Child Discipline Policy

We never inflict physical punishment, verbal or physical degradation or emotional deprivation. We never deny or threaten to deny any basic necessity, or use or permit the use of any form of physical restraint, confinement or isolation. As teachers we never demean students for inappropriate behavior. We do not use “time outs”. Corporal and shame-based punishment are not permitted at Montessori & Me under any circumstances! We help our children learn to manage their own social relationships by facilitating their resolution at our Peace Table.

When necessary, we provide the child with choices and redirect his/her energy towards a more positive activity. Children who are unable to function within the ground rules are often guided to a practical life activity as a calming interlude. If and when we do have an incident related to a child’s

misconduct, it is recorded in the Classroom Management Record, and the parents are notified of the same through a copy of the record. We encourage parents to assist the school by using positive discipline in the home environment too!

We maintain a zero tolerance policy for abuse of any kind. Students are not permitted to scratch, kick, bite, hit or harm another child or staff member.  Any incident is taken seriously, behavior is recorded and parents are informed. 

 

If a child hits or hurts another student, we will contact the parent or guardian and ask that they immediately pick up their child. Together, family and school will work to resolve this problem. If however a child continues to put our class at risk, the child will be withdrawn from our program.”

Off-Site Activity and Emergency Evacuation Policy

We have a limited number of field trips and on-site activities planned throughout the school year. We charter a yellow school bus for our off-site events and a limited number of parent volunteers are asked to assist. 

Parents will be notified in writing in advance, prior to any particular field trip or visit that leaves Britannia school property and any special on-site activity. Parents can address any concerns regarding supervision, transportation, or other safety issues directly with the Directress. Parents then have the option to give permission via a written consent for their child’s participation in an off-site or on-site activity.

In case of off-site activities and during emergency evacuations the Directress will gather and take with her:

1. •Parent sign-in form
   

2. •Attendance records
   

3. •Emergency Portable Records
   

4. •First Aid Kit
   

Accident or Illness Policy

In case of an accident to or a serious illness of a child Montessori & Me will ensure that:

1. •the child receives immediate medical attention as necessary.
   

2. •every attempt is made to notify a parent without delay.
   

3. •the staff will complete an accident/incident/illness report and a parent will be expected to sign the report.
   

Incident Reporting Policy

Montessori & Me is obliged to report the following to their licensing staff:

1. •emergency evacuation
   

2. •program closure due to an emergency
   

3. •an intruder on the program premises
   

4. •a child removed from the program without parent/guardian consent
   

5. •an injury requiring medical attention
   

6. •a lost child
   

7. •a child left on the premises after operating hours.
   

Serious incidents will be reported within 2 working days to our licensing staff or Regional Office.

Health and Wellness Policy

We have a very firm “sick child policy”. If your child is not feeling well, please keep your child home until the condition has improved. Do not bring your child to school if your child has a fever over 98.6° F (37° C),  a contagious rash, bad cough, any discharge of discolored or profuse mucus from the nose or eye, diarrhea, sore throat or if your child is vomiting.  

If you bring in a sick child to school we will ask that you take your child back with you. If your child becomes ill during class, we will contact you with the expectation that a parent or guardian will immediately come and pick up your child.

Potential Health Risk Policy

The early detection and management of communicable diseases is essential to providing a safe, comfortable and healthy environment for all children and staff.

An ill child is defined as a child who:

1. •   Is vomiting, has a fever, diarrhea or a new unexplained rash or cough.
   

2. •  Requires greater attention than can be provided without compromising the care of other children in the program.
   

3. •  Displays any other illness or symptom the staff member knows or believes may indicate that a child poses a health risk to other children, caregivers or staff.
   

If the Program Director or a member of staff has reason to believe that a child may be suffering from a communicable disease, a parent will be informed immediately. It is the expectation that a parent or guardian will immediately remove the child from our program.

A child can return to our program if the child’s parent provides a written notice from a physician indicating that the child does not pose a health risk or if the license holder/provider is satisfied that a child no longer poses a health risk to other children, caregivers or staff.

We are obliged to inform the Local Health Zone of a suspected case of a communicable disease within the Montessori & Me facility.

Supervised Care for Sick Children Policy

To provide comfort for a sick child and help protect the health of other children, we will ensure that a sick child is:

1. •kept as far away as practicable from the other children (which would be the cozy corner in our facility).
   

2. •directly supervised by a staff member, in the cozy corner until the child can be removed from our program facility.
   

Administration of Medicine Policy

The school does not administer over-the-counter medication. If children are not well, they should remain at home.

We will administer doctor prescribed medications as long as detailed instructions are provided. Instructions, dosages and times will be recorded on a form provided by Montessori & Me. 

For children with severe allergies or asthma, parents must leave a ventilator and/or Epi-pen at school. These are stored safely out of reach of our students, but within quick access if needed.

At Montessori & Me prescribed medication may be administered to a child provided that:

1. •The written authorization and signature of a parent has been obtained, including; date, child’s name, name of medication, date and time medication is to be administered, amount of medication to be administered, and type of storage.
   

2. •The medication is in the original labeled container with the child’s name, name of the physician, date of issue, and instructions for administration.
   

3. •The medication is administered according to the labeled instructions.
   

4. •Medication like Epipens that may be needed in an emergency will be stored in the office and out of the reach of children.
   

We will maintain documented evidence that staff have administered medications according to parent authorization, including, date and time of administration, name and amount of medication that was administered, and signature of the staff that administered the medication.

Health Care Policy

At Montessori & Me health care will be provided to a child only:

1. •If a written consent from the parent has been obtained in the form of a waiver.
   

2. •If the health care to be provided is first aid.
   

3. •If it involves the administration of prescription medication.
   

The school does not administer over-the-counter medication. If children are not well, they should remain at home. 

 

We will administer doctor prescribed medications as long as all the details and instructions are filled out on the Prescription Medication Administration Form and it is signed by a parent.

For children with severe allergies or asthma, parents must leave a ventilator and/or Epi-pen at school. These are stored safely out of reach of our students, but within quick access if needed. 

 

Due to a number of nut allergies in our classes, we maintain a “nut free” classroom. If parents wish to hand out loot bags on their child’s birthday, we request “nut free” items only. 

Smoking Policy

At Montessori & Me smoking is prohibited anywhere on our licensed premises. In addition staff and volunteers are absolutely prohibited from smoking whenever they are caring for children. This applies to any excursion off the premises including field trips, walks, and while at the Britannia School playground.

Nutrition Policy

At Montessori & Me, groceries for the snacks are purchased and provided by the parents on a rotating basis as outlined on the monthly snack list. The snack list is prepared for Montessori & Me by a registered dietitian at WholeSum Nutrition Consulting using the guidelines set out in: Alberta Guidelines for Children and Youth: A Childcare, School and Recreation/Community Centre Resource and Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.

Our Snacks:

1. •Provide at least 2 to 3 food groups
   

2. •Are nut-free
   

3. •Promote healthy eating
   

4. •Provide the opportunity to introduce new foods
   

5. •Incorporate the monthly Montessori & Me themes
   

Snacks are prepared in the classroom by a teacher with a food-safety certificate according to Department of Health guidelines for food safety. 

Snack is provided to the students at 09:00 and 11:10 a.m. for our AM program and at 3:40 p.m. for our PM program. It is provided in a group setting to encourage children to try new things and develop good table manners. Children are encouraged to try at least a little of everything but the amount of food consumed is determined by the child.

Children’s Records Policy

To ensure the children’s health and safety, an accurate and up to date record in respect of each child will be kept at our preschool facility. Parents must ensure that they use an ink pen to sign their child/children in and out, with the arrival and departure times, on the daily attendance record. 

Accurate attendance records are critical to ensure that all children are accounted for in the event of an emergency. Moreover it helps to make the legal responsibility for the child very clear.

These records will include:

1. •A current, signed and completed enrollment form,
   

2. •The name, date of birth, health care registration number and current home address of the child,
   

3. •The name, current home address and telephone number of the child’s parent,
   

4. •The address and telephone number of the place where the child’s parent and another person to whom the child may be released can be reached in case of an emergency,
   

5. •The name and telephone number of the child’s physician,
   

6. •The date when the child became enrolled in the preschool program and when the child ceased to be enrolled in the preschool program,
   

7. •Particulars of the child’s daily attendance, including arrival and departure times,
   

8. •Particulars of the administration of any medication, particulars of any health care provided, including the written consent of a parent,
   

9. •Written confirmation of the child’s immunization and any other health information provided by a parent. 
   

Administrative Records Policy

At Montessori & Me, the records of the daily attendance of each staff member, including arrival and departure times and hours spent providing child care will be available for inspection at all times.

In addition a copy of the qualification certificate of the program director and each primary staff member will be available for inspection at all times.

Portable Records Policy

In order to meet with licensing requirements, Portable Emergency Information Records for each child are maintained at Montessori & Me. These emergency records are easily accessible to the staff in case of any emergency. These records are taken off the school premises on field trips, during fire drills, during outdoor gym classes and in the event of an emergency evacuation. It is very important that the information on the record is current and complete. Please inform us of any changes in your child’s information as they occur. 

The records must include the following:

1. •The name, date of birth, health care registration number and current home address of the child.
   

2. •The name, current home address and telephone number of the child’s parent.
   

3. •The address and telephone number of the place where the child’s parent and another person to
   

4. •Whom the child may be released can be reached in case of an emergency.
   

5. •The name and telephone number of the child’s physician.
   

6. •Written confirmation of the child’s immunization and any other health information provided by a parent.
   

In addition to the above, Montessori & Me will have a Portable Emergency Record containing the current telephone numbers of the nearest hospital, emergency centre and poison information centre.

Child Guidance Policy

At the beginning of each new academic year, we have discussions with the children about how they would like to be treated and what rules they feel are fair. Ground rules are then established and the children are made aware of them. These rules are repeated to the children in the first few weeks of school and whenever needed thereafter. The rules are narrowed down to three broad ideas and encompass a wide range of positive behaviors such as: be kind, play safe and do your best. Clear and consistent approaches to problem solving are modeled at all times.

If a problem arises the following steps are taken:

1. a) First, approach the child and divert attention to another item (toy, material) within the play area.
   

2. b) If this does not disrupt the unwanted behavior, the teacher will offer a logical explanation to encourage a change in behavior.
   

3. c) If it persists the teacher will encourage the child to move to another area/ activity.
   

4. d) If the child is out of control, the teacher may ask the child to sit away from the group until composure is regained.
   

5. e) A dialogue encouraging problem solving will ensue. Behavior expectations, behavior description and logical consequences are used to help guide the child to reach an appropriate solution so that s/he is ready to re-join the group or activity.
   

6. f) However, if the problem persists, the child may have to be removed from the classroom, accompanied by the teacher. During this time, the teacher will help the child regain control, and go through the process of problem solving to come up with alternatives for self-control. The child will re-join the activity or the group when s/he feels ready.
   

7. g) The parent(s) is notified of the behavior and of the strategies involved in helping the child cope with the situation, at the end of class.
   

8. h) If the problem continues and becomes disruptive or unsafe to the classroom, the Program Director is notified and a solution worked between the Director, teacher and parent.
   

The parent helper (teacher aide) will be encouraged to help the teacher with discipline by:

1. a) Attempting to prevent a developing disruptive situation if the teacher is elsewhere occupied.
   

2. b) Diverting a child’s attention to constructive activity if the child seems aimless or is intruding on another’s play space.
   

3. c) Reminding of respectful behavior expectations on the part of all present and to the toys, materials and equipment in the room.
   

4. d) Removal of the child from the classroom to work out strategies will only be done by the teacher.
   

Attendance Policy

Many educational opportunities are missed due to absence. Repeated absences interrupt the flow of your child’s learning, creating additional work for teacher and student. Please schedule your family vacations in conjunction with the school’s calendar. The Program Director reserves the right to withdraw the enrollment of a student from the school for excessive tardiness. This will also apply to absenteeism, except where due solely to illness, disease or accident, as attested by a licensed physician. Eight - ten school days per semester will be considered the general guideline. This policy helps to maintain our school structure.  Parents are asked to notify the school if their child will not be attending classes, for any reason.

Emergency Procedures Policy

Education:

Students new to the school will not be familiar with the concept of a fire drill or emergency evacuations.  Their training in evacuation procedures shall begin within the first few days of each term and is practiced throughout the school year on an on-going basis.

1. •Staff and children shall become familiar with at least two exits in the event one exit becomes inaccessible
   

2. •Staff shall know the location of the two fire alarm switches in the school and be familiar with their operation.
   

3. •Staff shall know the location of the two fire extinguishers in the classroom and be familiar with its use.
   

Fire & Evacuation Plan:

Responsibility:

1. Preschool:  The preschool will retain responsibility of the children on the premises until they are released to a parent, guardian, or other designated person, or until they have been transported to an official evacuation centre, In which case selected staff will remain with the other children until they have reunited with their families.

2. Staff:   All staff will remain with the children until all children have been released into the parent or guardians care. Staff will be subjected to whatever tasks are assigned by the person or persons in charge, and may not leave the premises until the Directress or persons in charge have given them official permission to do so.

3. Parent Volunteers:  Parent volunteers will be asked to assist with the evacuation of the younger children or any other child that may need special assistance. They will also be asked to follow the instructions of the directress or any other responsible member of staff.

4. Parents: Parents should not telephone the preschool; they should listen to the radio or television for progress reports on whatever disaster is taking place.

Parents should follow official instructions relayed by officials. If parents are able to reach the school without danger to themselves or without interference with disaster workers, they should come to pick up their children. Children will be released only to parents, guardians, or other designated persons known to them or their parent guardians.

In case of FIRE, NATURAL DISASTER OR BOMB THREAT:

1. 1.  Save lives – evacuate any persons in immediate danger.
   

2. 2.  Staff calmly line-up up at the Fire Exit door. Secondary exit plan: back door.
   

3. 3.  One staff member to remain at the front of the line.
   

4. 4.  One staff member to remain at the back of the line.
   

5. 5.  Program Director to gather:
   

6. •Parent sign-in form
   

7. •Attendance records
   

8. •Emergency Portable Records
   

9. •First Aid Kit
   

6. 6. Before exiting, Program Director to conduct a head count to ensure all children are accounted for
   

7. 7. When all children are accounted for, staff member to lead exit line, one staff member to follow at the end of the line.
   

8. 8. Program Director to check for stragglers in washrooms and other out-of-the-way locations and confirm the room is empty.
   

9. 9.  Staff and children shall move away from the building, leaving entrances and exits clear.
   

10. 10. Staff and children will gather in the pre-designated area (towards the North side of the BJH School soccer field).
    

After Evacuation:

1. 1. Once safely outside, Program Director to take attendance and confirm all children are present.
   

2. 2.  Staff member to conduct a head count.
   

3. 3.  Person in charge to reassure children of their safety.
   

4. 4.  First Aid administered if necessary.
   

5. 5.  Building is not re-entered until officials give permission.
   

Evaluations:

Follow the emergency with an evaluation by all staff in order to spot any areas of weakness or oversight to be reminded in future emergencies.

Evacuation:

In the event of an emergency situation that requires an evacuation of the Britannia Junior High School and Montessori & Me Preschool facility, and after the attendance and head count is done to confirm all children are present and accounted for, the following plan will be implemented:

1.Staff will calmly walk children to the Youngstown School, located at 10330-163rd Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5P 3N5. (Telephone Number: 780-489-4600).

2.Children will remain accompanied by teacher(s) while parents/emergency contacts are notified of the situation and arrangements are made for either the transporting home or care of children for the remainder of the day.

3.In the event of exposure to toxic materials, gases, flooding, etc., and a physical examination is recommended, children will be transported by ambulance/police cars to the Misericordia Hospital located at 16940-87th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 4H5 (Telephone Number: 780-735-2000).

4. 4. In the event of a major emergency which is more widespread and encompasses a larger area (neighborhood, several building/homes) due to a non-confirmed environmental threat, e.g. toxic materials/fumes from a spill, floodwaters, brush wires etc., and the children cannot remain in the area, the children will be brought to the Brightview School located at 15425 - 106th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5P 0W3. Parents/guardians would then be notified and arrangements made for either transportation home or continuation of care.
   

Outdoor Policy

Weather permitting, we use the Britannia School soccer field for our gym class for a period of 30 minutes each day.  This is also an area where students may conduct a number of science experiments, read a story, enjoy a picnic snack, or simply observe as ants carry food to their young.

Once the sunshine appears, so does the risk of sun damage to your child’s skin.  On sunny days we encourage all parents to apply sunscreen before classes and to leave a sunhat in the child’s cubby.

Inclement Weather Policy

Classes at Montessori & Me will carry on as usual throughout winter, except in extreme weather         

conditions i.e. winter storms, blizzards etc. If and when we experience inclement weather, our

school will be closed and the greetings message on the school phone (780-484-8748) will reflect

our school closure.

You will also be sent an email to that effect and we will also make every effort to make telephone

contact with you, to inform you of our school closure.

Behaviour Policy

Our goal is to provide a happy and secure environment for your child. During the first six weeks of school, classroom rules and expectations are clearly defined. Children learn quickly what is and what is not appropriate behavior, and we gently encourage the child to respond accordingly.

We help our children learn to manage their own social relationships by facilitating their resolution of conflict at our Peace Table. We do not use "time outs", and any type of punishment is strictly prohibited. When necessary, we provide the child with choices and redirect his/her energy towards a more positive activity.  Children who are unable to function within the ground rules are often guided to a practical life activity, the cozy corner or the library nook, as a calming interlude. 

Parents can assist the school by using positive discipline in the home environment: 

1. •Set a good example. Be a positive role model. If a child sees his/her parents showing love and respect for others, the child will learn to love both self and others. 
   

2. •Be positive in your manner of changing your child's behavior. Try saying, "Do it this way" instead of "No, that is wrong." 
   

3. •Praise your child and reward desirable behavior. 
   

4. •Set clearly defined limits for your child that are reasonable and enforceable. 
   

5. •Be consistent. Expect the same standards of behavior every day.
   

Discharge Policy

Montessori & Me reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of a child for the following reasons:

1. •Non-payment or late payments of tuition and/or fees.
   

2. •Non-compliance with the policies and rules of the school.
   

3. •Physical and/or verbal abuse of staff, by parent or child.
   

4. •Failure to address the child’s behaviour or any issues that are affecting the community and staff.
   

5. •Disruptive and on-going behavioural problems that interfere with the learning process of his/her peers.
   

6. •Excessive absences
   

7. •The school is unable to meet the special needs of the child.
   

8. •The school is unable to meet the expectations of the family.
   

In the event there is a concern regarding the child’s continued participation in the classroom, Montessori & Me will immediately contact the parents for a conference. It is left to the discretion of the Program Director whether to continue the enrollment of a child under challenging circumstances.

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

Children are admitted for the duration of the academic school year and parents are obligated to make the tuition payments for the entire year. No withdrawals or refunds will be accepted or issued after February 28. 

Withdrawals from the school must be requested in writing, 30 days in advance of the final date the child/children will attend. Tuition is to be paid for 30 days after the initial request. There are no refunds of Ballet fees, Arts & Crafts fees, Incidentals fees, Activity fees, Field Trip fees and Registration fees once enrollment has been completed or at any time during the year.