A CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Parent Handbook

All Nations Montessori, 17105 NE 43rd Terrace, Redmond, WA 98052

Ph. 425-445-5942, Email susan@allnationsmontessori.com

www.allnationsmontessori.com

         Welcome  to  All  Nations  Montessori.  

This  handbook  should  answer  most  of  your  questions.  If  not,  please  do  not  hesitate  to  ask  me.  

Please  note,  many  of  the  guidelines  in  this  handbook  have  been  stipulated  by  the  

Washington  State  Department  of  Early  Learning  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MISSION STATEMENT .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

PHILOSOPHY AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

MY FAMILY AND BACKGROUND ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

MY TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

INTRODUCTORY VISIT .................................................................................................................................... 5 ADMISSION FORMS ..................................................................................................................................... 5

CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION STATUS* ......................................................................................................... 5 TRANSITION PERIOD ..................................................................................................................................... 5 TRIAL PERIOD .............................................................................................................................................. 5

DEPOSIT, REGISTRATION FEES, TUITION AND PAYMENT PLAN* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

PAYMENT PLAN, PENALTIES, AND EXTRA CHARGES ....................................................................................... 6,7 VACATIONS AND ABSENCES* ........................................................................................................................ 7

BUSINESS PRACTICES .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SIGN-IN AND SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES* ........................................................................................................... 7 STAFFING WHEN PROVIDER IS ABSENT* ........................................................................................................... 7 BACK-UP CHILD CARE ................................................................................................................................. 7 TERMINATION OF SERVICES* .......................................................................................................................... 8 RECEIPTS AND TAXES .................................................................................................................................... 8 SMOKING* .................................................................................................................................................. 8

HOURS OF OPERATION AND DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

HOURS AND DAYS OF OPERATION* ............................................................................................................... 8 SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE* ................................................................................................................ 9 HOLIDAYS* ............................................................................................................................................ 9 TELEVISION, VIDEO AND COMPUTER USE ...................................................................................................... 10 SPECIAL ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................................... 10 PETS* ....................................................................................................................................................... 10

TRANSPORTATION AND FIELD TRIPS* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

SNACKS* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

SAMPLE MENU* ......................................................................................................................................... 11 POLICIES FOR FOOD BROUGHT FROM HOME* .............................................................................................. 11

PERMISSION FOR FREE ACCESS* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CARE OF YOUNG CHILDREN* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

SEPARATION .............................................................................................................................................. 13 TOILET LEARNING* ..................................................................................................................................... 13

HEALTH CARE PRACTICES* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES* ........................................................................................................................... 13 MEDICINE MANAGEMENT* ......................................................................................................................... 13 ILL CHILDREN* ........................................................................................................................................... 14 CLEANING AND DISINFECTING* ................................................................................................................... 15 HAND WASHING PRACTICES ................................................................................................... ……………. 15 INJURY PREVENTION! ………………………………………………………………………………………………15 DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN* ......................................................................................................................... 15

COMMUNICATION AND PARENT CONFERENCES .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ……………17

PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION ........................................................................................................ 17 PARENT/PARENT CONFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 17 PARENT INVOLVEMENT ............................................................................................................................... 17 PARKING……………………………………………………………………………………….………………...17

THE CHILDREN'S CORNER ………………………………………………………………………………………..18 CLOTHES ……………………………………………………………………………………………….……..18 PLANTS …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18 SCHOOL BAGS …………………………………………………………………………………………………19 SPECIAL EVENTS: BIRTHDAYS,PARTIES,TEAS …………………………………………………….………..…19 SHOW AND TELL …………………………………………………………………….………………………….20

CHECKLIST OF CHILD CARE SUPPLIES* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT* .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Please read this handbook thoroughly. Items in the table of contents with an asterisks (*) are required by licensing to be reported to parents in writing. Other items include necessary information about this child care, its business practices, and the caregivers. I have a copy of Washington's Minimum Licensing Requirements available for review. I look forward to our very important relationship as parent, child and care provider. My home has been inspected by a state licenser and meets the minimum licensing requirements as required by Washington State law.

This handbook was updated on 8/28/2019

I have read the All Nations Montessori Parent Handbook and agree to its policies.

Signed____________________________________ Date______________

Signed____________________________________ Date______________

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All  Nations  Montessori  –  Handbook  

Mission  Statement  

All Nations Montessori is a non-denominational, Christian preschool with the goal of nurturing the whole child: spirit, soul, and body. All Nations Montessori counts it a privilege to walk alongside your children in these very important, formative years. We offer a “prepared environment” where children can experience the joy of learning at their own pace – fulfilling their potential while increasing in confidence, independence, and a greater awareness and understanding of the world around them.

Philosophy  and  Program  Description  

Children have a need to explore, they are inquisitive and constantly in the quest for knowledge or attaining a new skill whether they verbalize it or not. Maria Montessori understood the child’s needs and through her patient observation she developed a method for the child to satisfy this inner working out of his own person.

At All Nations Montessori, we provide “a prepared environment” where the furniture is scaled down to the child’s size, where there are low shelves that the child can reach without the aid of an adult, and where there are materials that are developmentally appropriate for the 3 year old or the 6 year old. All Nations Montessori (ANM) accepts children from 3 – 6 years of age. We also on occasion accept children who are 2 ½, potty trained, and ready for a pre-school experience.

We respect the child, allowing him to go at his own pace. We respect the child’s need for independence, not doing for the child what the child can do for himself. We respect the child’s choices and recognize that the child goes through “sensitive periods” – periods where the child is especially interested in a particular activity such as polishing mirrors, learning sounds or drawing maps. During these sensitive periods the child’s main focus is on that particular activity to the exclusion of others. When the sensitive period is over for that particular activity, the child seeks challenges in another area.

Maria Montessori wrote, “We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being.”

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The  Curriculum  

Practical Life How many times have we heard a young child exclaim? “Let me do it!” The practical life activities are geared to helping the child do just that. The child learns how to take care of himself as a person – for example – learning how to button, zip a coat, or tie shoelaces. He learns how to take care of the environment, dusting, sweeping and caring for plants. He also learns grace and courtesy – how to respect himself and others.

It is in working with the practical life materials that the child learns to concentrate, to work independently and to accomplish a task from beginning to end (such as putting the material back on the shelf neatly for the next person). Not only is he acquiring fine motor skills, the ability to concentrate and work independently, but because the materials are organized from left to right he is learning order and organization and indirectly is already being prepared for reading.

Sensorial The world is made known to the child through his senses. The child is constantly responding to and actively seeking out stimuli from the environment, and it is through interacting with the environment that cognitive development takes place.

Of the sensorial materials, Maria Montessori says, “The aim is an inner one, namely, that the child train himself to observe, that he be led to make comparisons between objects, to form judgments, to reason and to decide, and it is in the indefinite repetition of this exercise of attention and of intelligence that a real development ensues”.

Mathematics Montessori’s genius is so evident with the materials she developed for the child to acquire a clear visual and tactile representation of the mathematical concepts being presented. The math curriculum takes the child from recognizing numbers all the way to division using the decimal system. The child works progressively from the concrete to the abstract, all with hands-on, visual aids.

Language Arts One of the most impressive aspects of early childhood is the acquisition of language. Children love words and they are not afraid of difficult words. While working with many of the materials, the child acquires a rich vocabulary such as rough, smooth, loud, soft, thick, thin, thorax, abdomen, cylinder, cube, stamen, pistil and so on.

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We teach phonics. Children have the opportunity to learn how to spell, how to read, and how to write. We also teach grammar. It is not unusual to find young readers in a Montessori primary class.

Geography Map making is a highlight. The children learn about continents and oceans, countries and the flags which represent them. They learn about many cultures of the various continents and they learn about land and water forms.

Science Our program introduces the child to what is living and non-living leading to a study of botany, and zoology – vertebrates and invertebrates.

Foreign Language We offer Spanish incorporating music and the Total Physical Response Method which keep the child actively engaged.

Arts and Crafts Arts and crafts are incorporated in all the unit studies. Painting at an easel is a free choice activity. The children will be introduced to many notable artists and their compositions/creations.

Gardening Each child will have an individual garden plot to plant and care for when the weather permits.

Music We will listen to many of the great composers’ compositions throughout the year. We will also be incorporating Musikgarten’s program Cycle of Seasons. As their brochure states “Celebrate your child’s love of nature and growing independence through activities which focus on the seasons of the year. Classes are designed to build attention and self-expression and include singing, chanting moving, focused listening, musical games, exploring musical instruments, creative movement and storytelling.”

Spir itual Training Who a child is – his character – is more important than what he is able to do. We will highlight various character qualities throughout the year giving the child the opportunity to put these into practice not only at school but also at home. The children will have the opportunity to work independently with the materials to discover the geography of where Jesus was born and lived. They will learn about the Liturgical Year and the colors that represent different parts of the year. They will be able to work independently with materials depicting the life of Christ such as the birth of Jesus and the Adoration of the Shepherds as well as many of the parables, including the Parable of the Good Shepherd. They will

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have the opportunity to learn Bible verses, make simple prayer cards, and illustrate the stories they have heard or are working with.

As with other areas of the Montessori classroom, once presented the activity is placed on the shelf for the child to choose freely after completing the steps leading up to that particular activity.

Directress  Bio  &  Background  

For many years Susan Hallak has had a dream of starting a Montessori school. When looking for a preschool for her oldest son, she became so impressed with the Montessori system that she enrolled in the Montessori training offered by Seattle University under the auspices of the American Montessori Society (AMS). This opened up doors for an internship at Bellevue Montessori where her son attended. Upon completing her training, she taught at Marymoor Montessori and Lake Hills Montessori followed by a hiatus to home school her three sons, all of whom are now grown. Later, she returned to Lake Hills Montessori where she was again delighted to teach many wonderful children.

Susan’s personal style is patient, fun-loving, and warm. Working with children brings her incredible joy and draws out her creativity as she carefully nurtures and encourages their development.

Susan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Beirut College for Women in Lebanon, and she engages in continuing Montessori education. A world traveler who was born in Venezuela and grew up in Europe, Susan has lived in and travelled to many countries and she speaks several languages. In addition to her 30 years of involvement in the community, in her free time, Susan is a life-long learner who enjoys gardening, reading, walking, activities in her church, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren!

Training & Experience

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science• Montessori Primary Diploma• Advanced French Summer Course, Université de Paris-Sorbonne• Perceptual Motor Course• Training in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level 1• Training from Musik Garten for Cycle of Seasons • Lead Teacher at Marymoor Montessori• Lead Teacher at Lake Hills Montessori

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Admission  Requirements  &  Enrollment  Procedures*  

Introductory Visit    Please call for an appointment. Before enrolling, we invite you to visit our facility. You are welcome to bring your child at this time.  

Admission Forms

There are several forms you are required to complete prior to your child's admittance: 1. Application for Admission to All Nations Montessori2. Enrollment and Tuition Agreement3. Consent For Medical Care and Treatment of a Minor4. Permission Authorizations5. Policy Agreement6. Certificate of Immunization Status

Certif icate of Immunization Status* All children must be current on their immunizations. A Certificate of Immunization Status form [CIS] must be used, and be current and updated yearly. In the event there is an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease that the child has not been immunized for, your child may need to be excluded from attending ANM if you have signed an exemption to immunizations.

Transit ion Period Please refer to this year’s calendar. The first session is one hour, increasing to 1 ½ hours for a few days, then 2 hours and finally to the full session.

Tr ial Period

A 4 week trial period will start from the date your child enrolled. This period is used to observe the child's adjustment to the environment and to see if the child is ready for the preschool experience as well as to talk about any concerns that may arise. After the 4 week trial period, we will determine whether or not this is a good fit for your child. If this is not a good fit for your child you will be refunded the payment for the month of June.

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Deposit  /Registration  Fees  and  Rates*  Deposit: • A non-refundable deposit of $ 280.00 must accompany the Application for

Admissions to All Nations Montessori to reserve a place for your child. This deposit includes registration, snack and materials fee.

• Tuition of $295 for the partial month of June is also due upon enrollment and is nonrefundable. In the event we determine within the first month trial period that this is not a good fit for your child, we will refund the June tuition only.

Tuit ion: • Half Day Monthly tuition is $590.00 with the exception of June ($295.00) for a yearly total of $5,605.00.

Full Day monthly tuition is $1305.00 with the exception of June ($652.50) for a yearly total of $12,397.50,due by the 1st of the month. September’s tuition is due by June 5, 2019, and is non-refundable. If tuitionis not received by then, we will assume that you have chosen not to enroll your child at All NationsMontessori and we will open up the space for another child. The monthly tuition does not change,regardless of vacations, absences or illness.

• Family DiscountWhen more than one child from the same family is enrolled concurrently, theadditional children receive a 10 % reduction.

Payment  Plan,  Penalties,  and  Extra  Charges  

• Payment Plan: Payment for tuition/care is due in advance on the first ofthe month. Please note that tuition is per month whether you are onvacation or have taken an extended leave. Payment will still have to bemade for the months the child is not here to reserve the space.

• Holiday Pay: Fees are not reduced during months/weeks that haveholidays.

• Payment Penalties :Payment should be paid on the first of the month. Payment is considered lateafter the 5th of the month. The fee for late payment is $25.00.The penalty for NSF checks is $25.00 plus any bank costs incurred by us. Cashpayment is required for returned checks.

Late Pick-Up Fees We understand that situations arise, such as a flat tire or a medical appointment taking longer than expected. If you think you will be late, please notify us, and/or arrange to have an authorized person pick your child up. If you are 10 minutes late, we will provide a courtesy call prior to arranging alternative transportation ourselves. Late pick up fees are $15.00 after 15 minutes and $30.00 after 30 minutes.

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Extra Charges: Field trip fees will be charged when necessary. You will receive advance notice of any charges. This includes any “field trips” on site.

Other Charges The Musikgarten curriculum Cycle of Seasons is part of the curriculum of All Nations Montessori. You will be asked to purchase a home packet, for you to enjoy with your child at home, and reinforce what they are learning at school. Each packet is $45.00 – a total of $90.00 and payable on August 1.

Vacations and Absences* 1. Please let us know when you will be going on vacation.2. Please call and inform us when your child will not attend due to illness or

some other event.

Business  Practices  

Sign-in and Sign-out Procedures*

1. Arrival and pick-up instructions:At arrival, the parent, guardian or authorized person must sign the child in,and sign-out at pick up time. The sign-in/sign-out form is located insidethe door on the home boxes cabinet. You are required to sign in/out usingfull name, date and time. Please note each child has his or her own sign insheet for the month.

2. Please identify on the Application form who is authorized to pick up yourchild. We will not release your child to any person without your writtenpermission. The person picking up your child must have identification, aswe will ask for verification of identity before releasing a child.

3. Anyone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcoholarriving at All Nations Montessori to pick up a child will be asked to callsomeone else to pick up that child. If a person leaves with a child whilethey appear to be under the influence, we will call 911.

Parking When dropping off and picking up your child, please pull forward to the tree by our driveway which will give room for other parents to park behind you, without disturbing the neighbors. Please come in by the front door. It is very important that you turn off your car and do not leave it running while dropping off or picking up your child.

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Staffing When Provider is Absent*

A substitute teacher or the assistant will take the place of the lead teacher should she be absent due to illness or for any other reason. Should the substitute or assistant also be unable to be present, we will close and make up the days at a later date.

Back-up Child Care We recommend that you have access to an alternate child care arrangement in the event staff should be absent because of illness. If all staff members are ill you will be notified as soon as possible so that you can make other arrangements. It is always your responsibility to find backup child care. For a child care referral, please call: Child Care Resources (206) 329-5544

Termination of Services* 1. You are required to provide us a written 30 day notice of your intent to

withdraw your child from All Nations Montessori. Should your childwithdraw from the school prior to the start of the academic year or anytime thereafter, the total deposit is non-refundable.

2. The following are conditions that will cause child care to be terminated byAll Nations Montessori:

A. continual late payments

B. child behavioral problems that cannot be controlled

C. not respecting child care setting and policies (children and/orparents)

D. continual late pick-ups

Receipts and Taxes

1. We will give you a payment receipt when you pay for tuition.2. You will receive an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) W-10 Form reporting your

annual child care expenditures for the applicable tax year.

Insurance Coverage

√ Professional liability insurance:√ Accidental/medical insurance:

Smoking*

Smoking will only be permitted outdoors in unlicensed space and out of view of children. Smoking will not be permitted on our premises during hours of operation.

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Hours of Operation and Daily Activity Schedule* Classes are from 8:50 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. We ask you to be prompt about picking up your children for many reasons:

• Children may become anxious and worry when they are not picked up ontime

• The teachers have very little time for lunch• The teachers need time, to clean and prepare for the next class

Sample Daily Schedule*

All Nations Montessori is closed for the following holidays: • Martin Luther King Jr. Day• Presidents’ Day

Time Activit ies

AM 8:50-9:00 Arrive , put on slippers, wash hands

9:00 – 9:30 Circle, new demonstration, foreign language, or Musikgarten

9:30 – 11:30 Choose independent work, snack available throughout morning

11:30 – 11:50 Out to play, closing circle –story/songs

11:40 -11:50 Pick up

Time Activit ies

PM 12:30 -12:40 Arrive, put on slippers, wash hands

12:40 – 1:10 Circle, new demonstration, foreign language, or Musikgarten

1:10-3:10 Choose independent work, snack available throughout morning

3:10-3:30 Out to play, closing circle –story/songs

3:20-3:30 Pick up

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• Easter• Memorial Day• Labor Day• Veterans’ Day• Thanksgiving Day• Christmas

School Calendar

We will follow Lake Washington School District calendar with a few exceptions. Please refer to the yearly calendar for a complete schedule which will include the following:

1. The schedule for the first 2 weeks of school2. Parent/teacher conferences3. Holidays4. In class celebrations for the children5. Parent/child activities6. School picnics7. Parent nights

Snow We will follow Lake Washington School District for snow days. If the school district announces school closures, we will also be closed. If the school district announces delayed schedule or early dismissal, we will NOT open.

Television and Video On rare occasions we may watch a short video to enhance a unit study.

Pets* Currently, we have rabbits and a parakeet. Child care staff will always be present when children interact with pets. Our pets have an area separate from our outdoor play area to relieve themselves. The pets are in good health.

Transportation and Field Trips* In the event that we should have a field trip: 1. We will have Children’s medical release forms, a first aid kit, and First

Aid/CPR certification.

2. Parents who volunteer on field trips will have to have had a criminalbackground check

Examples of field trips include:

• A nature walk in the neighborhood

• A program brought to the premises where the children do not leave thepremises e.g. science, music program

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Snacks

It is your responsibility to notify me of any allergies or adverse reactions your child may have with certain foods or beverages.

• We will provide organic snacks for your children every day except for thebirthday week of your child.

• For the week of your child’s birthday, we ask that you and your child preparethe snack for the class for the week. It is in preparing and offering that yourchild will have an opportunity to practice grace and courtesy. We ask thatthe snack be organic and will let you know if there are any classmates withfood restrictions you should be aware of. If your child’s birthday is in summer,we will assign a week half way through the year to celebrate your child’sbirthday and prepare snack.

• Snack is very simple. It can be crackers, cheese, juice, or slices of fruit, etc.The children will serve themselves when and if they should want snack. Thekey is keeping it simple but nutritious and ORGANIC.

Policies for Food Brought From Home* Please check with me to make sure we have no children with allergies to nuts. Some children are allergic to certain colors. Prior to the week of your child’s birthday, I will alert you to any foods to avoid. The key is to provide nutritious snacks that are relatively sugar free. You may not bring home canned goods for snack.

Permission for Free Access* You have the right to access your child’s records as well as any areas of our home used for child care. You are welcome to visit or drop-in without an appointment to observe your child. Please schedule time in advance if you would like to have a meeting with us so we can arrange to speak away from the children.

Unless you have a concern, we recommend you wait for the first 6 weeks; this gives the children time to establish community, to become accustomed to a new routine and to work without the distractions of visiting parents. However, if you have ANY concerns please do not hesitate to come at any time it is convenient for you.

Because the space is small and we would like you to have the best observation possible, a true picture of your child’s day, we do recommend you make an appointment so that you are the only parent on a given day. It would be disruptive to the children if several parents came on the same day.

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Child Abuse Reporting*

We are required by mandatory reporting laws to report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to Child Protective Services (CPS) or our local law enforcement agency immediately (without prior notification to the parents involved). We will also inform our licensor.

Behavior Management and Discipline* We do not use any form of corporal punishment, physical or mechanical restraint, the withholding of food, or any form of emotional abuse. Parents must also follow these guidelines while on the premises.

Our disciplinary practices are: • Speak to the child quietly – if the child is misusing material we will give the

child the opportunity to correct the behavior, if the child continues tomistreat the material we will ask the child to put it away

• If the child has shown aggression toward another child - we will find out, ifpossible, what provoked the poor behavior and address the issue

• Remove the child from the situation• Have a time out

If a child’s behavior becomes an ongoing issue, we will confer with the parents using the following steps: • Inform the parent of the problem and work with the parent on correcting the

issue• Maintain open lines of communication with the parent to resolve the issue –

may suggest books or a child behavioral specialist to offer strategies forbehavior improvement

• If after continued attempts the situation has not improved, then we maydecide that this environment is not best suited to the child.

Religious Activit ies*

Religious activities include: • Prayer• Bible stories, songs• Free choice religious themed activities on the shelves

Care  of  Young  Children*  

Separation Some children experience anxiety at separation. We will do everything to comfort and reassure the child. If the parent is able, we may ask the parent to stay during the session till the child is ready to separate. If the parent is unable

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and the situation does not improve, we may conclude that the child is not yet ready for this experience and encourage you to try again at a later date.

Toilet Learning* Children should be potty trained upon entering All Nations Montessori. An occasional accident happens and we will help the child in that situation. However, we will call the parent to come and change the child should the child have had a bowel movement. Please have a change of clothing [incl. socks] labeled and in a bag with the child’s name on the bag to keep at school. We will send the soiled clothes home. Please replace with a clean set of clothing.

Health Care Practices*

Medical Emergencies* 1. All the staff have First Aid, Child CPR, and HIV/Aids/Blood Borne Pathogens

Prevention training.

2. Minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes will be treated. Parents will be notifiedupon arrival. With some minor injuries parents will be called to help decidewhether the child should go home.

3. In the event of a serious injury or emergency, we will call 911 andadminister first aid or CPR if needed. We will also notify you as soon aspossible and tell you where your child is being treated.

4. If injury results in medical treatment or hospitalization, we are required toimmediately call and submit an "Injury/Incident Report" to the Departmentof Social and Health Services Licensor and child’s social worker, if any.You will be given a copy.

Medicine Management*

1. All medications (prescription and non-prescription) shall be administeredonly on the written approval of a parent or guardian. A MedicationTreatment Authorization form (authorization to administer medication)must be completed. This form must be initialed and dated every 30 daysfor ongoing permission for over the counter medications.

2. Prescription medications shall be administered only as directed on thelabel or as otherwise authorized by a physician.

3. Medications must be stored in the original container. The container musthave the patient's name, instructions and date of expiration.

4. Doctor's permission is not required for non-prescription drugs such as:

a. Anti-histamines

b. Non-aspirin pain relievers and fever reducers

c. Cough medicine

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d. Decongestants

e. Anti-itching creams

f. Diaper ointments and powders

g. Sunscreen

Nonprescription medication not included in the categories listed above; taken differently than indicated on the manufacturer’s label; or lacking labeled instructions shall only be given if authorized in writing by a physician.

5. A detailed record will be kept of all medicines given at ANM.

Children*Who are I l l

1. Each child will be observed daily for signs of illness.

2. Children who are contagious must stay at home. All parents of children inour care, as well as the Health Department, will be notified by phone ofcommunicable diseases or food poisoning.

3. Please call ANM if your child will not attend due to illness. If you areunsure whether your child should come or not, please call.

4. If a child should become ill during the day, you will be notifiedimmediately and will be expected to pick up the child as soon as possible.In such an event, your child will be isolated from the other children untilyou arrive.

5. The parent is responsible for finding substitute care in case of the child'sillness.

6. The following illnesses are not accepted at ANM as per instruction of theDepartment of Public Health:

Diarrhea: Three or more watery stools in a 24-hour period, especially ifchild acts or looks ill.

Vomiting: Vomiting on two or more occasions within the past 24 hours.

Rash: Body rash not associated with diapering, heat or allergic reactions,especially with fever or itching.

Eyes: Thick mucus or pus draining from the eye, or pink eye.

Appearance/Behavior: unusually tired, pale, lack of appetite, difficultto wake, confused or irritable.

Sore Throat: Especially if associated with fever or swollen glands in theneck.

Fever: Temperature of 101 degrees F. or higher and sore throat, rash,vomiting, diarrhea, ear ache, irritability or confusion.

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Lice: Children who have lice may not return to ANM until they are louse and nit (egg) free.

Please read "Keeping Your I l l Child at Home" from the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health

Cleaning and Disinfecting*

The classroom will be swept every day and mopped once a week at a minimum. The materials and shelves will be dusted once a week unless the need arises to dust more often. Materials used for water exercises in the Practical Life area will be washed weekly in the dishwasher or by hand using soap and water and more often if necessary. After the first rinse, we will rinse again with a solution of 1tsp. Clorox to one quart of water. The tables will be washed with soap and water on a daily basis. We will disinfect using 1 tsp. Clorox to one quart of water.

Hand Washing Practices Children will be washing their hands every morning after putting on their slippers. We (children and adults) will be washing our hands before and after preparing food, when handling pets, after playing outdoors, or using the toilet, and whenever in contact with body fluids.

Injury Prevention

All medications, cleaning products and chemicals will be inaccessible to the children. We will make certain that both the indoor and outdoor play areas are always safe with everything in good repair.

Food Handling Practices* Hands will be washed before handling food. Produce will be washed with a “produce wash”. Surfaces will be washed with soap and water before and after food preparation.

Disaster  Response  Plan*  

Earthquake

In the case of a major disaster such as an earthquake, which might prevent you from picking up your child in a timely fashion, we have the following emergency supplies on hand to include: • Drinking water• Non-perishable food• First aid supplies

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• Emergency solar hand crank radio with flashlight• Flashlights and extra batteries• Fire extinguisher• Emergency documents and phone numbers• Garbage bags

Emergency Kits We would like your children to be ready with a mini emergency kit, in the event of an earthquake or major emergency, should we have to leave the premises, and until you are able to pick them up. You should be able to fit the items in a gallon sized zip-lock bag. Please label the bag with your child’s name. • A space blanket [REI] please keep the space blanket in its packageJ• A small toy special to your child• A picture of the family together• A reassuring note from you• Your contact number and emergency numbers• A copy of a small favorite book• A small flashlight with battery [not in flashlight]• Non-perishable snacks –such as raisins, cheese/cracker, applesauce or

pudding with spoonJ, small can of Vienna sausages. Only include the snacksyou know they will eat.

• Extra pair of underwear and socks• Toothbrush and travel size toothpaste

We will return these kits at the end of the school year for you to update for the following year. Thank you.

Fire We have a fire/evacuation plan posted on the premises. If we are unable to exit by the front door, we will exit by the back door to the garden. If we are unable to exit by the back door we will exit by the front door and wait under the huge tree on the opposite side of the street. In the event we are unable to enter the premises again after the fire department has been here, you will then be notified to come and pick up your children. If both exits are blocked, we will exit through the windows and into the back yard and make our way to the big tree in front of the house. The children will practice emergency procedures on a regular basis.

Communication  &  Parent  Conferences  

Parent/Teacher Communication For your child to have a successful experience it is important to maintain open lines of communication. Please do not hesitate to call us, no matter how small or

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insignificant your concern or question may seem. You are welcome to call us after the class sessions are over. It is also important to have these conversations when your child is not listening in. You will be called monthly to give you an update on your child’s progress. You will also be kept abreast with what the children are learning through a monthly “Classroom Happenings” newsletter.

Parent/Teacher Conferences Conferences will be held 2 times per year, once in the fall and once in spring. Each family will have a thirty minute conference per child. There will be no school on conference days. Please plan ahead to come without your child.

Parent Involvement We welcome parent involvement. Please let us know what your hobbies are or what line of work you are in and if you would be available to share your talents and interests with the children should the opportunity present itself. We may also need help with preparing materials.

The  Children’s  Corner  

Clothes In the course of the day your child may accidentally spill water and get wet. Please send a change of clothing [incl. socks] labeled and in a bag with the child’s name on the bag. We will send the bag home during the winter break so that you can update the bag of clothes if necessary [your child may have outgrown the clothes or you may wish to include warmer clothes for the winter months.] Please label your child’s jacket, slippers, shoes, and any outer wear worn regularly to school.

In the Practical Life area of the Montessori classroom, there are dressing frames to learn how to button, zip, tie, etc.to become more independent –to do it “myself”. Learning how to dress appropriately for the weather is an important skill your children will need help with from home. Please dress your children in clothes they can easily put on themselves. For example, pants with an elastic waist band will allow the children to go to the bathroom independently. They should wear shoes that they can easily put on and take off [so no shoelaces till they learn how to tieJ.] • Sl ippers: the children will wear slippers in the classroom. Please look for

slippers that have non-skid soles so the children don’t slip on the hardwoodfloor. Socks are not enough since we also practice surprise fire drills everymonth and have to exit the building quickly as part of the drill.

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• Boots: In addition to keeping a pair of slippers at school, we also require thechildren to keep a pair of rain boots at school. We will try to go out everyday, weather permitting. The boots will be essential if the grass is wet or if weare gardening. As the seasons change, please dress your child withappropriate outer wear since we will try to go out every day.

Plants As part of the child’s responsibility in learning how to care for the environment, we would ask that your child bring a plant the first day of school labeled with the child’s name and with the name of the plant as well as care instructions. It should not be bigger than a 4 inch pot with an attached base underneath to catch water. Children in the morning class should bring a sun loving plant. Children in the afternoon class should bring a shade loving plant. A cactus is not the best choice because it requires very little care. And while there may be casualties, it is better to select a plant that requires watering at least once a week or more. If there is a casualty, the child can bring a new plant to school. These plants will come home for the winter and spring breaks. When you are selecting a plant make sure it is not poisonous.

School Bags Once you have registered, All Nations Montessori will supply your child with a tote that your child will be bringing to school every day. Along with selecting a plant, this will give you and your child the opportunity to prepare something together for the “new school”. You and your child can freely decorate the tote together personalizing it to your child’s taste. The tote is big enough for most of your child’s work, and not bulky for the coat closet. Please do not use backpacks. Some ideas to decorate include: buttons, ribbons, felt or other fabric, iron-on patches, iron on transfers, puff paint and fabric markers. If you do use markers, don’t forget to put a piece of cardboard in the bag while you are decorating to keep the design from bleeding through to the other side. Washing instructions are in the bag. Please do not put in a dryer.

Special  Events  

Birthday Celebrations You are welcome to come and help celebrate your child’s birthday. We will be asking for an interesting fact or a milestone attained for each year of your child’s life. Your child may choose to offer his classmates a treat or a little gift such as a pencil, eraser, stickers etc. These should be in individual zip-lock baggies that your child can help you prepare at home. Again, this is another moment for your child to practice grace and courtesy. Your child will give out the party favors when it is time to go home.

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Harvest Party • We will have a harvest party at the end of October. The children can wear a

costume to school, but should come with a change of clothing so they canchange back out of their costume.

• Valentine’s Day:The children love to give and receive Valentine cards. Please do not havethe child address the Valentine cards to specific classmates. It is enough forthem to sign their own name. It also facilitates handing them out.

Mom’s Tea This is an opportunity for Mom or a significant family member to come and watch your child at work. What is important to you will be important to your child. It is a special time for the two of you.

• Please mark the date on your calendar.

Father’s Night: • This is an opportunity for Dad or a significant family member to come and

watch your child at work. What is important to you will be important to yourchild. It is a special time for the two of you.

• Please mark the date on your calendar.

Show and Tell

• We will limit show and tell to one day per week. The child can bring anitem from home or share about a topic. We will start show and tell oncethe regular class sessions begin.

CHECKLIST OF SUPPLIESI

Provide You

Provide Item Comments

1 x Slippers nonskid soles -- not sandals or flip-flops

2 x Change of clothes in a labeled bag.

3 x Cold weather clothes

4 x Boots

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All NM accepts all children regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, or gender.

We do, however, reserve the right to enroll children to keep a balance of girl/boy ratio as well as to keep an even distribution of ages across the 3 year age span of 3 to 6 years of age which is integral to a Montessori program.

5 x 4” plant Non-poisonous

6 x Emergency kit

7 x x Organic Snack You provide snack during your child’s birthday week. I provide snack the other days.

8 x Tote For you to decorate