Mayer & Dorene Early Childhood Center Child and Parent Handbook

2013 - 2014 School Year

2700 Spring Road Newport News, VA 23606

Phone 757-930-1422 www.ujcvp.org

A Program of the United Jewish Community of

The Virginia Peninsula/JCC

www.ujcvp.org

August 19th, 2013

Mayer & Dorene

Sarfan Early Childhood

Center

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

TO OUR FAMILIES .......................................................................................... 1 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY & CURRICULUM................................... 1 - 6 PUBLIC INFORMATION .................................................................................. 6 - 7 I. ENROLLMENT AND ADMISSION POLICY..................... 7 - 8 II. REGISTRATION........................................................... 8 III. MONTHLY TUITION AND CHILD CARD FEES............ 9 IV. HEALTH POLICY .................................................................. 9 – 10 V. HEAD LICE POLICY............................................................ 10 - 11 VI. ABSENTEE POLICY ............................................................. 12 VII. SCHOOL CALENDAR AND BAD WEATHER CLOSING 12 VIII. EMERGENCY PROCEDURE .............................................. 12 - 13 IX. TRANSPORTATION ............................................................. 13 - 14 X. COMMUNICATION................................................................ 15 XI. LENDING LIBRARY.............................................................. 15 XII. FOOD AND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS............... 16 XIII. SING-A-LONGS..................................................................... 17 XIV. CLOTHING............................................................................. 17 XV. SPECIAL EVENTS AND ENRICHMENT.......................... 17 XVI. HOLIDAYS NOT CELEBRATED......................................... 17 XVII. REPORTING TO PARENTS ................................................... 17 - 18 XVIII. CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS ........................................... 18 XIX. PARENT INVOLVEMENT/PARENT COMMITTEE........... 18

XX. FUNDRAISERS........................................................................... 18

XXI. SOCIAL ACTION....................................................................... 19

XXII. POSITIVE GUIDANCE/DISCIPLINE................................... 19 XXIII. QUESTIONS & PROBLEMS................................................. 19 XIV. SUPPLY LIST.......................................................................... 20

XV. KOSHER SYMBOLS LIST......................................................... 20 XIV. PARENT ACCNOWLEGEMENT RECEIPT………………... 21 Revised 8/13

TO OUR FAMILIES Welcome to the Mayer & Dorene Early Childhood Center. This handbook has been prepared as a guide to help you know more about our Early Childhood Center and to answer questions that you may have. After reading if you find that we have not covered all the information that you need, please call us at the UJC office at 757-930-1422.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the Mayer & Dorene Early Childhood Center is that children learn best in a safe, nurturing environment. Our school’s goal is to provide developmentally age appropriate experiences to foster the growth of the whole child. Emphasis is placed on play and interactive learning to promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of the whole child. We consider the developmental stage of each child as he or she is guided to reach his/her individual potential. Cognitive, creative and physical activities are planned to foster daily growth. An environment is provided that seeks to promote positive self esteem and social interaction. Our teachers strive to provide constant encouragement and praise, not only for the child’s products, but also for the processes that he or she goes through in obtaining these products. As a Jewish school, we instill in our children Jewish values, and allow them an opportunity to practice basic religious observances. The lessons we learn are those about the Torah, which is the foundation of our Jewish heritage. Our school welcomes children from all religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds. Our parents are important resources, and we encourage their participation in our Early Childhood program. Curriculum Goals Each teacher will develop the following general goals with activities that are appropriate for the ages of the children. Social/Emotional A. Emotional Development The teacher will help the child to: - Separate from parent without trauma. - feel secure in a safe environment away from home. - develop a positive self image. - develop self confidence. - develop independence. - develop self control. - develop the initiative to try tasks without adult support. - learn how to solve simple problems without adult intervention. - develop an enthusiastic, optimistic attitude. - accept and enjoy new experiences.

- learn to handle feelings and express them appropriately. (i.e. Anger, frustration, sadness, etc.)

- learn to handle disappointments without becoming too upset. - learn to accept the responsibility for and the consequences of his/her actions.

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- learn to consider the feelings of others. - develop empathy toward others.

- learn to cope with his/her real fears and at the same time separate reality from fantasy.

- feel that learning is a positive experience. (Learning is Fundamental). B. Social Development The teacher will help the child to: - learn to express him/her in socially acceptable ways. - learn to express verbally his/her needs and wants. - learn to treat others with courtesy and consideration.

- develop problem solving skills such as: sharing; taking turns; negotiating; and using words to resolve conflicts.

- develop skills for entering into cooperative play. - learn to interchange roles of leader and follower. - learn to interact with others without adult help. - learn to accept and appreciate differences in others. - participate in planning individual and group activities. - learn to follow directions. - adjust and to follow daily routines. - willingly participate in housekeeping tasks. - develop organizational skills. C. Creativity The teacher will encourage the child to: - develop and use imagination and creativity in all areas of the curriculum. - willingly participate in areas of creativity. II. Cognitive (Intellectual) A. Language Arts The teacher will encourage development in: - verbal communication. - increase of vocabulary. - listening skills. - reading readiness skills. B. Math The teacher will introduce the child to the following concepts: - counting. - sorting. - comparing sets of objects. - recognizing and labeling shapes. - sizing of objects. - recognizing simple patterns. - classifying.

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C. Science The child will learn basic scientific skills by exploring common: - materials. - objects. - living things.

Emphasis is placed on using the senses to gather information about living and nonliving things.

D. Health The child will be encouraged to develop and practice: - sound health habits. - good nutrition. - safety awareness. E. Social Studies The teacher will provide opportunities for the child to learn about: - his/her self. - family. - community. - events and people of other times and places. The child should learn the concepts of: - self-control. - justice. - courage. - heroism. - leadership. III. Physical A. Gross Motor To develop gross motor skills, the teacher will provide equipment, time and space for: - jumping. - running. - balancing. - climbing. - riding tricycles. - creative movement activities. B. Fine Motor To develop fine motor skills, the teacher will provide age appropriate manipulative materials and manipulative toys. To promote and enhance learning in the classroom, a number of Activity Centers are set up daily. Choices are made from the following:

* Art Center * Science Center * Computer Center (4’s) * Housekeeping Center * Block Center * Number Concepts Center * Dramatic Play Center

* Language Arts Center * Music Center * Sand and Water Play Center * Book Center * Manipulative Materials Center * Body Movement Center

An important part of each day is spent in outdoor play on our playground equipment which has been chosen to promote not only physical development, but cooperative and dramatic play as well. IV Judaics Mayer & Dorene Sarfan Early Childhood Center prides itself on recognizing the importance of Early Childhood Jewish Education. Our Judaic curriculum allows our children to identify, discover, and experience the richness of our heritage. Jewish Way of Life

Learning about places that serve the Jewish community. Learning about our school.

Learning about Jewish customs, ceremonies, and rituals relating to Shabbat and other Jewish holidays. Learning about Jewish symbols such as the menorah, mezuzah, Star of David and the Israeli Flag.

Hebrew This is the language of the Torah and most of our prayers. It still connects Jewish people around the world. By providing rich and varied experiences through language, we strengthen the connection of each child with Jews of the past and present and geographically dispersed. Torah An early introduction into Torah fosters a level of comfort in biblical surroundings, helping to form roots with our people’s past. Children internalize values exemplified in these family stories, and develop problem-solving skills. Jewish Values

Considered essential to the development of our young children. Learning to value and respect our traditions, G-d, others, and ourselves. Learning to behave in a sensitive and careful manner so that we do not hurt each

others feelings. Learning to be fair and honest in our interactions with others. Learning to value each person as a unique individual. Learning to do Good Deeds for others. Learning to Share with others as a regular ongoing responsibility. Learning to care for the Environment. Learning to care for the Animals.

Learning to Make Peace.

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Jewish People hood Developing the belief that all Jews are responsible for each other by participating in activities such as:

Tzedakah (Charity), and Torah Study. Developing the link with Jewish people of the past and present through Tefillot (Prayer). Sharing and encouraging our Parents and Children to learn and grow Jewishly by

providing and sharing school experiences with our families at home.

Two-Year Old Curriculum The main focus of this class is to teach children how to develop their social skills through play, stories, and songs. The children are encouraged to begin to take responsibility for their belongings by hanging up their own bags and jackets each morning. Students are encouraged to make their own choices about toys and centers. Teachers work on potty training in cooperation with home efforts and encourage those already trained to be more independent. The students are expected to help clean up the toys they have played with at free play. Physical activity is a daily occurrence either outside, weather permitting, or in the gymnasium. The teachers focus on units including seasons, shapes, colors, and Jewish holidays and traditions. Many of the art projects and stories read are incorporated into the current topic. Three Year Old Curriculum All of the activities are developmentally appropriate and the children advance through skills at their own pace. Opportunities for socialization and play are provided on a daily basis, as are stories, finger plays and songs, calendar activities and outside play, weather permitting. The students are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and belongings. They are expected to clean up toys and to attempt to clean up after their snack. We use a curriculum called Creative Curriculum. We have found that young children learn best by doing. The Creative Curriculum approach takes a look at the teacher and helps them observe children more purposefully. Through these observations, the teacher is able to comprise a plan which can be administered to the individual or to the whole group. The Creative Curriculum approach enables teachers to integrate content learning and bring it into everyday experiences. The curriculum focuses on areas including, but not limited to, seasons, Jewish and national holidays, fire safety, animals, plants, dental health and nutrition. As a part of these units the children are assigned a daily learning game or activity at their developmental level that focuses on such skills as counting, sorting, matching, color identification, number identification, and more and less. Art activities, stories, and center time activities may also be related to the unit, as will snack when possible. For example:

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as a part of a fall unit on apples activities may include sorting paper apples by color or size, matching a given set of apples to number, putting several apples in size order, putting the correct number of apples on a tree with a number on it, or matching apples that are the same color. Art activities may include apple prints, making apples out of construction paper, and painting apple trees. Snacks may include apple juice, dried apples, sliced apples, applesauce, or crackers with apple jelly or apple butter. Pre-K Curriculum Experiencing the world is a young child’s work; therefore our classrooms are designed in a way that supports discovery, individual and small group learning, exploration, problem solving and development. Our Pirke-Pre-K curriculum (Pirke, means Ethics in Hebrew) is built around teacher-child and classroom-initiated learning activities in six main curriculum content areas: 1. Language and Literacy include an introduction to phonics, writing, and

storytelling. 2. Mathematics include curriculum Math your Way which focuses on numbers and

operations, patterns and relationships, spatial sense, measurement and graphs. 3. Arts include dramatic play, music and movement and visual art.

4. Learning and Problem Solving include manipulative games, puzzles, and discovery tables.

5. Social and Emotional include self concept, social relationships, knowledge of family and community.

6. Physical Health and Development include fine motor and gross motor skills, health and safety practices.

Each class is introduced to prayers such as the Shema, the affirmation of the oneness of G-d and the acknowledgment of His absolute mastery. Additionally, Jewish songs will be incorporated including I Wake up in the boker (boker means morning in Hebrew). A Jewish person should wake up with gratitude to G-d, so another song is Modeh Ani. The classes also have a traditional Shabbat in the classroom at snack time on Friday mornings, as well as a group Shabbat and Havdalah weekly. Once a month, we encourage our families to participate in Shabbat on Friday mornings. Please check the board in the carpool line for dates and times. PUBLIC INFORMATION The Mayer & Dorene Sarafan Early Childhood Center accepts children of all religions, races, and ethnic backgrounds. PHYSICAL FACILITY Since 1948 The United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula has operated a preschool. The location has changed several times over the years and new programs such as day care and Mazel Tots has been added.

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The Mayer & Dorene Sarfan Early Childhood Center has a wonderful campus. We are located on 17 wooded acres in Newport News. This facility has 4 classrooms, each with its own bathroom and an exit directly to the outdoors for fire safety. There is a fully equipped outdoor playground, and an indoor gymnasium which is used for rainy day activities. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE STATEMENT The Code of Virginia, Section 63.1-196.3, allows child day centers operated by religious institutions the opportunity to file for exemption from the licensor by meeting documentation and other requirements specified within the exemption law. In compliance with the Code of Virginia, our center is exempt from the licensor and is classified as an “exempt” child day center. Our facility meets all Virginia State health, fire and building code requirements. GENERAL STAFF QUALIFICATIONS All staff members must be of good moral character and must have either a college degree, preferably in Early Childhood Education, or experience working with young children that is equivalent to such a degree. STAFF HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Staff members are certified annually by a practicing physician to be free from any disability which would prevent them from caring for children. Each new staff member is required to obtain and submit a statement that he or she is free of tuberculosis in a communicable form and to repeat this procedure every other year. Documentation is on file at the school. PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE The Mayer & Dorene Sarfan Early Childhood Center is covered by the public liability insurance policy carried by the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula, Inc. ENROLLMENT POLICY Membership at the Jewish Community Center is not a requirement to send your child to Preschool. However, there is a significant discount in tuition for those families who are members of the Jewish Community Center. JCC membership dues must be paid in full by July 1st of the current year to take advantage of the school tuition. The Executive Director of the Center must be contacted in advance of July 1st if other financial arrangements need to be made. A child must have a physical exam before school begins. Our school requires a copy of this physical exam and a complete immunization record to be placed on file in our office.

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ADMISSION POLICY Nitzanim (two-year-old) Meets M - F, M/W/F or T/TH 9:00AM - 12:00PM A child must be two years old by September 30th of the current school year.

**The Early Childhood Director will consider accepting an October 15th birthday if: 1. There is space available

2. Parent agrees to enroll his/her child in Nitzanim again the following year. A minimum of 4 children is required in this class.

Parparim/Chaverim (three year-old) Meets M - F 9:00AM - 12:00PM

A. child must be three years old by September 30 of the current school year. B. A child must be fully toilet trained when school begins in September.

Children who are not potty trained will be placed in the lower class until training is complete.

C. A child who meets age requirements(three years old by Sept 30th) may be enrolled anytime during the school year if space and staff are available.

D. There may be age grouping among the children at the Early Childhood Center. Pirke -Pre-K (four-year old pre-kindergarten) Meets M - F 9:00AM - 2:00PM

A. Child must be four years old by September 30 of the current school year. B. A child must be fully toilet trained when school begins in September. C. A child who meets age requirements (four years old by Sept 30th) may be

enrolled anytime during the school year if space and staff are available. D. There may be age grouping among the children at the Early Childhood Center. II. REGISTRATION Upon registration the following items are required: 1. A completed registration form. 2. A non-refundable registration fee to one month’s tuition.

3. A birth certificate for any child enrolling in our school for the first time.

4. Statement of custodial rights. The following forms are required to be received by the first day of school

1. An up to date School Entrance Health Form. 2. 2 copies of child’s health insurance. 3. If applicable: Medication Form for each medicine to be

distributed during school. 8

III. MONTHLY TUITION Monthly tuition is to be paid in advance on the first day of each month beginning with September 1st for 9 months. A financial statement will be sent to the families. There will be no refunds in cases where a child is ill or absent from school. As long as a child remains enrolled, monthly tuition must be paid. III. CHILD CARE FEES

Child care fees are to be paid in advance on the first day of each month beginning with September 1st and ending May 1st. Those parents who are using part-time care will be charged for the minimum 3 days at the beginning of the month. Any additional days used will be added to the next month’s bill. For those parents arriving late to pick up their child, a Late Fee of $1.00 a minute will be charged. This fee must be paid by check upon “pick up” of their child. IV HEALTH POLICY

Children will not be permitted in the classroom with a green or yellow discharge from their nose, a fever, or any sign of a contagious disease. Please report any kind of illness or disease to the Early Childhood Center Director as soon as possible. A child should be free of a fever at least 24 hours before returning to school. A child who has been absent with a contagious disease must bring a note from his/her doctor stating that he or she is no longer contagious before that child can be admitted to the classroom. If your child is well enough to return to school, but in your opinion is not able to participate in regular school activities (i.e. strenuous exercise or outdoor play), please call your child’s teacher directly to make special arrangements. If your child must be given medication during the school day, a medication authorization form must be filled out and signed by the parent. Medication must be brought to school in the original container with labeling information.

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Exclusion of ill children from school: Our Early Childhood Center is not set up to care for ill children. Our staff uses the following three criteria in deciding whether a parent needs to be called to remove their child from school: 1. The child does not feel well enough to participate comfortably in the usual

activities of the program. 2. The staff can not care for the sick child without interfering with the care of other

children. 3. The child has any of the following symptoms that indicate a contagious disease or

an immediate need for medical evaluation: A. Fever of 100 degree or greater B. Unusual drowsiness C. Extreme fussiness D. Persistent or excessive crying E. Wheezing F. Uncontrolled coughing G. Difficulty breathing H. Complaining of severe pain I. Vomiting or diarrhea J. Unable to play at all We ask that our parents use these same criteria before deciding to send their child to school in the morning. Medication: Any medication sent to school must be accompanied by a note from the physician. All medication must remain in the original container bearing the label showing prescription number, name of medication, date filled, physician and child names, and directions for dosage. Outside Play We require our teachers to be outside with our children during outside play time. If your child can not go outside for various reasons you may drop them off before or after outside outdoor time. Please check with the teacher on when outside time occurs. V HEAD LICE POLICY

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp. They lay eggs, called nits, which cling to the hair very close to the scalp. Head lice spread from person to person by direct contact or on items like hats, combs, sweaters, etc. They are easily transmitted in a child care setting.

1. If a child has nits or lice, parents are required to inform the school at once. The school will then notify parents indicating the date and the number of cases, and send home a letter describing what parents are to do.

2. As soon as a case is reported, the school will wash all sheets and send the children’s blankets and pillows home to be washed. Staff will remove all dress up clothes and other cloth items such as pillows, stuffed animals and

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dolls and place them in plastic bags. They will stay bagged for two weeks or until the lice are gone. Carpets and upholstered furniture will be sprayed with lice spay to kill any nits or lice on them.

3. Parents will be required to treat their infested child with an appropriate product immediately. Many physicians recommend NIX. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully and use the suggested amount, which is usually one bottle per person. More will be required for longer hair. All family members should be checked carefully and treated if necessary. Please refer to the take home packet provided for alternate treatments of lice.

4. In addition, parents must check the child’s hair and remove all nits before bringing the child back to school. Nits are removed by running the hair strand between the thumb and forefinger or by gently pulling out the hair. Put the nits or strands of hair in a plastic bag, tie it up and throw it away. It can not be emphasized too strongly the importance of thoroughly checking each hair strand.

5. At the same time parents must vacuum their house and car (including the child’s car seat) and wash all bed linens, towels, and clothes worn in the last two days in hot water (including hats, scarves, jackets and sweaters). Stuffed animals, pillows and other items that do not go in the washing machine can be put into the dryer at the highest setting for twenty minutes or can be sent to the dry cleaners. Hair brushes and combs should be soaked overnight in the lice treatment.

6. Upon arrival at the school all children will be checked before joining the other children.

7. Parents may not leave their child until she/he has been checked. 8. Our Early Childhood Center has a zero tolerance policy. Therefore, if one

nit or louse is found, the child will be sent home and may not return for 24 hours after the treatment. If a nit or louse is found a second time, your child will be sent home for 48 hours. A third incident will require 2 weeks out of school. During that time the parents are expected to remove all nits and if a louse is found to repeat the treatment with NIX.

9. This procedure will be followed until there are no nits or lice found on any child’s head for a period of one week. Although some kinds of treatment stay on hair for 10 days, killing the nits as they hatch, not all do. For that reason, we ask all affected family members to have a second treatment 7 days after the first.

10. Parents must continue to check their child’s head whenever they wash their hair.

11. Through out the year, the school will conduct spot checks 12. The successful treatment has become much more difficult than in years

past due to the resistance of the modern day louse. We strongly suggest that affected family seek medical advice for the most effective treatment.

13. Family compliance is absolutely essential for the control of lice. The school director and staff will work closely with families to resolve lice infestations.

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VI ABSENTEE NOTIFICATION POLICY

A. Parents are asked to call school by 9:10 AM if their child will not be attending school because of illness (757) 930-1422. We ask that you make this call on a daily basis if you don’t know from day to day when your child will be able to return to school.

B. Parents are asked to notify the school at least a day in advance if their child will be absent or tardy because of a doctor or dentist appointment.

C. Parents removing their child from school for a vacation must notify the Preschool at least a week in advance.

D. If a child had an emergency procedure after your child has left for the day, please call and speak directly to the Early Childhood Director.

VII SCHOOL CALENDAR AND BAD WEATHER CLOSINGS We are open September through the beginning of June and closely follow the Newport News school schedule. We are closed for Jewish Holidays. Regarding bad weather, our Early Childhood Centers will usually be closed whenever the Newport News Public Schools are closed; however, we will make that decision the morning of and will send a calling post or text to the parents of enrolled students. If your phone number changes, please be sure to update it with the Education Assistant. VIII EMERGENCY PROCEDURES A. Fire Drills: The school will conduct a “fire drill” each month that school is in

session. This is a Fire Code requirements as well as a licensing requirement. We want each student to understand and be aware of the importance of this drill and not be afraid when the fire alarm is sounded. By practicing, they will know what to do and how to do it.

B. Chemical or Biological Attack: In the unlikely event of a shelter-in-place alert,

we have devised the following plan: All children and adults will be brought inside. If possible, the children will be escorted to the main gym. The heating and cooling system will be shut down. Children will be moved from their classrooms with windows to interior spaces away from windows. The neutral atmospheric pressure created by shutting down the heating and cooling system along with keeping the windows and doors closed would create a barrier that would help keep chemical agents from leaking into the building. Therefore, we prefer that you leave your child with us allowing us to keep the doors closed. We want you to know we will keep your child safe until the situation is all clear. This could be for a few minutes or several hours. However, you may come for your child if you feel it is absolutely necessary. We will have extra snacks on hand. You may call the schools at 930-1422 or 930-9176 and if we have a volunteer parent, that person will be answering the phone. Otherwise, we may not be able to come to the phone as we will be caring for the children keeping them safe and calm.

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Please remember that we have an average of 40 students in our school each day so you might also get a busy signal. Rest assured we will call you should it be necessary.

C. Emergency Evacuation Plan: In the event of an emergency, the following procedures will be implemented. Move chairs, little tables etc. from the room to have more space. Move students out of the classrooms to designated areas. Close all interior doors. Teachers will put batteries into their radios/cd players. We will release staff based on the number of children left in each class. Use food and items stored in preschool if necessary. Answer phone if possible.

IX TRANSPORTATION POLICY

A. Formation of Carpools 1. Car pools are arranged by parents. 2. Parents are to update the registration form regarding children being

transported by parents. 3. The school cannot allow your child to ride with someone different unless

written permission is given by the parent. B. Arrival Procedure:

Please use the carpool line. Children adjust easier when they are greeted by a staff member than when a parent walks into the classroom.

1. Preschool children should arrive between 8:55 and 9:00 a.m.

Cars are to line up along the sidewalk at the gymnasium entrance. They are to advance carefully to the school driveway after checking for overtaking vehicles, being sure not to block entrance to the JCC building and its handicapped parking spaces.

2. Parents should pull to the front doors of the Early Childhood Center, undo seat belts, unlock car doors, say “good-byes,” and be ready for a staff member to unload their child from the passenger side of the car. Any messages are to be handed to staff in written form. If it is necessary to discuss something with staff, park in the main parking lot until staff has completed car pool.

3. We request that no one walk between cars as this procedure is extremely dangerous! As a courtesy to others still in line, we ask that everyone proceed as expeditiously as possible.

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4. Supervised car pool ends at 9:10 a.m. At 9:10 a.m. doors to the

Early Childhood Center will be locked and arrivals after this time must ring the door bell for admittance. Please wait patiently until a staff member is available to answer the door.

5. Early morning activities are in progress by 9:05 a.m., and staff

members are busy working with your children. Those children who arrive late are missing important learning activities. The class routine and lessons are interrupted by students arriving late on a regular basis. If there is a consistent problem with the same children arriving late the Director will meet with parents to discuss ways to resolve the issue.

C. Departure Procedures:

Preschool children will be ready to leave at 12pm for Nitzanim, Parparim, Chaverim and 2pm for Pirke- PreK. Children will gather in the school foyer for dismissal. In order to have a safer and better organized departure, be prompt when picking up your child. Late departures penalize the teachers. If your child has not been picked up with in ten minutes of class dismissal, he/she will be placed in day care. A day care hourly fee will be charged.

MOVING VEHICLES ARE HAZARDOUS THEREFORE THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED FOR YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY.

1. Cars are to line up following the same procedure as for arrival.

Parents are asked to remain in their car once the car pool line begins to move. For safety reasons please remain in your vehicle to pick up your child. Children will not be released to “walk-ups” until all vehicles have departed.

2. Teachers will load two cars at a time. Any messages are to be

handed to staff in written form. If it is necessary to discuss something with staff, park in the main parking lot until staff has completed car pool.

3. Parents are asked to pull forward into the parking lot, stop and

buckle your child into their car seat or seat belt, and proceed carefully out of the parking lot.

4. Please park away from the loading area if your departure will be

delayed for any reason. It is a potential danger when other cars have to overtake a parked car.

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X. COMMUNICATION We like to keep the lines of communication open. There are many ways we communicate with parents:

A. Children are encouraged to bring a tote bag or backpack daily. Teacher’s assistants will check the tote bag daily for notes from parents. Children will place their art projects, school forms, newsletters, and other information in their tote bags daily for transport home. Parents are encouraged to empty their tote bags daily to receive any special information.

B. There is an information board at the preschool that will list important

activities. Please read this at pick up/drop off.

C. We do send emails to parents. We have on file one email per household. If your email changes or you would like to add an additional email, please let us know.

D. Occasionally we may mail items to your home. If your address changes,

please let us know.

E. Each classroom will have a room parent volunteer. If there is an emergency or if information is needed to get to the parents quickly, the Director will call the parent committee chair who will call the room volunteer. Each room volunteer will call the parents in their room.

F. For some events, we may have our automated phone system call your

home.

G. Our Facebook page posts information. Please be certain to “friend” us. ROSTER A roster of all children, parents, addresses, phone numbers and emails is given out the first week of school. An additional roster will be sent home in the beginning of January. If there are new students arriving throughout the school year, their information will be emailed to all. We encourage parents to communicate with each other. XI. LENDING LIBRARY Our preschool has a lending library for parents. A current list is available at the end of this handbook. We use the self check out process for all books and directions are located at the library.

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XII. FOOD Our school provides kosher snacks daily to the children. Snacks usually consist of fruit juice, lemonade, water, milk, fruits, vegetables, and a variety of crackers or simple cookies. Special foods associated with the holidays will also be served at snack time. We ask your cooperation in not sending food items from home (including gum and candy) unless these are Kosher and can be shared by everyone. Birthday celebrations are to be arranged in advance with the teacher who will advise the parent what foods can be brought and where they can be purchased. All Pirke children and children who stay for Day care or after school programs are to bring a cold dairy lunch to school with them. There will be no sharing of food. We are not able to accommodate heating the child’s food. Following are dairy lunch ideas: Sandwiches: Peanut Butter and Jelly, Cream Cheese and Jelly, Grilled Cheese, Cheese & tomato with sprouts/avocado/pickles, Tuna Salad, Egg salad, Veggie Wraps, Tortilla with cheese Other: cold veggie pizza, hummus and pita and vegetables, Pancakes with fillings: Or include muffins such as bran, raisin, blueberry, pumpkin, etc. Crackers, Rice Cakes, Cold pasta salad with olives, Macaroni & Cheese, cottage cheese and fruit, carrot and raisin salad, vegetarian vegetable noodle soup, stuffed artichoke or avocado, Tomato & rice soup without chicken stock, potato salad, fruit salad, cheese and crackers, rice and beans, 3-bean salad, applesauce, yogurt and fruit dry granola (add yogurt at school). More sides: Popcorn (for children over three years of age), celery stuffed with cream cheese, dried fruit: raisins, dates, plums, apricots, fresh vegetables with dip: carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, green peppers, pickles, olives, trail mix, chunks of cheese or cheese sticks, corn on the cob (great raw!) or edamamme, pretzels or pita chips. Please try to balance and vary your child’s lunch and do not send many options as this may overwhelm the child. Also realize that children are encouraged to eat their healthy food first.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS We ask your cooperation in keeping our birthday celebrations simple and uniform. This helps prevent excessive expense. All birthdays (including summer ones) will be celebrated during the school year. Cookies, cupcakes or donuts along with a birthday napkin may be sent with your child when he or she comes to school on the designated day. Please do not send in “favor bags”. The children from the other classes do not understand why they do not have a favor when they see children in the car pool line with one. Juice will be furnished by the preschool as usual. If you plan a birthday party for your child away from school, we will be glad to deliver the invitations for you if the whole class is invited. Otherwise, please mail your invitations so that no one’s feelings will be hurt. Please contact your child’s teacher to arrange your child’s classroom celebration and refer to the Kosher Supervision Listing located at the end of this handbook so that all products are checked for the proper certification.

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XIII. SHABBAT AND HAVDALAH SING A LONGS Our Shabbat Sing-A-Long will be held monthly on a Friday. Families are encouraged to attend and participate once a month. Please check the white boarding the carpool lane for dates. Our Havdalah Sing-A-Long will be held in each classroom Monday morning. XIV. CLOTHING Our Early Childhood program is varied and active. Parents, please dress your child in comfortable, washable play clothes. We play outside every day that it is not raining or snowing. As we are outside in the winter, please dress your child accordingly. Mark all of your child’s belongings clearly, and send them to school in a clear plastic bag labeled with your child’s name. A list of school supplies needed will be sent home in August. XV. SPECIAL EVENTS AND ENRICHMENT We provide enrichment activities throughout the year for our children in addition to our regular curriculum. We find the children look forward to these special times. Past events include field trips, special visitors to the classroom, Purim carnival, our Hanukkah party, Thanksgiving play, Grandparents Day, Daddy and Me Day, Passover Performance, School Plays, Science time and more. Many activities are held during school hours and some are held after school. Parents are encouraged to come to the events when appropriate. Information will be sent home with the children as the event approaches. Please check your school calendar for events. Additionally, the Mayer & Dorene Saran website www.ujcvp.org has a community calendar and is a wonderful source of community information. XVI. HOLIDAYS NOT CELEBRATED The following are not celebrated because we are a Jewish School: Halloween Christmas Valentine’s Day Easter Please do not send holiday cards, candy or gifts to your children’s classmates or teachers for these holidays. XVII. REPORTING TO PARENTS We feel that the best method of reporting to parents about their child’s development is through parent/teacher conferences. We have three optional conferences throughout the year. If any parent feels the need for a conference at any other time please contact the school so that a time may be arranged with your child’s teacher. If your child is in the Pirke Pre-K class, we strongly recommend that you do participate in a conference with the teacher.

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XVIII. CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS Parents are invited to observe the classroom from time to time. Please contact your child’s teacher to set up an appointment for classroom observations. XIX. PARENT INVOLVEMENT/PARENT COMMITTEE Schools strength is built upon having many building blocks in place. The Mayer & Dorene Sarfan Early Childhood Center Parent Committee is one of our important building blocks. It is of the utmost importance that you participate and be active in all of our school activities. When you are asked to sign up for events - PLEASE DO! The first month of school, families will be given a participation form by the parent committee chair. Please fill it out as soon as possible and return the form to your child’s teacher. All parents are expected to participate and volunteer for the Early Childhood Center. A most important event is our annual fundraiser - the 5K Race - which directly benefits your children. Each family is required to volunteer at least 6 hours per school year, or a $100 additional tuition fee will be applied to your tuition. (We want you to help and be a part of our school!) XX. FUNDRAISERS The Mayer & Dorene Sarfan Early Childhood Center offers various fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for our school. Please participate as these fundraisers keep our costs low. 1. Scholastic Books: We offer Scholastic Book Club to all parents. This is a school

based book club that offers parents an easy way to purchase the best children’s books at a discounted price. The school earns points for books purchased and the parents’ lending library committee is able to choose books to buy for the lending library with the points earned.

2. Gift Wrapping in December. Our gift wrapping committee will contact parents to

volunteer in December to gift wrap at a mall or store. 3. Grocery Stores: Relink your Harris Teeter VIC Card to our school code 5522

Mayer & Dorene Sarfan Early Childhood Center. Ask one time at the register and you will be linked for the whole year.

4. Farm Fresh Receipts ABC Program. Earn free Education Equipment. Save your

Farm Fresh Receipts and hand them in to preschool and we can trade in the receipts for school supplies.

5. Printer Cartridges - Bring your used printer cartridges. Help out the school and

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XXI. SOCIAL ACTION (Tzedakah & Tikkun Olam)

Tzedakah (justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) are core beliefs in Judaism. Our commitment to helping others is reflected in our everyday actions at the Mayer & Dorene Sarfan Early Childhood Center Preschool. We provide various opportunities throughout the year for the children to participate in helping others. Previous years included donating items to Jewish Family Services, raising money for St. Jude’s children, Warm Up- winter coat drive, collect a Can for the Food Bank. XXII. POSITIVE GUIDANCE/DISCIPLINE All children need guidance. Children bring to the Center different amounts and kinds of guidance. The staff provides consistent guidance to facilitate the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of children as well as to insure the health and safety of all children. The teacher will use appropriate discipline measures for disruptive children. These will include redirecting the inappropriate behavior, talking to the child about his behavior, or a short period in the “Thinking Chair/Mat” (only until the child feels he/she is ready to join the group.) If the child is extremely disruptive, the teacher will take the child to the Director for a short visit and discuss the problem with the Director. If the teacher finds none of these techniques are working, she and the Director will discuss the behavior problem with the child’s parents. Possible options may include:

1. Recommendation of professional consultation with the on staff JFS Social Worker

2. Temporary removal of child from program

In exceptional cases of failure to adjust to the preschool routine and after teacher-parent consultations have attempted to remedy the situation, student dismissal may be considered.

XXIII. QUESTIONS & PROBLEMS Communication between the parents and the school is recognized as very important. Whenever you have a concern, it is important that it be addressed immediately. Our goal is for parents to follow these steps when attempting to resolve any problems. First talk with your child’s teacher. Usually that conversation will be successful and no other steps will be necessary. However, if you are not satisfied the next step is to talk with the Director.

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XXIV. SUPPLY LIST For each child you have enrolled in the preschool, please bring these items to the Parent Orientation and give to your child’s teacher. If you are not able to come to orientation, please bring items the first day of school. If you should have difficulty acquiring these items, please contact the Education Director, Carmela Malkin Kuhn privately at 930-1422.

XXV. KOSHER SYMBOLS LIST The below list shows common acceptable kosher symbols. This is not an all-inclusive list. Many stores in the area carry kosher products including Trader Joes, Farm Fresh, Entenmanns, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. The school will be happy to assist you in any kashrut-related questions.

NOTE: Generally, a generic K on a package is not acceptable.

OU The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations

United States K U.S. Kosher Supervision

OK The Organized Kashrus Laboratories

Star-K Kosher Certification

KOF-K Kosher Supervision

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Please read the handbook, sign the acknowledgement form and return to the Education Assistant by the first day of school.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please sign and return the Parent Acknowledgment during the first week of school to the

Education Assistant at the Mayer & Dorene Sarfan Early Childhood Center. PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Please print clearly: I, ________________________________, the parent/guardian of _________________________ have read the 2013-2014 Mayer & Dorene Sarfan Early Childhood Center Handbook and agree to follow the terms and conditions. ______________________________________________________________ ___________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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Mayer & Dorene

Sarfan Early Childhood

Center