
Parents Handbook
Parents Section
Montessori Philosophy
We provide a stimulating education steeped in the Montessori philosophy and infused with current instructional best practices. We provide students with a rich and individualised education tailored to support future success in their local and global communities.
Classes are led by caring, Montessori-certified teachers and bring together children of different ages, allowing them to progress at their own pace.
The Montessori curriculum includes the following learning areas:
- Language – Children begin reading and writing using specially designed Montessori manipulatives. They learn to write with purpose and clarity, and read with fluency and understanding. Reading skills include vocabulary, literature and research. Writing skills include the writing process, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
- Mathematics – Students develop the ability to reason through problems rather than memorising. Early skills include comparison of size and quantity, and classification and linear progression through use of concrete manipulatives. Older students study arithmetic, algebra, geometry, logic and statistics.
- Science – Children observe, gather information and solve problems using the scientific method. Science studies include botany, zoology, chemistry, physics, meteorology, geology and astronomy.
- Cultural – Cultural studies include geography and history, along with respect for and understanding of different cultures and people. Students explore physical geography, political geography, ancient civilisations, and global and state history.
- Sensorial – Montessori materials help children practice using their senses. Developing pattern and shape recognition eventually builds math and science skills as the child progresses.
- Arts – Children develop an appreciation for the arts and learn creative self-expression through music, art, theatre and dance.
- Practical Life – Children develop fine motor skills by learning to dress themselves, tie their shoes and wash their hands. Students’ progress to caring for the classroom, serving food and being accountable for their own supplies and belongings. Older students participate in community service activities.
Assessments
Assessment is the process of gathering information about children’s developmental strengths and progress to inform learning goals.
Our curriculum promotes a systematic assessment protocol to gather information about each child’s progress over time. This individualised approach ensures that children at every age and grade level are assessed on an ongoing basis, tailoring instruction and lesson-planning decisions to their unique needs.
Our approach to assessment is not only ethically and developmentally appropriate but also inclusive. It is embedded within children’s daily activities, involves families, and is culturally and linguistically responsive, ensuring every child is considered.
Our assessment tools are diverse and comprehensive. They include notes of observations, rubrics, checklists, and the maintenance of a portfolio for each student, ensuring a holistic view of their progress.
Developmental Progress
Teachers meticulously plan lessons to meet individual students’ cognitive, physical, and emotional needs. They provide materials and activities that encourage children to explore their environment and develop social skills, problem-solving skills, and new ways of thinking, ensuring each child’s unique needs are met.
Our dedicated staff members proactively strive to routinely assess the developmental needs of the children. If these observations reveal possible developmental issues, they are promptly brought to parents’ attention, along with suggestions for parents to reach out to paediatricians or other support professionals for further assistance.
Teachers and parents formulate a constructive plan to work with the child, consisting of two or three interim goals, along with timelines and follow-up discussions.
Confidentiality
Rest assured our program staff are not only trained but also deeply committed to upholding the ethical responsibilities for maintaining confidentiality when conducting assessments of children.
All information contained in your child’s records is strictly confidential. We want to assure you that anyone not directly involved with the care of your child or affiliated with state licensing, protective services or other government agencies will not have access to your child’s records without your prior written consent.
As a parent or guardian, you have the right to add information, comments, data or other relevant material to your child’s records. This can be done by submitting a written request or by discussing it with our staff during scheduled meetings.
Additionally, you may request, in writing, the deletion or amendment of any information contained in your child’s record and we will consider that request in accordance with any applicable court order or signed parental agreement. We are happy to provide you reasonable access to your child’s on-site records.
Communications
We take parent communication very seriously. When parents and teachers work together as partners in a child’s education, the learning experience is richer and more meaningful.
School Events & Activities
We strive to inform parents of upcoming events, activities, and critical dates. The overall school holiday calendar and the monthly calendar with all special events are on the school website.
We also issue a monthly school newsletter with calendar reminders and send emails and alerts.
Parent Reports
Teachers issue parent reports three times per year. The reports show a child’s progress relative to the program’s skills and objectives and provide a snapshot of the child’s learning profile.
The information reflects assessments that the teacher has already completed in the classroom on a weekly basis. These assessments include [specific types of evaluations, e.g., quizzes, projects, class participation]. Teachers do not “test” the children to complete the parent report.
Teacher comments are based on objective observations, not opinions. Comments describe how the child is progressing, observations of skill mastery, what is being done to help the child develop skills, and activities that support the rating. Reports include a cover sheet for confidentiality and to allow parents an opportunity to respond to the report with questions or concerns.
Guidance and Discipline
Behaviour Guidance
Our school is committed to a constructive, age- and stage-appropriate behavioural guidance approach that redirects children to appropriate behaviour and conflict resolution.
We firmly believe in a positive attitude towards discipline, founded on the principle that children inherently respect and care for themselves and others.
Our primary aim is to address behavioural concerns through modelling, behaviour redirection, and positive reinforcement via attention and praise.
Positive classroom rules, structure, and reinforcement help children understand expectations of behaviour. Circle time and other group meetings incorporate time for children to give and receive praise for positive actions, plan activities together, and discuss class concerns and goals for desired behaviour.
When the need arises, our staffs collaborate with family members and other support professionals to develop a resolution plan. This plan is designed to promote positive behaviour and parents are regularly updated on the progress.
In exceptional circumstances, and only after exhausting all other possible interventions, suspension or expulsion may be considered.
We reserve the right to suspend or dismiss a child for harmful or inappropriate behaviour at our sole discretion:
- If we do not have adequate expertise or resources for the child’s educational, medical or other needs.
- For violations of our policies.
- For any reason, we determine that it is in the best interest of the safety of students and the school.
In these rare instances, we extend our full support to families, assisting them in locating the necessary help and alternative placements.
Forbidden Methods of Discipline
The following actions are forbidden in our school. There is no circumstance in which any staff members may perform the actions listed below:
- Corporal punishment of any kind
- Threatened or actual withdrawal of food or treats, rest or use of the bathroom
- Withholding from children emotional responses, stimulation, food or the opportunities for rest or sleep
- Any type of abuse, endangerment or neglect of children
- Cruel, harsh, unusual, or extreme discipline techniques
- Verbal shaming or abuse of any kind
- Delegating children to manage or discipline other children
- Using physical restraints, prone restraint or restraining by any means other than holding a child for a short period of time, such as in a protective hug, so that the child may regain control
- Confining children in a locked room or other enclosed area (unless school is in “lockdown”); confining in cribs or high chairs other than for meals or specific supervised projects
- Punishing children for failure to eat or sleep or for toileting accidents
- Punishing an entire group of children due to the unacceptable behaviour of one or a few
- Isolating or restricting children from all activities for an extended period
Parental Conflict Resolution Procedure
At our school, we place a high value on open communication between parents and staff. This collaborative approach, where parents or legal guardians can interact with their child’s teacher and other staff members daily during our school’s normal hours of operation, subject to any applicable security or classroom management procedures, is designed to ensure the best outcomes for our children.
Our school principal is readily accessible for both informal and appointment-based interactions. We believe that in almost all cases, parents and school staff can resolve any concern or conflict that arises, further reinforcing our commitment to open communication.
If, despite our best efforts, parents or guardians are not satisfied with the outcome of discussions with the teachers and principal, we have a clear escalation process in place. They are welcome to communicate by phone, email or in person with the Executive Director to whom the school reports. If the issue persists, conflicts can be referred to the Regional Manager level, and ultimately to the company president if still unresolved, ensuring that every concern is addressed.
Health
Medical and Immunisation Records
As responsible parents, it’s crucial that you ensure your child’s health and safety. Therefore, prior to enrolment, we require all students to have an updated medical form on file, including a current list of vaccinations and the date of their last vision and hearing screening.
State regulations require the completion of all the necessary immunisations. However, we understand that there may be valid reasons for exemption.
In such cases, parents are required to produce the necessary documentation for medical or religious exemption. If a currently enrolled child or staff member has a medically compromised immune system, our school will evaluate whether a child who is not fully immunised may be newly enrolled.
We take the health of our school community seriously. If a child is not fully immunised for a disease that occurs in the school, it poses a risk to the health of other students. In such cases, that child will be excluded from all activities until any danger of infection is past.
Only those directly involved with the care of your child or affiliated with state licensing, protective services or other government agencies will have access to your child’s records. Others may access these records only with your written consent.
Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitising
We recognise the importance of clean and sanitary conditions for children’s health and safety.
When a toy has been in a child’s mouth or otherwise contaminated, we take immediate action. The toy is removed, thoroughly cleaned with soap and water, and then disinfected. This meticulous process also applies to other surfaces in the classroom. We strictly adhere to a policy of not using toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitised.
Our approach to controlling odours focuses on ventilation and sanitation, avoiding using sprays, air freshening chemicals, or deodorisers. In the event of spills, we act promptly to clean them up thoroughly.
Surfaces are then disinfected using a non‐toxic diluted bleach solution or an EPA-approved disinfectant, further demonstrating our commitment to child safety and environmental responsibility.
We take the safety of your children seriously. All cleaners and other toxic substances are securely stored out of the reach of children in a locked cabinet.
Diapering
Teachers check diapers every 2 hours when a child wakes from a nap and when they are soiled. The changing table is sanitised after each change, even if paper covers are used.
Food and Nutrition
With utmost care, we provide children a nutritious lunch, and morning and afternoon snacks. We diligently adhere to government child nutrition guidelines, ensuring the right amount and type of food is provided to children at snack times and meals. Menus are thoughtfully posted on our school website as well as in school for parents to review.
Ensuring your child’s health is our top priority, which is why we are stringent about food safety. Any food not taken home by the parent at the end of the day, as well as food with expired dates, is promptly discarded by our staff. Fresh fruits and vegetables, a staple in our meals, are meticulously washed before serving.
No plastic or Styrofoam containers, bags, plates or wraps are used to reheat children’s foods or drinks.
We deeply understand that each child is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. For children with special feeding needs, we have a dedicated ADA Compliance Officer who works closely with parents to create a personalised modification plan, ensuring their dietary requirements are met.
Bottle Feeding
Bottles must be labelled correctly to be accepted by the school. If your bottle is missing information, you may be provided with the tape and a marker. To ensure children receive the correct bottles, we require the following labelling procedure:
- Label the bottle and cap with the child’s first and last name, using the assigned coloured tape for your child.
- Mark the current date on the bottle.
- All breast milk bottles must have red tape in addition to the assigned coloured tape, and must be marked with the date and time the milk was expressed.
- After warming, breast milk or formula bottles may be out for no more than one hour before being discarded.
- Breast milk or formula bottles cannot be reheated or returned to the refrigerator after initial warming.
Breastfeeding
We provide a comfortable area for nursing mothers to breastfeed their child. Please see your Principal for specific information.
Illness
Parents assist us in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all our children by keeping sick children at home. The purpose of our sick child policy is to:
- Reduce the spread of illness from a sick child to other children.
- Promote complete recuperation of the sick child.
- Prevent the constant spread of cold, flu and diarrhoea that are so common among small children.
Parents must keep sick children at home until they have been symptom-free for at least 72 hours if they display any of the following:
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or more. Children must be free of fever for at least 72 hours, unassisted by fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Heavy nasal discharge requiring frequent wiping every 3-5 minutes
- Persistent, non-productive or “barking” cough
- Sore throat
- Fussy, cranky behaviour unlike the child’s normal demeanour
- Skin rash, including diaper rash
- Head lice
- Symptoms of a communicable disease such as pink eye, measles, chicken pox, mumps, or strep throat
We reserve the right to refuse admittance to any student who shows a sign of illness. Children who become ill at school will be made comfortable and parents will be notified to pick them up within one hour.
Medication Administration
Ensuring the safety of our students is our utmost priority. Whenever possible, prescription or over-the-counter medication should be administered at home or by parents who come to the school for that purpose.
We encourage parents to ask their physician to prescribe or recommend medications in such a way that they do not need to be administered during the school day.
If the physician determines that the medication should be administered during the school day, we will consider such requests in accordance with state and local regulations.
We agree to administer prescription or non-prescription medications; the parent must provide a note from a physician requesting us to administer the medication, with detailed dosage information, circumstances or schedule of medication administration, and any adverse reactions that could occur.
The medication must be in a new sealed container. Prescriptions must be in the original pharmacy container or box and securely attached to the official pharmacy prescription label. The prescription indicated on the label must be current.
As part of our responsibility, school administrative staff must keep the medication and a copy of the physician’s note stored in the locked medicine location. School administrative staff complete the dispensing log after each dosage, recording the name of the child, the medication and dosage given, the time and date, and signature of the person dispensing.
Epi-pens and other emergency medications may be stored in either the normally locked medication cabinet or a secure location in the classroom. This ensures quick access in case of emergencies. However, note that children with life-threatening allergies requiring the presence of an Epi-pen must be referred to our ADA Compliance Officer to evaluate and approve, and to create a modification plan. This is to ensure that the medication is stored in a location that is both secure and easily accessible in case of an emergency.
If the medication request is for any medication that requires specific skills or prior medical training to administer, such as insulin injections or nebulizer treatments, parents must first make a written request for a modification and provide it to the school with the physician’s note referenced above. This is to ensure that the medication is administered safely and effectively.
We will submit the physician’s note and request to the ADA Compliance Officer, who plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of our medication administration process. They will evaluate and approve the request based on the specific needs of the student. Once the request has been approved and a modification plan prepared, we will notify the parents and follow the modification plan.
Clothing & Personal Belongings
Children must wear the school uniform and closed-toe shoes.
Parents must provide a labelled bag with a change of clothing (including socks) for their child to be kept at school for emergencies. Parents of infants and toddlers should provide two sets of clothing. All items must be labelled with the child’s name.
We encourage children to bring a favourite blanket or stuffed animal for use at naptime. These items will be stored in your child’s cubby. Candy, gum, toy weapons, jewellery and money are not permitted at school. Toys should only be sent on designated days.
Sunscreen
Parents must provide written permission for school staff to apply sunscreen on their child. All bottles must be in the original container, labelled with the child’s name.
Allergies
Children’s allergies are posted in the classroom and kitchen. Some children may need immediate intervention for an allergic reaction, which may include an injection device, such as an Epi-pen.
The principal will provide the staff with more training if any students in our care need an injection device. Children with life-threatening allergies are referred to our ADA Compliance Officer for the creation of a modification plan.
Abuse and Neglect Reporting
All staff members are mandated by law to comply with the child abuse and neglect reporting requirement. The law requires any person working in a school or childcare setting who has knowledge of or observes a child whom she knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect, whether within the school or outside of school, to immediately report it to the applicable state child protective agency.
Teachers and staff, you are not alone in ensuring a safe environment. You are responsible for monitoring your own behaviour and the behaviour of other staff members. If you observe an employee violating either licensing regulations or company policies, you must immediately report it to the principal. Remember, we are here to support and protect you.
In addition, upon starting employment every staff member is required to participate in training on sexual abuse and molestation prevention.
Those who, in good faith, report neglect or abuse by a family member or co-worker are immune from discharge, retaliation, or other disciplinary actions for making the report.
We take allegations of neglect or abuse very seriously. Once the allegation is reported, we will cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
We understand the importance of confidentiality in such sensitive matters. To the fullest extent possible, but consistent with our legal obligation to report suspected abuse to appropriate authorities, we will endeavour to keep the identities of the alleged victims and investigation subjects confidential.
Security & Safety
Building Access
Access to our building is strictly limited to enrolled families, staff, and registered visitors. We have implemented a keypad lock on the front door, with the code shared exclusively with enrolled parents and staff. This ensures that unauthorized individuals are not able to enter our premises, enhancing the safety and security of our school community.
For the safety and security of our school community, visitors other than enrolled parents are required to be escorted by a staff member. Upon arrival, all visitors, including vendors, applicants, and family members, are kindly requested to wait in the lobby/ reception area until a staff member is available to accompany them.
Infant Sleep Safety
Safe sleeping practices are in place for all infants. These practices promote safe sleep when an infant are napping and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or suffocation death. All staffs are trained on the consistent use of safe sleep practices, which include:
- If an infant falls asleep outside the crib, they are moved to the crib.
- Staff must place infants younger than 12 months on their backs to sleep. Once they can turn themselves over, infants may assume any comfortable sleep position.
- Crib labels with the child’s picture and name must indicate whether the child is able to roll over on their own AND always indicate that the child must first be laid down in the crib on their back.
- Sleeping infants are directly observed by sight and sound routinely and frequently.
- A teacher must be present in the crib area if any infants are sleeping.
- Infants’ heads will NOT be covered with blankets or bedding at any time.
- Cribs will not be covered with blankets or bedding. No loose bedding, pillows, bumper pads, etc. will be used in cribs. Sleep sacks may be used instead of a blanket.
- Toys and stuffed animals are not allowed in the cribs. Pacifiers will be allowed in infants’ cribs while they sleep, but a pacifier clip is NOT allowed.
- Only one infant is in a crib at a time, unless we are evacuating infants in an emergency.
- All infants are given the opportunity to nap/sleep. No infant is forced to sleep, to stay awake, or to stay in the napping area.
- Infants are removed from the crib upon waking up. The crib is NOT treated as a playpen.
Injuries & Accidents
The health and safety of both children and staff in our school are of paramount importance. Our dedicated staff members are not just responsible, but proactive in their efforts to prevent and control injuries, illnesses, and hazards. They diligently inspect their classrooms and outdoor play areas daily, ensuring a safe environment for your children.
Regardless of the severity, if a child experiences an accident, injury, or possible injury, our staff will immediately report it to the school administration. A detailed incident report will be promptly provided to parents, keeping them informed about their child’s well-being.
Parents will be immediately contacted if the injury is severe and requires immediate medical attention. We will notify parents by telephone immediately of any serious accident or incident.
Our staff members are trained in first aid and CPR and committed to ensuring your child’s well-being. If a child requires medical attention, a report is filed and sent home to parents. In the rare event of a serious emergency, the school will secure immediate medical attention as outlined in the “authorisation for medical treatment” section of the tuition agreement filed in the school office.
Rest assured, every effort will be made to contact parents, guardians, or authorised family members or friends during such emergencies.
Fire and Other Safety Drills
As required by law, our school holds regular fire and safety drills. It is expected that all students on the campus at the time of such drills participate fully.
If a drill must take place in inclement weather, all attempts will be made to ensure that children are properly attired. Should you find yourself at the school while a drill is taking place, please participate with your child. It’s also important to take the time to review and discuss the importance of such drills with your child, so they are well-informed and prepared.
Weather Emergencies
In case of severe or hazardous weather, we may have to close or delay school opening hours. We will make every attempt to list closings and delays on the school website, and to notify parents by email and text alert, using the contact information provided by you, whenever possible.
In the event of severe weather or other emergencies during the school day, it may be necessary to close school early. We will notify parents by phone, email and/or text to pick up their child before the designated emergency closing time.
When it comes to bus/van services, they will make independent decisions regarding inclement weather procedures. Rest assured, parents or guardians will be promptly informed of these decisions.
In an emergency, immediate decisions may be made. Your role as a parent or guardian is crucial in these situations. We will make every attempt to contact you, authorized family members, or specified friends. If you are going to be out of town, please notify your emergency contacts and let us know whom to contact in an emergency.
Lockdown
If an emergency requires lockdown, we will notify parents as soon as possible. All entrances to the school will be secured. No one, including parents, will be allowed to enter or exit the building. The lockdown will be lifted when we receive notification from law enforcement officials.
Vehicles on School Grounds
Because the safety of our children is of paramount concern to us, we require all parents to adhere to the following rules of the road while on school property:
- All vehicles must obey the 5 miles per hour speed limit.
- Pedestrians always have the right of way.
- Parked vehicles MUST have ignitions turned off and the keys removed.
- Children may NOT be left unattended in a vehicle at any time or for any reason.
Violations of these rules may result in a warning. If a violation is serious, or violations continue, school personnel are authorized to take a tag number to report to local police.
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