Family Handbook

Dear family: It is with great honor that we welcome you to our Montessori del Mundo community. Montessori del Mundo’s mission is to prepare your child for success in college and the future bilingual workforce and to build a strong, educated, bilingual community. In order to accomplish our mission, we commit to challenge every child every day, exposing students to diversity of languages and cultures through Montessori instruction and practice. It is our goal to address the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of each child entrusted to our care. Here at Montessori del Mundo we provide a rich learning experience for students ages 3-7; creating an environment of respect, love, trust, joy, high educational standards, independence, and responsibility. The Montessori del Mundo community is a true partnership. We encourage our parents to become active in the school by volunteering, visiting, and asking questions to further the success of your child’s goals and progress. Every child is unique, and our Montessori faculty is trained and committed to nurturing those unique qualities. In our family-like atmosphere, strong relationships are built between the teacher and child and between the parents and school. We believe these partnerships are essential for a fulfilling educational experience. Thank you for choosing Montessori del Mundo. We look forward to providing your child with a caring and enriching environment. Sincerely, Karen Farquharson Head of School Montessori del Mundo

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Philosophy ................................................................................................................................................ 1 Mission ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 Ages of Children Accepted ....................................................................................................................... 1 Hours of Operation ................................................................................................................................... 1 School Calendar and First Days ............................................................................................................... 2 Admission & Enrollment ............................................................................................................................ 4 Inclusion .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Non-Discrimination ................................................................................................................................... 4 Confidentiality ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Staff Qualifications .................................................................................................................................... 4 Child to Staff Ratios .................................................................................................................................. 5 Parents Right to Know .............................................................................................................................. 5 Communication & Family Partnership ...................................................................................................... 5 Visiting School…………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 Publicity ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

CURRICULA & LEARNING ............................................................................................................. 6 Learning Environment ............................................................................................................................... 6 Outings & Field Trips ................................................................................................................................ 6 Transition .................................................................................................................................................. 7 Television Time ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Electronic Media ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Multiculturalism ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Celebrations .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Rest Time .................................................................................................................................................. 8 Diapering and Toilet Training .................................................................................................................... 8

GUIDANCE ................................................................................................................................... 9 General Procedure ................................................................................................................................... 9 Acts of Aggression and Fighting ............................................................................................................... 9 Notification of Behavioral Issues to Families ............................................................................................ 9

TUITION AND FEES ....................................................................................................................... 9 Payment .................................................................................................................................................. 10 Late Pick-up Fees ................................................................................................................................... 10 Special Activity Fees ............................................................................................................................... 10 Late Payment Charges ........................................................................................................................... 10 Returned Checks/Rejected Transaction Charges .................................................................................. 11 Additional Fees Credits ........................................................................................................................... 11

ATTENDANCE & WITHDRAWAL ....................................................................................................11 Absence/Late Arrival ............................................................................................................................... 11 Regular Attendance ................................................................................................................................ 11 Withdrawals ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Transfer of Records ................................................................................................................................ 12 Closing Due to Extreme Weather……………………………………………………………………………...11 School Closure Withdrawals ...................... …………………………………………………………………..12

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP .............................................................................................................12 General Procedure ................................................................................................................................. 12 Authorized & Unauthorized Pick-up ........................................................................................................ 13 Obligation to inform Law Enforcement or When we have to inform Police ............................................ 13 What to Bring .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Cubbies ................................................................................................................................................... 13 Lost & Found........................................................................................................................................... 13 Toys from Home ..................................................................................................................................... 14

NUTRITION .................................................................................................................................14

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Foods Brought from Home ..................................................................................................................... 14 Food Prepared for or at the School ........................................................................................................ 14 Food Allergies ......................................................................................................................................... 14

HEALTH .....................................................................................................................................14 Immunizations ......................................................................................................................................... 14 Physicals ................................................................................................................................................. 14 Illness ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 Allergy Prevention ................................................................................................................................... 16 Medications ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Communicable Diseases ........................................................................................................................ 16

SAFETY ......................................................................................................................................17 Clothing ................................................................................................................................................... 17 Extreme Weather and Outdoor Play ....................................................................................................... 17 Injuries .................................................................................................................................................... 17 Respectful Behavior ................................................................................................................................ 17 Smoking .................................................................................................................................................. 18 Prohibited Substances ............................................................................................................................ 18 Dangerous Weapons .............................................................................................................................. 18 Child Custody.......................................................................................................................................... 18 Suspected Child Abuse .......................................................................................................................... 18

EMERGENCIES ............................................................................................................................18 Lost or Missing Children ......................................................................................................................... 19 Fire Safety ............................................................................................................................................... 19 Emergency Transportation ..................................................................................................................... 19

SCHOOL POLICIES ......................................................................................................................19

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ABOUT US

Philosophy At Montessori del Mundo, we believe children learn best when their instruction is individualized to their needs and supports their development with a holistic approach to learning. We also believe that all students benefit from a bilingual education.

The Montessori teaching philosophy emphasizes individualization of instruction, respect for the child and their developmental needs and a balance of freedom and choice within structure and limits. Students are grouped in multi-age classrooms and have the same teacher for three years at a time. Children learn fundamental skills in reading, writing, math, science and social studies and also explore collaborative skills, time management, personal responsibility, artistic appreciation and good citizenship.

Teachers give students lessons one-on-one or in small groups so each child is working at exactly his or her level. Children are encouraged to take the time to master important foundational skills and also to explore their interests and direct their own education.

Montessori students are: independent, responsible, good citizens and friends, collaborative, problem-solvers, self-reliant, persistent, articulate, happy, and prepared for whatever comes their way.

Dual language education is a fundamental goal at Montessori del Mundo. Dual language instruction has been proven to close the achievement gap for second language speakers in 95-100% of the cases by fifth grade. In addition, English-speaking students who attend dual language programs also consistently out-perform their English-speaking peers who are attending school in English only.

Mission The mission of Montessori del Mundo is to prepare all students for success in college and the future bilingual workforce and to build a strong, educated, bilingual community.

Ages of Children Accepted Montessori del Mundo accepts children who are ages 3-7 on or before October 1st for our academic year. For the 2014-15 school year, we will serve Preschool-2nd grade. Each year, we will add an additional grade, ultimately serving students Preschool-6th grade.

Hours of Operation Montessori del Mundo’s hours of operation per grade level are as follows:

Preschool and Kindergarten hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-3:45 PM and Friday 8:30 AM -1:45 PM

1st and 2nd grade hours: Monday –Thursday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM and Friday 8:30 AM-2:00 PM

Before and after school care is also available beginning at 6:30 AM and after school until 6:00 PM Monday through Friday.

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School Calendar and First Days 2014-2015 School Year Calendar Important Dates: June 16-Aug 8th Montessori Teacher Training August 4-6th Classroom Assistant Training August 7th – August 15th Teacher training and set up August 2, 9, 16th – Home visits August 18, 20, 25, 27, Sept 2nd Staggered Start Days September 1st Labor Day October 10th Teacher Day (no students) October 23rd End of Q1 (47 days) October 24th Conference Day (no students) October 27-30th Fall Break October 31st Teacher Day (no students) November 26th to November 28th Thanksgiving Break December 22nd – Jan 2nd Winter Break January 5th Teacher Day (no students) January 16th End of Quarter 2 (41 days) January 19th MLK Day January 20th Teacher Day (no students) February 16th President’s Day March 13th Teacher Day (no students) March 20th End of Quarter 3 (41 days) March 23th March 27th Spring Break March 30th Teacher Day (no students) April 20th Teacher Day (no students) May 22nd Conference Day (no students) May 25th Memorial Day June 12th Last day of School June 15-16th Teacher Take Down Days

Student Contact Days: Quarter 1 – 47 Days Quarter 2 – 41 Days Quarter 3 – 41 Days Quarter 4 – 51 Days Total = 180 Days

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Week 1 – August 18-22

Week 2 – August 25-29

Grade 8/25 Monday

8/26 Tuesday

8/27 Wednesday

8/28 Thursday

8/29 Friday

Preschool 3

No School No School ½ Day ½ Day ½ Day

Preschool 4 Full Day Full Day Full Day Full Day Full Day

Kindergarten Full Day Full Day Full Day Full Day Full Day

1st Grade Full Day Full Day Full Day Full Day Full Day

2nd Grade Full Day Full Day Full Day Full Day Full Day

*All grade levels will proceed with regular schedules after August 29th.

Grade 8/18 Monday

8/19 Tuesday

8/20 Wednesday

8/21 Thursday

8/22 Friday

Preschool 3

No School

No School No School No School No School

Preschool 4 No School No School ½ Day ½ Day ½ Day

Kindergarten ½ Day ½ Day Full Day Full Day Full Day

1st Grade No School No School ½ Day ½ Day ½ Day

2nd Grade ½ Day ½ Day Full Day Full Day Full Day

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Admission & Enrollment All admission and enrollment forms must be completed along with paying any tuition fees prior to your child’s first day of attendance.

There is no enrollment fee to attend Montessori del Mundo.

Based on the availability and openings, our facility admits children who reach 3 to 7 years of age prior to October 1st of the current academic school year.

Children are admitted without regard to race culture, sex, religion, national origin, or disability. We do not discriminate on the basis of special needs as long as a safe, supportive environment can be provided.

If your child has an identified special need, a copy of their IFSP, IEP, 504 or other accommodation plan must be submitted to the office prior to their acceptance in the school. Montessori del Mundo is staffed and prepared to address children with mild/moderate special education needs. We retain the right to review applications to ensure that we are able to provide an appropriate learning environment and will collaborate with parents and district staff in that decision process. Failure to disclose information about a child's special needs will result in a re-evaluation of their enrollment status.

Inclusion Montessori del Mundo believes that children of all ability levels are entitled to the same opportunities for participation, acceptance and belonging in school. We will make every reasonable accommodation to encourage full and active participation of all children in our program based on his/her individual capabilities and needs.

Non-Discrimination At Montessori del Mundo equal educational opportunities are available for all children, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or parent/provider political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation or special needs, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. Educational programs are designed to meet the varying needs of all students.

Confidentiality Unless we receive your written consent, information regarding your child will not be released with the exception of that required by our regulatory and partnering agencies. All records concerning children at our program are confidential.

Staff Qualifications All teachers at Montessori del Mundo are highly qualified, have passed the PLACE or PRAXIS exam and are in compliance with the state requirements and qualifications. In addition, our teachers are required to be bilingual in English and Spanish and must be grade-level certified in Montessori practices. Typical staff certifications are as follows:

Position Title Education/Certification Experience Teacher Bachelor’s Degree in Education and

grade-level Montessori certification 2 + years

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Teachers and Assistants participate in an orientation class and ongoing training in the areas of child growth and development, healthy and safe environments, developmentally appropriate practices, guidance, family relationships, cultural and individual diversity, and professionalism.

We strongly discourage families from entering into employment arrangements with staff (i.e. babysitting). Any arrangement between families and our caregivers outside the programs and services we offer is a private matter, not connected or sanctioned by Montessori del Mundo.

Child to Staff Ratios Children are supervised at all times. All staff members receive scheduled breaks, which reduce fatigue and help to ensure alertness.

We maintain the following standards for child to staff ratios in our preschool kindergarten classrooms:

Age Child to Staff Maximum Group Size 3-5 year olds 10 to 1 30

Parents Right to Know As a parent of a student at Montessori del Mundo, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teacher who instructs your child. This is a requirement for all districts that receive Title I funds.

Federal law allows you to request certain information about your student’s classroom teacher. The law also requires the district to give you this information in a timely manner upon request. Listed below is the information about which you have the right to ask for regarding each of your student’s classroom teachers.

• Whether the Colorado Department of Education has licensed or endorsed your student’s teacher for the grades and subjects taught.

• Whether CDE has decided that your student’s teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances.

• The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees, and, if so, the subject of the degrees.

• Whether any teachers’ aides or similar para-educators provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications.

Please contact Montessori del Mundo administration if you would like to receive any of this information.

Communication & Family Partnership Conferences. Family & teacher conferences occur twice a year or more frequently at the parents’ request. During these conferences, we will discuss your child’s strengths, likes and dislikes, and styles of learning. We will work together to set goals for your child’s growth and development. You may request additional conferences regarding your child’s progress at any time. We encourage you to communicate any concerns.

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Licensing Complaints Formal complaints regarding suspected preschool licensing violations may be filed with:

Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care

1575 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203

Tel: (303) 866-3755 Fax: 303.866.4453

Visiting School Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit anytime; however we need you to check in at the office and sign either the visitor log or the volunteer log each time. For safety reasons, All Visitors, must wear a visitor badge when in the building or on school grounds. If the office staff do not know your first/last name you will have to provide a photo ID upon signing into our school. Younger siblings may not attend while a parent is volunteering inside a classroom during instructional time. All age visitors are welcome to attend classroom celebrations.

Please place all cell phones on vibrate mode when volunteering or visiting our school. IF you must answer a call please step out into the hallway or outside of the school.

Students are not allowed to bring other school aged visitors to school under any circumstances.

Publicity Occasionally, photos will be taken of the children at the school for use within the school or on our website. Please indicate that you authorize the use and reproduction of photographs of your child in conjunction with the program including on the school’s websites and on Facebook. Your consent can be communicated through the enrollment form or at any time by written notice through our main office.

CURRICULA & LEARNING

Learning Environment We provide a rich bilingual learning environment with curricula that are developmentally appropriate to the specific ages in each classroom. We have a flexible day routine that allows children to advance at their own pace. Learning and exploring are hands-on and are facilitated through interest areas. Our program is designed to enhance children’s development in the following areas: foundational academic skills, creativity, self-expression, decision-making, problem solving, responsibility, independence, and reasoning. We encourage openness to that which is different from us, and the ability to work and play with others.

Copies of daily schedules are posted in each classroom.

Outings & Field Trips Weather permitting; we may conduct supervised walking trips around the neighborhood. Children are accounted for at all times. Kindergarten-2nd grade students will also regularly walk to the Aurora Central Library, utilizing the bike trail to the East of the school. A permission statement for participation in walking trips is included in the enrollment package. From time to time, there will be supervised field trips, and we encourage you to join your child on the trip. The child’s family must sign permission slips for each trip.

In case of any emergency on a field trip, the authorities at the site would be notified immedi-

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ately as well as parents. When on a field trip, the teacher will leave a class list with children’s names and phone numbers at the school, as well as information regarding the location of the trip. Teachers must also notify the office through a Field Trip form sent at least a week in advance. Parents should bring any rescue medicines their child may need.

On field trip days, parents are responsible for bringing students to the school before departure of the class. In the case that the student arrives after their class has departed, Montessori del Mundo staff will inform parents if they can transport the student to the site location. If reuniting the student with the class is not possible, the student will join another class for the day or work with an authorized staff member. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis by Montessori del Mundo administration.

Bus Safety During Field Trips

During field trips, students are asked to follow the procedures listed below.

Boarding • Wait back at least 10 feet from the edge of the road; keep your hands & feet to yourself.

• Approach the bus when you see the door open that is your signal that the bus has

come to a complete stop.

• Get on the bus in an orderly manner, refrain from pushing or shoving, use the handrail &

take your seat. You are not permitted to change seats unless the driver has given his/her

permission. The driver may assign seats at any time.

Departure

• Wait until the door opens to get up from your seat.

• Get off the bus in an orderly manner using the handrail.

• Immediately walk away from the Danger Zone (10 feet to the side of the bus) and wait

for your assigned chaperone.

• Students must wait for teachers or chaperones to cross the street. Bus Emergencies In the case of an urgent medical emergency on the bus, the students should remain seated, the bus driver will pull the bus over in a safe location and the assigned teacher and chaperones will call 911. Students will remain on the bus or be escorted to a safe location based on the assessed need. Students should follow the departure procedures listed above. All other emergencies pertaining to weather or accidents will utilize the chartered bus company’s evacuation policy and Montessori del Mundo’s Emergency procedures found on page 19 of the Family Handbook.

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Transition Your child’s transition to school should be a positive and exciting learning adventure. We will work with you and your child to ensure the smoothest possible transition occurs as new routines and new people are introduced.

Transition from home to school. Prior to your child’s first day, you will have an opportunity to tour the school, meet with your child’s peers and teachers, and communicate any anticipated concerns and participate in a Home Visit. At this time please share the best communication methods that the teacher may use to reach you.

Television Time Our normal daily routine does not include television watching, on rare occasions, we may record a television show without advertisements as a teaching aid and discussion stimulator. Television consumption will not be longer than one hour and the program will be screened prior to showing. Programs will consist of non-violent and high-quality educational material. Our focus is to provide your child a positive experience with increased understanding of the world.

Electronic Media Electronic Media are highly limited for preschool students. Kindergarten students will have occasional access to computers for typing purposes. Elementary school students will have regular access to computers to build typing, research, and presentation skills. Internet sites and software are pre-screened to contain non-violence and high-quality educational content.

Multiculturalism Multiculturalism is vital for all children because it sets social goals and promotes respect for all people and the environment we inhabit. Exposure to diverse cultures and languages is an important part of our school mission. We utilize books, music, games, and a wide range of activities as aids to teach our children respect for our world and the diversity of life upon it.

Celebrations Our holiday policy encourages an enhanced understanding of and respect for different cultures and beliefs of children, families, staff and community.

Rest Time After lunch, all children in full day preschool participate in a quiet rest time. Children are not required to sleep and may be given quiet activities to occupy them. Children are encouraged to bring a small blanket from home. The school will provide a nap mat and sheet. Parents will be asked to take turns washing the class’ supply of nap sheets.

Diapering and Toilet Training Montessori del Mundo does not have the facilities or staff to change diapers; all children are required to be toilet trained before the first day of school. Occasional accidents are anticipated. When children have accidents staff will assist children in cleaning up and getting changed. All families of pre-school and kindergarten age children are asked to keep a complete change of clothes, including socks and underwear, at school for children to wear in case of accidents.

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GUIDANCE

General Procedure Thoughtful direction and planning ahead are used to prevent problems and encourage appropriate behavior. Communicating consistent, clear rules and involving children in problem solving help children develop their ability to become self-disciplined. We encourage children to be fair, to be respectful of other people, of property, and to learn to understand the results of their actions.

Acts of Aggression and Fighting Children are guided to treat each other and adults with self-control and kindness. When a child becomes physically aggressive, we intervene immediately to protect all of the children.

Our usual approach to helping children with challenging behaviors is to show them how to solve problems using appropriate interactions. When discipline is necessary, it is clear, consistent and understandable to the child.

Physical restraint is not used or permitted for discipline. There are rare instances when we need to ensure a child’s safety or that of others and we may restrain a child by gently holding her or him only for as long as is necessary for control of the situation.

Notification of Behavioral Issues to Families If a child’s behavior/circumstance is of concern, communication will begin with the parents as the first step to understanding the child’s individual needs and challenges. We will work together to evaluate these needs in the context of our program.

On rare occasions, a child’s behavior may warrant the need to find a more suitable setting. Examples of such instances include:

• A child appears to be a danger to others. • Continued care could be harmful to, or not in the best interest of the child as determined

by a medical, psychological, or social service personnel.

At Montessori del Mundo we give a strong preference for restorative justice and problem solving. In rare and extreme cases, we follow the Aurora Public Schools Discipline policy for suspensions and expulsions. This policy can be located at the following website: http://aurorak12.org/pol-reg/SectionJ/jkd-jke.pdf .

TUITION AND FEES Montessori del Mundo’s Preschool and Kindergarten Tuition and Fee Schedule is as follows:

The following are MONTHLY tuition rates due on the 1st of each month in August-May. Tuition may also be paid in a lump sum up front (due on August 1st) for a 5% discount. In District (APS) Out of District Half Day Preschool 8:30-11:30 or 12:45-3:45

$365 $435

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Full Day Preschool 8:30-3:45

$725 $850

Full Day Kindergarten $250 $300 1st and 2nd grade 8:30-4:00 Free Free

Full and partial Scholarships are available for both in and out-of-district. A scholarship application can be found on our website or you may pick one up at the office.

Montessori del Mundo accepts CCAP Funding. Our staff would be happy to assist you in the process of applying for CCAP tuition assistance.

Montessori del Mundo also accepts DPP Funding for Denver Residents. Tuition assistance you receive from DPP will lower the amount of tuition you owe.

Payment Payment is always due on the first day of the month from August- May or in advance with no deduction for any absences, holidays, or closures due to inclement weather, power outages, or other situations beyond our control. Payment is due as outlined in the Enrollment Agreement.

Late Pick-up Fees Late pick-up is not a normal program option and will only be considered as an exceptional occurrence. Late fees of $1 per minute will be assessed beginning at 6 PM and will be due upon arrival. Chronically late pick-up of students will be addressed on a case-by-case basis as determined by the school administration.

Special Activity Fees From time-to-time there will be additional fees associated with special activities or field trips. These fees are due prior to the event, activity or trip.

Late Payment Charges Non-Payment of Tuition Due to lack of public funds for pre-school and full day kindergarten, Montessori del Mundo will charge a tuition for these grade levels. The school will accept CCAP funding and generous scholarships are available to ensure access to our school to families in our community. The following policy will be communicated to parents in the parent handbook and in the preschool acceptance letter: Tuition payments for each month are due on the 1st of the month. There will be 10 payments per year, the first of which is on August 1st and the last of which is on May 1st. (There are no payments in June or July).

Late payments: Payments received after the 3rd of the month will incur a 5% late fee.*

Notice of late payment: If we have not received your payment by the 3rd of the month the school or its representative will notify you by email, phone, or mail, according to parent preference that payment is due.

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Exclusion from School and School Activities: If payment is not received by the 10th of the month your child will not be permitted to attend school or school activities. If your child arrives at school or a school activity you will be called and required to pick him/her up. Kindergarten students will be permitted to attend the state funded morning portion of the day but will be required to go home at 12:00.*

Loss of spot: For preschool parents, if payment is not received by the 15th of the month Montessori del Mundo will begin contacting families from our waiting list to fill your child’s spot. Kindergartners may lose their afternoon spot but will retain the morning half day spot.*

If a child attends school between the 1st and 10th of the month and then loses his or her spot at the school due to non-payment of tuition, the parent will be required to pay the school a pro-rated tuition rate for the days of school attended that month. (tuition amount/number of school days that month * number of days attended).

Collections: Montessori del Mundo or its representative reserves the right to seek payment of funds owed through a collections agency if payment is more than 60 days overdue.

Exceptions: Extensions of the deadlines above may be granted by the Head of School under extenuating circumstances, such as a death in the family or serious illness. Extensions will be granted at the discretion of the Head of School and must be documented in writing.

Returned Checks/Rejected Transaction Charges All returned checks or rejected ACH (automatic debits) or credit card transactions will be charged a fee up to the maximum amount allowed by law. This charge may be collected electronically. Two or more returned checks or rejected transactions will result in your account being placed on “cash only” status.

Additional Fees Credits • Withdrawals - if a child is suddenly withdrawn from the program without a 2 week

written notice of withdrawal, a 2-week tuition fee may be applied.

Credits & No Credits • Credit will not be given for Sick Days – there are no credits for sick days. Sick days

are pre-considered in determining tuition and are not refundable.

• Credit will not be given for Inclement Weather - if we do not open due to inclement weather on a day that your child is scheduled to attend, your account will not be credited for that day.

ATTENDANCE & WITHDRAWAL

Absence/Late Arrival If your child is going to be absent or arrive after 9 AM, please call us at 720-863-8629. We will be concerned about your child if we do not hear from you.

Regular Attendance We highly recommend regular attendance at school. Extended and regular absences interfere with a child’s routine. Learning in a Montessori classroom comes from using the materials and being present in the environment; we can only teach your child if they come to school. If your

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child will be absent for a pre-planned activities please communicate this at least one week in advance to the child’s teacher to make a plan for academic activities during the absence. Chronic absences will be addressed by the administration in the best interests of the child up to and including repeating a year of instruction for excessive absences.

Withdrawals Montessori del Mundo requires a written notice 2 weeks in advance of the time the child is being withdrawn from the school. Failure to notify may result in additional fees.

Transfer of Records Whether transitioning to the next program setting or to a new classroom, your child’s records will be transferred internally.

If your child is transitioning to a new school, a written request from you with instructions to where the records should be sent is required.

Closing Due to Extreme Weather Montessori del Mundo follows Aurora Public School’s school closure and delayed opening policies. If APS schools are delayed or closed, so is Montessori del Mundo.

Should severe weather or other conditions (i.e., snow, storms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, loss of power, loss of water) prevent us from opening on time or at all, notification to the families will be announced on local television and radio stations, on the APS website and on the APS emergency line: (303-326-1080)

If it becomes necessary to close early, we will contact you or your emergency contacts as soon as possible. Your child’s early pick-up is your responsibility to arrange.

School Closure Withdrawals If, for any circumstance, Montessori del Mundo is required to close, families will be notified as soon as possible. Students who transfer to another school should follow the transfer procedures and timeline above and tuition expenses will cease to be charged on the last day the school is in session. All prepaid funds will be refunded for any time after the last day class is held.

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP

General Procedure Montessori del Mundo facilities operate during the following hours of operation by grade level:

Preschool and Kindergarten hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-3:45 PM and Friday 8:30 AM -1:45 PM

1st and 2nd grade hours: Monday –Thursday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM and Friday 8:30 AM-2:00 PM

Before and after school care is also available between the hours of Monday – Friday 6:30 AM -6:00 PM.

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Designated drop-off and pick-up locations are found both in front and behind the school building. It is expected that students will arrive and depart within a 10 minute window in accordance with our posted school hours. Students that chronically require additional supervised time will be subject to our before and after school child care fees.

Authorized & Unauthorized Pick-up Your child will only be released to you or those persons you have listed as Emergency and Release Contacts. If you want a person who is not identified as an Emergency and Release Contact to pick-up your child, you must notify us in advance, in writing. Your child will not be released without prior written authorization. The person picking up your child will be required to show a picture ID as verification. Please notify your pick-up person of our policy.

If a child has not been picked up after closing and we have not heard from you, attempts will be made to contact you, and the contacts listed as Emergency and Release Contacts. Provisions will be made for someone to stay with your child as long as possible, but if after 2 hours we have not been able to reach you or a person listed as an Emergency and Release Contact, we will call the local child protective services agency.

Obligation to Inform Law Enforcement or When We Have to Inform Police If we have reasonable cause to suspect that any person picking up a child is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is physically or emotionally impaired in any way that may endanger the child, to protect your child, we may request that another adult listed as an Emergency and Release Contact pick-up the child or we may call the police to prevent potential harm to your child. Reoccurring situations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis as determined by Montessori del Mundo administration.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

What to Bring • Preschoolers: at least one change of clothes socks and shoes. • Kindergarteners: at least one change of clothes socks and shoes.

Please label all items brought from home with your child’s name (i.e., clothes, shoes, blanket, etc.) to prevent items from becoming misplaced or lost. We are not responsible for lost or damaged items.

Cubbies Upon enrollment each child will be assigned a “cubby.” Cubbies are labeled with your child’s first name. Please check your child’s cubby on a daily basis for items that need to be taken home.

Lost & Found You can look for lost items and bring found items to the Lost-and-found Box located at the main office. Please note that we are not responsible for lost personal property.

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Toys from Home We request that you do not allow your child to bring toys from home into the school unless they are part of a pre-planned academic activity communicated by the teacher.

NUTRITION

Foods Brought from Home Montessori del Mundo kindly requests that foods brought from home are nutritious in value and follow the classroom policy for food and nut allergies. Food brought from home is permitted under the following conditions:

• Packed lunches are nutritious in value and follow the classroom food policies.

• Baked goods may be made at home if they are fully cooked, do not require refrigeration and were made with freshly purchased ingredients. A list of ingredients is required, and there must be enough food for all children.

• Leftover food will be discarded except for foods that do not require refrigeration and/or come in a commercially wrapped package that was never opened.

Food Prepared for or at the School Food prepared for or at the school will be properly planned, prepared and portioned according to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/care/) and the state requirements for food service.

Food Allergies If your child has a food allergy, you must notify us in writing so that we can make appropriate substitutions. The written notification should list appropriate food substitutions and must be updated at least annually.

Food allergies can be life threatening and each child with a food allergy should have an action plan for emergency care completed by the family physician.

HEALTH

Immunizations Immunizations are required according to the current schedule recommended by the U.S. Public Health Services and the American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org. Annually, we check with the public health department or the American Academy of Pediatrics for updates of the recommended immunization schedule. Our state regulations regarding attendance of children who are not immunized due to religious or medical reasons are followed. Unimmunized children are excluded during outbreaks of vaccine preventable illness as directed by the state health department.

Physicals Routine physicals are required according to the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org. A copy of your child’s physical should be received before but must be received no later than 30 days after your child begins the program. Families are

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responsible for assuring that their child’s physicals are kept up-to-date and that a copy of the results of the child’s health assessment is given to the program.

Illness We understand that it is difficult for a family member to leave or miss work, but to protect other children we request that you do not bring a sick child to the school. The school has the right to refuse a child who appears ill. You will be called and asked to retrieve your child if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms. This is not an all-inclusive list. We will try to keep your child comfortable but he/she will be excluded from all activities until you arrive. If it is perceived that your child is experiencing a medical emergency, the school will contact 911 immediately.

• Illness that results in greater need for care than we can provide.

• Fever (above 100°F under the arm, above 101°F in the mouth, above 102°F in the ear) accompanied by other symptoms.

• Diarrhea – stools with blood or mucus, and/or uncontrolled, unformed stools that cannot be contained in underwear or a toilet.

• Vomiting – green or bloody, and/or 2 or more times during the previous 24 hours.

• Mouth sores caused by drooling.

• Rash with fever, unless a physician has determined it is not a communicable disease.

• Pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge, until on antibiotics for 24 hours.

• Impetigo, until 24 hours after treatment.

• Strep throat, until 24 hours after treatment.

• Head lice, until treatment and all nits are removed.

• Scabies, until 24 hours after treatment.

• Chickenpox, until all lesions have dried and crusted.

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough), until 5 days of antibiotics.

• Hepatitis A virus, until one week after immune globulin has been administered.

Children who have been ill may return when:

• They are free of fever, vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours.

• They have been treated with an antibiotic for 24 hours.

• They are able to participate comfortably in all usual activities.

• They are free of open, oozing skin conditions and drooling (not related to teething) unless:

o The child’s physician signs a note stating that the child’s condition is not contagious, and;

o The involved areas can be covered by a bandage without seepage or drainage through the bandage.

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• If a child had a reportable communicable disease, a physician’s note stating that the child is no longer contagious and may return to our care is required.

Students that experience extended absences due to illness may require additional accommodations. In the case of this occurrence, the school will communicate with parents to determine the best course of action for the child’s continued education.

Allergy Prevention Families are expected to notify us regarding children’s food and environmental allergies. Families of children with diagnosed allergies are required to provide us a letter detailing the child’s symptoms, reactions, treatments and care. A list of the children’s allergies will be posted in the main area and kitchen. We are trained to familiarize ourselves and consult the list to avoid the potential of exposing children to substances to which they have known allergies.

Medications All medications should be handed to a staff member with specific instructions for administration. Medications should never be left in the child’s cubby or with the child to administer on their own. Our staff will store the medication in an unrefrigerated or refrigerated lockbox as specified on the medication. Office staff will also ensure that the medication is recorded along with the directions and proceed to dispense the medication as directed.

• Prescription medications require a note signed by the family and a written order from the child’s physician. The medication must include your child’s name, dosage, current date, frequency, and the name and phone number of the physician. All medications must be in the original container (you may request pharmacies to fill your prescription in two labeled bottles). Please specify the dosage and time(s) to be administered for each medication.

• Non-prescription medications require a note signed by the family or physician. Non-prescription medication should not be administered for more than a 3-day period unless a written order by the physician is received.

• Non-prescription topical ointments require a note signed by the family or physician specifying frequency and dosage to be administered.

Parents should provide a written note and communicate with the teacher if their student requires the administration of sunscreen during outdoor activities or scheduled events.

Communicable Diseases When an enrolled child or an employee of the school has a (suspected) reportable disease, it is our legal responsibility to notify the local Board of Health or Department of Public Health. We will take care to notify families about exposure so children can receive preventive treatments. Included among the reportable illnesses are the following:

• Bacterial Meningitis

• Botulism

• Chicken Pox

• Diphtheria

• Heamophilus Influenza (invasive)

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• Measles (including suspect)

• Meningoccocal Infection (invasive)

• Poliomyelitis (including suspect)

• Rabies (human only)

• Rubella Congenital and Non-congenital (including suspect)

• Tetanus (including suspect)

• H1N1 Virus

• Any cluster/outbreak of illness

SAFETY

Clothing Montessori del Mundo requests that parents provide uniforms for their child as required by school policy. Please dress your child in practical clothing that allows for freedom of movement and is appropriate for the weather. Your child will be involved in a variety of activities including: painting, outdoor play, sand, weather, and other sensory activities. Our playground is used as an extension of the school, and daily programs are conducted outside whenever weather permits.

One particular aspect of concern is the risk associated with children’s clothing that may become entangled with climbing or sliding equipment that could lead to choking or other serious harm. All drawstrings from children’s clothes should be removed as a precaution.

Sandals and flip-flops are not appropriate for school play and make it difficult for your child to participate in some activities. Children will wear slippers in the classroom and sturdy “outdoor shoes” such as sneakers for PE class and Recess.

Extreme Weather and Outdoor Play Outdoor play will not occur if the outside temperature is greater than 95 °F or less than 37°F degrees. Additionally, outdoor play will be cancelled if the air quality rating is 50 or below.

Injuries Safety is a major concern in childcare and so daily safety inspections are completed inside and outside the school area in order to prevent injuries. First-aid will be administered by a trained caregiver in the event that your child sustains a minor injury (e.g., scraped knee). You will receive an incident report outlining the incident and course of action taken. If the injury produces any type of swelling or needs medical attention, you will be contacted immediately. Each classroom is equipped with a first aid kit meeting the state regulations.

In the event of a serious medical emergency, the child will be taken to the hospital immediately by ambulance, while we will try to contact you or an emergency contact.

Respectful Behavior All children and families will be treated with respect and dignity. In return, we expect the same from all of our families. We will not tolerate hostile or aggressive behavior. If this occurs, we reserve the right to ask you to control your behavior or to remove your children from our care.

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Smoking The poisons in secondhand smoke are especially harmful to infants and young children’s developing bodies, therefore the indoor and outdoor school environment and vehicles used by the school are non-smoking areas at all times. The use of tobacco in any form is prohibited on the school’s premises.

Prohibited Substances The use of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited on the school’s premises. Possession of illegal substances or unauthorized potentially toxic substances is prohibited.

Any adult who appears to be inebriated, intoxicated, or otherwise under the influence of mind-altering or polluting substances is required to leave the premises immediately.

Dangerous Weapons A dangerous weapon is a gun, knife, razor, or any other object, which by the manner it is used or intended to be used, is capable of inflicting bodily harm. Families, children, staff or guests (other than law enforcement officers) possessing a dangerous weapon will not be permitted onto the premises.

In cases that clearly involve a gun, or any other weapon on our premises, the police will be called and the individual(s) involved will be immediately removed from the premises. This policy applies to visible or concealed weapons.

Child Custody Without a court document, both parents/guardians have equal rights to custody. We are legally bound to respect the wishes of the parent/guardian with legal custody based on a certified copy of the most recent court order, active restraining order, or court-ordered visitation schedule. We will not accept the responsibility of deciding which parent/guardian has legal custody where there is no court documentation.

Suspected Child Abuse We are required by law to report all observations of child abuse or neglect cases to the appropriate state authorities if we have reasonable cause to believe or suspect a child is suffering from abuse or neglect or is in danger of abuse or neglect, no matter where the abuse might have occurred. The child protective service agency will determine appropriate action and may conduct an investigation. It then becomes the role of the agency to determine if the report is substantiated and to work with the family to ensure the child’s needs are met. Our school will cooperate fully with any investigation and will maintain confidentiality concerning any report of child abuse or neglect. Likewise, if you suspect a child of being abused or neglected please contact the Child Abuse/ Neglect Hotline at 303-636-1750 or visit the Arapahoe Child Services Department at 14980 E Alameda Dr, Aurora, CO 80012.

EMERGENCIES In instances of a natural disaster or emergency, staff will follow school policies ensuring safety of every student as our top priority. The school will communicate with families as soon as possible and as directed by law.

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Lost or Missing Children In the unlikely even that a child becomes lost or separated from a group, all available staff will search for the child. If the child is not located within 10 minutes, the family and the police will be notified.

Fire Safety Our fire evacuation plan is reviewed with the children and staff on an annual basis and as needed. Fire drills are conducted monthly in coordination with the local fire department.

Emergency Transportation In the event your child needs to be transported due to a medical emergency, if no other authorized person can be contacted and the need for transportation is essential, an ambulance will be called for transportation. A proper escort will accompany and remain with the child until a family member or emergency contact arrives.

SCHOOL POLICIES Our school policies are updated annually or as needed to ensure the best educational experience for your student. To view the school policies, please contact the school director.

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Family Handbook Acknowledgement Please sign this acknowledgement, detach it from the handbook, and return it to the school. The handbook may be updated from time-to-time, and notice will be provided as updates are completed. Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to getting to know you and your family. I have received the Montessori del Mundo Family Handbook, and reviewed the family handbook with a member of the Montessori del Mundo staff. It is my responsibility to understand and familiarize myself the Family Handbook and to ask school management any questions I may have regarding any policy, procedure or information contained in the Montessori del Mundo Family Handbook. I have read and agree to the above policies.

Recipient Signature Date

School Staff Signature Date