Child Discipline Policy

At Montessori & Me we maintain a zero tolerance policy for abuse of any kind. 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. Corporal or shame-based punishment by any member of staff is not permitted at Montessori & Me under any circumstances. The staff is only permitted to use positive, non-violent methods to reinforce ground rules.

Students are not permitted to scratch, kick, bite, hit or harm another child or staff member. Any incident is taken seriously, behavior is recorded, parents are informed and a meeting is scheduled.

If after the meeting the child continues to hit or hurt 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 If however a child continues to put our class at risk, the child will be withdrawn from our program.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/On-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. The average cost of our field trips or on-site events is $5.00 - $20.00.

Parents will be notified in writing in advance, prior to any particular field trip or visit that leaves Stratford 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:

  • Parent sign-in forms
  • Attendance records
  • Emergency Portable Records
  • 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:

  • The child receives immediate medical attention as necessary
  • Every attempt is made to notify a parent without delay
  • The staff will complete an accident/incident/illness report and a parent is expected to sign the report.

Incident Reporting Policy

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

  • Emergency evacuation.
  • Program closure due to an emergency.
  • An intruder on the program premises.
  • A child removed from the program without parent/guardian consent.
  • An injury requiring medical attention.
  • A lost child.
  • 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.

    Communicable Disease Policy

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

    If the directress 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 facility.

    We are obliged to inform the Local Health Authority 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:

    • Kept as far away as practicable from the other children (which would be the cozy corner in our facility), and
    • Directly supervised by a staff member, in the cozy corner, until the child can be removed from our program facility.

    Administration of Medicine Policy

    At Montessori & Me OTC Medications are not administered. Only prescribed medication may be administered to a child provided that:

    • 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.
    • The medication is in the original labeled container with the child’s name, name of the physician, date of issue, and instructions for administration.
    • The medication is administered according to the labeled instructions.
    • Medication like the Epipen (Jr.) 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:

    • If a written consent from the parent has been obtained in the form of a waiver.
    • If the health care to be provided is first aid.
    • 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 Form and a parent signs it.

    For children with severe allergies or asthma, parents must leave a ventilator and/or Epipen 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 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 Stratford 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.

    • Provide at least 2 to 3 food groups.
    • Are nut-free.
    • Promote healthy eating.
    • Provide the opportunity to introduce new foods.
    • 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 am for our AM program and at 3:40 pm 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:

    • A current, signed and completed enrolment form.
    • The name, date of birth, health care registration number and current home address of the child.
    • The name, current home address and telephone number of the child’s parent.
    • 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.
    • The name and telephone number of the child’s physician.
    • The date when the child became enrolled in the preschool facility program and when the child ceased to be enrolled in the preschool facility program.
    • Particulars of the child’s daily attendance, including arrival and departure times.
    • Particulars of the administration of any medication, particulars of any health care provided, including the written consent of a parent.
    • 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 regulations, Portable Emergency Records for each child will be 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:

    • The name, date of birth, health care registration number and current home address of the child.
    • The name, current home address and telephone number of the child’s parent.
    • 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.
    • The name and telephone number of the child’s physician.
    • 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.

    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.

    • Staff and children shall become familiar with at least two exits in the event one exit becomes inaccessible.
    • Staff shall know the location of fire alarm in the school and be familiar with their operation.
    • Staff shall know the location of the fire extinguisher 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. Save lives – evacuate any persons in immediate danger.

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

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

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

    5. Directress to gather:

    • Parent sign-in form
    • Attendance records
    • Emergency Portable Records
    • First Aid Kit

    6. Directress to conduct a head count to ensure all children are accounted for before exit.

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

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

    10. Staff and children will gather in the pre-designated area (towards the East of school parking lot).

    After Evacuation:

    • Once safely outside, Directress to take attendance and confirm all children are present.
    • Staff member to conduct a head count.
    • Person in charge to reassure children of their safety.
    • First Aid administered if necessary.
    • 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 Stratford 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 James Gibbons Elementary School approximately one-half block away located at 8945-153rd Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 1P1. (Telephone Number: 780-489-8020)

    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 Miscricordia Hospital located at 16940-87th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 4H5 (Telephone Number: 780-735-2000).

    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 common area of the Meadowlark Shopping Centre located at 156th Street & 87th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 5W9. Parents/guardians would then be notified and arrangements made for either transportation home or continuation of care.

    Outdoor Policy

    Weather permitting, we use the Stratford playground for a period of fifteen minutes each day. This is a lovely safe, and fenced 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.

    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 behaviour, 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 as a calming interlude.

    Parents assist their children by using positive discipline in the home environment:

    • 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.
    • Be positive in your manner of changing your child's behaviour. Try saying, "Do it this way" instead of "No, that is wrong."
    • Praise your child and reward desirable behaviour.
    • Set clearly defined limits for your child that are reasonable and enforceable.
    • Be consistent. Expect the same standards of behaviour every day.
    • Give your child unconditional love.

    Discipline, Dismissal & Referral Policy

    At Montessori & Me we maintain a zero tolerance policy for abuse of any kind. Students are not permitted to scratch, kick, and bite, hit or harm another child or member of staff. We teach our students that “hands are not for hitting” and repeat this message as often as is necessary. Occasionally if a child has come to us from another program (daycares in particular) they may have picked up bad habits along the way, behaviours that may have been overlooked or even tolerated in another setting. We will work diligently with these students to reward positive behaviours as long as they are not a threat to our community.

    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. However, if a child continues to put our class at risk, the child will be withdrawn from our program.

    Withdrawal & Refund Policy

    While most children are well suited to this method of learning, no school is right for every child or family. If we believe we are unable to meet the needs of your child, or meet your expectations, we will refer you to an alternate program.

    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 March 1st.

    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 and Crafts fees, Incidental fees, Activity fees or Registration fees once enrollment has been completed or at any time during the year.