Excellent Montessori Handbook

WELCOME!

Excellent Montessori School  

PARENT HANDBOOK

WELCOME! 

Welcome to a new school year at Excellent Montessori School. Excellent Montessori Schools is a private, independent, non-profit school for children 6 weeks through 8th grade. The Montessori teaching method adapts itself to the uniqueness inherent in each student. It is based on the “hands-on” exploration of concrete materials, which opens the possibility for a greater depth of conceptual knowledge and critical thinking skills. In addition, it is understood that concentrated skill-building and a love of learning lead to high self-esteem and a positive sense of self. At Excellent Montessori School students are given the freedom for individual exploration, while becoming conscious of the natural limits of social and academic structures.  

 

While most preschools teach language arts and mathematics, the Montessori curriculum also adds lessons in practical life skills, sensory awareness and cultural education. Children learn how to be independent and do tasks such as pouring their own drinks and tying their own shoes. They learn using all five senses, instead of just sitting doing worksheets. They also learn about different cultures through lessons in geography, zoology and the arts. 

 

Unlike traditional preschools, where kids are put on structured schedules and pressured into meeting arbitrary standards from the first day, Montessori preschools let children learn through play and discovery. The teacher’s job is not to give knowledge; it is to guide children into discovering that knowledge themselves through play. Toys and instructional materials are placed around the room and the children have the freedom to play and learn as they please. Children work at their own pace as they decide what they will learn each day based on their unique interests and skills. 

 

Maria Montessori’s goal of “education for peace” is what made her unique among educators. Excellent Montessori School supports this goal by encouraging the development of problem-solving and conflict resolution skills in weekly class meetings and on an individual basis.  

 

The Parent Handbook has been created to familiarize parents with school policies and procedures and help parents understand a bit about the day-to-day life of the school. We, the faculty and staff, at Excellent Montessori School are excited to start a new school year and to ensuring that your children thrive in our positive, supportive, learning environment. 

 

At Excellent Montessori School, we believe that parents, and the environment they create at home, are the primary educational influences in the life of the child. As a school, we want to be with you in your work as a parent and help you in discovering who your child is, and what his or her needs are as s/he begins the adventure of life. It is our goal to help your child become a creative, competent human being, who is fully aware of him or herself, of others, and of the world around him. Other goals include a love of learning, self-motivation, confidence, social responsibility, persistence and concentration, development of global citizenship, and habits of inner discipline, resilience and order. 

 

Please read this handbook carefully and keep it for future reference. We encourage you to voice any concerns or questions you may have. Your understanding of why we do what we do is an important part of your child’s education.  

 

We are looking forward to many happy and productive years! 

 

EXCELLENT MONTESSORI ADMINISTRATION 

Priscilla Drain Director  

Enchante Sanders Director  

Joy Sanders Director 

 

MISSION 

Excellent Montessori School educates the whole child and inspire a joyful pursuit of learning. 

 

PHILOSOPHY 

The philosophy of Excellent Montessori School community is the encouragement of the child’s interest and curiosity and the development of responsible, independent thinking that fosters a life-long love of learning 

 

One greatest strength of the school is the highly training and superbly qualified teachers who take a personal interest in their students and parents.  They care about the whole person and see education as much more than simply the training of fine minds.  These dedicated teachers form the foundation of a caring community in which children develop and learn to become responsible, loving human beings. 

 

GOAL 

The school’s goal is to educate the whole person through the Montessori approach which addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical needs of each child.  Montessori is a method of education based on the observations, methods and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.  This method of education focuses on the development of the whole child in all areas of life, and supports the idea that children possess an innate desire to explore, discover and learn.  This is supported best within a social environment that inspires personal development. 

 

OBSERVATION 

Before enrolling your child at Excellent Montessori School, we recommend that you observe one of our classes. That’s the best way to see what a Montessori education is really like.  After your child becomes a Montessori student, you are encouraged to observe your child at work, if observation does not disrupt their activities.  However, we ask parents of new Montessori students to allow a six-week adjustment time before observing.  Make an appointment to observe a class by calling the school office.  Observation guidelines are available. 

 

ADMISSIONS & WITHDRAWALS 

The admission process begins with a guided tour and a family interview.  This gives you an opportunity to become familiar with our school and receive a personal orientation to the Montessori classroom.  Our Director meets with you and your child may meet with a teacher to check for classroom readiness.  It is our policy to consider each child’s admission and placement individually regardless of race, religion, color, sex, creed, gender, or national origin.   

 

We will admit each student on a six-week provisional basis.  At the end of the six-week period, we will talk with you about your child’s progress and eligibility for our program. After admittance to the program, if you or your child exhibits incompatibility towards our school’s policies, program, other parents, teachers, or administration, your child will be unenrolled. 

 

If withdrawal is necessary, the option of canceling the enrollment contract with the school is provided with written notice to the school 30 days prior to the effective withdrawal date. 

 

REGISTRATION FEE 

Upon enrollment, there is a non-refundable registration fee of $65.00 that is required for each child/family. 

 

ANNUAL FUND 

A non-refundable yearly annual fund of $200.00 is required to be paid by each family.  

 

WAIT LIST  

After completing a tour of our facility, you are welcome to join our waitlist if the class you desire is full.  A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 will need to accompany your child’s application.   The deposit will be applied towards your family’s annual fund.  Your child’s name will be placed on the list in accordance with the order of on-site tours completed and the month each family wishes to enroll their child. It is best to list the earliest possible time you would be willing for your child to start.  We provide no guarantee of entry when you are placed on the waitlist. Waitlist priority goes to family’s who have or who have had student enrolled at Excellent Montessori.   

 

ENROLLMENT FORM  

For your child’s safety and to comply with state regulations, all Excellent Montessori School enrollment papers and health records must be completed before your child can begin school.  These records and forms are kept in the school office and must be updated as changes occur to comply with licensing requirements.  These documents are very important, as they also specify who is authorized to pick up you child from school, and who should be contacted in case of emergency. 

 

 

 

TUITION AND FEES  

The tuition is based on a formula, which spreads the school year tuition over an academic calendar year.  Like many other private schools, tuition is to be paid monthly and is due by the 1st of each month.  A late fee is assessed for all tuition paid after the 1st of any month.  If your child is absent due to vacation, sickness, school holiday, emergency and weather, etc., full tuition is still required for the month.  If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday you are still responsible for tuition being paid before the 1st.  Acceptable forms of payment for your child’s tuition can be paid by cash, check, cashier’s check or money order.  We also accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit or debit cards.  A return check fee of $25.00 will be assessed for any check returned and tuition must be paid by a money order or cashiers check for the following 2 months. Additional fees are assessed for lunch, field trips, Enrichment Programs and Extra Curricular Programs. 

 

Prompt payment of your tuition enables us to maintain a high-quality program and a beautiful environment for the children.  There is no reduction in fees due to illness or absence, and there are no substitutions for missed days. 

 

LATE PICK-UP FEE opening time 8:30 am-closing time 5:00 pm  

Excellent Montessori opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes promptly at 5:00 p.m. parents who pick up their children after closing time will be charged a fee of $2.00/minute for each minute past 5:00 pm on the school clock.  This fee must be paid no later than the following school day.  If you are more than one hour late and we have been unable to contact anyone listed on your child’s enrollment forms, we are required to contact Social Services, who will pick up your child.  Children become upset when parents are late picking them up.    The parent is responsible for contacting the authorized emergency pick up person(s) to have the child picked up by his/her scheduled dismissal time. Please let us know if you will be late so we can reassure your child. 

 

SCHOOL CLOSING 

Emergency Cancellations:  In the case of emergency cancellations during the course of the school day (i.e. facility or operational malfunctions, etc.), we will notify parents of the cancellation or dismissal via e-mail or by phone. It is imperative that each student has current emergency contact information on file listing home, work, cellular, and other emergency numbers.  

 

Scheduled School Closings: Please refer to the school calendar for a listing of scheduled school closings and holiday dates.  

 

Inclement Weather: In the case that school is closed due to inclement weather, watch your local news Fox 5 Atlanta and CBS news Atlanta broadcasts.  In addition, please call the school answering service.  The message will contain information pertaining to our status.  

 

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION 

 

Excellent Montessori provides service for children ages 6 weeks through 14 years old. Our months of operation are January through December. Our days of operation are Monday through Friday. Our hours of operation are 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Class starts at 9:00 a.m.  Please bring your child by this time every school day to ensure a minimum of classroom interruption and to ensure child will be able to participate in all activities.  If your child is going to arrive later than 9:30 a.m., please call the school office. If your child is in the elementary or adolescence class, they will receive a tardy in their school record.  

 

THE FIRST DAY 

We want to work cooperatively to ensure a happy and successful school experience for your child.  Children and/or parents sometimes suffer from separation anxiety on the first day of school.  When this happens, a calm, pleasant and prompt exit by the parent is usually helpful.  Your child soon responds to the care of a reassuring teacher and becomes adjusted to the new experience. Sometimes, this anxiety may occur at home and the teachers cannot spot signs of it at school.  If you are experiencing problems of this type, your child’s teacher and the Director will be glad to discuss them with you. 

 

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL  

The smooth flow of our programs depends in large part on the children’s prompt arrival and departure. It is important for each child to arrive on time.  Always hold your child’s hand when walking through the parking lot. Children need adult supervision in the parking area. This is for the safety and wellbeing of your child! 

 

Arrival: Please stay in the arrival and dismissal lines and drive slowly up to the front entrance.  We have a sign in/sign out sheet for parents to check in/check out their child.  Please arrive so that your child is in his or her classroom by 8:45 am.  Should you arrive after 8:45 a.m., bring your child to the front door of the school so he or she can be accompanied to the classroom with minimum of disruption.  Before you and your child leave the premises, please notify a staff member and do not allow your child to leave the building ahead of you or without you.   

 

Dismissal: Only parents or authorized persons will be allowed to pick up a child. A written note is needed from the parents or legal guardian and given to the administrator if someone else is picking up their child. Identification will be requested. Because of limited parking spaces and please limit conversations with other adults in the parking lot.  For safety reason, children may not be dismissed from the playground to anyone.   

 

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE  

Consistent attendance is very important for proper progression through the Montessori curriculum; therefore, we encourage all students to attend classes on a regular basis as not to miss important classroom activities. If you are aware that your child will be absent, please inform the office and your teacher(s) well in advance of your plans. If your child is ill and will be absent from school, please inform the office as soon as possible. There is no refund for absenteeism. 

  

SCHOOL DRESS CODE  

Infants and Crawlers: should be dressed modestly in clothing that is easy for teachers to change.  Your children will be encouraged to scoot, crawl, and roll.  They will also go outside daily, weather permitting.  Please be sure to leave four sets of clothing, including socks and shoes in a clearly labeled, plastic, Ziploc bag. No diaper bags are permitted in the school. Additionally, we ask that clothes depicting any characters, such Superman, Dora the Explorer, etc. not be worn.  

 

Toddlers: should dress in school uniform colors. We encourage toddlers to wear comfortable, loose-fitting, non-restrictive clothing, which allows them quick and easy access to the toilet. Clothing managed without adult assistance is best for toilet learning and teaching independence. Belts, buttons and buckles often prove troublesome and may be a source of frustration for young children. If wearing pants, they must have elastic waistbands. Please be sure to leave two sets of clothing, including socks in their cubbies at all times. The toddlers are toilet learning; therefore, we ask that pull-ups and cloth underwear are to be worn in the classrooms.  Excellent Montessori has a lovely outdoor environment, and we take advantage of it by going out every day. Please dress your child appropriately to play outside. PLEASE be sure to LABEL ALL ITEMS. 

 

Primary, Elementary and Adolescence:  All children must wear a school uniform when on Excellent Montessori campus, Monday – Friday. 

 

Girls Uniform Style  

• Yellow Peter pan collar shirts 

• Yellow polo style shirts 
• Dark blue slacks 
• Dark blue shorts, skirts, jumpers (must be knee length or longer) 
• Dark blue sweater, vest, blazer 
• Tights or long knee socks 

• Tennis shoes (No light-ups) or Mary Jane style shoes 
• *shorts must be worn under all skirts* 

 

Boys Uniform Style 

• Yellow collared shirts 

• Yellow polo style shirts 
• dark blue shorts (must be knee length or longer) or slacks 
• blue sweater, vests, or blazer 
• Tennis shoes or loafers (No light-ups) 

 

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS  

At Excellent Montessori School, we offer additional enrichment courses at an additional cost. Extracurricular classes must be paid by the 1st of every month. Your child will not be permitted to participate in the classes until all fees are paid. Please speak with a school administrator for pricing and schedule. 

 

The following enrichment classes are offered:  

• Individual/Group swimming  
• Individual and small group piano 
• Small group violin  
• Ballet Lessons 
• Culinary Adventures 

• Chess Club (by invitation only) 

 

Summer Enrichment 

 

The Montessori education continues through the summer. We follow the same hours as during the academic school year.  Part of the day, students work with Montessori materials and the remainder of the day includes activities like, basketball, tennis, chess, drama, arts and crafts, gardening, geography, cooking, swimming, and water-play. 

 

The dress code for the summer enrichment program is as follows: 

Choice of t-shirts (no offensive language or pictures) 

Shorts (knee length or longer)  

Jeans 

Slacks 

Jumpers  

Skirts (for girls, knee length or longer)  

Closed toe shoes 

  

If children are going to take swimming classes or participate in water activities, they must bring: 

Girls: One-piece swim suit Boys: Swim shorts (no basketball shorts) 

cover-up T-shirt 

• Sunscreen   
• Goggles  

• Earplugs (optional)  
• Towel  
• Swim shoes/flip flops  
• Bag to store wet clothes and towel 

  

SPECIAL ITEMS  

Safety of your child and others are of utmost importance, children are welcome to bring books, pictures, and other items of educational interest to class. To ensure that the learning environment remains positive toys must be left at home or in the car.  Do not allow your child to bring valuables that may be irreplaceable. After a school day, you may discover little cubes, puzzle pieces, beads or other items in your child’s pockets.  These items are part of the educational materials we use in class.  Please return these items to the school as soon as possible.   

 

FEEDING POLICY (ALL STUDENT WILL EAT BREAKFAST AT HOME, BRING A LUNCH AND SNACK FROM HOME) 

Infants and crawlers: a signed written feeding plan will be obtained from parents. We do encourage and support breastfeeding.  We have a designated area in our school set-aside for breastfeeding mothers.   

   

All baby bottles shall be clearly labeled with individual child’s name and date. The parent shall supply formula or breast milk daily in bottles. Only the current day’s formula or breast milk shall be served.  Bottles shall be refrigerated at a temperature of forty (40) degrees Fahrenheit or less.  Refrigerated or frozen breast milk shall only be heated or thawed under warm running water or in a container of warm water.  Instructions from the parent shall be updated regularly as new foods are added or other dietary changes made. Teachers will hold and feed infants less than 6 months of age and older children who cannot hold their own bottles or sit alone.  As soon as the feeding plan indicates that a child is ready for solid foods, the child shall be fed from individual containers or dishes.  As soon as the child exhibits a desire to feed him/herself, the child shall be assisted and encouraged to use their fingers for self-feeding, eat with a spoon, and to drink from individual cups.                                              

  

Lunch is a special time for children at Excellent Montessori and should consist of nutritious healthy food choices. 

 

Toddler, Primary and Elementary: Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack must be provided daily by parent or legal guardian of child or children in Toddler, Primary, Elementary and Before-schoolers.  Healthy snacks are expected. Lunch will be served in the child’s classrooms. To help promote independence and social skills, children participate in serving and cleaning up at lunchtime.  

 

Students will bring their lunch to school each day in a clearly labeled insulated lunch box or bag. Meals  sent from home should be low in sugar, no chocolate, soda beverages, no hot chips, or sugary dessert items should be included in school lunches. Instead, we urge all families to turn to 100% juice, organic and locally grown items whenever possible. Please pack lunches in insulated lunch boxes or bags. No refrigeration is available for storage of lunches. To discourage food waste, we will have the children rewrap any uneaten food to return home. In this way, you will know what and how much your child has eaten. Milk and water will be provided. Our goal is to have “waste free” lunches and we ask that lunch items be packed in reusable containers. 

 

** Excellent Montessori is a nut free school.  No peanut products will be served or allowed in the school. ABSOLUTELY NO peanut butter products are allowed at any time (this includes if the child brings their lunch prepared at home). If your child has food allergies, please let us know immediately. ** 

 

All insulated sack/bag lunches must have an ice pack inside to preserve your child’s food.. Lunches must follow the USDA guidelines (see attached).  If your child’s lunch does not include the appropriate items, the school will supply the items and your account will be charged $6.00 per incident.     

  

DIAPERING AND TOILETING POLICY  

Infants and crawlers: All diapering for children enrolled with Excellent Montessori School will be carried out in a sanitary and safe manner to prevent the spread of germs and diseases that can occur during the diaper changing process.  The procedure for diapering will be posted at every location where diapering is to take place.  Teachers are required to wear latex-free gloves and wash their hands before and after each diaper change.   

 

Toddlers and Primary: The children in the toddler and primary classes are at their sensitive period for toilet learning. At Excellent Montessori School, we encourage parents to use cloth and cotton underclothes. If your child wears a pull-up, cotton underwear must be worn under the pull-up.  We will not force a child to use the toilet and will not scold or over-congratulate them. The child will assist in getting the clean pants/underclothes and putting dirty pants/underclothes in the appropriate place.  This gives a child the feeling of some power or control in this area with an “I can do it, I can master my own body,” perspective. We must note that these guidelines are for children who have no medical or sensitive developmental needs. In such cases, we should adapt our approach in light of the medical advice and psychological guidance the parents/physician provide.   

 

CELEBRATIONS AND HOLIDAYS 

Children love to celebrate birthdays with their friends.  Our school has a special way of recognizing birthdays for students. We invite families to join in the celebration by providing a healthy low/no sugar refreshment.  Please see your child’s teacher for snack ideas and to find out about the birthday tradition.  You may send in birthday invitations and the teacher will make sure parents receive them.   

 

The school celebrates a variety of holidays, as a way of expanding the children’s awareness of other cultures. It is the belief of the staff that children need to become aware of rituals and celebration as part of their experience of the cultures of the world; the teachers do not promote any ethnic or religious positions. 

 

COMMUNICATION(MODIFIED TO USING PROCARE SOFTWARE) 

Infants, crawlers and toddlers: Teachers will receive a daily communication sheet sent home with them that will include information about how the child ate that day, diaper changes, toilet learning progress, and mood.   

 

Primary: Teachers will communicate orally and use the daily planner when deemed necessary. 

 

Elementary: Teachers will communicate via the student’s planner with homework assignment, projects, and teacher communication. Progress report will be sent home periodically. Please initial planners each day. 

 

SCHOOL PICTURES  

School pictures are taken twice a year, typically late fall and spring. There is no charge at the time the photos are taken and purchases of these photographs is optional. 

OPEN DOOR POLICY 

We practice an open-door policy.  You are permitted access to the school and all areas your child uses.  If you would like a conference with your child’s teacher, please call the school office and set-up an appointment within 72 hours.   

 

Parent Classroom Visits: We welcome parents to visit their children’s classrooms. We ask that parents sign in at the front desk and obtain a Visitor’s pass so we may monitor who is in the building at all times.  Parental visits should not exceed 30 minutes in length and the director may choose to sit with the parent during the visit.  If, at any time during the visit, the director considers the parent activities to be other than in the best interest of the students being served, the visit may be terminated.  To maintain an optimal learning environment, while visiting in the classrooms, parents should limit activities that might distract students, such as walking around the room, talking to the teacher, or engaging with the students during class.  The rights of all students to privacy and to a proper learning environment must be strictly observed. 

 

LOST AND FOUND  

If your child is missing a piece of clothing or some other item, please check the Lost and Found box at the front desk. Items will be kept for two week.  If not claimed in that time, they will be donated to a charitable organization.  Excellent Montessori cannot replace lost articles. 

 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES  

Since our curriculum extends to the outdoors, all children are required to participate in outdoor activities when weather permits. 

HEALTH, SAFETY and SECURITY 

 

CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT 

Parents must escort children to the door of the school, or remain in vehicle until administrator receives the child and checks the child in for the day. Students are not allowed to enter the school unescorted or check themselves in.  Parents must check the child out for the day and physically escort the children to their vehicles.  Students are not allowed to leave the center unescorted by an adult. If your child is being picked up by someone other than their parents, they would need to park and come inside the school to verify identification on the child’s records.   

 

AUTHORIZED PERSONS  

To ensure your child’s safety, Excellent Montessori School keeps a file of names, addresses and phone numbers of people authorized to pick up each child in case of emergency. The file is based on information provided on the enrollment forms.  It is very important for the Director to be notified in writing of any changes, as your children cannot be released without proper authorization and identification.  A driver’s license generally will suffice.  By policy, we will not release a child to anyone less than 16 years of age (unless he or she is the child’s parent).  In the case of divorced parents, it is important that the registering parent indicate on the enrollment application who the custodial parent is and who may pick up the child from school.   A notarized custody declaration is required.   

 

EMERGENCY DRILLS  

Periodically, we hold emergency drills to acquaint the children with evacuation procedures. These drills and practices are done so children will know what do to in case of an actual emergency.  The school is equipped with a fire alarm and sprinkler system.  Fire extinguishers are placed throughout the building.   

 

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY  

Emergency plans have been developed and are posted for parent viewing.  In the event of an emergency, parent/guardian will be notified immediately. In case of severe weather/tornado, a fire, or physical plant problems, such as power failure, that affects climate control or structural damage parents will be called immediately. 

 

ILLNESS (CALL BY NOON, IF POSSIBLE) 

Occasionally, even the healthiest child catches a cold or comes down with some other childhood illness.  Whenever your child is ill and will not be coming to school, please call the office between 8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. to let us know they will not attend school that day.  

 

Weather permitting, students go out to play every day.  Please dress your child appropriately.  If you feel that your child may be too sick to go out and play, he/she is probably too sick to be at school. 

 

If a child becomes sick while at school, the child will be isolated whenever possible, from other children.  The parent/guardian will be called immediately.  The sick child will be supervised at all times and provided with appropriate care.  If your child exhibits the following symptoms, you will be called and expected to pick up your child immediately: 

 

1. Upper respiratory infection, cough, sore throat  

1. Any gastrointestinal upset, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea  

1. Oral temperature elevation of 101 degrees or more 

1. Severe pain (including injury)  

1. Any rash or skin eruption, until diagnosed (i.e. ringworm, pink eye, etc.) 

1. Any eye inflammation or infection, until treated  

1. Head lice until treated and ALL nits removed 

 

We send a child home from school with fever, vomiting or diarrhea, and parents are required to keep their child at home until he/she is unmedicated and free of symptoms for 24 hours. If there is any doubt whether the child is feeling well before returning to school, he/she should remain home. If your child is too ill to participate in all school activities, including outside play, he/she should remain at home. 

 

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES 

If your child was exposed to a notifiable communicable disease a sign on the door of the child’s classroom will notify you and a letter will go home with the child.   

 

Students with infectious diseases, such as chicken pox or strep throat, must stay out of school until the  

contagious stage has passed.  For the sake of the other children’s health, it is vital that you let the office know the diagnosis as soon as possible.  We are required by the Georgia Department of Resources to notify the student population if students have been exposed to infectious diseases.  Please be assured that your child will remain anonymous. Please remember to bring an updated immunization record for your child periodically.   

 

ACCIDENTAL INJURIES 

At Excellent Montessori School, we make every effort to ensure your child’s safety, though we cannot guarantee that accidents will not occur.   

 

Minor injuries will be treated with first aid and an incident report will be written. Parent will be notified at pick-up time and will sign the incident report. For injuries that require immediate medical care the parent will be notified via telephone immediately. If you cannot be reached, the Director will call the person you have indicated on the enrollment form to make medical emergency decisions about your child.  A signed emergency medical release is necessary to ensure prompt medical attention.  If we cannot reach anyone, your child will be transported to Dekalb Medical –Hillandale at 2801 Dekalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia 30058.  The recommendations of the attending physician will be followed.  The Director or designated person in charge will stay with your child until you arrive. In the case of such and accident or injury, the Director will provide you with an Accident and Illness Report. 

 

MEDICATION 

If your child will need prescription medication during the school day, you must fill out the medical authorization form. Prescription medication must be sent in the original container and must be clearly labeled.  Medicines will be given at your child’s lunchtime only.  To comply with licensing regulation, over-the-counter medication will only be dispensed with a physician’s written prescription. This includes children’s Tylenol, Advil, cough syrups, and so on.  All medication must be in its original container and clearly labeled with the child’s name.  We ask that parents give medication directly to a staff member. Please do not send any medication (including cough drops, lozenges, etc.)  to school with your child. The Director will administer medication only and adverse reactions will be noted on the medical authorization form and parent will be called immediately.    

 

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 

Field trips are only for the Primary and Elementary classes and will be via parent cars (carpooling) or school van. Children must remain seated, wear a seat belt and follow the staff and chaperones directions at all times.  Loud noises and disruptive behavior will not be permitted.  Because of our safety requirements, any violation of this transportation policy may result in the restriction of your child riding in the carpool.  Parents must sign a permission slip, provide car seats and/or booster seats, and dress children appropriately in order for your child to attend the field trips.   

 

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING LAW REQUIREMENTS 

The teachers and staff of Excellent Montessori School are required by law to report any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect.  The state child care regulatory enforcement and administration agency and the local department of social services/child protective services has the authority to interview children or staff, to inspect and audit child or facility records, to interview children privately, to observe the physical condition of the children in the school, to make provisions for the independent medical examination by a licensed physician of any child, and to contact and instruct any other appropriate authority to do the same, without prior notice or consent by parent or the school. 

 

NAPS 

Infants and crawlers: we provide a crib and an individual sheet that are washed and sanitized daily. For toddlers and Primary aged classrooms, we provide a cot and an individual sheet that are washed and sanitized weekly.  If your child needs a blanket or small pillow, it needs to be clearly labeled with your child’s name and must fit into the child cubby. It can be taken home of Fridays to be laundered or washed with the classroom laundry. 

  

To reduce the risk of SIDS: 

• Children are placed on their backs to sleep 
• Children will sleep on a firm crib mat or cot 
• No soft items are allowed in cribs (ex, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, etc.) 

• Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed as long as possible 
• Blankets will only cover the infant from the chest down to feet 

 

 

DISCIPLINE POLICY  

 

At Excellent Montessori School, discipline consists of positive reinforcement and redirection.  We never allow physical punishment under any circumstances.  If there is a change in the environment at home that could be affecting your child’s behavior, please notify the Director.  Similarly, we will keep you informed of any behavioral problems that may occur at school. Continued, unresolved, serious behavioral problems may result in disenrollment.  If your child causes injury to another child, you will be required to sign an Incident Report that will go into your child’s file.  After three Incident Reports of the same behavior, your child will be disenrolled. 

 

Each child will be disciplined for inappropriate behavior as follows: 

 

First recourse:  

• Redirect child’s attention, shadow the teacher, and observe appropriate behavior  

 

Second recourse:  

• Call parent (s) 

 

Third recourse:  

• Parent (s) must pick child up from school within 45 minutes.   
• If the child is not picked up within the time frame, the child is not permitted to return to school the following day. 

 

After 3 recourses:  

• A meeting with parents will be called to determine if the child can continue at Excellent Montessori. 

 

CONFERENCES 

We are always happy to talk with you about your child, the school, or the Montessori philosophy.  Twice each academic year, we invite parents to regularly scheduled conferences with the classroom teachers. You need not wait for a scheduled conference to discuss your child’s progress.  We would welcome a meeting with you at any time and only ask that you schedule it ahead of time though the school office so the classroom teachers can make arrangements to be away from the classroom.  Also, if you wish, please feel free to make an appointment to talk to the director who has overall responsibility for the operation of the school.  

 

QUARTERLY PARENT MEETINGS (done via zoom once a quarter) 

We welcome Parents to participate in our quarterly parent meetings.  See the school calendar for specific dates.  Meetings are held between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm and are usually over in 20 minutes.   

 

  

PARENT PARTICIPATION and COMMUNICATION  

One of the best and most delightful ways of learning about the Montessori approach to education is to observe a class in session.  We recommend that when you come to observe, you come seriously to learn about your child and to watch him/her in contact with the prepared environment and other children. You can gain insights into his/ her personality if you observe with purpose.  

 

Building the environment and creating materials contribute to a warm family atmosphere where children grow. Volunteering at Excellent Montessori also helps parents to gain deeper insights into Montessori philosophy and into their whole task of child-rearing and early childhood education. Do not feel left out-you are needed!  

 

We appreciate any additional time you can spare for volunteering, attending field trips, or assisting in various classroom activities. 

 

PARENTAL RIGHTS  

Parents have the right to access this facility anytime your child is in care.  However, you need to immediately make your presence known to the Director.  You also have the right to review a copy of the facility’s latest licensure evaluation report, ask the Director for this report.    

 

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT  

Excellent Montessori School prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference.