PARENT HANDBOOK
2013-2014
MOTHER’S MORNING OUT, INC
288 Washington Street
Westwood, MA 02090
(781) 326-7448
or visit us at:
MA License: 8120789
Pages / Section I2. / History And Philosophy
EEC Contact Information
School Teaching Staff
3. / Administration
3. / Section II
Curriculum
Goals And Objectives
4. / Enrollment Requirements and Class Schedule
Enrollment and Registration, Tuition Costs
5. / Daily Procedures –Birthdays, School Calendar
Weather and Emergency Closings, Arrival And Dismissal
6. / Transportation, Classroom Visits, Clothing,Conferences And Assessments
7. / Confidentiality, Hand-Washing, Parent Communication, and Snack and Lunch
8. / Section III
8. / School Policies – Allergies and Medication
9. / Discipline, Emergency
10. / Non-Discrimination, Referrals, Screenings
11. / Suspension and Termination,
Sick Child Policy, Toileting change policy, Tuition policy
12. / Section IV
12. / Health Care Consultants, Health Care Proxy and Policy
13. / Injury Prevention Plan
14. / Plan for Administering Medicine
14. / CPR/First Aid
15. / Emergency Procedures
16.
17. / Plan for Evacuation
Procedures of Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse
18. Behavioral Indication Child Abuse
Section I
History and Philosophy
Mother’s Morning Out Nursery School (MMO) has provided an enriching and educational experience for students for over 41 years. We value and honor the needs of every child. MMONursery School will provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child to learn and grow.
For many children, MMONursery School will be their first significant step beyond the home. Our competent and caring staff will make school an exciting and enjoyable journey. Each child will learn that our staff provides a caring, fun and loving school experience. Our children are encouraged to express their ideas, make decisions, explore and experience the world. We encourage students to be independent while also learning to respect the rights of others.
Our “play” based approach to learning utilizes the classroom environment as a learning tool. Our classrooms are child centered and full of materials that will interest and develop the mind of the individual child. Daily activities promote learning through self-expression, good decision making and exploration of their environment. Through play children process information and make sense of their world.
MMONursery School was established in 1972 by the IslingtonCommunityChurch, as a non-sectarian, non-profit community service. In September 2004, ICC disbanded and MMO became an independent, non-profit community program. We serve families from Westwood and surrounding communities. We are unique in that we offer parents a variety of options with respect to age grouping, class time, and lunch.
M.M.O.Nursery school is located on the first and second floor of the IslingtonCommunity Center at 288 Washington Street, Westwood, MA 02090. Our phone number is (781) 326-7448. Our email address is .
School Certification and EEC Contact Information
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is responsible for regulating the operation of child care centers in Massachusetts. All regulations must be adhered to by all staff to ensure that all children are served by this child care center with an appropriate level of care. MMO is required to inform parents of their rights, as found in the regulations, upon admission of their child to the nursery school.
Parents may contact EEC for information regarding the MMO’s regulatory compliance history. The regional office of the EEC is located at 10 Austin Street, 3rd Floor, Worcester, MA 01609. (508)798-5180. MMO license number is 8120789.
School Teaching Staff
Our staff is certified by the Department of Early Education and Care. All staff members attend monthly continuing education workshops, in-service programs and conferences. Every staff member is certified in First Aid Training and CPR/AED and renewed annually.
All staff must complete a background record check before working with children. Background record checks will be done every two years.
Administration
The Director and the Assistant to the Director will handle the everyday organization of MMONursery School. These people will see that the philosophy, goals and policies are met to satisfaction. They assure the staff and parent input is taken into consideration.
The Directorand the Assistant to Director are responsible for the records of all children and personnel. The Director is also responsible for: staff development, supervision and training; fostering parent involvement; social services programs; and the development and maintenance of early childhood education programs. The Director is responsible for writing and implementing all of MMONursery school policies. The Director and Classroom Teachers are responsible for assuring that evacuation drills are held at different times and are practiced with all groups every month. The Director is also responsible for human resource administration. The Director is responsible for payroll.
The Assistant to the Director is responsible for parent billing, recording payments and maintaining parent accounts; and for assisting the Director with Children’s records, staff development, supervision, and training.
The teaching staff is responsible for the care and the supervision of Preschool and Jr. Preschool sight at all times. Classrooms are set up so that there are no “blind spots” or nooks that are not visible from all areas of the room. Gates are set up so that Jr. Preschool children cannot leave the class room. Gates are also set up at the staircases. The teaching staff is responsible for planning the curriculum within the parameters of MMONursery School philosophy, goals and policies. Individual and group meeting with the Director provide opportunities for the teaching staff to voice their input.
Administrative Team
Director: Ellen Naughton
Assistant to the Director: Nancy Sinatra
Accounts Receivable: Ellen and Nancy
Licensing Authority: The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
Section II
Curriculum
MMONursery School fallows the standard and guidelines set by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. It covers the areas of interest including literacy, math, art, science, dramatic play, including small and large motor play, indoors and outside. The main objective of our program is to teach our children to learn in a safe environment and grow cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically. The learning is child-directed with the help of a caring experienced staff member.
Goals and Objectives
Our goal as educators is to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment where every child can develop intellectually, emotionally and socially.
Enrollment Requirements and Class Schedule
Mother’s Morning Out, Inc. is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to serve children ages 24 months to 7 years old. We offer nursery school programs for preschoolers and toddlers. The classes are determined according to a child’s age on August 31.
Junior Preschool:
24 months to 36 months of age
M/W/FT/TH9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
T/TH12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Preschool:
3 years to 6 years of age
M – FM/W/FT/TH9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
M/T/TH12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Extended Day:M/T/TH12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Lunch:M – F12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Enrollment and Registration
Registration for returning families is conducted by lottery in January. Registration for alumni families is in person in January. Please call for specific dates and times. Registration for new families is conducted on a rolling admission after current and alumni registration is complete. Please call for specific dates and times.
Visits and tours of our program can be arranged by appointment. Registration forms and information are available in January. Yearly physical exam signed by the physician is required for all students. Health forms must include: lead screening, up-dated immunization record with the chicken pox vaccine or a statement that the child has had chicken pox signed by the physician. Health records must be on file at MMO within two weeks of enrollment and updated accordingly. All preschool children must be 3 years old by August 31st. All junior preschool children must be 2 years old by August 31st.
Tuition
PRESCHOOL PAYMENT SCHEDULE: / YEARLY TUITIONFour-year old class (M,W,F) / 9:00-12:00 / $2556.00
Three and four year olds combined (M,W,F) / 9:00-12:00 / $2556.00
Three and four year olds combined (M,T,TH) / 12:30-3:15 / $2298.00
Three and four year olds combined (T,TH) / 9:00-12:00 / $1879.00
Three & four year olds combined (M,T,W,TH,F) / 9:00-12:00 / $4419.00
Four & five year olds (M,T,W,TH,F) / 9:00-12:00 / $4419.00
Payments due: / Feb. 1, 2013 / July 15, 2013 / Oct 15, 2013
M,W,F Class / $952.00 / $952.00 / $652.00
M,T,TH P.M. Class / $766.00 / $766.00 / $766.00
T,TH Class / $726.00 / $726.00 / $427.00
Feb. 1, 2013 / July 15, 2013 / Oct 15, 2013 / Jan 15, 2014
Five Day Program / $1204.00 / $1204.00 / $1204.00 / $807.00
Extended Day: 3, 4, 5 year olds
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 12:00 -3:00 $31.50 per day. Billed monthly.
JUNIOR PRESCHOOL PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
24 months to 36 months. DAILY FEE, BILLED MONTHLY. Due 1st day of the month.
Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday9:00-12:00 $32.00 per day
Tuesday/Thursday Afternoon 12:30-3:15 $29.00 per day
Daily Procedures
Birthdays
Due to an increase in student allergies, birthdays will no longer be celebrated with special foods. Your child’s Teacher will let you know how they plan to celebrate birthdays.
Calendar for the School Year
MMO observes the Holidays and Vacation Schedule of the WestwoodPublic School system. Please see our website, mmonurseryschool.com.
Weather and Emergency Closings
MMONursery School will be closed for severe weather when the Westwood Public Schools close. In the event of a one-hour delay, MMO will be open regular hours. In the event of a two-hour delay, MMO will be closed for the day.
If the Westwood Public Schools issue an early release due to inclement weather, we will do the same. We will only run the morning program, which will run from 9:00 to 12:00. Lunch will be cancelled. If any other situation requires school closure, parents will be notified by phone. There are no tuition refunds for weather related closures.
Parents can visit the Westwood Public Schools website or listen to their local news for cancellations of school.
Arrival and Dismissal
Children must not be left before 9:00 a.m. for the morning classes or 12:30 p.m. for the afternoon classes, and must be picked up on time. Parents are encouraged to bring their child to school on time as to not disturb the class.
Please call if an emergency situation requires you to be late for pick-up. Please remember that it is important to your child’s sense of security that they are picked up on time. Parents are responsible for reimbursing the supervising staff person $10.00 per fifteen minutes after scheduled dismissal time.Failure to adhere to these policies is grounds for termination.
Transportation Policy
The school provides no transportation. Adults who drive children to school must park their car and escort children to their classrooms. They are responsible for their child’s safety until the child enters the classroom. Adults who pick up are responsible for their children after the child exits the classroom.
A transportation plan (Emergency Release Form) must be authorized by the parent and held in the child’s file. Any changes to this authorization must be signed and dated by the child’s parent.
Only those adults, 18 and over, authorized in writing by a parent or guardian may pick up a child from the program. In the event of an emergency, individuals listed in your child’s file as emergency contacts will be authorized to pick up your child. The Program Director must be notified by the parent if someone other than them will be picking up your child. This designated person must show proper photo identification to pick up your child.
Classroom Visits
Open Door Policy - MMO encourages visits to your child’s classroom while your child is present. For security reasons, parents of children not yet enrolled must make an appointment with the Director before visiting MMO. All guests must be buzzed in by the office during school hours.
Clothing
Please send your child to school in comfortable and washable play clothes with shoes that allow for climbing and running during indoor and outdoor play. Children will be going outside if the temperature is 30 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Please dress your child appropriately for weather conditions. We will not utilize the playground if it is covered in snow. Please mark ALL of your child’s clothing with their name with a permanent marker to avoid losses and mix-ups.
Conferences and Assessments
Parents have the right to request an individual conference at any time. The Director will make staff available upon request. Preschool and Junior Preschool students will receive two (2) progress reports. These will be sent out the first week of December and March. Jr. Preschool classes will also receive “touch base” phone calls in November. Parent meetings will be offered in October to all classes to give the opportunity to discuss classroom curriculum.
Confidential Information
All information contained in the child’s record will be privileged and Confidential. MMONursery School will not distribute or release information in a child’s record to anyone not directly related to implementing the program plan for the child without the written consent of the child’s parent(s). A child’s parent(s) shall have the right to add information, comments, data or any other relevant materials to the child’s record.
Hand Washing
Correct hand washing procedures are required for adults and children, particularly:
- Before eating, preparing food, or feeding a child
- After changing diapers, using the toilet or helping a child use a toilet
- After handling body fluids or using a tissue
- Ideally, upon arriving at the program.
Parent Communication
Day Sheets or Monthly Calendars are sent home and also posted outside classrooms for parents to review. Classroom activities and programs are highlighted in monthly newsletters from each Teacher. The MMO Director will send periodic newsletter of activities and upcoming events in the school.
Parent Input
Parents are encouraged to meet with the Director to discuss any input in the development of MMO policies and procedures. It is up to the Director, with the MMO Board of Directors to decide on whether or not the policies will be implemented.
Phone Calls
Parents and Teachers may communicate by phone. Parents must call and set up a time with the Director and include the number that they can be reached. An appropriate time will be decided upon.
Snack and Lunch
Due to an increase in peanut allergies, our school practices “Peanut Avoidance”. We ask that you do not send in any peanut, peanut oil or nut containing products for your child to eat during lunch or snack. Products produced in facilities which produce nut products are not permitted. Any exposure to peanuts or nuts through contact or ingestion can cause a severe/life threatening reaction.
If your child has eaten peanuts or nut products prior to coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands have been thoroughly washed prior to entering the school.
Due to the large number of different food allergies, the school will provide a drink at snack/lunch time. Each child is required to bring their own snack, sealed in a Ziploc bag with the child’s name on it. Please remember snack time is approximately 15 minutes, small but nutritious items are suggested.
Children may sign up for the lunch program which is an additional hour. (The lunch fee is $10.00 per day.) A box lunch is provided by the parents. MMO will provide water for lunch. Lunches (marked with the child’s name) are stored on shelves above the coat racks and parents must provide a cool pack or thermos. Please do not pack anything that needs to be heated, as we are unable to accommodate this service.
We ask that you do not send candy or soda in your child’s lunch. See the end of this handbook for a list of nutritious foods that you can include in your child’s lunch/snack as well as a list of peanut free snacks.
The Department of Early Education and Care requires Child Care Centers to offer tooth-brushing assistance to children who participate in a lunch program. Parents who wish their child to participate in this program are required to supply, in their child’s lunch box, a toothbrush clearly labeled with their child’s name with a small, pea sized dab of toothpaste, enclosed in an adult size toothbrush travel case, also labeled.
Section III
Allergy and Medication Policy
Parents must note any and all allergies on the child’s developmental history and update MMONursery School when necessary. Parents should also verbally inform their children’s Teachers of any allergy. While MMO attempts to make every effort to address the safety concerns and/or the needs of its students who are predisposed to allergies, in cannot anticipate every situation in which a child may be exposed to substances, chemicals and/or conditions that may illicit an allergic reaction. For example, a child may eat peanut butter for breakfast and arrive at MMO with traces of the peanut butter on her hands, thereby exposing children with peanut allergies to a situation in which they may experience an allergic reaction.
Each classroom will post an allergy list so that all staff is aware of children with allergies.
For the safety of all our children, MMO, as a program, is a peanut-avoidance program. Please be sure to wash hands thoroughly before entering school and do not send any snack/lunch items which contain nuts or are made in facilities which make nut products.
MMONursery School will not administer non-prescription and/or prescription medicine to a child without written parental authorization and a written order from a physician. The parent(s) will provide MMO with a written authorization, which will be posted in the classroom for staff to see. This form will be kept in your child’s file when the medicine is finished.
The written authorization indicates that the medicine is for the specified child, specifies the dosage, the number of times a day and the number of days the medication is to be administered. All medication will be stored out of the reach of children and stored in accordance with prescription directions.