PARENT HANDBOOK 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR · Montessori Philosophy is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive,

PARENT HANDBOOK 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR

Sprouting Minds Montessori School Infant Toddler Community

Samantha Trent Head of School

[email protected]

Approved: December 2018 2

Table of Contents

Welcome to Sprouting Minds Montessori School....................................................................... 4

Montessori History and Philosophy ........................................................................................... 5

Mission ....................................................................................................................................... 7

Core Values ................................................................................................................................ 7

Communication .......................................................................................................................... 8 School Contact Information ......................................................................................................................... 8 Staff ............................................................................................................................................................ 8 Who to Contact When................................................................................................................................. 9 Communication Tools ............................................................................................................................... 10 Contacting your Child’s Teacher ................................................................................................................ 10

School Programs ...................................................................................................................... 11 Program Schedules ................................................................................................................................... 11 Educational Programs ............................................................................................................................... 11

Admissions Policies .................................................................................................................. 13 Application Process ................................................................................................................................... 13 Enrollment Policies ................................................................................................................................... 13

Program Transitions................................................................................................................. 13

Classroom Ratios ...................................................................................................................... 14

Billing Policies .......................................................................................................................... 15 Tuition and Fee Payment Procedures ........................................................................................................ 15 Tuition ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 Withdrawals and Refunds ......................................................................................................................... 16 Non-Sufficient Funds/Non-Payment .......................................................................................................... 16

Student Records ....................................................................................................................... 17 Student Information Packet ...................................................................................................................... 17

Arrival and Dismissal ............................................................................................................... 18 Early Arrival .............................................................................................................................................. 18 Arrival ....................................................................................................................................................... 18 Dismissal ................................................................................................................................................... 18 Late Arrival ............................................................................................................................................... 18 Early Departure ......................................................................................................................................... 18

Parking Lot ............................................................................................................................... 19 Safety Procedures ..................................................................................................................................... 19

Disciplinary Philosophy ............................................................................................................ 19


Our Prepared Environment ....................................................................................................................... 19 Relationship to the Montessori Method .................................................................................................... 19

Health ...................................................................................................................................... 21 Reporting Absences .................................................................................................................................. 21 Accidents at School ................................................................................................................................... 21 Sick at School ............................................................................................................................................ 21 Administering Medication at School .......................................................................................................... 22 Sunscreen ................................................................................................................................................. 22 Allergies .................................................................................................................................................... 22 Communicable Diseases or Illnesses .......................................................................................................... 22 Head Lice and Nits .................................................................................................................................... 23 When to Stay Home .................................................................................................................................. 23 When to Return to School ......................................................................................................................... 24 Vaccinations ............................................................................................................................................. 24

Safety and School Security ....................................................................................................... 25 General Safety Measures .......................................................................................................................... 25 Signing In and Out ..................................................................................................................................... 25 Authorized Pick Up Person(s) .................................................................................................................... 25 Fire Drills .................................................................................................................................................. 25 Severe Weather Drills................................................................................................................................ 26 Intruder Drills ............................................................................................................................................ 26 School Closure .......................................................................................................................................... 26 Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect ................................................................................................................. 27 Licensing ................................................................................................................................................... 27

School Community ................................................................................................................... 28 New Student Orientation .......................................................................................................................... 28 Dress Code ................................................................................................................................................ 28

Eating, Bottles, Cups, Snacks and Lunch................................................................................... 29

Toys and Personal Belongings .................................................................................................. 29 Lost and Found ......................................................................................................................................... 30

School Belongings .................................................................................................................... 30

Field Trips ................................................................................................................................. 30

School Traditions & Special Events ........................................................................................... 30 Birthdays .................................................................................................................................................. 30 Holidays .................................................................................................................................................... 30

Parent Involvement .................................................................................................................. 31 SMFA (Sprouting Minds Family Association) .............................................................................................. 31

Volunteering Opportunities ..................................................................................................... 32


Recommended Reading List for Parents .................................................................................. 33

Welcome to Sprouting Minds Montessori School Thank you for choosing Sprouting Minds Montessori School (SMMS) for your child’s education. We look forward to partnering with you to support your child through their development and academic learning experiences. This parent handbook serves as a primary resource to learn about the SMMS and applicable policies and procedures.

Many families have their first experience with Montessori when they first tour SMMS during the admission process. The daily lessons and learning activities in a Sprouting Minds classroom are different than a traditional experience you may have experienced in your own schooling. Montessori is an inquiry-based, hands on curriculum where the students “learn to think” which is a very different kind of education.

Unlike the traditional teacher-centered education, the Montessori education is focused on inspiring children to drive their own learning. Teachers guide the students and provide help, while encouraging students to choose their tasks and decide how to best approach each challenge.

Children who attend Montessori schools learn to value cooperation, stay within the framework of rules and think about how their actions affect others. Students retain their creativity and push themselves to excel due to their love of learning and their own natural curiosity. Above and beyond standard school subjects, Montessori students are taught how to fit a larger worldview into their thinking and encouraged to be curious and creative students.

Please be sure to read any emails or newsletters that are sent home to stay informed. You can also keep informed through our Facebook page, website or by joining our Sprouting Minds Family Association. Please attend regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences and parent education events. We want you to understand how your child is learning and what they are learning. We also want to be able to answer the questions as to “why” they are doing their learning process a certain way. It is our goal to create an environment that fosters open communication, creates an understanding of each other’s expectations, and a mutual respect for the core educational values and principles at SMMS.

As you review this handbook, please let us know if you have questions or if there is anything that we need to know about your family that would help in making sure we are providing the best learning opportunities for your child.


Montessori History and Philosophy The Montessori Method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Dr. Montessori’s Method has been time tested, with over 100 years of success in diverse cultures throughout the world. It debuted in 1907 with her first school with low-income students. The school’s success resounded throughout Italy and soon schools opened up on all continents.

Montessori Philosophy is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, cognitive.

Hallmarks of Montessori

Components necessary for a program to be considered authentically Montessori include multiage groupings that foster peer learning, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and guided choice of work activity. In addition, a full complement of specially designed Montessori learning materials are meticulously arranged and available for use in an aesthetically pleasing environment.

The teacher, child, and environment create a learning triangle. The classroom is prepared by the teacher to encourage independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order. The child, through individual choice, makes use of what the environment offers to develop himself, interacting with the teacher when support and/or guidance is needed.

Multiage groupings are a hallmark of the Montessori Method: younger children learn from older children; older children reinforce their learning by teaching concepts they have already mastered. This arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions.

Dr. Montessori observed that children experience sensitive periods, or windows of opportunity, as they grow. As their students develop, Montessori teachers match appropriate lessons and materials to these sensitive periods when learning is most naturally absorbed and internalized.

In early childhood, Montessori students learn through sensory-motor activities, working with materials that develop their cognitive powers through direct experience: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching, and movement.

In the elementary years, the child continues to organize his thinking through work with the Montessori learning materials and an interdisciplinary curriculum as he passes from the concrete to the abstract. He begins the application of his knowledge to real-world experiences.


The chart below briefly compares a Montessori educational environment to a traditional one:

Montessori Traditional

School meets needs of students. Students fit mold of the school.

Curriculum is structured/paced for each child. Curriculum is structured/paced for the whole class.

A discovery model of learning where students learn concepts from working with materials.

Learn only from instruction, little room for discovery.

Multi-Sensory materials for physical exploration, organizes program for learning care of self and environment.

No organized program for self-care, left primarily up to parents.

Children are encouraged to speak and work in groups. Children usually work silently at their desk.

Cognitive, social, emotional and moral development emphasis.

Social development emphasis.

Uninterrupted work cycles. Block time, period lessons.

Teachers acts as a facilitator or guide. Teacher lectures.

Mixed age groupings. Same age grouping.

Child identifies own errors from feedback from the educational materials.

Teacher identifies errors.


Mission

Our mission is to prepare our students socially, emotionally and academically to be fulfilled individuals who make a positive contribution to family and society.

Core Values

Respect is the underlying foundation of our core values. Each child should grow at Sprouting Minds Montessori School to develop these values:

• I respect myself: true learning is respect • I respect others: we are social beings and our actions affect others • I respect my environment: we are the caretakers of our community

We are working on normalization (a child in harmony with self and environment). This is accomplished as a child learns to work and enjoys working. Work (the process, not the product) is what brings fulfillment of the Five Main Goals:

1. Concentration: The ability to observe and comprehend, the ability to remain focused on a task for ever increasing amounts of time.

2. Independence: in choices, in decision-making, in care of person and environment and in the responsibility for learning.

3. Inner Discipline: necessary for social and academic development 4. Purposeful Activity: learning to engage in purposeful activity, as opposed to chaotic or nervous activity. 5. Joyful Accomplishment: to experience the feeling of, and to quest for joyful accomplishment (the positive

experience is what propels a child to accept himself and desire further knowledge).

With these goals in mind, each child is guided in development:

1. Physical - potential learning problems can first be spotted in a young child’s ability to control movements. 2. Emotional - young children need patience and guidance to learn to control and express their feelings. 3. Intellectual - young children are collectors of knowledge (they absorb it from their environment). 4. Mental - to know, to experience, to use all known information for experiments and problem- solving. 5. Spiritual - develops strength of character, revelation of true personality, and desire to be of service to

others.


Communication

School Contact Information

School Hours Monday - Friday, 8:15 am - 2:45 pm

Additional Care Hours Monday-Friday, 7:30-5:30

Phone 716-805-7658

General email [email protected]

Website www.sproutingmindsny.com

Facebook @sproutingmindsny

Staff

Head of School Sammie Trent Technology Coordinator Chris Trent Infant & Toddler Community Michelle Filozof: Community Director and Teacher

Ashley Dryden: Teacher Kristin Boller: Assistant

Children’s House Megan Coe: Teacher :Assistant

Elementary Sammie Trent: Teacher Amber Terhart: Assistant


Who to Contact When

When parents have questions and/or concerns it is important to know who to contact. It is our intention to work together to answer questions and address concerns as effectively as possible. Please use the following guidelines when contacting us:

What Who How

Questions regarding your child in the classroom including everything from academics to behavior

Your Child’s Teacher Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to get in touch with your child’s teacher.

Questions regarding admissions, change in schedule, registration, re-registration, or transitions

Head of School,

Sammie Trent

Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to set up an appointment.

Questions regarding Additional Services, After or Before School Services, and Summer Programs

Head of School,

Sammie Trent

Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to set up an additional service.

Questions regarding Infant Toddler Community

Director of Community,

Michelle Filozof

Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to set up an additional service.

Questions regarding money, tuition, fees, billing, auto withdrawal, account balances

Head of School, Sammie Trent (Children’s House and Elementary)

Director of Community, Michelle Filozof (Infant and Toddler Community)

Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to reach them.

Still not sure where your question should be directed?

Head of School,

Sammie Trent

Email ([email protected]) and it will be directed to the person who can handle your specific question.

Grievance Procedure: In the event a problem exists; SMMS wants to correct it as quickly as possible. This can only be achieved if it is identified and communicated immediately. Parents with concerns should first discuss them with the classroom teacher if the concern is not related to a teacher or staff member. If the classroom teacher is unable to resolve the concern independently and to the satisfaction of the parent, then the matter should be brought to the attention of the Head of School.


Communication Tools

Communication is of vital importance to ensure understanding and efficient operations of our school. SMMS has several avenues for communicating with parents:

Remind: Information will be sent upon enrollment to get your account set up and download the app for your devices. This is used mostly for direct communication and reminders to parents.

Email: This method is used frequently. All staff members check email regularly and will use this as a secondary form of communication with you.

Website: Our web address is www.sproutingmindsny.com. Our website has information about Montessori, our individual programs, an updated calendar, photos of events, staff email addresses, school cancellation information, newsletters and more. Please visit often to stay informed and up to date on school happenings.

Facebook: School information is also available on our Facebook page. We use Facebook to share pictures and information on daily school activities, upcoming SMFA or school events and general information about our school.

Take Home Folders: Information that cannot be sent electronically from school or that requires hard copies will be sent home with your child. Children’s House and Infant Toddler Community will send information home on Fridays. Elementary will send information home as needed. We’ll keep these hard copies to a minimum, but we do suggest that you regularly ask your child if anything was sent home.

Contacting your Child’s Teacher

In general, your child’s teacher is not available for conversations during the morning arrival time due to obligations to the children. If you need to speak to a guide, please make an appointment or call before 8:15AM. Information about trips, appointments, illnesses or other miscellaneous considerations should be text to your child’s teacher, to the direct school email, or written down and given to the teacher.


School Programs

Program Schedules For closings or holidays please refer to the yearly calendar

Program Begins Ends

Infant Toddler Community 7:30 am 5:30 pm

Children’s House 8:15 am 2:45 pm

Elementary 8:15 am 2:45 pm

Additional Services Before School Care Opens at 7:30 am

After School Care at 4:30 or 5:30 pm

Summer Programs Half-Day 9:00 am 3:00 pm

Summer Programs Full-Day 7:30 am 5:30 pm

Educational Programs

Our educational programs form a continuum from newborn through the sixth grade. Each program offers developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences designed to maximize each child’s learning and thinking capabilities. In the following descriptions, the ages quoted are approximate. SMMS reserves the right to alter age minimums or maximums based on individual and community needs.

Please go to the SMMS website for additional curriculum information beyond the following:

Infant Toddler Community (newborn to three years)

The Infant Toddler Community is designed for children from newborn to 3 years of age. This classroom is staffed with at least one teacher and a trained Assistant. We maintain a 4:1 child/staff ratio or smaller with a maximum class size of 8. This is a primary care giving environment so the same teacher or assistant is assigned to each child through their length of stay at the Infant Toddler Community. The majority of their care and their routines will be done by their assigned teacher. It really gives the children and their family a chance to form a strong bond with their teacher during these important first years.


The Infant Toddler Community is an amazing community of mixed ages who learn and grow together. The young infants receive care and attention from the older toddlers and the older toddlers learn to be gentle and kind with their more delicate classmates. It is also a great opportunity to form sibling bonds with two young children in the same classroom. The classrooms provide activities that help these children develop independence, self-mastery, and social skills. The activities promote movement, exploration, and discovery.

The development and needs of the children will dictate the schedule day to day. The following activities will take place every day in accordance with the child’s needs:

Feeding: Infants are fed on demand and older infants and toddlers work towards a regular schedule of snack and lunch. Children enrolled in SMMS food program will eat family style with their peers.

Comfort: All children are given regular, physical and emotional comfort, as the need arises. Positive interactions like cuddling, hugs, smiling and laughing are strongly encouraged. Pacifiers are recommended for only nap once your infant is mobile, to reduce the amount of germs it may come in contact with. Pacifiers will be gentle weaned from nap when deemed appropriate by staff and parents.

Sleeping: Infants and young toddlers will nap on an as needed basis, older children will nap after lunch. We encourage all children to sleep on a cot or floor bed to encourage independence, even in our youngest infants. Having the mobility to get off of the cot on their own when they are done sleeping is great for self-regulation and promoting healthy sleep habits.

Work Period: Children are working any time they are awake. Their brains are absorbing their environment and whatever activities they are doing. The environment is prepared thoughtfully at the children’s level to allow free movement and maximum exploration. Lessons and activities are designed to build both gross and fine motor skills and engage the senses. Children are also introduced to music, literature and art during the work period.

Diapers and wipes are included for all children under 18 months of age. Potty training will be encouraged when the child shows readiness to the teachers. There is a lot of pre-learning involved with being ready for the potty, including but not limited to the ability to push down and pull up their own pants, and communicate their need to use the bathroom.

Car seats are not to be left in the classroom and it is the parents responsibility to place them in the mudroom to be gathered later in the day for pick up.


Admissions Policies

Application Process Each prospective Sprouting Minds family must take the following steps to complete the application process:

1. Parent Visit Prospective parents are required to begin the admission process with a private tour of the school. They will be given an opportunity to observe a classroom for 15-20 minutes followed by an opportunity to have all questions answered. Children are not to attend the initial visit.

2. Application Interested families must submit an application for their child.

3. Parent Interview and Student Visit We request that all parents and/or guardians be present. The child visit will help the teacher get a sense of the child and their fit with the school and future classroom. The parents will have opportunity to observe and the administrator can interview parents to determine the families fit with the goals and philosophy of the school.

4. Notification Decisions for admission are made on a rolling basis as spaces are available. Parents will receive a response approximately two weeks after all required application materials and have been submitted and visit have been made.

Enrollment Policies Enrollment Agreements will be offered to new applicants starting in March and continue until classroom openings are full. A child’s enrollment in the school may be continued during the school year if that child is unable to attend school for an extended period of time and if the family meets all fee and tuition responsibilities during such period.

Waiting Lists: Waiting lists are kept when classes reach maximum capacity. As openings occur, students on the waiting list are contacted and admitted based on several factors which include the application date, desired starting date, and student makeup of the requested program among other things. No applicant will be placed on the waiting list without receipt of a completed application. When placing students from the waiting list into a classroom, students of current families and employees are given priority. Program Transitions

Student transitions between programs are determined by several factors. To ensure student success, transitions are monitored by teachers of the current classroom, teachers of the student’s next classroom, and administration.


Factors that impact the timing of transitions include age, social and developmental needs, concentration and focusing abilities, and academic skills. Teachers and administration will work closely with the parents during this process and encourage input and feedback to ensure a successful transition. All final decisions are at the discretion of the Head of School.

In general, students in our Infant Toddler Community move into the Children’s House program in September or February closest to when they turn the age of 3. Transitions from Children’s House to Lower Elementary must begin at the start of the academic year.

Classroom Ratios

All class sizes are designed to be large enough to optimize each child’s learning experience, but small enough to allow for appropriate guidance and supervision. Because the Montessori classroom has a three-year cycle, ratios are typically adjusted to maintain the efficacy of this structure. Our general student to adult ratios are:

Infant and Toddler Community - 4:1

Children’s House - 7:1

Elementary - 12:1


Billing Policies

Tuition and Fee Payment Procedures SMMS is supported by student tuition and fees. All tuition and fees (with the exception of the security deposit) are collected via auto withdrawal or personal check (to be delivered by an adult). Please refer to the enrollment agreement for tuition due dates, costs and deposits and fees.

Tuition Tuition does not cover additional fees, additional services, specialty offerings and other miscellaneous fees.

Fee and tuition auto withdrawals are made on the 1st of each month or the next business day if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday.

Tuition statements are not sent monthly, but completed receipts are. A yearly account statement will be sent to each family in January. If you require a statement outside of this time frame, please contact the SMMS office to request one.

Tuition payments are required even when a student is absent due to illness, family vacations, etc. There is no refunds for days missed for any reason.

A tuition discount is offered to families with more than one child currently enrolled in the school – a 10% discount for the second child in the Infant Toddler Community.

Midyear Changes

When midyear changes have been agreed upon and approved by the Head of School the following process will be adhered to determine new tuition costs.

The per school day rate of tuition will be used to determine the cost of the remaining days of service for the current academic year.

Any adjustments to the payment schedule will be determined by SMMS and communicated via email and with an updated enrollment agreement.

The updated enrollment agreement must be signed and returned to SMMS.

Tuition changes and adjustments will be effective for the next month of tuition payments after the midyear change date.

Continuous enrollment

The Infant Toddler Community has continuous enrollment, meaning there is no need to reenroll or register for a school year, each child will be able to stay enrolled until they age out of the program.


Withdrawals and Refunds Please refer to the enrollment agreement for deposits, withdrawals and refunds.

Notice of 30 days is required before the withdrawal of an enrolled child. If the child is withdrawn without prior notice, the security deposit will not be returned. Children scheduled to be enrolled but never attend due to any reason or for any length of notice forfeit their deposit. If a family is asked to leave due to non-payment or policy breaking then the deposit is forfeited.

All fees are non-refundable.

Non-Sufficient Funds/Non-Payment All tuition payments are due the 1st of the month. Any payments received after the 2nd of the month will be subject to a $50 late fee.

A fee of $50.00 (fifty dollars) will be assessed for non-sufficient funds (NSF).

Failure to remedy a NSF situation over the course of 15 days may lead to a suspension or termination of services.

In the event that SMMS must take legal action to collect delinquent accounts, SMMS will also pursue collection costs.


Student Records SMMS has adopted a policy about the rights of parents and students with respect to school records. This policy complies with federal and state laws guaranteeing the right to examine and challenge the contents of student records. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services has said that all school records are deemed private. This means that SMMS cannot release any information without permission.

Student Information Packet The student information packet must be completed and turned into the school every year. The due date for these forms is August 1st. Student’s will not be allowed to attend school until these forms have been completed and turned into school. Please see our website for the necessary forms that you must complete for the program your child will be attending.

There are two options for completing and returning these forms:

Download each form, print each form, fill them in, and then bring them back to school or scan and email them back to school.

Download each form, fill in each form on your computer, then either print each form and bring them to school or email the forms back to us.

Forms that require a signature must be signed with live ink, not a computerized signature.


Arrival and Dismissal Arrival and dismissal procedures are designed to facilitate greater independence and freedom for your child. Safety is of the utmost importance at Sprouting Minds Montessori School.

Early Arrival Receiving children for early morning drop off begins at 7:30. Children may not be left alone before arrival time, children will need to be signed-in in the classroom.

Arrival Infant Toddler Community

Arrival is between 7:30-9:00. Parents are to walk their children into the classroom and sign them in. If your child is walking please let them walk in on their own for greater independence. All children must be in attendance by 9am or are considered absent for the day and will not be permitted to drop off later.

Dismissal Dismissal is between 3:00-5:30. Pick up functions similar to the drop off procedures. Walk into your child’s classroom to pick them up, be sure to sign them out.

We will only release children to those adults authorized by parents. If we do not recognize the person picking up your child SMMS staff will not release a child from the school and will contact you immediately. This is to assure the safety of your child. We ALWAYS err on the side of caution.

Late Arrival It is important for your child to arrive at school on time for the start of the school day, but we do understand that late arrivals happen occasionally. Late arrival is considered any time after 9:00am. Excessive tardiness is not permitted as it disrupts all students and their workflow and routines.

• Call or text to let us know you will be late. • Sign in at the classroom upon your arrival so that we can account for your child’s attendance.

Early Departure If your child is leaving early for the day this must be communicated with the office and the assigned teacher. Please park and sign your child out for the day in the classroom. This is to ensure that pick up does not interfere with planned activities or outings. Parents are of course welcome to visit the center at any time, but we ask to please be respectful of nap times and other transition times that may be disruptive for some children.


Parking Lot Safety Procedures

The parking lot is a busy place during arrival and departure times. Accidents are more likely to happen when drivers are distracted. The parking lot is a CELL PHONE FREE ZONE and has a SPEED LIMIT of 5 miles per hour. Do not put our children at risk by talking on the phone or speeding in the parking lot.

Staff will park on the west side (side closest to the infant toddler room) of the parking lot.

The east side of the parking lot is reserved for parent parking. Parking is used for drop-off and pick-up that requires exiting your car. Car should not be parked in the driving path.

Please do not use the disabled spaces without the appropriate disabled placard or plate.

Disciplinary Philosophy Our Prepared Environment

The Sprouting Minds Montessori School expects all members of our school, including children, parents, faculty and staff, to treat each other with grace, courtesy, and respect. As a Montessori school, we emphasize education over punishment and respect over disrespect. In keeping with our Montessori philosophy and curriculum, our tradition is to prepare children for life. We teach children skills to handle conflicts and difficult social situations, minimize and respond to bullying, and know when to independently solve problems and when to get help. Our goal is to help each child develop his/her full potential in a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Relationship to the Montessori Method As a Montessori school, we hold as a part of our mission the belief that each child develops to his/her full potential in a safe and nurturing environment. As a Montessori community we promote the following Universal Expectations: Be Responsible & Respectful for Yourself, Others & the Environment This basic set of universal expectations applies to all children to assure that each child has a safe and secure learning environment. Internal motivation and self-discipline are the goals of SMMS’s character development. Nevertheless, problems do occur as the children learn more about themselves and their relationship to others. Our goal is for children to grow into ethical, independent thinkers who are willing to stand for what is right and to take action when necessary. We provide children with skills, knowledge, and strategies to respect and acknowledge differences and to give support to others when needed. We do this through our Core Character Education: Conscious Discipline, Grace & Courtesy, Peace Education and Mindfulness This begins in the Infant Toddler and Children's House programs. As students enter the Elementary program, they begin their exploration of the Montessori values of freedom and responsibility, which tie personal freedom to the willingness to take responsibility for one's words and actions. They also begin the Cosmic Education curriculum,


which introduces the child to the world beyond their own neighborhood and their own ideas. They continue their work in Peace Education by learning conflict resolution and furthering their social skills. Through conscious discipline they learn self-coping skills and a feelings positive environment. We believe that rewards and punishments are ineffective tools for discipline and academic success and, therefore, use them limitedly as a strategy. Instead we work to identify the child’s needs in a positive manner. We attempt to understand the child’s behaviors as strategies for meeting their needs. We can then work with the child to creatively develop alternative ways for meeting needs. We approach issues through natural and logical consequences, recognizing the importance of the student becoming responsible and self-reliant. School Culture Montessori Teachers are not an authority over children but works together as co-creators of the school environment. As a result of multi-age groupings, students may have the same Teacher for multiple years. This enables development of rapport and trust. These supportive connections can serve as the basis for strong behavioral health and provide students with the comfort to confide in adults. In addition, Conscious Discipline transforms the culture of our school and provides simple tools to use every day to make character education a natural part of the child’s experience. Please see our school programs section for more information on Conscious Discipline.

Emphasis on Community Montessori schools allow for independence and, at the same time, foster collaboration. Students may occasionally meet as a whole class to reflect on what they are learning, both academically and socially. This supports students in making decisions that have a positive effect on their peers.

Safe Learning Environment The prepared environments promote safety and learning and place a strong focus on the child as a whole in an individualized learning environment, which includes academic achievement and social skills development. Our programs promote inquiry through both independent and collaborative exploration. The classroom materials and instruction are differentiated to provide students at all levels with satisfying work. Through a combination of self-directed and teacher-directed learning, students are engaged in high level, non-competitive tasks that absorb their attention and build their confidence. Given these aspects of the Montessori Method, students are less likely to engage in negative behaviors. Observation Observation is a fundamental tool of all Montessori educators. Observation is used in a variety of ways, in both the academic and social arenas, to evaluate student progress and identify lessons directed by the Teachers. These observations allow Teachers to monitor the social, emotional and behavioral development of each student and to foster effective learning, identifying when additional support may be needed. This may lead to, for example, providing lessons on social skills.


Health Sprouting Minds Montessori School takes the health and safety of its children very seriously. School personnel are trained in first aid and CPR by the Red Cross or National Safety Council. We err on the side of caution in cases related to illness and accidents.

Reporting Absences

Regular attendance at school is very important for the children. Prolonged absences can be affect learning. All absences must be reported. If your child will be absent from school, please notify the office before 9:00am and let us know the reason for their absence. Attendance is taken in the classroom at the end of the official arrival time (9:00am) and all absences are reported to the office. If your child is not present at school at this time, and you have not notified us, we will contact you at home or at work. Prolonged absences OR absences that are not consistently reported to the

Accidents at School SMMS keeps emergency contact information on file in the school office. Please notify the office of any change to your primary contact information. We will notify you immediately of an emergency or serious illness.

If a student has an accident requiring first aid at school, we will assess the situation and take one of three actions:

Administer first aid before your child returns to activities and alert parents with a note home.

Administer first aid and contact parents as a precautionary measure.

Administer first aid or CPR, call 911 for help, and then notify parents.

In all cases, an accident report will be provided, which specifies the details of the accident.

Sick at School

If a student becomes ill at school and/or cannot participate in regular activities, we will call you to pick him/her up as soon as possible. Children will be sent home as soon as possible if any of the following is experienced: an illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in activities (as determined by the staff); an illness results in a


greater need for care than the staff can reasonably provide without compromising the health or safety of other children in the classroom.

• Fever accompanied by behavior changes or other signs/symptoms of illness- • Signs/symptoms of severe illness, including but not limited to: lethargy, uncontrolled coughing,

inexplicable irritability or persistent crying, difficulty breathing, and/or wheezing, acting vastly different than their normal and typical observed behaviors

Sprouting Minds reserves the right to make the final determination of exclusion due to illness. Any exceptions to our illness policy will require a written note from a licensed health care professional stating that the child is not contagious and approval from the Head of School. If your child is too ill to go outside, they are too ill to be present at Sprouting Minds.

Administering Medication at School For the safety of students, it is recommended that medication be given at home whenever possible. For example, medication prescribed three times a day can be given before school, after school and at bedtime. If medication must be given during school hours, it must be administered by family members, with the exception of topical ointments and creams, emergency inhalers and epinephrine auto injectors.

Sunscreen SMMS staff may only apply sunscreen to children with written permission from parents. Students should bring sunscreen to school for their own, personal use only. Sunscreen will be applied in accordance with the UV scale, between 3-8. When UV rating is above 8 children will remain indoors to protect them from harmful radiation from the sun.

Allergies Allergies are common. SMMS does prohibit families from sending items to school that are common allergens for the overall safety of all students (peanuts and nuts). Please talk with your child about the dangers of allergens and to be a conscientious lunch preparer! Our teachers will make you aware of any allergies present in your child’s classroom.

It is of the utmost importance that you provide the school with all information regarding any allergy your child may have. We will plan accordingly in respect to classroom pets, snacks, etc. Upon initial enrollment, please be sure to fully disclose any allergies on the health form documents. If an allergy develops AFTER enrollment, please notify us immediately. We need to know how to care for your child. SMMS staff is trained in the use of EpiPens. If a student does have an EpiPen, it is required that you provide the school with two along with the Medical Authorization form.

Communicable Diseases or Illnesses


You must contact the school office within 24 hours if your child contracts a communicable disease (i.e. chicken pox, strep throat, scabies, impetigo, ringworm, lice, conjunctivitis). We will notify you by letter whenever we confirm that your child could have been exposed to any communicable disease at school. The Health Department listing of Communicable Diseases is available in the SMMS office. Let SMMS know the nature of your child’s illness or if your child has a communicable illness as we keep records of this information for the State.

Head Lice and Nits Due to the tenacious nature of head lice/nits, SMMS urges parents to follow these procedures closely. When head lice are discovered at school, the parent/guardian of the child will be notified immediately. The child will be picked up immediately and return to school 24 hours after the first application of treatment has been completed per directions sent home with the child.

When to Stay Home Students should stay home when:

§ Fever (100° or higher) accompanied by behavior changes or other signs/symptoms of illness § Under 6 months of age, any unexplained temperature over 100° should be medically evaluated § Signs/symptoms of severe illness, including: lethargy, uncontrolled coughing, inexplicable irritability or

persistent crying, difficulty breathing, and/or wheezing § Diarrhea (not associated with diet changes or medications) until diarrhea stops or the continued diarrhea

is deemed not be infectious by a licensed health care professional. § Blood in stools not explainable by dietary change, medication, or hard stools § Vomiting (two more instances in past 24 hours) until vomiting resolves or until a health care provider

determines the cause for vomiting is not contagious and the child is not in danger of dehydration § Persistent abdominal pain (continues more than 2 hours) or intermittent pain associated with fever or

other signs/symptoms of illness § Tuberculosis, until a health care provider states that the child is on appropriate therapy and can attend

child care § Mouth sores with drooling, unless a health care provider determines the sores are not contagious § Rash with fever or behavior change, until a physician determines that these symptoms do not indicate a

communicable disease § Pink eye (conjunctivitis) until after treatment has been initiated § Head lice, from the end of the day until after first treatment § Scabies, until after treatment has been completed § Impetigo, until 24 hours after treatment has been initiated § Strep throat and other streptococcal infections, until 24 hours after initial antibiotic treatment and

cessation of fever

These are listed as guideline and any final determination is made by SMMS.


When to Return to School

Students may return to school when:

§ Well enough to participate in normal school activities. § Free of all symptoms for 24 hours. § Temperature remains normal for a 24-hour period without the use of fever reducing medications. § On an antibiotic for at least 24 hours OR § Your health care provider states your child can return to school and SMMS is in agreement.

Additional guidelines can be found in the office.

Vaccinations

Sprouting Minds Montessori School is required by New York State Law to have a physician signed Health Care form for all children. The Health Care form is included in the student information packet. Current immunization records are required for each child enrolled.

All immunization forms must be on file in the office by the FIRST day of attendance or the child will be unable to attend school until the immunizations are up to date or an appointment is scheduled for the purpose of accomplishing this.

Exemptions

If there is a medical reason for a child not receiving vaccinations, we must have a physician’s written explanation on file in the office. Parents may religiously oppose immunization. In this case, parents will complete and notarize a letter stating their religious objection.


Safety and School Security

General Safety Measures SMMS is a controlled access facility. The doors are only open during arrival, pickup, and special events. If you arrive at the school outside of these times, please ring the doorbell located at the classroom door. Parents, it is important that you let staff members open the doors for unknown individuals waiting at the door, you do not know every individual involved with the school. If you are not attended to immediately, it may mean that we’ve stepped out of the classroom. Please be patient; someone will be with you shortly.

Signing In and Out

Anytime you come to the school during normal working hours to visit, volunteer, or observe, you must sign in at the classroom. Please sign the visitor or volunteer log when you enter and leave the school, except during large school gatherings.

Authorized Pick Up Person(s)

You must complete and turn in the pickup form indicating who is authorized to pick up your child. We will only release your child to those individuals you have indicated on your form. You may add or delete people from the form in writing. In the event an unauthorized person comes to pick your child up we will attempt to call parents and emergency contacts to determine next steps. The child will not be released until we have contacted someone.

Fire Drills

Fire drills will be regularly conducted throughout the year. These drills will be announced and unannounced to ensure proper awareness of procedures for staff and students. All faculty and staff have pre-arranged responsibilities in the event of a drill or a real fire. In the event of a real fire, activation of the school’s fire alarm will automatically summon the local fire department. Upon evacuation, all classrooms will gather at their designated locations and parents will be notified.


Severe Weather Drills

The school runs severe weather drills during certain times of the year. During a severe weather watch or warning, an administrator continually monitors the school’s weather alarm and local news stations for updates.

Intruder Drills

Practicing drills is a key element to ensure the school is as prepared as possible for potentially unsafe and threatening situations. In the event of an unknown or potentially threatening individual or situation on our property, the school has protocols to address multiple scenarios. The administration will periodically schedule stranger drills to make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible. During these drills information is given to the students about the drill in a developmentally appropriate way.

School Closure

Sprouting Minds Montessori School typically follows East Aurora School District for closure purposes.

SMMS Closure/Early Dismissal Policy

1. When the East Aurora School District (EA) closes due to snow or ice, SMMS will also close.

2. When EA schools are delayed due to snow or ice, SMMS will open for school at 10:30 am unless otherwise specified.

3. When EA closes due to cold temperatures, SMMS will have school unless otherwise notified.

4. Parents will be notified regarding early dismissal due to inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances or utility failure.

Communication of Closure, Delay or Early Dismissal

We will announce school delays or closures due to weather or unforeseen circumstances via remind app, on our website and, facebook page, and on the “School Closing” information on WKBW and WIVB tv and websites. There is a link to these sites on the school’s web page.

In case of an early dismissal due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as utility failure, the school will contact parents to come and pick up your child/children. We will contact you as indicated on your emergency information form


Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect

SMMS staff members are Mandatory Reporters of suspected child abuse. All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring within a family or in the community will be made to Erie County Child & Family Services. If the report involves possible violations of New York Statutes or Rules that govern this facility, a call will be made to the Department of Education or Office of Children and Family Services.

Licensing Sprouting Minds is a public program voluntarily licensed by the New York State Office of Family and Child Services. A copy of the license is found hanging in the Infant Toddler Community room and the licensing rules and regulations are available for review in the classroom and on the web.

If you have concerns, or a child care complaint, you may contact:

NYS Office of Family and Child Services

Buffalo Regional Office

295 Main Street

Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone 716-847-3828

Website: ocfs.ny.gov

If you suspect maltreatment or abuse you may contact 1-800-342-3720


School Community New Student Orientation

Orientation typically takes place during the last week of August. All new students or students moving into a new program and their families are expected to attend whether entering Infant Toddler, Children’s House or Elementary Programs. The purpose of the orientation is to assist your child with becoming accustomed to the classroom and teacher. The orientation also assists your child with developing a sense of belonging and comfort before the school year actually begins.

Dress Code Clothing and Shoe Requirements - All Students items must be labeled with their name, we are not responsible for lost items.

All clothing and shoes should have the student’s name clearly marked with permanent black ink, preferably in a place that won’t get worn.

Students are outside during all seasons. Your child should be dressed appropriately for the weather and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Students must keep a pair of indoor only shoes at the school once they are walking (younger children are encouraged to wear moccasin type shoes). This helps keep our environment clean and tidy.

Infant Toddler children must have at least three extra sets of clothing stored in a large plastic zip-lock bag at school. This includes shirt, pants, socks and underclothing. Remember to label each item with your child’s name.

Help younger children become independent dressers by choosing clothing and shoes that allow for self-care in toileting and dressing – elastic, velcro, and loose fitting items are MUCH preferred over snaps, laces and tight clothes until children are more proficient dressers.

When children become proficient standers we encourage shirts and pants without snapping undergarments. This aids in their ability to participate in stand up diaper changes, which will lead to potty training. If we find that clothing inhibits their independence we will let you know to avoid that item in the future.

Shoes may NOT have flashing lights or wheels in them. Please be sure the shoes are comfortable and easy for the child to put on their self, or with limited help.

Parents, if for some reason you must go in the classrooms, please respect the children by removing your shoes/boots prior to leaving the entryway.

Headbands, hairclips and hair-ties can be choking hazards. Please be conscious when you dress your child in the morning. Hair ties may not be clear, and if children are routinely pulling them out we will ask you refrain from putting their hair up for the time being. Hairclips are not permitted in this class as they are easily removed and a choking hazard.


Eating, Bottles, Cups, Snacks and Lunch Children are encouraged to self-feed and use utensils when they are introduced to solid foods, even our youngest eaters. It is a messy process to learn to feed yourself but it is necessary to maintain healthy eating habits and self-regulation for their whole lives. If you wish to have your child start solids or cereal before the American Association of Pediatrics recommended 6 months we encourage you to have a doctor’s note verifying this is appropriate for your child. Older infants (12+ months) will be able to use our snack and lunch system. Prior to that age please provide the food that you would like your child to eat. You may opt into our meal system earlier if preferred but formula or breastmilk must still be available until they are 12 months of age.

We encourage breast feeding mothers. We have a chair in the classroom for nursing at drop off and pick up, as well as during the day if there is opportunity for the mother to stop in. Our teachers are trained in paced bottle feeding to promote a good relationship between bottle and breast feeding.

All children are introduced to a weaning cup and use an open cup at mealtimes, we do not allow sippy cups unless medically necessary. We encourage parents to try the same methods at home. This helps them gain independence and proper drinking. Children are encouraged to drink all liquids from open cups by 12 months old, and we discourage the use of bottles at that time unless medically necessary.

Occasionally children need to drink alternative non-dairy milk, please adhere to our tree nut/peanut free policy unless medically prescribed by a doctor. Children using nut containing milk will be required to drink from a closed container due to allergen and safety reasons of other children.

At SMMS, lunch is eaten together family style once they are eating table foods. Students help set the table and divvy up the food to their younger classmates. It is a time for the children to slow down, relax, have quiet conversation, practice basic social skills, and learn good nutritional habits. Lunches and snacks are provided at no additional cost in the Infant Toddler Community. If your child has special medical dietary needs we may request a meeting to discuss how our food program and your family can work together to ensure a proper diet for your child.

Toys and Personal Belongings In general, children are encouraged to bring items which are clearly of educational interest, and which are “the real thing,” or a realistic model. Objects from nature, such as flowers, leaves, and stones are also welcomed additions if they are not considered choking hazards. We also encourage children to bring meaningful items from home, especially objects related to trips or other special events in their lives. Anything related to class studies are excellent items to share.

Children may NOT bring toys, trinkets, candy and gum, cartoon or figure toys, electronic games, etc. to school as these cause disruptions and distract from the prepared environment. If such items find their way to school, they will be held for the child until at least the end of the day or until they can be sent home.


Lost and Found Lost and Found items are located in the office and front lobby. Prior to the end of the school year any unclaimed clothing that is not retrieved or labeled will be donated. SMMS will notify parents prior to this donation so you have adequate time to check for lost items.

School Belongings In some cases, if a child intentionally damages school materials, we may ask for reimbursement for the cost of the material. If your child brings home a piece of material from the classroom, please return it promptly. Missing pieces render some of the classroom materials unusable. SMMS does not loan or rent any of the Montessori material for home use. In the event the classroom bag or folder is lost or damaged, we would also ask for reimbursement for the cost of replacing the bag.

Field Trips The SMMS Contact and Permissions Form provides parent consent for all short walking field trips within a mile or two of the school. Emergency contact and medical need forms will be taken on all field trips. It is important that parents ensure that these forms are always up to date. Please contact the office to make any changes.

School Traditions & Special Events

Birthdays Your child may bring food to share with the other students. We encourage healthy treats such as fruits or granola bars. Please contact your classroom teacher one week in advance to arrange the celebration and to inquire about food allergies.

Holidays Sprouting Minds Montessori School recognizes holidays as historical and cultural events, and each may be studied in some capacity. As such, we must be sensitive to and respectful of, the diversity in our school.


Parent Involvement

SMFA (Sprouting Minds Family Association) The Sprouting Minds Family Association offers many opportunities for us to come together as a community. Here is a highlight of some of our larger events led by the SMFA.

Harvest Festival: This event brings families together to celebrate the Fall. Students, faculty, and parent volunteers make soup from scratch. There are games and crafts for the kids. Families and classrooms bring carved pumpkins which are lit and displayed in the yard for all to see.

End of Year Carnival: In the Spring, there is no better way to finish a school year than to have a fun family picnic and carnival. Many games, activities, and raffles are available for people to enjoy! It’s a wonderful way to spend time with other families and friends as we celebrate the end of the year at SMMS.

The SMFA is a great way to get involved at Sprouting Minds Montessori School. The SMFA’s role is to promote greater participation in the school community to enrich each family’s experience and to play a crucial role in enhancing communication between the parents and staff. All parents, staff and students are welcome to participate. In order to fulfill its mission, the SMFA organizes, sponsors, and hosts activities that provide opportunities for parents to participate in the life of the school and benefit the school socially, culturally, and financially including appreciation of our staff. SMFA-coordinated activities can include, but are not limited to:

Book Fair

Bowling Night

End of Year Carnival

Flower Deliveries

Garden Work Day

Harvest Festival

Ice Cream Social

Parent Social Night

Picnic Playdates

Small Hands

Staff Appreciation

Summer Picnic


Volunteering Opportunities Sprouting Minds Montessori School welcomes and greatly appreciates parent participation. Each time your child sees you involved, you make a valuable contribution to your child’s development. Additionally, you are able to connect with other parents and staff which strengthen our school community.

The following are some examples of ways to volunteer your time:

Start with attending parent orientation night (even if you have before)

Attend Montessori parent nights

Observe in any one of the classrooms

Help weed the gardens or water plants

Clear snow drifts off the sidewalks during the winter

Help out in one of the school programs

Attend a Family Association event

Set up before an event or clean up after

Wash some windows

Give a talk on your area of expertise

Sign up to work in the Elementary classroom; and on and on.

SMMS suggests a minimum of 10 hours over the course of the year or one hour per month. Please check with the office about how you can participate in the school and enhance your child’s educational environment.


Recommended Reading List for Parents

Lillard, Paula P. (1996). Montessori Today. And Montessori: A Modern Approach

§ Describes Montessori theory and contemporary American Montessori schools serving ages ranging from birth to adulthood.

Lillard, Paula P.; Jessen, Lynn L. (2003). Montessori from the Start

§ What parents can do to help their youngest children in the process of self-formation.

Lillard, Angeline Stoll. (2005). Montessori: The Science Behind The genius.

§ Describes the basic ideas of Montessori education and how these are validated by today’s scientific findings.

Montessori, Maria. (1949). The Absorbent Mind

§ Discusses the development of infants and young children from birth to three years. Gives a clear explanation of the basis of Montessori theory and method.

Montessori, Maria. (1973). From Childhood to Adolescence

§ Discusses the development and education of the child from age seven through adolescence. Includes Dr. Montessori's thoughts on university education.

Dr. Bailey, Becky. (2001). Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline: The 7 Basic skills for turning Conflict into Cooperation.

§ Discusses the 7 skills parents need to positively influence their behavior and in turn their relationship with their children. This is not written by a Montessori theorist but the Dr who developed Conscious Discipline.

Faber, Joanna. (2017). How to Talk so Little Kids will Listen

§ Book on how to effectively communicate with your child with a positive light. Note this is not written by a Montessori philosophy standpoint but is helpful as a guidance for parents on positive communication.

PARENT HANDBOOK 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR · Montessori Philosophy is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive,

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