM (630), WWLI-FM (105.1) on the ratio or tune in to WJAR-10 on the television for Portsmouth’s announcement. If Portsmouth is delayed, closed or closes early, we will do the same. . With respect to delayed openings, if Portsmouth Public Schools have a one-hour delay, The Children’s School will open at 9:30. The Children’s School does not make its own announcement. Additionally, The Children’s School may, at its discretion, delay opening, close or close early in other types of weather that it deems to be extreme or unsafe for the children or staff, even if Portsmouth Public Schools do not. In such cases, parents will be informed by telephone. There is no credit of time or tuition in the event the School closes due to inclement weather. Signing In & Out All children must be accompanied by an adult when entering and exiting the building. Department of Education regulations require that each child be signed in and out every day s/he is in attendance. The sign-in/out sheet is located on top of the cubby in the entrance area. Please Note: for safety purposes, no child is allowed out of the building without being accompanied by an adult and, once outside, becomes the adult’s responsibility. Also for safety purposes, please do not allow your child to climb on the railing at the entrance or step off the sidewalk area without you. While we know that siblings can have a high interest in the classroom, we ask that unenrolled children stay in the foyer at this time in order to limit disruption.

Dismissal Authorization There is space provided on our enrollment form to name four (4) persons authorized to pick your child up. A large percentage of parents choose to name only them. This is acceptable; however, under no circumstances will we release your child to anyone other than you if you have not named other authorized persons on your enrollment form. Picture identification is always required for pick up. If there are custody orders/ restrictions, a copy MUST be provided to the school. If you wish to authorize the dismissal of your child to any person listed on your enrollment form, you must let the School know in writing (preferably) or by telephone. If you are calling in a duress situation (someone is forcing you to make the call), please use our Emergency Number 683-5810. We will immediately notify the police that there is a problem. If any of the above procedures is not followed, we will not release your child until you can be reached by telephone, and you will be responsible for any late pick-up fees . Dismissal information MUST be updated annually or if there are any changes to dismissal routine. Community Snack Program As part of a community sharing snack/food preparation program, all families are asked to participate in the provision of the mid-morning snack for their classmates. A calendar will be posted and distributed to each family indicating their child’s day for sharing snack. To avoid unhealthy or repetition in snack choice, Snack items will be assigned. Bottled water is available to the children for their drink. *If you do not want your child to participate in the consumption of “treats” brought in for occasions such as birthdays, please provide the school with a suitable “substitute” snack to have on hand in such case as well as discuss with your child their snack restriction/substitute. If not otherwise directed, all children will be given the community snack/ treat on those occasions.

*Very Important: Any allergies must be brought to the School’s attention prior to the start of the school year. Such allergies will be indicated at the time the snack rotation calendar is distributed. Once this information has been communicated, it is each family’s responsibility to ensure that the snack items they bring in do not contain any items that produce the allergic reactions communicated.

Flowers In order to maintain the beauty of our classroom environment, families will also participate in a community flower drop off. In lieu of snack, one family will be asked to provide fresh cut flowers for the classroom. This will be posted on the snack calendar. Please choose flowers with a long “shelf life” and possibly a color or variety that is in keeping with a season or holiday theme.

Birthdays We believe that each child should be treated equally; therefore, we celebrate all birthdays in a similar manner and ask that parents do not send in a birthday cake. However, from time to time children do enjoy bringing in a special snack for their friends, and your child’s birthday could be the perfect opportunity. If you would like to provide snack on your child’s birthday, please make prior arrangements with his/her teacher. Invitations for home celebrations should be distributed discreetly by the parent into the children’s cubbies. We are not allowed to give out addresses and/or telephone numbers without prior authorization. If you chose, a classroom student directory will be assimilated at the beginning of the school year for this purpose which will contain contact information. This is voluntary and will only be shared with other TCS families for the purpose of playdates, etc.

Personal Belongings All children must have at least one change of (weather appropriate) clothing to be stored at School. Such clothing will be stored in canvas pockets located in the bathrooms in each classroom. Because of space limitations, changes of clothing should not be brought in backpacks or canvas bags. All clothing (including all outerwear) should be labeled with the child’s name (not initials) in large visible letters. Toys must be left at home. Each child’s cubby and basket should be emptied daily. Backpacks, lunchboxes and bags should be child sized and easily accessed by children independently. Parent Conferences Scheduled conference will be as follows:  New Families- September  Kindergarten children-January-February  All-May-June At any time throughout the school year, if you wish to have a conference(s), please make your request in writing to your child’s teacher with sufficient advance notice. Conversely, if the teacher wishes to schedule a conference, he/she will make their request in writing to the child’s parent and or guardian. Please avoid holding unscheduled “mini-conferences” with teachers at arrival and/or dismissal, as they are supervising other children.

Behavior Management Plan The teacher and/or assistant shall be a Guide rather than a Disciplinarian. Good discipline is not merely punishment or enforcement of rules. It is caring enough about children to provide good, clear guidelines for their protection. A well-organized attractive environment shall foster interest and cooperation in the children and thus reduce problems. Our classroom “Ground Rules” are “Be Kind, Be Gentle, Be Safe.” We use a positive approach to behavior management that centers on praising children’s favorable behavior, setting limits and providing consistency. With guidance from the teacher, the children are taught methods of peer problem solving which enable them to solve their own conflicts with classmates. When necessary, redirection can often prevent disruptive and/or harmful situations. Such a temporary pause in activities will tend to calm the child and is usually a sufficient positive disciplinary action. This method is also very effective in orienting the child to greater respect for others. “Time-out,” when a child is separated from the group, is only used as a last resort, and it is not referred to by this term.

Destruction of Materials or Other School Property The beautiful materials purchased to support the Montessori curriculum and our prepared environment, are costly. As part of our early discussions regarding classroom ground rules, the children learn that the classroom belongs to them and that they are therefore responsible for the safe and appropriate handling of all things in the environment, including one another, the plants, animals, furniture and materials. If, at any time, a child uses a Montessori material in an inappropriate and/or destructive manner resulting in the material no longer being complete, safe and/or suitable for use, the child’s parents will be responsible for replacing that material. We have many resources for materials, and we endeavor to purchase high-quality materials at the most affordable price. In such cases where a family must replace a material, we will do our best to find a replacement of the same quality at the lowest possible price.

Outdoor Playtime At The Children’s School, we feel outdoor play is a very important part of the “whole day.” For this reason, children go outside in all-weather except extreme weather conditions. We use our outdoor thermometer to determine the day’s temperature. Children should be dressed accordingly: light jacket, hat in the Fall and Spring; heavy jacket, hat, mittens, scarf, snow pants and boots in the Winter. We have been assured by our consulting pediatrician that it is not necessary for children to remain indoors because of a cold or an ear infection. They need the fresh air and exercise. If you feel your child is too sick to go outside, then s/he is too sick to be at School and should remain at home.

Clothing It is recommended that children be dressed in washable, comfortable clothing. Water activities, art, sand play and occasional bathroom accidents may necessitate the changing of clothes resulting in the need for each child to have one or more changes of clothes on hand at School. Please replenish extra clothes immediately if you are made aware that your child has used what was provided. Look for notes in your child’s mailbox listing items used/ missing Field Trips Field trips are an important part of our curriculum. There is no definitive number of field trips scheduled per year. They are scheduled according to what options are available that coincide with our areas of study. Due to teacher participation in field trips, any parent not wishing his/her child to join the class on a field trip must keep the child home from school on that day. Such “trips” may come to us during winter months. Advance notice is always given prior to field trips. The fees for field trips are generally included in the Resource/Enrichment Fee paid by each family in September of each year. Parents who are able to do so are invited to accompany children on field trips as chaperones. If your child has any “fears” that require excessive attention in an unfamiliar setting, parent attendance at that setting is mandatory. Otherwise, said child should not attend school on the day of that outing. It is also important that any siblings that attend fieldtrips do so under the supervision of the parent.

Illness A child with the common cold will be accepted into the school provided the child’s temperature is normal and any discharge from the nose does not have any color. A child who appears ill, has a temperature of 100 degrees orally, has diarrhea or has vomited either at school or within the last 24 hours cannot be in school. The child’s parent will be contacted, and the child may be isolated comfortably on a cot in the office until someone picks him/her up. Parents of children with an unknown or suspicious rash may also be contacted. Every effort should be made to have the sick child picked up within one hour of the initial phone call. A child who is picked up from school due to any of the above illness or the communicable diseases listed below will receive a note in his/her cubby indicating that s/he cannot return to school the following day, or as indicated below. If a child has conjunctivitis/pink eye, s/he must be on medication at home until all eye discharge has subsided. This may take from 24 to 48 hours, and a physician’s note is required in order for the child to return to school. Please note: the above procedures are mandated by the regulations of the School’s licensing bodies.

Communicable Diseases Children with the following conditions must be excluded from school for the specified times. A note from the physician is required to return to school.

Head Lice – children with head lice must be treated either by their physician or with an over-the counter lice treatment; in either case, a note from their physician is required to return to school.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – from the first symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment. All eye drainage must no longer be present for the child to attend.

Chicken Pox – for six (6) days after rash appears, contacts not included. Additionally, in the event of one or more cases of chicken pox reported to the School, any child who has not been vaccinated or has not had the disease is susceptible and must be excluded from school for as long as there is a risk for disease or until s/he is vaccinated. Unvaccinated children may return to school two (2) weeks after the onset of rash in the last case of reported chicken pox.

Mumps – until all glandular swelling has disappeared, contacts not included.

German Measles – for seven (7) days after rash appears. Contacts who have had the disease or measles vaccination may attend school at the discretion of the attending physician.

Scarlet Fever – from the first symptoms until 48 hours after the start of adequate treatment. Contacts may attend school at the physician’s discretion.

Scarlatina – Same as Scarlet Fever. Strep Throat – Same as Scarlet Fever.

Infectious Hepatitis – for the first two weeks of illness, at least. Intimate contacts who receive medication may attend school.

Whooping Cough – from the first symptoms until 21 days after the beginning of whoop. Contacts who have not been immunized or have not had the disease should be excluded for two (2) weeks.

Administration of Medication Neither prescribed nor non-prescribed medications shall be administered to a child without written order of a licensed physician. For prescription medicine, the label on the original container is sufficient notice; a written note by the physician is required for non-prescription medicine. All medicine must be registered with the office and must be accompanied by a Medical Release Form provided by the office. No medicine may remain in a child’s cubby, lunch box or other container. Medication that does not require refrigeration shall be stored in the medicine tray located in the office. All medications shall be administered by the Director or his/her designee and witnessed by another staff member. No medication, whether prescribed or authorized by a physician, will be administered on an “as needed” basis except in an emergent situation, such as an allergic reaction or spiked fever from febrile seizure and, in those cases, only when we have prior knowledge of the condition and a physician’s note acknowledging it and authorizing treatment for that specific condition.

Medical Emergency Procedure In the event of a medical emergency 911 will be called. You have indicated your hospital of choice on enrollment form. Every effort will be made to transport your child to that facility. Your child will be accompanied by a teacher when possible and you will be contacted at the number(s) provided on emergency card. For this reason, please notify school of any contact information changed immediately.

Supervision of Children Children shall be under the direct supervision of child care staff at all times. All aspects of the program, including toileting, resting or sleeping, eating, outdoor play, etc. shall be supervised by designated staff.

Approximate Schedule of Daily Activities 8:30-9:30 Classroom work time-Language, Reading, Practical Life 9:30-10:30 1st Meeting/Circle time/Group/ New Material and Lessons 9:30-11:30 Classroom work time- Math, Geography, Science, Snack 11:30-12:00 2nd Meeting/Circle-Stories and Music 12:00-1:00 Outdoor play, First Lunch Half day dismissal 12:45-1:30 Second Lunch 1:30-2:30 Quiet/Rest time 2:45-3:30 Classroom Work time-all subjects/Outdoors Dismissal ; Procedure for Reporting Cases of Child Abuse and Neglect Any suspected case of child abuse and/or neglect shall be reported to the Department Of Children, Youth and Families (1-800-RICHILD) in accordance with state law.

Gossip, slander and/or intimidation at the School do not promote harmony and unity and strongly discouraged. Questions, complaints and/or concerns should always be handled courteously, politely and promptly, endeavoring to first settle the issue with the person or persons directly involved. please use the following procedures for handling a complaint:

 A parent with a concern and/or complaint about a child and/or another parent should speak directly with that child’s parent or the parent with whom they have the concern and/or complaint, in the spirit of reconciliation.

 A parent with a concern and/or complaint about a teacher should arrange to speak directly with that teacher, outside of class time, in the spirit of reconciliation. If the matter cannot be resolved by meeting with the teacher, the parent may then arrange to meet with the teacher and the director.

 A parent with a concern and/or complaint about the director should call the school to arrange to meet with the director, in the spirit of reconciliation.

 A teacher with a concern and/or complaint about a child or a parent will arrange to speak directly with the child’s parent or the parent with whom s/he has a concern and/or complaint.

Remember: children’s needs must be met at all times; therefore, handling of complaints should be done outside of class time. If an issue is brought to a teacher’s attention during class time, unless it poses a threat to the school, the staff or the children, the teacher will let you know when s/he can speak to you outside of class time.

Please Note: if an issue is brought to our attention that does not involve us or does not pose a threat to the school, the staff or the children in attendance, it will be channeled appropriately to the individual(s) involved.

Communication Every effort is made to communicate with families in multiple ways. School events/ schedules/ celebrations are published in a variety formats. It is the family’s responsibility to look for these notices and plan accordingly. Information/communication is disseminated through email, monthly newsletters, on the daily sign-in sheet as well as on our white board in the school foyer. Please read these postings! It is essential to proper planning and limits confusion and frustration throughout our school year.

Daily activities are reported on the whiteboard. Please use this message in order to interact and question your child about their learning day. Digital Photo display can also communicate activities and materials your child had=s used. Please take a peek at drop off and pick up.