Hours
of Operation: M–F 7:30 am to 5:30
pm
Licensed
by
Current
License #90297
2009-2010
Parent Handbook
Table of Contents
Mission
Statement/Goals and Objectives.
Infant
Classroom and Toddler Classroom
Transition
Classroom and Early Childhood Classroom
Conferences & Communication with Parents
Health, Sickness, and Medication
Snow Days - School
Cancellation
Student Admissions and Discharge
Infant /Toddle Curriculum - 6 weeks to 24
months
Transition Curriculum
– 2 and 3 years
Early
Childhood Curriculum – 3 to 5 years
Early Childhood
Classroom Schedule
General
Information
History
June Warren founded
Program Information
There are three
classrooms: Infant-ToddlerClass houses ages 6 weeks to 24 months, Transition
Class houses ages 2 and 3 years and the Early Childhood Class houses ages 3 to
5 years. The school operates Monday
through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Student-Teacher Ratios:
Infant-Toddler 3-1
Transition 6-1
Early
Childhood 7-1
Sage Cottage publishes and distributes a school calendar each year –
please see Appendix B. This calendar
notes the dates of special events and school closure. Sage Cottage is CLOSED during the
Administration
Mission Statement/Goals and
Objectives
The specific goals for the children who
attend the School are:
1. To develop a positive self-image.
2. To develop a love of learning and feel
comfortable in school.
3. To learn respect of all life and the
environment.
4. To develop and foster an abiding
curiosity.
5. To develop skills of initiative and
self-direction.
6. To foster inner discipline and a sense of
order.
7. To develop socially acceptable behavior.
8. To acquire the basic skills necessary for
a lifetime of learning.
Curriculum Statement
Philosophy
Affiliations and Memberships
·
Recognized
by State of
·
Licensed
by Children, Youth, and Families Dept. of the State of
·
Member
of the
·
Member
of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
·
Member
of the American Montessori Society (AMS
·
Member
of the
Admission Procedure
Enrollment is opened
for the year beginning June 1 in March of each year. Students’ currently enrolled full time
in the school are given a priority period of re-enrollment prior to the
enrollment being opened to the general public.
Parents interested in enrollment for their children may visit in a
classroom with the teachers and/or the director. Sage Cottage is the program designed to meet
the needs of children ages 6 weeks to five years. The Full day enrollment is 8:30 to 3:30 with
before and after childcare offered from 7:30 to 8:30 and 3:30 to 5:30.
Sage
Cottage does not discriminate. We are
inclusive of all races, religions, nationalities, and peoples of all
kinds.
We require 30 days notice for disenrollment.
Financial Information
Fees
Registration
Fee: $100 annual registration fee.
Equipment &
Supply Fee: $150
annually for each child enrolled at Sage Cottage.
Music
Fee: $10 per month.
Late Fees:
A late fee of $10 will be added onto the next month’s bill when a child
arrives or leaves 5 minutes beyond the contracted time unless pre-approved by
the Director. There will be an
additional $10 fee for 5 minute period (or portion of) that the child remains at school after the
contracted time.
Accounting
Fee: One schedule
change per year will be done for free.
Additional schedule changes will cost a fee of $25.
Vacation
Credit: Credit will be given once a year in the equivalent of one
week’s tuition. A 30-day notice
must be given in order for the credit to be applied.
Billing Procedures
Monthly tuition is
divided into twelve (12) equal payments, based on the number of school days in
session. Remember that some months have
fewer school days and some more. The
same tuition payment is due each month.
A statement showing a breakdown of your total tuition (tuition, drop-in
daycare if used, and tax) is placed in your child’s mailbox around the 15th
of each month. Please keep the invoice
as your tax record and record the invoice number on the check. Payment is expected by the 1st of
the month unless other arrangements have been previously made. A $30 late fee will be attached to the
following month's statement if the payment is past due (after the 4th
of each month). If payment is not
received by the 7th, Sage Cottage reserves the right to disenroll
the child.
An agreement form on
policies (see end of this handbook), services and tuition will be sent home and
must be signed and returned within the first month of school (this is a State
requirement).
Withdrawals from
the school must be given 30 days advance
written notice. Tuition will then be
charged for 30 days from the day of notice.
For example, if you give notice on May 5th that you are
withdrawing your child from school, then you must pay tuition through June 5th
(30 days). Any unused balance of tuition
paid will be refunded only if the school dismisses the child.
The Child Care
Licensing Bureau of New Mexico determines the staff to child ratio. We carry full enrollment meeting this ratio
and cannot accommodate make-up days for time missed due to holidays, vacation,
illness, snow days, or other circumstances. Tuition is calculated for the
number of school days in a year and prorated over twelve months; days during
the week missed due to conferences, holidays, and snow days are distributed
fairly evenly when considered over the course of a school year.
Academic Procedures
Birthdays
We enjoy celebrating
your child's birthday with a very simple party.
We encourage you to attend your child's birthday celebration. Watermelon or Jello make nice birthday treats
and party napkins are always a favorite.
Please check with your child’s teacher regarding food allergies
prior to making snack plans.
If you are
planning a home party for your child, please place the invitations in the
children’s cubbies so as not to upset those children who are not
invited.
Communication
A good communication
flow with your child's teacher is highly desirable and should be the principal
vehicle for questions that may arise. You
are encouraged to talk regularly with the teachers regarding your child’s
education and development. In addition, Parent/Teacher
Conferences are scheduled at least 2 times each year. A monthly newsletter is published informing of
current school and classroom activities.
The School asks you to bring suggestions for improvements to the school
Director(s). If you need to register a
complaint or if you have any grievances regarding the staff, the school, or
anything else please bring them to the attention of the Director(s). We will take immediate action to correct the
issue.
Family Involvement
Teaming with parents and guardians in the
education of the child is beneficial for all.
We encourage families to spend time at Sage Cottage with their child in
the classrooms and the playgrounds. This
lets your child know that you feel comfortable spending time at school and
gives you a chance to better know what takes place during your child’s
day. We particularly like to have family
members share information regarding their professions with the classes. This broadens the children’s
understanding of what “those big people” do all day.
Toilet Learning
With all learning, consistency is the key
to success. Once your child demonstrates
an interest in toilet learning, the teachers make a great effort to help
facilitate this learning process.
Because this process requires as much adult dedication as child participation,
we feel it is extremely important to share with parents what we will be doing
during your child’s school day to help toilet learning be fun and
exciting as well as a successful experience.
Timing is essential. If toilet learning begins too soon or too
late, the process will take longer. In
order for toilet learning to be successful, a child must be physically and
cognitively ready. Physically, meaning
their nervous and excretory systems have developed to a necessary level. Cognitively, they must understand what it
means to use the toilet versus wearing diapers (What is it used for, as well as
why, and how do we use the toilet).
Verbal communication as well as adult modeling at home can facilitate
this understanding. Fortunately, the
onset of physical and psychological readiness typically begin at the same
time. When the parents and the school
are in agreement that toilet learning is to begin, we ask that a contract be
signed by the parents committing to work jointly with the school to achieve the
toilet independence for the sake of the child.
If after 7-10 days, a child shows a lack of interest or an increase in
anxiety or accidents he / she may return to the use of diapers until they
demonstrate this sensitive period again.
If the child is content and the number of accidents remains relatively
the same, it is recommended that toilet learning continue. Positively encouraging your child at
home is essential.
Toys
Children should not bring toys or
trinkets to the classroom except for special Teacher designated
activities. Please assure your child
that his/her toys are for home use and that at school he/she has special
"work" to do. If the child
feels the item is a necessary part of their day, they will be encouraged to
place the toy in their cubby until the end of their day when they can retrieve
it and take it home. Children are
encouraged on their snack day to bring books or other educational material that
might be of interest to all children.
Please LABEL items brought if at all possible.
Visitors
Parents,
guardians, and families are welcome in our school anytime to visit, observe, or
help in the classroom. Please talk with
your classroom teacher regarding what you might do to help with the class.
Policies
Accidents/Incidents
All accidents, injuries and incidents must be
documented using the Accident or Incident Report Form. If a child is injured or involved in an
accident requiring treatment beyond standard first aid, the staff member in charge
should notify the Director, who will then notify the child’s parents or
other emergency contact if the parents cannot be reached. The incident must be documented using the
Accident Report Form and the form placed in the child’s file. If the accident is of a severe nature, CYFD
will be contacted to report the incident.
Accidents involving teachers require that a
First Report of Accident be completed and for the teacher to seek medical
attention (if necessary) from the preferred provider according to the
school’s Workmen’s Compensation Policy. If the accident causes severe injury, call
911 or have them seek medical attention immediately, and then complete the
First Report of Accident.
Incidents are
situations such as child abuse, missing child, or behavioral issues (biting,
hitting, etc.). When a child hurts a
classmate, this is considered a behavioral issue and an incident report needs
to be completed for that child. An
accident report is then completed for the child who was hurt. The child who was the victim should be kept
anonymous on the incident report and the child who was the instigator should
remain anonymous on the accident report.
This protects both children and parents from awkward encounters that may
arise due to the behaviors of their children.
Classroom Observations
Sage Cottage
has an open door policy and encourages parents to become involved and to
observe their child’s class.
Montessori is a philosophy of observation, and what better way to gain
support at home than through observation.
Child Protection
It is the number
one responsibility of all staff to monitor the well being and protection of all
children at Sage Cottage. The Sage Cottage policy is that classrooms are
staffed with two personnel where possible as a two person control system to
maximize the protection and safety of the children.
Abuse/Neglect
All suspected
child abuse must be documented on an incident report, kept on file, and
reported to the CYFD.
Missing child
In the unlikely event that a child is
discovered missing from school, the school will go into immediate
lock-down. Designated
teachers/aids/parents will be stationed at each entrance/exit area. A designated person(s) will search the area
around the school. The Director will
contact the parent, guardian, or emergency contact person. The local police and CYFD will be notified
immediately.
Classroom Snacks
Infant Classroom and
Toddler Classroom
Families are to
provide all foods the child will eat each day.
A basket in the Toddler classroom is provided to put the food in. Infant classroom places their food in the
refrigerator where their child’s name is written. Parents
need to provide a training/sipper cup with their child’s name written on
it in permanent ink.
Transition Classroom and
Early Childhood Classroom
Families take
turns providing simple, nutritious snacks for their child's class. A snack schedule is posted in the class.
Parents shall sign up for snack twice a
month per child. The State of
Snack Suggestions
· Fruits
(cut to child's finger size)
· Fruit
Cups
· Tortillas
w/cheese, cream cheese or jelly
· Raisins
(plain or yogurt covered)
· Different
baked breads or bagels (banana, raisin, carrot)
· Crackers
such as Triscuit, or whole grain
· Nutritious
cookies and muffins (oatmeal, carob, fig)
· Yogurt
· Cheese
cubes, string cheese
· Cream
Cheese w/bagels
· Apples
· Applesauce
· Granola
· Sandwiches: cut into fourths - peanut butter, cheese,
etc., on various kinds of bread
Clothing
Although Sage
Cottage does not have a strict dress code for children, we expect children to
be dressed appropriately. Play clothes
are encouraged; simple, washable, sturdy, and easy-to-manage. Messy activities will be taking
place, so do not dress them in special clothes. Pants and jeans are
preferred and non-slip, closed toe shoes are advised.
Plan
on outdoor play whatever the weather may be. It is the parent’s
responsibility to
make sure their children are dressed in appropriate winter clothing--snow pants
and jackets, hats, mittens and snow boots. Children
without
the proper attire may be restricted from playground activities.
Please provide a change of clothing for
children in the Transition and Early Childhood classrooms and 2 changes for the
children in Infant/Toddler classroom. We
do keep a few articles of clothing at school in case of emergency, and request
that they be returned laundered after use.
Please label all clothing.
Complaints/Grievances
Complaints and
grievances by parents or staff should be reported to the Director right
away. In the event the complaint or
grievance requires a policy or staff change, the Director will address the
Owners to come up with the appropriate action.
Addendum’s to the Parent Handbook and/or the Staff Manual will be
made and issued accordingly.
Confidentiality Policy
Family
and staff information will not be discussed with other parents or staff. This information is confidential! Never discuss a child's progress in front of
the child when talking to staff or parents.
It is contrary to the interest of the school and the children we serve
to give out information regarding children, parents, or staff. Such information should be held in strict
confidence and should not be discussed with anyone outside of the school. Inside the school, such information should be
discussed only when it will benefit the care we offer the children and the
parent. Refer any inquiries on children,
their performance, and parent information to the Director.
Conferences & Communication
with Parents
Conferences are
scheduled at least two times each year, once during the Fall and again during
the Spring. Conferences are used for
reporting and communicating with parents and are an important aspect of the
complete education process. Interim
conferences can be arranged through the Teacher or Director to discuss issues
that require immediate attention.
Disaster
Preparedness
If
an accident or attack that creates contaminated air occurs in the nearby area
the following steps will be followed:
- Remain
calm and keep students calm.
- Bring
students, faculty and staff indoors.
- Close the
school.
- If
visitors/parents are in the building, provide for their safety by asking
them to stay.
- A
designated person will answer school calls.
- A
designated person will call parents.
- The voice
mail will be changed to indicate that the school is closed and students
and staff are remaining in the building until authority advises that is it
safe to leave.
- Close all
windows and doors and shut down the heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning systems. This will
create a neutral pressure in the building, meaning the contaminated air
would not be drawn into the building.
- Select
interior rooms with the fewest windows or vents.
- Bring
everyone into the room(s). Shut and
lock the door(s).
- Write down
the names of everyone in the room, and call the police department to
notify them of where you are and who is in the room with you.
- Listen for
an official announcement from the Los Alamos Police Department for
decisions that will come for the
Parents may be concerned that, during a
shelter-in-place activity, they couldn't pick up their children and might be
separated from them for long periods of time.
If parents show up at the school, they will be encouraged to
shelter-in-place at the school. It is
not Sage Cottage's intention to keep the children from their parents, but to
keep the children as safe as possible during a disastrous situation. We are merely endeavoring to keep your
children safe for the parents until it is safe for the parents to come and pick
them up. In the event we need to
evacuate the building we will be walking to either
Discipline
We work to
promote self-discipline and encourage the children to assume personal
responsibility for their actions. We
teach respect for property and others and encourage fair play. When rules are not followed, or a child is
hurting or interfering with other children, logical consequences are
imposed. The consequences are
made clear and understandable to the child; and are explained to the child
before and at the time of the action.
The
following methods are used when disciplining a child:
- The actions of the child are criticized,
not the personality.
- Careful physical restraint (bear hug) is
permitted when a child is out of control.
- The child is provided opportunity to
express and define his/her feelings.
- The child may be removed from participating
in the activity until the problem is solved or resolved.
- The child may be kept at the side of an
adult until he/she calms down and appears cooperative.
- The child may be asked to sit somewhere
within the classroom, isolated from activity, until he/she is ready to
resolve the problem.
- When the whole classroom is being
disrupted, the child may be removed and asked to sit with the Director
until he/she is ready to return.
All discipline
shall be carried out with respect for the dignity and self-esteem of those
involved. The Teacher is responsible for
informing parents about unacceptable behavior on the day it occurs.
The
objective at Sage Cottage for all behavior issues is to understand the child
and teach the child proper strategies to cope with situations he/she will face
throughout life. Should the situation
become ongoing (each child/situation is unique, so defining a time frame is not
possible) the Teacher and
Director may request a meeting with the parent(s) to discuss the behavior
problems. The goal is to identify inconsistencies
between home and school, and develop a joint plan on how to change the
behavior. It is an opportunity for
exchanging ideas on how to best help the child.
If the child’s behavior still remains unacceptable, Sage Cottage reserves the right to withdraw the child from the program and terminate the contract with the parents or guardians.
The following disciplinary practices are prohibited at Sage Cottage:
- Physical
punishment
- Withdrawal of
food, rest, or bathroom opportunities
- Abusive or
profane language
- Any form of
public or private humiliation including threats of physical punishment
that is hazardous to the physical or mental health of the child.
Emergencies
In the event of
an accident or sudden onset of illness, the School will not hesitate to seek
proper care for a child, staff, or parent.
In the case of a child, the parent will be called immediately after
first aid is given and 911 is called if required. If the parent cannot be reached, then calls
will be made to the emergency numbers indicated on the child’s enrollment
form. If these persons are not
available, the child's doctor will be called and if necessary 911 will be
called to transport the child for medical services.
For this reason we require you to sign
the emergency release statement on the application, before the child enters
school. The consent statement that you
signed will accompany the child so that treatment can be given immediately in
your absence.
All accidents requiring some kind of
medical attention are documented and signed by parents, as well as staff on
duty and placed in your child's file, as per State requirements. CYFD (Children, Youth and Families Department)
will also be notified of all incidents revolving care of a child off property.
In the event of an emergency with a staff
member, emergency contacts from the form in their file will be contacted. In the event of a parent who may have an
emergency situation, we will ascertain who needs to be notified for them, and
proceed with whatever first aid is required in the situation.
Emergency Kit and Supplies
The following is a list of items contained in
the Sage Cottage Emergency Kit and supplies kept on hand in case of a
shelter-in-place disaster:
- Copies of
all contact list - name, phone number and email as well as information or
someone preferable out-of-state, or at least out of the immediate
area. Phone numbers and emails for
immediate supervisor.
- Flashlights
with extra batteries - Long life, emergency flashlights.
- Battery-operated
radio and extra batteries - AM/FM, Weather band/TV band
- Manual
can-opener
- First Aid
Kit - Add gloves and Kleenex
- Notepad
and pens/pencils
- Scissors
- Hand-Sanitizer
and Cleansing Agent/Disinfectant
- Whistle
- Disposable
Cups
- Wet Wipes
- Charged Cell
Phone
- One gallon
of water for every four children and staff
- Non-Perishable
food items like soft granola bars, cereal, cheese and crackers, cans of
fruit, special infant items, etc. - should be nut-free in case of
allergies.
- Extra
supplies of critical medication such as insulin, epi-pens, etc. for
children and staff
Each child should have - a change of seasonally
appropriate clothing, a blanket, extra formula (one-day supply as space allows)
and extra diapers (one-day supply as space allows).
Evacuation
Building evacuation will be signaled by
the Director or designee sounding the fire alarm. An emergency evacuation map is prominently
displayed in all classrooms, showing routes to follow during a fire drill or
actual fire. Fire drills will be
conducted monthly. All children, staff
and visitors are required to leave the building by the safest route and go to
the assigned area. The lead teacher will
take the attendance sheet and first aid kit, and leave with children and any
volunteers or visitors. The aide,
assistant teacher or director should check classrooms and bathrooms to ensure
no children are remaining, close outside doors (but do not lock), and follow
others out of the building. The lead
teachers should ensure that all children are accounted for. Staff should keep children calm and quiet and
await further instructions. When/if it
is safe to return to the building the Director or alternate will inform the
lead teachers to return.
Field Trips
Field trips
will be announced in advance, and all children must have a signed permission
form on file at the School before participating. We will typically ask for parent
participation/help with field trips.
Health, Sickness, and Medication
State Law
requires that all children be properly immunized before entering school. Staff
members will only administer topical medications, ointments, and creams
(sunscreen, diaper rash ointment, teething gel …) and only after having a
signed medication form on-file. All
medications must be in the original container.
The one
medication exception will be an epi-pen for a highly allergic child. Staff will continue to be trained in allergy
awareness and the use of an epi-pen.
Should we have a child who potentially needs an epi-pen, it will be
stored in a locked container in the child’s classroom.
Staff and children both get sick. Staff who become ill during school hours will
be required to leave. When they are no
longer in danger of passing the illness onto the children, they will be allowed
to return to school.
Children who
become sick at school must be separated from the other children until the
parent(s) arrive to remove the child from the school. The staff monitors the children closely to
determine whether a fever is teething or immunization related before calling
the parents to pickup the child. Parents
will be notified of any fever or behavior which indicates the child is not
feeling well. The child will be sent home if the armpit temperature is 100.4o
F or greater, or if the child shows signs of illness. Children are not to be brought to school if
any of the following symptoms are present within the previous 24 hours:
1.
Fever (temperature over 100.4o F)
2.
Unexplained rash
3.
Severe cough
4.
Discharge of green mucous from the nose
5.
Diarrhea
6.
Vomiting
7.
Sore throat
8.
Swollen or crusted eyes
9.
Acute body aches (i.e. headache, stomach ache)
10.
Open sores on the body
Incident Notification
Staff will notify the Director (who will notify
Children Youth and Families Department where appropriate) of any incident that
has or could threaten the health and safety of children and staff members. An incident report will be filed in these
circumstances. Parents or their
emergency contacts as well as the CYFD will be contacted in all of these
examples:
·
A lost or missing child
·
The death of a child
·
Sexual or physical abuse of a child
·
Accidents, illness, or injuries that require
medical care beyond on-site first aid (pay particular attention to head bumps
and concussions)
·
Fire, flood or natural disaster
·
Any of the illnesses on the current list of
Notifiable Diseases and Communicable Diseases.
·
Any legal action against a staff member related
to the care and custody of children
Lunch
Please
pack a well-balanced nutritional meal, excluding candy and
other highly sugared food, and foods which could pose a choking hazard (e.g.
popcorn, nuts, whole grapes, hard candy, cherries with pits, …) and excessive quantities of
additives and preservatives. All
food is to be ready for the child to eat; pre-cut, mixed, peeled, etc. (Please
slice grapes, hotdogs, string cheese, and carrots lengthwise; peel oranges and
eggs.) Please be sure to LABEL all
containers and the lunch box.
Refrigeration
is available as well as warming for the children’s lunch. We do not
allow the children to touch, share or eat anything from their classmates
lunches. In the event a lunch is
forgotten, we will inform the parents so arrangements can be made. We
will assist
the children with eating and enjoy the opportunity to teach and model grace and
courtesy.
Please
keep portions small, as we encourage children to eat their protein, fruit,
and/or vegetables, in that order. Judge
portions by what remains in the lunch boxes after school (uneaten portions are
put back in the lunch boxes).
Tuesdays
at Sage Cottage are pizza days. Pizza may be purchased by the slice at a
cost of $1.50 per slice. Sign-up is done in each classroom and the money
must be in by 9:30 am Tuesday morning. The pizza is picked up and
distributed to the children at lunchtime.
Napping
ChildCare
Licensing requires all children under age 6 attending school for more than five
(5) hours be allowed a nap or rest period.
Each child will have a designated mat or day bed and clearly labeled
linens so there is no duplicate use of the linens between washings.
Parent Participation
Each parent is
a vital part of the school as a whole.
We encourage parents and families to spend time at the school and
participate in scheduled Family activities. Volunteers are encouraged in areas
of classroom support (assisting teachers, special program and field trip
support), and buildings and grounds work parties. Parents are invited to assist the school in
fund raising activities for the purchase of new school equipment, and school
social and educational events. If you
are willing to help in any way, please call the school office to volunteer.
Mail
Folders
Sage Cottage uses parent mail folders to communicate with
families. You will find our monthly
newsletter, children’s progress reports, invoices, handouts, etc. Please check your mail folder on a daily
basis.
Classroom
Participation
Most all Parents have a talent, career or
hobby that would be interesting to the children. We encourage you to make arrangements with
the class Teacher to set up a time to share this information with the
children. Parents are also encouraged to
share anything they may have to aid in our different curriculum studies.
Information
from home
In the event that a significant change
occurs in your home, please inform the Director or Lead Teacher as soon as
possible. All information will be
regarded as confidential. We will accept
your judgment as to the kinds of changes, which may affect your child's
behavior, security, and general well being.
Common causes of distress include: either or both parents being away
from home for any reason for an extended time; new person living in the home;
illness or hospitalization within the family; new sibling; accident or death in
the family; new caretaker; new employment; moving; death of a pet; and, parent
separation and divorce. In return, the
Teacher/Director will keep you informed of any significant changes in the
school environment, which may affect your child.
School Philosophy
Respect for the
children includes a positive, optimistic attitude about children, a cooperative
spirit, a nurturing of independence, recognition of unique individuality, trust
in the child's work, finding the right activity, and listening to and observing
in order to follow the child. One should
avoid sarcasm, teasing, over-reacting to misbehavior, and inferred reward and
punishment. When making presentations,
the child's interest level should be considered so that the teacher stops
before the child tires. Phrasing of
instructions should be direct and to the point.
When communicating with the child the adult should come down to the
child's height.
Lessons will be given to children BEFORE they
formally use the equipment. All
materials may be used by the children for exploring concepts as long as they
are learning a positive aspect and not damaging the equipment.
Respect and courtesy will be HIGHLY emphasized
in the curriculum, through role playing activities and staff modeling.
A calm, quiet atmosphere will be maintained at
all times by BOTH the teachers and children.
The teacher’s voice should never be heard over the children.
Outside time will be included each day. The playground will be supervised at ALL
TIMES with the proper ratio of adults to children. The staff must place themselves at the opposite
areas of the playground and not engage in conversation with other staff members
while on duty. The intent of the
playground is to provide large muscle development, through constructive
play. Staff should help initiate
activities such as ball catching, hopping, jumping, etc.
No child may be left unattended in a room for
any reason.
Birthdays are
considered a special event for each child and are individually celebrated.
Snow Days - School Cancellation
Student Admissions and Discharge
Admission into
the school is handled by the Director.
Sage Cottage accepts students on a first come first served basis and
without regard to race, color, or religion, etc. The enrollment procedure is:
1.
Telephone interview
2.
Observation of a class by the parents
3.
Enrollment application submitted
4.
Tuition Deposit submitted
The Director
and the Owners handle discharge of a child from the school. The procedure to be
followed is contained in the disciplinary section of this section.
Student Attendance & Absences
Attendance
records are required by law and it is the parents’ responsibility to sign
their child in and out each day. If your
child is going to be absent, kindly contact the school at 672-0534 prior to
class time as to the cause. If you have
verification of the fact that your child has a notifiable disease, please call
the school immediately so a note may be posted to inform other parents. The licensing division has strict regulations
regarding children attending school while ill.
We reserve the right to send your
child home should we make the judgment
he/she is either contagious or too ill to function adequately in class.
Student Pick-up and Drop-Off
The
school hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is imperative that arrival and dismissal
times be closely adhered to. The time
before class is vital for teacher preparation to ensure a smooth and productive
day, and our staffing is set based on contracted hours. Children will not be admitted before 7:30
a.m. We ask that children contracted
to arrive at Sage by 8:30 a.m. please arrive no earlier than 8:30
a.m. It is equally important that the
children do not arrive late. The first
activity in each class is group time and it is very disruptive to the class and
the child when he arrives late or misses the group altogether. Children who arrive late and are picked up
late are often stressed and feel awkward and uncomfortable.
Children are to
be taken to their class and signed-in by the parent or guardian, and when
picked up, signed-out by the parent or guardian. If a child is not signed-in/out, the teachers
must do it to keep an accurate records.
Children must not be released to anyone who is not on the Child’s
Pick-up authorization form. If a staff
member is uncertain of an individual’s identity, she/he must ask that
person for identification. If positive
identification cannot be made, the child MUST NOT be allowed to go home with
that individual. If a parent phones in
authorization to the school, it is up to the discretion of the Director to
release the child.
The
parking lot at the school can be very active.
We ask that when dropping your child off and picking your child up that
you take the time to turn off your car. Please be courteous and drive slowly
around the parking lot. It is small and
can be congested, especially in the morning and evening.
Student Rules & Manners
1. The rules of the playground are:
a) The sandbox toys are used only in the
sandbox
b) Digging with the sandbox toys in other
areas is not allowed
c) Trees are not to be climbed or pulled
on
d) There will be no rock, sand, snow, or
stick throwing
e) Sticks are not to be carried or used
for playing
f) There will be no climbing or sitting on
any fence
g) The cement slabs will be clear and
clean at all times
h) Tricycles and bikes are to be ridden on
the cement slab. They are to be parked
away from the gate when not in use
i) The slides will be used for sliding --
not running up
j) There will be no standing, jumping or
tipping over of the picnic tables
k) There will be no gun shooting or
tackling allowed
l) No spitting or hitting
m) No one is to destroy another
student’s creative work
n) Karate is not allowed
o) Use only designated areas of playground
2. The rules and manners for lunch are:
a) Stay seated
b) No food sharing
c) No candy or gum
d) All uneaten food goes back in lunchbox
e) Eat with mouth closed
f) Don't talk with food in mouth
g) Stay out of others lunch
h) No shouting to someone at different
table
i) Food remains on napkin or plate
j) Appropriate conversation for meal time
k) Minimal (Appropriate) burping
3. The rules and manners of the classroom are:
a) Respect others (do unto others as you
would have them do unto you)
b) Respect yourself (do your very best at
everything you do)
c) Respect the classroom (use items for
their intended purpose)
d)
No running or yelling inside the school
The Sage Cottage
Curriculum
Infant /Toddler
Curriculum - 6 weeks to 24 months
The first few
years of a child’s life are crucial to his or her personality and
intellectual development. In his
acclaimed book The First Few Years of
Life, Dr. Burton L. White says that a child born with the best mental and
physical capabilities may not attain even average levels of competence without
exposure to appropriate experiences.
Infants and toddlers
have a fundamental need for love and emotional nurturing within a healthy
physical environment. The Montessori Teaching Method provides a basis for
individualized learning activities, appropriate for even the earliest stages of
a child’s development. The purpose
of the Toddler Program at Sage Cottage is to encourage, assist, and protect the
normal development of each child.
Children flourish in the prepared environment that respects, supports,
and responds to their basic needs for independence, exploration, and the
building of trust and self-esteem.
During the early
years of life, Dr. Maria Montessori felt that “the first thing the
child’s education demands is the provision of an environment in which he
or she can develop the powers given by nature,” quite literally the
school environment and the curriculum.
The structure of the curriculum is based on five developmental areas:
Sensory and Perceptual, Physical and Motor, Self-Help Skills, Language, and
Social and Emotional. Dr. Montessori
emphasized the need for a rich environment, and noted the speed at which
children can develop: “If our own
adult ability be compared with the child’s, we should need sixty years of
hard work to do what he or she does in three.” While providing a structured and thus
familiar environment, the needs of the individual children are met. For example, for a 14-month-old child
developing large muscles of the arms and chest, a light, safe object would be
made available for the child to carry.
Sensory
and Perception
The young child
absorbs the world around him or her through the five senses. Our rich environment caters to the
child’s senses.
Physical
and Motor
Along with the
mind, both fine and gross motor skills develop rapidly from three months to
three years. Attention to these needs
support balanced development. Physical
activity in the young child is an important part of environmental involvement,
and thus education.
Self-Help
Skills
The focus is on
helping the child enjoy independence.
Each individual must depend on him or herself for education.
Language
The construction
of vocabulary is part of every aspect of the classroom from snack time to
manipulating a toy to group activities.
Social and
Emotional
A well-rounded and
happy child, whose balanced development and happiness have been supported by
responsive individual attention, reacts positively with the environment, copes
with frustration, and learns easily.
Transition
Curriculum – 2 and 3 years
Between 24 and 36-42 months, children
enter a “transition” stage.
They are enjoying their developing mobility and are ready to manipulate
and master their environment. Their
“Absorbent Mind” soaks up environmental stimulation unconsciously
and holds it ready for future abstraction and classification. They are driven by their “sensitive
periods:”, brief periods of time where learning is effortless. The Transition Classroom is a stimulating
environment designed specifically to meet the needs of this age child.
From the moment of birth, humans begin
the long road toward independence. The
first step is to breath independently and from there we gradually gain control
of movement, develop a means of communication, and lean to care for
ourselves.
Physical
and Motor
The sensitive period for movement is in
full swing and the transition classroom offers many opportunities for both
gross and small movement development.
There are stairs to climb, small trampolines to bounce on, and circle
time to explore the different ways the body can move. The children now carry their work to specified
areas providing opportunities for developing muscular coordination. The Montessori materials require small
muscular movements that will strengthen the hand and develop eye-hand
coordination.
Social and
Emotional
An orderly environment is essential for
this age child. The security of knowing
that they will always find what they need in the same place and that the
day’s activities will be consistent removes uncertainty, and frees them
from worry. Functioning in an orderly
environment allows the children to begin creating the internal order necessary
for intellectual development.
Sensory
and Perception
These children are kinesthetic learners;
and the Montessori Methodology offers multi-sensory manipulation with
auto-educational materials. The
Sensorial materials develop and heighten sensory awareness. The children learn by doing and move from the
concrete to an abstract understanding of the underlying concept. Finally, the associated language is
give. The abstract terminology now
provides the tool to compare and classify the numerous impressions received
earlier from the environment.
Language
Language skills are developed through the
materials and also at circle time activities.
As children of this age are hungry for information and words, so we
provide them reality based pictures and objects classified by environment. They also are struggling to understand their
place in their growing world. From our
safe environment, we venture out into the community to observe, following their
lead, observing and naming what nature provides for our enjoyment. They build confidence with the ability to
express themselves and their needs.
Early Childhood Curriculum – 3 to 5
years
Dr. Maria Montessori
embraced a philosophy that emphasized the belief that children were born with
all that they need to become the masters of themselves. Their intelligence develops through their
senses. She believed that children must
be in balance with their environment and their humanity. Children build their intelligence by guidance
from teachers and parents not by rote memorization. She developed specific materials that taught
concepts subliminally that children were drawn into ecstatically, which in turn
allowed them to concentrate and focus.
The goal was that concentration allows the thinking process to occur and
that the mind can reason. All Montessori
classrooms should be set up with “work” which moves from simple to
more complex. All materials and
extensions must also e ordered from concrete to abstract. In essence by using the senses concretely the
mind can build itself in thinking abstractly.
Montessori emphasizes that external order brings internal order. Through the ordering of materials properly
and presenting lessons to the child, this helps form a sense of order, independence,
confidence and self-esteem. A Montessori
classroom will help a child begin a journey of who he/she will become and to be
the master of his/her own education.
Practical Life
This area develops
fine and gross motor skills which enable the child to become more independent
in daily life. Through the use of
exercises such as pouring, scooping, sweeping, table washing and personal care,
the child becomes more self-sufficient.
Real life tools and child-size implements mirror the adult world; to refine
depth perception, top strengthen eye-hand coordination, and to practice care of
the self and the environment.
Sensorial Exercises
This area develops
the whole body as the receptor and builder of information. Sensorial materials introduce descriptive language,
size, weight, depth, density, length, balance, scents, textures, color
gradation, sounds, and classification.
Materials are grouped in units of 10 for pre-math skills.
Mathematics
The math materials
are introduced in sequence from simple concepts to increasingly complex mastery
using solid objects and counting skills before introducing abstract symbols or
memorization. The concrete materials are
designed to measure, sequence, pair, and count using beads, objects, rods, and
spindles. All materials are self
correcting. We provide various works for
1-10 comprehension, teach place value with golden beads, and introduce
multiplication/division as extensions of adding and subtracting.
Language
Tactile materials,
hand-held letters, two and three part matching cards, metal geometric shapes
that introduce contours for pre-writing skills, and sandpaper letters all lead
to mastery of the sound of each letter.
From this, the child builds words and sentences, creates imaginative
spelling, illustrates stories, and reads.
Cultural Subjects
Children learn
about each continent with its corresponding languages, dress, foods, music,
geography, land forms, customs, and animals.
This helps raise consciousness about other people and to gain an
understanding and compassion for all the people in the world. We study the differences and similarities
between cultures; what makes us who we are, our place in our
family/community/state/country/the world/our solar system. Unity within diversity is absorbed through
each individual’s interest in relation to the whole group. Conflict resolution and skill-building is a
daily exercise.
Sciences
Botany (leaf
shapes, parts of the flower and tree), zoology (parts of a bird and insect),
inquiry (freeze/thaw, magnetism, sink/float), all are areas integrated into the
daily curriculum for full exploration.
Arts
Different mediums
for expression are available on a daily basis.
Most organized are projects are reflective of the holiday and continent
theme of the month.
Music and Creative Movement
The musical element of early childhood
that appeals to young children is rhythm.
The natural response to rhythm is physical. Songs, finger plays, stories, drama, poetry,
and dance are all part of music and creative movement.
Appendix A
Classroom Schedules
Infant
Classroom Schedule
7:30 –
9:30 ARRIVALS
7:45 – 8:15 FREE PLAY &
ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTION
8:15 – 8:30 CHECK DIAPERS
8:30 – 9:00 BOTTLES or CEREAL
9:15 – 9:30 CHECK DIAPERS
9:35 – 11:00 NAPS AS NEEDED &
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
11:00 – 11:15 CHECK DIAPERS
11:15 – 11:30 MUSIC & MOVEMENT
– Stretch to the music
11:30 – 12:00 PLAYTIME (Tummy Time)
12:00 – 12:30 LUNCH & BOTTLES
12:30 – 12:45 CHECK DIAPERS
1:00 – 1:30 BUGGY RIDE (if
weather permits)
1:30 – 3:00 NAPS &
NURTURING (staff lunches)
2:00 – 3:30 QUIET PLAY or
ONE-ON-ONE (with early risers)
3:00 – 3:30 CHECK DIAPERS /
STORY TIME
3:30 – 5:30 BOTTLES/PLAYTIME/PICK-UP
Children’s
diaper/lunch bags should be broken down by the parent.
All diapers, wipes
and spare changes of clothes should be placed in your child’s cubby.
Lunches/bottles
go into the refrigerator where the shelf is labeled for the child.
Please
don’t forget to sign your child in and out every day.
The tuition box
is located on the side of the refrigerator in the Infant classroom.
Your
child’s folder (where you pick up the newsletter, invoice, etc) is
located on the bulletin board near the outside door
Please place car
seats on the pole outside the door.
Toddler Classroom
Schedule
7:30
– 8:30 – Arrival time
8:30 – 9:00 – Play time (inside or outside)
9:00
– 9:25 – Snack time
9:25
– 9:35 – Diaper changing
9:35
– 10:15 – Play time and some art
10:15
– 10:30 – Group time
10:30
– 11:30 – Outside time or buggy ride
11:30
– 12:00 – Lunch time
12:00
– 2:30 – Nap time
2:30
– 2:55 – Snack time
2:55
– 3:15 – Diaper changing and sun screen
3:15
- 4:00 – Outside time
4:00
– 4:30 – Snack time in Infant classroom
4:20
– 5:30 – Playtime in Infant classroom
SPECIALS
Monday
–
Tuesday
– Music with Mr. Greg
Wednesday
– Library Music & Movement or Story time
Thursday
– (Swimming during the summer)
Friday
-
Transition Classroom
Schedule
Please keep in mind that
this is a tentative schedule as we try to work around the children’s needs.
7:30 -8:00 – Room
Preparation – Free Play (manipulatives)
8:00 – 8:15
– Diaper check
8:15 – 9:00
– Outside play
9:00 – 9:15
– Circle Time
9:15 – 9:30
–
9:30 – 9:45
– Approximately – Circle Time (greetings, songs, movement)
9:50 – 10:25 - Groups are split – Gym/Classroom
10:25 – 10:50
– Groups are split – Gym/Classroom
10:50 – 11:30
– Outside time
11:30 – 12:00
–
12:00 – 12:30
– Prepare for nap – diaper check, wash up, etc.
12:30 – 2:30
– Nap time
2:30 – 3:15
– After nap – Free play, prepare snack
3:15 – 3:30
– Snack time
3:30 to 4:00 –
Circle time (Sunscreen)
4:00 to 5:00 –
Outside time
5:00 – 5:30
– Inside, hands washed, manipulatives, prepare to go home.
Specials:
Tuesday
–Music– 9:30 – 10:00
Wednesday – Library,
Science with Cheri on alternating Wednesdays
Thursday – Special
Art projects (Swimming during the summer)
Free Choice Fridays -
Children can bring a toy or a book to share at circle time and may play with it
and share during the a.m. and again p.m.
Early Childhood
Classroom Schedule
7:30 - 8:15 - Prepare
classroom and work time
8:15 – 9:00 –
Outside or Manipulative
9:00 - 9:45 –Morning
Group, Greeting Songs, etc. Snack (wash hands)
9:45 – 11:00 –
Work Time/Group games – Math, Language, Spanish, Computer, PE Class
11:00 - 11:50 - Outside
11:50 - 12:00 - Lunch prep
12:00 - 12:30 - Lunch time
12:30 - 2:30 - Nap prep
& Nap
2:30 - 3:00 –
Afternoon Snack
3:00 – 4:00 –
Afternoon work time/Projects/Group Story/ Share
4:00 - 5:15 - Playground
5:15 - 5:30 - Prepare to go
home/Story time (Short quiet time)
Sunscreen is applied as needed.
Hand washing and bathroom throughout the day.
Specials
Monday – PE Class
– Movement
Tuesday – Music 9:00
– 9:30 AM
Wednesday – Library
Field Trip (Science w/ Ms. Cheri alternating weeks)
Thursday –
Spanish (Swimming during the summer)
Friday – Art Class
*Show and Tell is everyday
of the week.
Appendix B
2009/2010 School Calendar
JUN ( 22) JUL (22) AUG (20) SEP (21)
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