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Parent Policy Booklet
Introduction
The purpose of this booklet is to familiarize you with information that parents or guardian of students attending
Choo Choo Montessori need to know. As primary caregivers of your children, we value your beliefs regarding
education as it important that our beliefs are also in line.
Choo Choo Montessori's mission is to offer a nurturing Montessori learning environment to children of ages 6
weeks to 10 years old as well as to support and nurture families in their child rearing efforts.
Our goal is to be a successful Montessori school that is recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale
(AMI) and have a loyal customer following. Our staff guide the children through various group and individual
activities to promote academic, emotional, and social growth. The large and small motor activities help the
children develop concentration, coordination, and independence. The colorful materials are designed to help lead
children to successive levels of discovery about their world covering the following subjects: Language,
Geography, Music, Art, Science, Practical Life, and Math. These simple materials are made for small hands and
arranged in the classroom in way that satisfies a child's sense of order. Choo Choo Montessori offers a friendly
environment that is clean and a safe place for children to have fun learning experiences.
Our main objectives to meet this goal is to maintain accreditation with NAEYC (http://www.naeyc.org), maintain
a four star rating with Parent Aware (http://www.parentawareratings.org/), and to be open to receiving feedback
from customers about improvement to our program.
Our business philosophy is to hire quality teachers to foster exceptional care in a Montessori learning
environment. It is also important in our business to value an appreciation for all world cultures and to promote
our young generations to be racist-free. Furthermore, we strongly believe in parent-child relationships that
encourage and review the lessons learned at school. It is these kinds of relationships that show children how to
value their education and respect their educators.
As with any growing company, our policies and standards also grow and change. We retain the right to add,
change, delete or interpret any of the provisions written here at any time with or without notice. After changes are
finalized, notifications will be sent home for each family.
School Contact Information
School Address:
2617 Duluth St
Maplewood, MN 55109
Phone Number: 651-490-7734
Fax: 651-486-7704
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ChooChooMontessori.com
Date of Last Revision: November 2014
Table of Contents:
About Our Program......................................................................................................................Page 4
The Montessori Program..............................................................................................................Page 11
Enrollment Information................................................................................................................Page 14
Fees and Tuition.............................................................................................................................Page 15
Administrative Information..........................................................................................................Page 19
General Policies..............................................................................................................................Page 20
Emergency, Accident, and Safety Policies and Records............................................................Page 25
Emergency Policies:
Fire Procedures, Severe Weather, Power Failure, Missing
Children, Unauthorized Departures, Child Does Not Get Picked Up
Accident Policies: First Aid Kits, Accident/Injury Reports, Insurance, Abusive Head
Trauma, Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
Safety Policies: Arrival and Departure of Children, Daily Inspection Checklist, Field
Trips, Prevention of: Poisoning, Choking, Aspiration, Suffocation,
Drowning, Other Injuries, Traffic and Pedestrian Accidents;
Playground Supervision, Staff Training
Health Policies................................................................................................................................Page 27
Illnesses and Diseases: Administering Medication, Ill Children (Reporting Communicable
Diseases), Ill Staff Members, Health Training
Food: Meals Provided, Snacks Brought from Home
Preventing the Spreading of Germs: Hand Washing; Preparing, Handling, and Storage of
Food, Cleaning and Sanitizing Procedures; Health and Safety; and
Diaper Changing Procedure
Behavior Guidance Policy.............................................................................................................Page 35
Separation Report
Maltreatment of Minors Mandated Reporting Policy...............................................................Page 39
Maltreatment of Minors Mandated Report
Maltreatment of Minors Internal Review
Naps and Rest Policy.....................................................................................................................Page 42
Program Drug and Alcohol Policy...............................................................................................Page 43
Program Grievance Policy............................................................................................................Page 43
Security...........................................................................................................................................Page 43
Statement of Affirmative Action..................................................................................................Page 43
Closing Remarks............................................................................................................................Page 43
Updates:
1. Days of no school: The school calendar will follow closely to the Roseville Area School
District. However, we are open when they have no school days for conferences or long
breaks.
2. Updated Address
3. Added licensing numbers and ratio for infant group
4. Added infant daily schedule and updated information in other schedule descriptions
5. Updated Montessori Ground Rules
6. Updated enrollment forms list
7. Added Infant Tuition and clarified other fees and rates
8. Updated Supplies to Bring from Home
9. Updated information about Resources
10. Updated information about Research
11. Added Potentially Violent Situations (Lock-down) description to the Emergency section
12. Updated Staff Training – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Prevention
13. Updated Health Policies related to Infant food
14. Updated Separation section to exclude infants
15. Updated Naps and Rest Policy for infants
16. Clarified Grievance Policy procedure.
Parent Policy Booklet
About Our Program
We have established the following other objectives to meet our program's goals and main objectives:
Our Program's Objectives
1. To supervise the children at all times.
2. To be open to receiving feedback from the staff and customers about possible improvements to our program.
3. To provide an environment and a curriculum in which self-respect and respect for others and materials is
encouraged and promoted.
4. To provide an environment comfortable for children which accepts them as they are, promotes development, and
caters to their needs and talents.
5. To have cheerful and enthusiastic staff members who are secure, capable and dedicated to the overall betterment
of children.
6. To provide a loving and caring atmosphere in which learning is presented as a joyous experience and where
children feel a sense of assurance to derive a positive self-concept, self-assurance, will power, and sense of duty.
7. To present learning to children as a joyous experience.
8. To meet each child’s physical needs while promoting freedom in personal care and the care of their surroundings.
9. To ensure an atmosphere where the beliefs of parents are protected as well as considered, and where parent
participation is encouraged to enable constructive feedback for the child's educational environment. The
activities are designed to promote the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of a child in a
manner consistent with the child’s cultural background.
10. To encourage children through play and creative activities to do what they can for themselves.
11. To establish a positive rapport by allowing children freedom within limits.
12. To encourage verbal expression of feelings where children feel secure to talk about themselves and at the same
time be aware of how their actions might affect others.
13. To aid children in growth towards self-awareness through their senses and through their experiences.
14. To open the sense of wonder and curiosity around children in which they can utilize thinking skills to make
choices or decisions to discover, explore, be challenged and solve problems.
15. To present a stimulating, safe and caring atmosphere where children feel secure in sampling a variety of activities
in all areas of the classroom such as the creative arts, music, geography, dance, drama, science, history, reading
and math readiness skills.
16. To establish and maintain an atmosphere and culture that promotes positive communication with
parents/guardians and their families/support.
17. Children will experience growth and learning in their social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive
development. Families will feel supported and nurtured in their child rearing efforts.
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Hours of Operation:
The school is in operation from 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday each week. Please visit the Student Area
at the school website for this year's school release days. The following lists examples of school holidays:
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Day after Christmas Day
New Year's Eve
New Year's Day
Day after New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President's Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Day Before Independence Day
Independence Day
Day After Independence Day
(Plus selected days used for staff training)
Student to Staff Ratios
Infant (6 weeks – 16 months) – Ratio 1:4
Toddler (16 months – 33 months) – Ratio 1:7
Preschool (33 months – 5 years) – Ratio 1:10
School-age (5 years to 10 years) – Ratio 1:15
Choo Choo Montessori is currently licensed to serve:
8 Infants
12 Toddlers
30 Preschoolers
12 School-age children
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Parent Policy Booklet
Daily Schedules
Even though our hours of operation range from 7:00a.m. - 6:00p.m, our goal is to offer up to a couple Montessori
sessions throughout the day and the rest of the time is before and after care. Another goal is for staff to use a
variety of techniques such as singing songs, puppet shows, finger-plays, flash cards and use hands-on materials and
activities for each of the classroom areas: Art, Geography, History, Language, Math, Music, Practical Life, Science,
and Sensorial. Another goal is to periodically assess the development of children for social, physical, emotional and
mental growth in a manner that is consistent with the child's cultural background. Based on the time of year, there
are general lessons on cultural and religious holiday symbols as well as an overview of symbols of the major
political groups. There will be parent-teacher conferences twice a year to summarize the development of the
student's skills and growth. The child care program plan for each age group is available for parents upon request .
These program plans were developed by a staff person qualified as a teacher. The following are examples of
approximate Daily Schedules per each age group.
Infant Schedule:
For this age group our goals are to offer a well-rounded, fun curriculum that develops infant skills for social,
physical, emotional and mental growth. There is one-hour Montessori session from 9-10am for parents. Parents
may sign-up to receive presentations from the guide followed by an opportunity for the parent to work with their
child in the classroom. After parents leave for the morning, the teaching staff will provide 2 hours of developmental
activities. Before and after care activities are also listed on the schedule for full-time students. At the end of each
day, the teacher will provide a daily sheet which includes notes on how your child is feeling, the amount and which
foods were eaten as well as diapering/training information such as how often and what kind (wet or dirty).
The following are some examples about the teacher's objectives for each type of growth and skill development: For
social growth, the teacher will guide your infant on how to learn to make sounds, identify basic signs in American
Sign Language to learn basic vocabulary words and read books to prepare the child to learn how to communicate.
For physical growth, the teacher will help students learn to roll over, grasp, crawl, sit up, stand, walk, run and play
during the large and small motor activities. For mental growth, the teacher will help the students to adapt to their
environment and to help the children to learn basic colors, shapes, numbers, letters, animals and various other
objects through books and songs. Lastly, for emotional growth, the teacher will get to know your child's preferences
and to sooth your child as needed. As the infant grows, the teacher will guide the infants to communicate feelings
either verbally or with body actions.
7:00a.m. – 8:00a.m. - Group fun time (story time, singing, dramatic play, block play, etc)
8:00a.m. – 8:45a.m. - Breakfast
9:00a.m. – 10:45a.m. - Quiet, individual/group choice time (foreign language, colors, numbers, animals, shapes, etc)
10:45a.m. – 11:30a.m. - Group fun time (story time, singing, dramatic play, small-motor activities)
11:45a.m. – 12:30p.m. - Lunch
12:30p.m. – 1:15p.m. - Large-motor activity*
1:15p.m. – 3:00p.m. - Nap time
3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. - Snack
4:00p.m. – 4:30p.m. - Large motor activity*
4:30p.m. – 5:50p.m. - Indoor play (imaginative play, puppets, flannel board, building blocks, etc.)
Notes:
* For infants 6 months and older, the large-motor activity typically is scheduled as an outdoor activity, weather
permitting. In the Summer, the first large-motor activity is scheduled at 9:00a.m. In Winter months, infants
do indoor large-motor activities.
– Diaper changes happen as needed or at least every 2 hours.
– This schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the children in the group.
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Toddler Schedule:
For this age group our goals are to offer a well-rounded, fun curriculum that develops toddler skills for social,
physical, emotional and mental growth. There is one Montessori session from 9a-11a, followed by 1 hour of
learning activities. Before and after care activities are also listed on the schedule for full-time students. At the end
of each day, the teacher will have a daily sheet that is yours to take home which includes notes on how your child is
feeling, how well and which foods were eaten as well as diapering/training information such as how often and what
kind (wet or dirty).
The following are some examples about the teacher's objectives for each type of growth and skill development: For
social growth, the teacher will guide the students on how to use manners and get along with other children and staff.
For physical growth, the teacher will help students learn to walk, run, play during the large and small motor
activities. For mental growth, the teacher will help the students to adapt to their environment and to help the
children to learn educational songs as well as basic numbers, letters, animals and various other objects. Lastly, for
emotional growth, the teacher will guide the students to communicate feelings either verbally or with body actions.
7:00a.m. – 8:00a.m. - Group fun time (story time, singing, dramatic play, block play, etc) and Restroom Break.
8:00a.m. – 8:45a.m. - Breakfast and restroom break
9:00a.m. – 10:45a.m. - Montessori group time (foreign language, colors, numbers, animals, shapes, etc.) for the first
15 minutes followed by a quiet, individual or group choice time.
10:45a.m. – 11:30a.m. - Restroom break and Group fun time (story time, singing, dramatic play, small-motor
activities)
11:45a.m. – 12:30p.m. - Lunch
12:30p.m. – 1:15p.m. - Large-motor activity* and restroom break
1:15p.m. – 3:00p.m. - Nap time
3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. - Restroom break and Snack
4:00p.m. – 4:30p.m. - Large motor activity*
4:30p.m. – 5:50p.m. - Restroom break and Indoor play (imaginative play, puppets, flannel board, building blocks,
etc.)
Notes:
* The large-motor activity typically is scheduled as an outdoor activity, weather permitting. In the Summer, the first
large-motor activity is scheduled at 9:00a.m.
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Parent Policy Booklet
Children's House (Preschool) Schedule
For this age group our goals are to offer a well-rounded fun curriculum for developing preschool skills for social,
physical, emotional and mental growth. There are two 3-hour Montessori sessions from 9a-12p and 12:30-3:30p.
Before and after care activities are also listed on the schedule for full-time students.
The following are some examples about the teacher's objectives for each type of growth and skill development: For
social growth, the teacher will provide guidance on using manners and socializing with other children and staff.
Staff will also be encouraging children to share, help, and teach others. For physical growth, the teacher will
conduct activities to develop large and small motor skills. For emotional growth, the teacher will encourage verbal
communication of feelings without harming others. For mental growth, the teacher will encourage children to adapt
to the environment, learn songs as well as advanced number skills, letter combinations and eventually develop
reading/writing basics, and labeling objects.
7:00a.m. – 8:00a.m. - Group fun time (story time, singing, dramatic play, block play, etc) and Restroom break.
8:00a.m. – 8:45a.m. - Breakfast and restroom break
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. - Montessori group time for the first 15 minutes. Then a quiet, individual or group choice time
and a closing group time followed by show and tell.
12:00pm – 1:00p.m. - Restroom break, lunch and large-motor activity*.
12:30pm – 3:30pm - Quiet, individual or group Montessori choice time. Montessori group time for the last 15
minutes with show and tell. For those taking naps, nap time is from 1:30p.m. – 3:30p.m.
3:30pm – 4:00pm - Restroom break and Snack
4:00pm – 4:30pm - Large-motor activity*
4:30p.m. – 5:50pm - Restroom break and Group fun time (imaginative play, puppets, flannel board, building blocks,
etc.)
Notes:
* The large-motor activity typically is scheduled as an outdoor activity, weather permitting. In the Summer, the first
large-motor activity is scheduled at 9:00a.m.
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After-school School-Age Schedule
For this age group our goals are to offer a well-rounded fun curriculum for developing school-age skills for social,
physical, emotional and mental growth. There is one Montessori session from 4:30-5:30p.
The following are some examples about the teacher's objectives for each type of growth and skill development: For
emotional growth, the teacher will encourage verbal communication of feelings without harming others as well as to
discuss how actions affect others. For physical growth, the teacher will be teaching sports and other large motor
activities with rules. For mental growth, the teacher will be providing lessons that try to challenge the student. For
social growth, the teacher will encourage team activities and working together.
7:00a.m. – 4:30p.m – If school-age children are present, they will participate in the same classroom and activities as
the preschoolers.
4:30p.m. – 5:30p.m. - Montessori group time for the first 15 minutes, show and tell and then quiet, individual
activity time or homework help.
5:30p.m. – 5:50p.m. - If school-age children are present, they will participate in the same classroom and activities as
the preschoolers.
Note: Choo Choo Montessori alumni are welcome to drop in on their school release days. Full day school age
children will follow a schedule similar to that of the Children's House. Please call or email the Director at least 2
days in advance if you are interested in this option to find out more information.
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Parent Policy Booklet
Monthly Curriculum
In addition to learning about the typical classroom areas, the teachers also have various monthly themes to cover.
September and October – Rules and Manners, Fall, Apples, The world and USA, Food Art, Columbus Day,
Community Helpers, Skeletal System, Insects and Halloween
In-school field trip visits from community helpers
• Field Trip to an apple orchard or farm
• Pumpkin Party
November and December – Migration and Hibernation, Birds, American Art, President, North and South America,
Thanksgiving, Winter, Winter sports, Veteran's Day, Kwanza, Hanukkah and
Christmas
• Please sign up for a Parent-teacher conference
• Harvest Party
• Holiday Party
January and February – Muscular system, Antarctica and Asia, Asian Art, Mammals, New Year, Martin Luther
King, Chinese New Year, Groundhogs, Valentines and U.S. Presidents
March and April – Weather, Spring, Australia, Europe, European Art, Amphibians, Reptiles, Music, Dr. Seuss,
Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Earth Day and Easter
• In-school Field Trip
• Field Trip to a museum
• Picture Day
• Spring Holiday Party
May – Baby Animals, Africa, African Art, Fishes, May Day, Cinco De Mayo, Mother's Day and Memorial Day
• Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Party
• Field trip
• Please sign up for a Parent-teacher conference
• Spring concert
June, July, and August – Weekly themes, sprinkler parties, dance parties, pj parties, Summer sports, Field Trips,
dress-up days, computer games, and open houses
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The Montessori Program
At the turn of the century, Dr. Maria Montessori began a revolution in education. She was a biologist and scientist.
She believed that education must meet the needs of the whole child: mind, body and spirit.
Her approach to teaching was built upon respect for the child through scientific observation over several years. She
noticed that children at a young age are capable of learning mathematics and acquiring literacy skills given help and
opportunity. This capability grows from the child's innate curiosity and desire to learn rather than from pressure
from an adult.
Based on her research, she created a new classroom environment scaled to the child and created new materials that
focused on the child's needs. The materials are colorful and made for small hands to appeal to a child's senses. This
prepared environment offers the child security of order because everything had a place and a method to help
diminish frustration while giving the child satisfaction and self-direction. She was able to further her research that
by the training and sharpening of the senses enlarges the field of perception and offers a solid foundation for
intellectual growth. Each piece of sensorial apparatus isolates one quality to be learned; like color or size.
She researched other areas of the classroom as well such as practical life, language and mathematics. The practical
life area gives the child the opportunity to role play and perform real everyday activities. The exercises of practical
life includes care of self, care of the environment, visual art, control of movement as well as grace and courtesy
lessons.
The development of language that occurs in the Montessori Method follows the components of language progressing
from sounds to words to arrangement of sentences. The method classifies the existing language that a child knows.
Dr Montessori analyzed all the difficulties of mathematics and then presented them separately by means of concrete
apparatus. For example, one apparatus is used to teach the concept that a number has a value. Another may teach
the child to count in an order. Eventually, the child may progress to learning the teens, decimal system, fractions
and even skip counting. A combination of these skills may progress into learning addition, subtraction and
eventually multiplication and division.
The cultural area covers subjects such as geography, history, art, music, botany, science and zoology. Each of these
is approached first by a sensorial experience, then spoken language lesson, followed by a written language activity.
The Montessori apparatus has many characteristics, but there are fundamental qualities common to every piece of
material. They are as follows: The control of error, aesthetics and activity.
• Control of Error – The materials contain in themselves a control of error which makes the children use their
reasoning power, increase their capacity for finding distinctions and promotes independence.
• Aesthetics – All materials are made as attractive as possible. Color, brightness and proportion are sought in
all the materials.
• Activity – A key factor in all the Montessori materials is that it lends itself to the motor activities of the
child. Every object can be removed, used and taken back to its proper place in the prepared environment.
The Montessori materials are designed with scientific precision. Each has a definite aim to give a child clear
impressions, help organize the environment, develop muscular coordination and to aid in experiencing the joy of
accomplishment.
Self-discipline is a key component of the Montessori method. There is no learning without discipline. Each child
works at their own pace and so the authority of the teacher is replaced by the individual inner discipline in the
children as the year progresses. Eventually, as the children master activities set out in the environment they tend to
enjoy teaching one another. Because the Montessori method does away with the competitive spirit, it presents
endless opportunities among the children for mutual help. It is this kind of help that is joyfully given and gratefully
received.
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Parent Policy Booklet
In the Montessori classroom, the virtues of character are of equal importance to that of academic achievement.
Children not only grow physically and intellectually with self-confidence, but also have a growth in sense of
responsibility with moral insight. These all help develop each child as a whole to meet the demands of life. The
prepared environment, the apparatus and the philosophy behind the technique all flow from an understanding of
children and respect for their worth.
Choo Choo Montessori Classroom Rules for children 16 months and older
Parents, please review these rules with your child prior to the first day of attendance. These rules will be reviewed
in the classroom as often as the teacher deems necessary, but it helps to have reinforcement of the rules at home.
1. Listen to the teachers.
2. Keep our hands and feet to ourselves.
3. Walk in school.
4. Use materials safely and correctly. You may work with any material displayed in the environment as long
as it has been presented and is used respectfully. Finish work that you start and repeat it as many times as
you like.
5. Keep our school neat and clean. Please remember to tidy up the environment during and after an activity.
For example, you may have to mop up a water activity spill, wipe the table or push a chair in its place at the
table.
6. Use inside voices in the school. Raise your hand quietly to ask someone for help and waiting patiently until
you get a response. You can observe someone doing an activity. After observing for a little bit and you
change your mind, please wait until the end of the group activity before joining. Remember to use your
words to ask another child to join an activity.
7. You may work on a rug or at a table. Some activities are small enough to work on a table, but others require
a larger area such as a Montessori rug. Please do not work on or at the display shelves so we do not block
access to other materials.
8. You can do an activity by yourself. Sharing will come naturally as the children get comfortable with the
environment, the activities and other students.
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Learning Areas in the Montessori Environment
Art – Art Masterpieces, creativity, free expression, paper and scissors. The following may be done occasionally:
chalk, crayon, glue, paint and sewing.
Geography – Global awareness of other cultures, flags, continents, oceans, states and landforms.
Large Motor Activity – Climbing, coordination, outdoor playground free time, sports, tumbling and games.
Group Time – Reading, conversation,creativity development, creative drama, foreign language, music, singing and
poetry.
History – United States history, inventors and time lines.
Language – Letters, sounds, letter combinations, words, reading readiness skills and writing. Basic Sign Language
and Spanish is also covered.
Math – Counting (from 1 to 10, 11 to 20, 1 to 100, skip counting); Operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division) and Fractions.
Music – Great composers, music genres, instruments in an orchestra, rhythmic band, as well as learning ideas and
concepts through music.
Practical Life – Taking care of self, taking care of the environment, coordination, independence, movement and
order.
Science – Nature exploration (ex. botany and zoology), space and planets, experiments and observation of changes
(ex. sink vs float, and repel vs attract).
Sensorial – Strengthen the senses of hearing, sight, smell, touch and taste through comparison activities with
perception of size and dimension.
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Parent Policy Booklet
Enrollment Information
Parents please arrange to meet in person with the Director to ensure space availability in the classroom. We
encourage you to bring your child to observe the classroom.
The following is a list of items needed to complete an enrollment application:
• Annual Contract Deposit Fee (non-refundable)
• Annual Field Trip Fee (non-refundable)
• Immunization Record
• Annual Enrollment Application and Contract
• Emergency Data Form
• Parent Permission Form
• Intake Questionnaire
• Parent Volunteer Form
• Vaccination Consent Form
• (If applicable) Provide a copy of the child's IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) or IEP (Individual
Educational Plan) from the school district so the Director may create an Individual Child Care Program
(ICCP) form – due before the child's start date.
• Additional forms for Infants:
◦ Optional: Infant Less Than 6 months of age Regularly Rolling Over
◦ Optional: Parental Consent for Swaddling and Infant
◦ Parent Decline Letter – For Food Benefits
◦ Parent's Instructions on Diet
• Give the following to the child's Doctor to complete and/or sign and date:
◦ Health Care Summary – return within 30 days of enrollment
◦ Child Care Immunization Record Form – return on or before child's start date
◦ (If applicable) Medication Form – return on or before child's start date
◦ (For infants) Physician Directive For Alternative Infant Sleep Position – return on or before
child's start date
Orientation: In order to provide the best introduction and easiest transition into Choo Choo Montessori program, we
recommend that very young children start gradually. This may be accomplished in several ways: attending an Open
House, visiting the classroom with parents before admission during an orientation or accompanying a friend who is
already attending the school.
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Fees and Tuition
Choo Choo Montessori wants to make sure every new student is comfortable with their new school. To achieve this,
your first week is always free with no commitment to continue. If you decide to continue, your first month's tuition
will be prorated and is not due until a week after your child's start date.
Notice of an increase in fees or tuition will be given in writing to the parent/guardian at least one month prior to the
effective date of the increase.
Annual Contract Deposit Fees: The deposit fee is per child and is non-refundable. This fee is needed to hold a
space for your child in the classroom of your choice and covers the cost to process your child's application. Since
we are open year-round, we offer a school-year session from September through the end of May as well as a summer
session option from June through the end of August:
Annual Contract Deposit during the School-Year: $90. This deposit is non-refundable and is due on or
before the child's start date that falls between September through the end of May. This fee is waived if a
parent of a currently enrolled student submits a Continuing Enrollment Form at least 4 months prior to the
start of the next school year.
Annual Summer Contract Deposit during the Summer: $10 per month (up to a $30 maximum). This
deposit is non-refundable and is due on or before the child's start date that falls between June through the
end of August. This fee is waived if a parent of a currently enrolled student submits a Continuing
Enrollment Form at least 1 months prior to the start of the Summer Session.
Annual Field Trip Fee: $18. This fee is non-refundable and is due at the time of enrollment. This fee covers the
cost to bring visitors with educational activities to our center and we plan to schedule at least three of these visits per
year. These educational guests that come to our center for presentations and visit with the children may include
petting zoos, firefighters, police officers, face painters, science demonstrators, etc. If your student happens to enroll
in the middle of the school year and missed some of these visits, then you would not have to pay the full amount so
check with the Director on the amount that is due.
For Preschoolers and older, there is an optional $42 bused field trip fee. If you choose to allow your
preschooler to attend bused field trips, this fee is non-refundable and is due at the time of enrollment. This
extra cost covers the bus transportation to and from the center and also covers the group rates to visit places
of interest. At this time, we will be scheduling at least three bused field trips per year. If you prefer that
your preschooler not attend a bused field trip, please talk with the Director about your concern and to check
if we have enough staff to leave your preschooler behind at the center. Please note that if we do not have
enough staff, you would have to make arrangements to keep your preschooler at home during a bused field
trip.
Other Fees and payment information
Enrollment Specials: Ask our Director or visit our website to find out our current specials.
Payment Methods: It is preferred that payments are paid on or before the 1st of the month by check, direct
deposit or credit card as opposed to cash. Since payment agreements are made by contract, Choo Choo
Montessori does not have to send out statements or reminders to pay tuition. If paying by check, make
checks payable to Choo Choo Montessori and remember to write your child's full name and summary of
payment in the memo section. If paying by cash, you'll receive an acknowledgment slip from a staff
member. Contact the Director for more information on your options to pay via direct deposit or by credit
card.
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Parent Policy Booklet
Child Care Assistance: Please ask the Director if the school is registered with an agency of interest. Copayments that may accrue during a month are typically due for on or before the 1st of that month. Parents
are responsible for the difference in tuition when there is a loss of eligibility but the child continues to
attend school. Parents may be responsible for tuition costs that an agency would have paid but did not
because a child was absent more than 10 (non-holiday) business days per year.
No Refunds for Absences – Licensing regulations require us to schedule staff based on the number of
children enrolled. Thus, it is school policy not to refund tuition or field trip fees for days on which the
student is absent. This includes absences due to sickness, vacations between September-May, or closings
due to holidays and weather conditions.
Summer break or pre-planned absences of a month or more – We understand that summer is a time to
spend with family or go on a vacation. To hold your child's spot in the classroom, let the Director know of
your plans in advance by providing a written two-week notice (with the child's name, start date of absence
and return date). Check with the Director for any additional paper work that may be needed.
Returned Check Fee: $45.00. A cash payment is required for replacement of any check returned for nonpayment from your bank.
Late Pick-up Rate: $15/hr per child at 6:00pm onwards. This is due at the time of pickup and payable to
the staff member that stayed with your child. This may also apply in certain conditions for part-time
students. Also, the maximum time allowed per child at our center which is 10 hours per day. Exceptions
may be made once per week or for emergencies.
Examples:
• All student schedules end at 5:50pm, so all children should be picked up by 5:50pm. Doing so
allows the staff time to clean and prep the classrooms for the next business day. You will be held
responsible for the late pick-up rate of $15/hr if your child is not picked up by 5:59pm.
•
For a child that attends a morning session that ends at 12:00pm, please call to check that we have
space availability to maintain the licensed staff-student ratio if you know that you are going to be
more than 10 minutes late. If we are able to maintain the ratio, then you will only be held
responsible for the extended care rate from 12:10pm onwards; otherwise, you will be held
responsible for the late pick-up rate of $15/hr if your child is not picked up by 12:10pm.
Late Tuition Fee: $10.00. This fee only applies if your child's tuition is not paid by COB (Close of
Business) on the 4th of the month. The late fee is a separate charge/bill and is due on the 5th of the month.
(Note that if the grace period ends on a non-business day (any school closing) then the grace period will be
extended until the next business day. To avoid a Late Tuition Fee in this case, the balance is due no later
than the next business day regardless if the student is scheduled to attend that day.) Please try not to abuse
this late fee policy, as we are dependent on the tuition fees to pay for our monthly operational costs. Thus
if the late fee occurs frequently, a meeting will be held to discuss contract terms. If any payment is
delinquent for more than 14 calendar days, then Choo Choo Montessori has the right to ask the parent to
withdraw the child from the school. Your child's space in the classroom will be considered open and a
meeting will be held to discuss contract terms as well as a possible dismissal and written two-week notice.
In the event that you leave without paying, your case will be given to a collection agency. You will be
responsible for all unpaid tuition and fees plus reasonable collection costs.
The Late Tuition Fee grace period may be extended for an additional 11 days (from the 4th to the 15th of the
month) if at least ½ of the monthly payment is received on the 1st of the month. In this case, the balance is
due on the 15th of the month.
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Payment Options:
Fall Semester Discount – $50 off a lump sum payment for your child's tuition made September 1st
for the following months: September, October, November, and
December.
Spring Semester Discount – $50 off a lump sum payment for your child's tuition made January 1st
for the following months: January, February, March, April and May.
Summer Semester Discount – $30 off a lump sum payment for your child's tuition made June 1st for
the following months: June, July and August.
Sibling Discount – 5% off the monthly tuition for each sibling.
Referral Savings – $200 off one month's tuition if a parent refers our school to another student after which
the referred student attended Choo Choo Montessori for one month.
Tuition Rates per age group: The tuition is due on the first of the month in advance of services rendered. The
tuition is based on operational costs and is divided equally by month. The tuition cost per month remains the same
amount regardless of the number of school closings for holidays. The school tuition will not be prorated for any sick
or vacation leave that your family make take, as we still have operational costs to keep the school running. The
tuition amount includes supplies, meals, and snacks. The meal and snack times are as follows: Breakfast is
served before 8:45am, Lunch is served between 11:45am -12:30pm, and Snack is served between 3:15pm-3:45pm.
School-age (5 -10 yrs): We offer a few choices for care of school-age students. The first option is for
after-school enrichment opportunities during the school-year. The second option is flexible in that the
extended care can be used for before school and/or the afternoon (i.e. care for the half-day kindergartner, or
before/after school care for higher grades, etc). The third is a drop-in option when their elementary school
maybe closed due to teacher conference days or holiday breaks. The last one is a summer option. About
elementary school transportation: Please ask your child's elementary school office administrators, if they
will be able to bus your child in between or center and the elementary school. Then follow up with us so
we may provide staffing for the pick-up/drop-off times.
School-Age Monthly Tuition Rate Options
(Extended Care Hourly-Rate: $7/hr)
3 days/week
4:30pm-5:30pm Montessori
session
4:30pm-5:30pm Montessori
session with a 3 hr Extended Care
4 days/week
5 days/week
$102/month
$125/month
$147/month
$358/month
$437/month
$512/month
Drop-in Daily Rate
$7/hr up to a $49/day maximum
Summer Monthly Rate
Same as the preschool monthly rate options
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Parent Policy Booklet
Preschool (33 months – age 5): We offer two daily Montessori sessions in addition to extended care.
There is a Montessori session offered in the morning and another one offered in the afternoon. Toddler
tuition rates apply for a preschool child that is not yet toilet trained.
Children's House Monthly Tuition Rate Options
Part-Time
3-hour Montessori Session
(9:00a-12:00p or 12:30p-3:30p)
1-hour grace period included
(breakfast or lunch)
Full-Time
(Both Montessori Sessions
with extended care up to a 10 hr/day
maximum)
3 days/wk
4 days/wk
5 days/wk
$421/month
$511/month
$603/month
$653/month
$792/month
$932/month
Toddler (16 - 32 months): We offer a daily Montessori session in the morning in addition to extended
care.
Toddler House Monthly Tuition Rate Options
Part-Time
9:00a-12:00p
(2-hour Montessori session and
2 hours of activities)
2-hour grace period included
(breakfast or lunch)
Full-Time
(with extended care up to a 10 hr/day
maximum)
3 days/wk
4 days/wk
5 days/wk
$455/month
$551/month
$650/month
$692/month
$839/month
$987/month
Infant (6 weeks - 15 months): We offer a daily Montessori session in the morning in addition to extended
care.
Infant House Monthly Tuition Rate Options
Part-Time
9:00a-12:00p
(1-hour Montessori session and
2 hours of activities)
1-hour grace period included
(breakfast or lunch)
Full-Time
(with extended care up to a 10 hr/day
maximum)
3 days/wk
4 days/wk
5 days/wk
$543/month
$671/month
$799/month
$849/month
$1048/month
$1248/month
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License and Inspections
Choo Choo Montessori policies are in compliance with the licensing standards for childcare centers set by the MN
Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Licensing (651) 431-6500 / FAX (651) 431-7673. The school is
inspected by the Maplewood Health Officer, (651) 249 - 2308.
Administrative Information
Student folders are kept at the center. There are specific instructions from the State of Minnesota in regards to the
information required in these records at the Center. These instructions also aim at preserving the privacy of such
information and also aim at making it available to the individuals concerned. Please ask the Director if you have
specific questions about your student's record. Administrative staff have access to the family payment method. All
staff have access to information in your child's enrollment information as well as any additional information that is
collected throughout the year such as illnesses, accidents and conference data. Each child's record is kept
confidential and stored in a locked area of the school. Staff do not share the information in your child's record to
individual's other than the child's parents or guardians without written consent.
Graduating to the next classroom age group
When the child changes to a classroom of a different age group, all enrollment application forms need to be updated
including the Heath Care Summary from the child's Dr. Please talk to the Director about confirming the change in
rate for the tuition or field trip fee.
Choo Choo Montessori Graduates
Let the Director know if you would like the Director to share your child's educational record with your child's
next teacher.
Start of a new school year
Each September is treated as the start of a new school year.
Updated Medical Records
Please provide a copy of the child's immunization record from the child's Dr and when a new immunization is
received. If applicable, the child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) from the school district must be provided
and an Individual Child Care Program (ICCP) form must be updated annually.
New Application and Contract
A new application and contract must be given to the Director at the start of the new school year.
Current Emergency Contact Information
Parents are asked to review this information annually. All information given at the time of enrollment must be
kept up to date. It is your responsibility to inform the center of any changes. For example, if you will be on
vacation or a business trip and your child is left with someone else, please let your child's teacher know
changes to emergency contact and pick-up information in a written notice. Calling in changes is not permitted
for the safety and security of the child. Copies of legal documents must be provided to the director before any
staff member can prevent non-custodial parents from picking up their child.
Parent Continuing Responsibility for children enrollment
When a child is overdue for any routine health services, parents/legal guardians must provide evidence of an
appointment for those services before the child's entry into the program and as a condition of remaining enrolled in
the program, except for any immunization for which parents are using a religious exemption.
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Parent Policy Booklet
General Policies
Allergies – There are a few children with serious medical allergies. Please avoid bringing foods with these traces of
these items to school: Tree nuts, peanuts and shellfish. Parents of children with Allergy Action Plans should
annually submit a copy of the plan to the Director.
Arrivals - Parents are to foster independence and encourage the student to walk into the school, remove outdoor
clothing (coat, hat, scarf, mittens, etc) and place these items on their coat hooks. Parents are also asked to encourage
your child to change his/her outdoor shoes to their inside shoes. Ask the child to use the lavatory or to at least wash
hands before entering the classroom. Choo Choo Montessori accommodates many types of allergies and all
attempts to remove residue of these must be done before entering the classroom. Please do not bring
opened/unfinished food into school. Wait for a teacher at the classroom door before saying a brief cheerful
goodbye. Children seem to react better to short good-byes such as “I love you and I'll see you later” with a short
hug and kiss. If your child is having difficulties with separation and you would like help from a teacher, please ask
for it. The teachers will step-in once they are given permission from a parent. Please briefly (a minute or less)
notify the teacher of any medication needs or changes in the child's home life that might affect your child.
Remember to sign the student in before leaving.
If you need a longer time period to speak to a teacher, please write a short note or call ahead to schedule a time when
you and the teacher are available.
Infant parents: Also drop off breast milk in your child's tray in the Infant Room Refrigerator. Please drop off any
needed diapers, clothes or empty bottles in your child's cubby. Also fill in the top portion of the Infant Daily Sheet.
Departures - Please sign out the student first, check the bulletin board for any notices, check the student's cubby for
work to take home and then notify the teacher before taking the student from the center. Parents are also asked to
encourage your child to change his/her indoor shoes to their outside shoes as well as encourage the child to dress for
outdoors. If you are unable to pick-up your child, you must give written consent and notify your child's teacher of
whom will do so instead. A child will not be allowed to go home with someone or a sibling under 16 years of age.
A child will not be allowed to go home with someone listed in the unauthorized pick-up list.
See also the related Child Does Not Get Picked Up
Emergency Policies section.
and Unauthorized Pick-ups subsections under the
Babysitting Policy – Staff are not allowed to babysit students attending Choo Choo Montessori. This policy is in
place to prevent favoritism of students in the classroom.
Birthdays – If the student comes to school on their birthday, we will sing a birthday song. Choo Choo Montessori
will provide a special snack for the entire school on a child's birthday so please do not send treats to eat at school.
We encourage the child to bring at least one 8.5”x11” page of photographs with captions representing their gradual
aging: example photo ideas may include the student as a baby, memories of first accomplishments, pictures on each
birthday that has passed. The parent is encouraged to make this birthday time-line project with the student. In
addition to captions, please also write the child's name, age and birth date. Let us know if you want to come in and
share your child's pictures during our closing group circle time and take your child out to lunch.
Party gifts to send home (optional): Please bring individually wrapped gifts for your child's classmates to
take home (eg. Stickers and pencil in a ziplock bag). Label the bag with the occasion (eg. “From John's 3rd
birthday celebration”). Please hand these to your child's teacher. The child will distribute them during a
group circle time. If you are sending a treat to send home, make sure there is enough for all students in the
classroom. If it is a food treat, it has to be commercially prepared and avoid class allergy foods and sugary
items.
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Bused Field Trips – Field trips expand a student's experience through a variety of opportunities. Special attention
is given at all times to prevent accidents. A signed parental permission is required to be on file to let the student
attend a field trip. A permission form will be provided in advance of a field trip. Please take notice of it, discuss it
with your child and encourage good behavior.
Emergency data for each child attending the field trip will be taken along as well as a First Aid kit. Seat belts will
be used for all children under 4 years of age on buses that are equipped with seating restraints. See the Fees and
Tuition section for information on the Annual Field Trip Fee.
Busing for school-age children – For parents of school-age children with busing arrangements, please use a
written notice to notify the teacher what time and where the bus stop will be. Also notify the teacher in writing
when your child is not going to school on the bus or is not returning on the bus.
Clean air – Smoking is not permitted on the premise during the hours of operation.
Communication – Daily communication between the teacher and parent is welcomed and encouraged. Briefly
sharing information about the activities and welfare of the students helps to meet the daily needs of the child. Also
notify the teacher in writing about any change to the student's daily routine. Daily Reports are filled out by staff to
let the infant and toddler parents know how well the student ate as well as how often the diaper was changed, toilet
training was attempted or successful.
If you need a longer time period to speak to a teacher, please write a short note or call ahead to schedule a time when
you and the teacher are available.
A notice in your child's cubby or an email will be sent out with changes to the curriculum, policies and parenting
tips.
Parent-teacher conferences are offered twice per year. The purpose of these conferences is to discuss how your
student is progressing, any changes in behavior and any concerns. The teacher will document and be prepared to
discuss the student's intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth based on observations and work samples.
In preparation for the conference, please fill out a parent survey form regarding your input to your child's
development. Let the teacher know if you would like a copy of your child's developmental record. Information
resulting from the conference will help guide the development plan for your child.
Written suggestions and comments to the Director are welcome at any time about your child or the methods being
used to evaluate the children at the school.
If an interpreter is needed, please inform the staff and they will work with you to find an appropriate translator. If a
translator can not be found, written materials will be translated using online resources as a form of communication.
Divorce, Separation or Loss of a Loved One – It's hard for a child to separate emotional events at the home
environment and school. Please let us know of any significant changes in your family so that the teacher may help
the student cope better.
See also the Program Grievance Policy on how to communicate your concerns.
Dress Code – Please have the student dress in comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the season. Students must
dress in shorts or pants that allows them to easily dress themselves to use the lavatory (no belts, overalls, onsies, etc).
Indoor and outdoor shoes should cover the toes to help prevent accidents. Children must wear socks to school daily.
Girls who choose to wear a dress or skirt must wear shorts or leggings to prevent under garments from being seen
when sitting at group circle times. Girls must wear t-shirts under garments with spaghetti straps.
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Parent Policy Booklet
In snowy months, only the preschoolers who have a full set of outdoor attire (snowpants, boots, hat, coat,
mittens/gloves, and a scarf) will be permitted outside. We encourage children to be dressed in layers if possible to
allow the staff to adjust for dynamic MN weather.
Exclusions from going outdoors due to health conditions must be given in writing.
Outdoor play is a vital element to growing up and exploring the outdoors, weather permitting (between 10-90
degrees Fahrenheit). Children will not be taken outside if it is snowing, raining, more than 15 mph winds, air
pollution warning, or too cold/hot. Parents, be aware that your child's clothes may become dirty or wet from playing
outdoors.
The following two links are used to determine pollution and temperature:
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/hcci/common/pdf/weatherwatch.pdf
Items brought from Home – Parents please agree to not hold Choo Choo Montessori liable for damages or losses
to any clothing or articles brought from home. Please understand that children should not bring any jewelry, money,
guns, or non-educational toys to the school.
Check list of items to bring on the first day of school (Please label everything with the student's name):
Shoes – Toe-covered inside and outside shoes to help our floors and carpets stay clean as well as to
prevent toe injuries. Remember to provide shoes the child can put on and off by
themselves to promote independence and practice care of self skills. These shoes are also
used for daily large motor activities. Inside shoes should be different than the child's
outside shoes. For preschoolers and older: inside shoes maybe provided by the school for
children who are toilet trained.
Blanket - A small thin napping blanket that is close to the height of the student. Flannel or a crocheted
cotton blanket works best in Summer months. On Fridays, remember to bring home the
student's napping blanket to wash and bring back on the next business day.
Sweater and Hat – A sweater should be available just in case. The hat is a good idea to have when
playing outdoors.
3 sets of extra clothes appropriate for the season - socks, short/long-sleeve shirts, pants/shorts,
underwear (or pull-ups if applicable). The clothes are needed in case of an accident. If
soiled or wet, the clothes will be placed in a bag and hung on your child's hanger so you
can bring it home and launder it. It is the parent's responsibility to re-stock your child's
extra clothes.
Long-sleeved Art Shirt – Please label this shirt with your child's name and mark “Art Shirt” with big
letters on the front. I recommend a shirt that is loose fitting (a few sizes too big). It may
be sent home periodically to launder and bring back.
Diapering Supplies (Infants and Toddlers only) – Wipes, diaper rash ointment/cream and diapers/pullups. The re-sealable replacement packs of wipes are preferred. A written notice will be
in the your child's Toddler Daily Report if your supply needs to be re-plenished. In the
event that the student's supply is depleted, we will have diapers available at $1.00 per
diaper.
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Medicine (Optional) - Remember to fill out the Medication Form and have the child's doctor fill in the
dosage. See also Administering Medication policy.
Pictures – two 4x6” pictures to place in an album for the class library. Both pictures should at least
include the child during a happy moment in the child's life. It is optional for the pictures
to include loved ones, friends or family.
5 bottles and nipples (Infants Only) – Remember to bring these home daily to wash and sanitize and
bring back the next business day.
Check list of items to bring in Winter (Please label everything with the student's name):
Outdoor snow boots and dry inside shoes – To help prevent the floors from getting wet and slippery,
please bring toe-covering shoes to wear inside in the snowy Winter months.
Snow outfit (Preschoolers and older) – On warm snowy days (over 32 degrees), the preschoolers may go
outside only if they brought a suitable set of outside clothes: hat, scarf, mittens/gloves,
snow pants, coat and boots. Children need to go outside and expel their extra energy.
Toddlers will usually stay inside during winter months.
Global Awareness And Show And Tell – Choo Choo Montessori is committed to global awareness. We strive to
create a program that reflects the lives and cultures of other nationalities. We recognize, appreciate and respect the
uniqueness of each culture. We encourage parents and students to participate in sharing their culture. Cultural
music or videos, apparel, objects, food, flags and ethnic games or skills can be brought to Show and Tell. Also, let
the teacher know if you are interested in giving a 15-minute presentation.
We have to limit the sharing to one educational item per child per week where the item matches the theme that they
are learning for that month. This is to allow every student to have an opportunity for a turn to practice public
speaking. Please try to prepare your child for their brief sharing presentation. For example, if you choose to bring a
photograph, it helps to have your child be able to describe who's in it, where the picture was taken, what the people
or animals are doing, etc.
Hallway Supervision – Children are to be supervised within sight and sound at all times.
Individual Child Care Program (ICCP) plan – Please inform the director if your child has an IEP (Individual
Education Plan) so a corresponding ICCP can be created upon admission as it may require additional staff, staff
qualifications, or staff training. Please also have your child's other educational center provide a copy of your child's
IEP.
Lost and Found Items – Small items that look insignificant but are vital to a piece of classroom equipment can
sometimes go home in pockets. If found, please return them to the teacher as soon as possible. Please look for tiny
cubes, cylinders, beads, map and puzzle pieces, erasers, clips, etc.
If your student lost something, please notify the teacher as soon as possible so the staff can look for it. If not found
the staff would then post a written notice. We also have a lost and found area near the sign in/out table.
Pets – Pets are seen as an educational resource to children. A written notice will be provided when our pet changes.
Occasionally we may have educational visitors that bring animals to share and pet. A written notice will be
provided when such a visit is scheduled. If a child has an allergy to pet dander, let the teacher know so the pet will
be excluded from the program.
Pictures – Photographs taken of children participating in programs or field trips may be taken from time to time by
the staff using the school camera. These photographs may appear on the bulletin board, on advertising or on the
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Parent Policy Booklet
school website. Your permission for posting these pictures without compensation is asked for on the Parent
Permission Form in the enrollment packet. There will also be an annual picture day scheduled in the Spring.
Planned Absences – Please notify the student's teacher in a written notice when your child is not going to attend
school because of a planned absence.
Plants – Plants are a good educational tool for teaching how they grow. The classroom will occasionally have some
science experiments set up for growing plants.
Prescribed Diet – Please notify your child's teacher if your child has a prescribed diet and the diet order.
Potluck Parties – Throughout the school year, we may host a potluck party for the school to encourage social
opportunities between the students and their families. When scheduled, there will be sign-up sheets posted. If
possible, please sign up to bring at least one commercially prepared item to share. Please ask the Director for the
current list of medical emergency allergic ingredients to avoid (i.e. tree nuts, etc).
Records on File – Information in your child's folder (including evaluations/assessments) is only shared with
relevant program staff and maybe periodically checked by our health consultant and state licensor. This information
is kept confidential and stored in a locked area at the center. Our center does not disclose a child's record to other
people unless a parent/guardian has given written consent. The information on file is primary used by the staff to
meet your child's physical, emotional and educational development at Choo Choo Montessori. Copies of any health
and safety information for a child is immediately available upon request to the child's parents or legal guardian.
Parent involvement and events - About every month and throughout the year there will be parent involvement.
Activities like craft making sessions, parent teacher meetings, holiday parties and fund raisers will be held both on
site and off. These events take into account the culture and diversity at the school along with parent and student
input. If there is a type of event or modification for an event please share these ideas with us.
Research and PR activity – The parent's permission is required for each occasion of research, experimental
procedure or public relations activity involving the student.
Resources – Parent resources such menus, newsletters, calendars, classroom pictures, behavioral specialists and
early childhood screening locations for local elementary school districts are available online in the Student Area of
our school website http://www.choochoomontessori.com/.
Supplies Wanted – Donations to the classroom are welcome. We can use paper products like computer paper
anytime. Spare craft items or books are also appreciated.
Visitors – Parents of enrolled children may visit the center at any time during the hours of operation. In addition,
the center has an open-door policy for new customers who may decide to enroll a student in the center. All visitors
must check in and sign a Visitors Book with the director immediately upon entering the school. We reserve the right
to refuse admittance to anyone for safety reasons. A staff member must accompany all visitors in the facility.
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Emergency, Accident, and Safety Policies and Records
Emergency Policies
Procedures for severe weather, fire evacuation, power failures and missing children have been implemented.
Fire and Evacuation Procedures – Procedures for putting out a fire or evacuation procedures have been
implemented and are posted in each classroom. Fire evacuation drills are held monthly.
Potentially Violent Situations – include gunfire, intruder, adult under the influence, non-custodial adult, etc.
Procedures for keeping the families and staff safe have been implemented. Staff will email parents at the start and
end of a situation when the building must be locked to prevent a dangerous intruder from entering the building. We
will not be able to let anyone in or out during this kind of situation for the safety of everyone.
Severe Weather – The center will be closed due to severe weather whenever the Roseville Area Public Schools are
closed. School closings are announced on KSTP TV (Channel 5), or WCCO Radio (830 AM).
Tornadoes - Procedures for emergency tornado procedures have been implemented and are posted in each
classroom. Tornado drills are held monthly between April and September.
Floods, Blizzards, or Other Natural Disaster - In the event of other natural disasters such as a blizzard or flood
conditions, a staff person will notify parents as soon as possible. When parents cannot get to the school due to
severe weather, children must stay at the school under the supervision of a staff member. Necessary arrangements
must then be made concerning meals, sleep, etc.
Power Failure – Flashlights are available in each classroom. If the temperature drops below 68 degrees Fahrenheit,
the children are to put on their coats. A staff person will notify parents when the power failure will be more than 20
minutes.
Missing Children – Parents are notified immediately if a student is missing while at the center, on a field trip or not
on a returning school bus.
Unauthorized Pick-ups - Only those individuals who are listed on the emergency data form as permitted to pick up
a child may do so. Parents are required to notify the Center in writing when someone else is picking up their child.
Our staff is instructed to check ID's of anyone they do not recognize to pick up your child. The stranger's ID will be
checked against the list of persons permitted to pick up the child on the student's emergency data file. If the name
matches, the staff member will ask the person to sign out the child before taking the student from the center.
If an authorized person comes to pick up the student while under the influence of a mind altering substance, the
student will not be allowed to leave with that person. Likewise, if the authorized person is behaving in an obtrusive
manner, it will be at the staff member's discretion that the student will not be allowed to leave and the staff will also
contact proper authorities. (see also the Administrative Information section to read how to update the student's
emergency data)
Children shall only be released under circumstances which ensure the protection of the student's physical and
emotional well-being.
Child Does Not Get Picked Up - In the event that a child is not picked up by 6:00 pm, the Late Pick-Up Rate is in
effect (see Fees and Tuition section) and the staff person responsible for closing should contact the parents. If the
parents cannot be reached, the emergency contact numbers are called in order until someone is reached. In the event
that no one can be reached, a staff member will stay with the student at the Center until the parents arrive. The
police are notified after 30 minutes if we are unable to contact the child's parents or the listed emergency contacts
and no one comes to pick up the child.
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Parent Policy Booklet
Accident Policies
First Aid kits are available in all classrooms. Accidents, incidents, injuries, and emergencies that occur to students,
staff, parents or visitors must be reported on the classroom's Accident Log and in an Accident Report Form.
Accident Report Form – Choo Choo Montessori strives to make parents aware of any accident or incident
that happens to their child during the day no matter how small. Young children will have accidents and will
choose the wrong behavior from time to time. The intention of the report is to help the parent understand
what happened and to talk to the child. If your child receives this form, a parent needs to sign the form and
leave it at school for the child's teacher to file in the student's folder. A copy is provided upon request.
A report is written when a child is involved in an accident or chooses to display unacceptable behavior (see
the Behavior Guidance section for a list of unacceptable behaviors). Each report is evaluated and receives
one of the following Severity Levels:
•
Level 1 – An accident with little or no physical or emotional harm occurred, but involved school
equipment (i.e. A toddler falling off a low chair or bench).
•
Level 2 – An accident that causes any type of injury. These will be common; especially among the
younger children in the center learning balancing or walking (i.e. bruising or scraping a knee
because a child tripped on their own shoes.)
•
Level 3 – A display of unacceptable behavior (including attempts) regardless if there is a visible
injury. These incidents do not occur for more than a moment so a separation from the group may
not be needed. These should be less frequent (once a week or less) and a series of these will lead to
a conference with the Director (i.e. a child attempted to hit someone else, said sorry and promised
not to try to hit again).
•
Level 4 – A display of unacceptable behavior that lead to serious harm or injury of someone or
school property. The incident may occur for a few minutes and may require separation from the
group. These should be less frequent and one or more of these may lead to a conference with the
Director (i.e. a child repeatedly hit another child causing a bruise).
Incident/Injury – Procedures have been implemented to handle the student's first aid needs, call the parents and
provide a written Accident Report Form. However, if an incident or injury is a life-threatening emergency (ex.
The child stopped breathing), the staff have been instructed to call 9-1-1 before contacting the parent and administer
CPR. If immediate medical attention is required and the parents cannot be reached by telephone, your child's Dr
will be called or your child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital at your expense. Staff members
are not to transport children to the hospital or clinic. See also the related Medical Emergency Care statements on the
child's Emergency Data file.
Also the DHS will be notified of any serious injury, fire or death. The Commissioner of Health is notified if a
student receives a bite from a visiting animal.
Insurance – Choo Choo Montessori has a liability policy in effect with at least the minimum limits required by the
State of MN Department of Public Welfare.
Abusive Head Trauma can happen to young children up to five years of age. Licensing requires our staff to have
prevention strategies training annually.
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan – This center has procedures to prevent contact with blood or other
potentially infectious materials. All staff are also trained on occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens
according to the OSHA standards.
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome – staff must be training in prevention strategies annually.
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Safety Policies
Safety policies have been written for the following: Arrival and Departure of Children, Daily Inspection Checklist,
Field Trips, Poisoning Prevention, Prevention of Burns and Electrical Accidents, Prevention of Choking,
Aspiration, Suffocation and Drowning, Prevention of Other Injuries, Prevention of Traffic and Pedestrian Accidents
When Crossing the Street and Playground Supervision.
Staff Certified Training – All staff must maintain current certificates of training in Bloodborne Pathogens, CPR,
and First Aid. Also, all staff must also maintain current training certificates in prevention of Abusive Head Trauma
and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome. This training must consist of MDH approved materials.
Health Policies
Illnesses and Diseases
Administering Medication – Any medication must be brought in its original pharmacy container in a clear
medication bag (i.e. zip-lock) with a measuring spoon/dispenser. The bag must be clearly marked with the child's
name. The medicine will not be given after an expiration date on the label and any unused portion will be returned
to the child's parent.
Nonprescription medicines must be administered according to the manufacturer's instructions unless there are
written instructions for their dosage provided by your child's physician.
All prescription medicine must have a legible label stating the child's name. The medicine will be given only to the
child whose name is on the label.
Use the Medication Form to provide written permission from the parent and/or the doctor to the staff at Choo Choo
Montessori in order to administer medicine. The following will help you determine who has to prepare and sign it:
• Parents should prepare and sign this form before staff can administer a nonprescription medicine to
your child of preschool-age or older.
• Child's physician and parent should prepare and sign this form before staff can administer a
nonprescription medicine to your toddler. The physician must specify the dosage and sign the form
if the nonprescription label states something similar “consult a physician for children under 24
months”.
• Child's physician and parent should prepare and sign this form before staff can administer a
prescription medication to your child.
A parent of child that has an Asthma action plan, Anaphalaxsys action plan or a similar plan from a doctor must
annually submit a copy of the updated plan.
Ill Children – Parents are responsible for informing the center of any special medical conditions, needs as well as
any accident or communicable disease their child has sustained. If deemed necessary, the staff will suggest a
medical consultation. The Illness Log must be filled out for any illness so call the teacher if your child is staying
at home because of an illness or fill out the online illness form found under 'Resources' on the parent website. If a
child becomes ill while in our care, a parent or emergency contact must be notified to come and pick up the child as
soon as possible because we do not maintain a sick care facility. Until then, the student is isolated on a cot away
from the group. It is appreciated if the child were kept home at least 24 hours after the end of a prolonged illness or
until you have the doctor's verification that the student may return to school.
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Parent Policy Booklet
Children exhibiting the following conditions should be excluded from the Center:
•
Vomiting one or more times since admission that day
•
One or more abnormally loose stools since admission that day
•
Communicable disease. In this case, you must notify the school within 24 hours when a child is diagnosed
by a child's source of medical or dental care as having a contagious reportable disease so that a sign
may be posted outside the classroom door. In this case, the center is required to notify the Commissioner of
Health when a student has any reportable communicable diseases. The full list is found at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/reportable/disease.html
•
Lice, scabies, impetigo, ringworm or chicken pox until the doctor says it is okay to come to school. In
this case, the parent must notify the school within 24 hours when a child is diagnosed by a child's source of
medical or dental care as having any of these conditions so that a sign may be posted outside the classroom
door.
◦ A child diagnosed with the following must stay home from school until 24 hours after treatment has
started: strep throat, impetigo, ringworm and scabies.
◦ A child diagnosed with lice must stay home until after completion of the first treatment and no live lice
are seen.
•
Unexplained lethargy
•
Harsh cough, green runny nose, persistent pain, chills or fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
axillary/armpit temperature of undiagnosed origin before fever reducing medications are given. A child
may return to school if the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without giving medication or you have a
doctor's verification that the student may return to school.
•
An undiagnosed rash
•
Significant respiratory distress
•
No ability to participate in child care program activities with reasonable comfort
•
Requires more care than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of the other
children
Ill Staff Members - Staff members who are ill should not be at the Center. Policies relating to the exclusion of staff
members are the same as those for excluding sick children. The Illness Log must be filled out for any illness.
Health Training – The MN Visiting Nurse Agency (612-617-4616) provides annual health consultations with staff
at the center. This agency also provides a monthly review with infant staff.
Notification – Posting of communicable diseases will be placed in entry and exit areas of the school. These
postings will explain the disease and what parents or families should do. On the back will contain information on
suggested procedures for schools or childcare to follow. The Administrator will notify families within 24 hours
when a vaccine preventable disease occurs in the program. In addition, parents of children that are under-immunized
because of a medical condition or family belief will be called to exclude the child promptly.
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Food
Meals Provided – Choo Choo Montessori offers breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. The number of meals a
child eats is determined by the child’s hours of attendance. A daily schedule with meal times is posted near each
classroom door. Meals and snacks provided are prepared, served, and stored in accordance with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Food (CACFP) guidelines. This center does promote good
nutritional habits. The staff serve the food and eat with the children and guide the social and learning experiences
associated with snack and meal times.
For children 6 weeks to 12 months: Parents provide the number of ounces of liquid (water, milk, juice) in addition
to the number of ounces and kind of cereal, fruits, vegetables or meat to feed your infant each day at the time of drop
off.
For children 12 months and older: A caterer who specializes in providing meals for children prepares and delivers
all lunch food. Breakfast and Snack menus are prepared by Choo Choo Montessori staff and reviewed by a
Registered Dietitian, All menu are provided to parents. Please take time to review the menu and make a staff
member aware of any concerns you might have.
The center provides store-bought breakfast, snacks and related supplies. All paper plates, plastic bowls, paper
napkins, plastic spoons, breakfast cereal, snacks and beverages are purchased from a grocery store or vendor. The
staff members in each room serve food with disposable plastic gloves.
Hot foods are kept at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Re-heated foods are heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit or
higher. All non-perishable food and supplies are stored at room temperature in pantry cupboards, cabinets or on
shelves. All frozen food is stored in freezers kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and below. All other perishable food is
stored in refrigerators kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and lower.
After an ample amount of time is given for the child to eat, any unfinished served food is disposed of when meal
time is over.
Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions - The Director must be notified when the child has any food allergies or
dietary restrictions. For each child with special health care needs or food allergies or special nutrition needs, the
child's health care provider gives the program an individualized care plan that is prepared in consultation with family
members and specialists involved in the child's care. This plan must be submitted to the Director on or before the
child's enrollment date in addition to when it changes or at least annually thereafter. Parents are responsible for
providing any necessary food group supplements. Each food item must be brought to school in an unopened, storebought container that is labeled with the child's first and last name. The program protects children with food
allergies from contact with the food problem. The program asks families of a child with food allergies to give
consent for posting information about the child's food allergy and, if consent is given, then posts that information in
the food preparation area and in areas of the facility the child uses so it is a visual reminder to all those who interact
with the child during the program day.
For all infants and for children with disabilities who have special feeding needs, program staff keep a daily record
documenting the type and quantity of food a child consumes and provide families with that information.
Staff will discard food with expired dates.
Snacks Brought from Home - If foods are brought from home to share with other children (i.e. for special
occasions), it must be commercially prepared and packaged. Please try to share food items that are healthy; such as
fruits, vegetables, graham crackers, pretzels, cheese, etc.
Breast feeding – Please check with the infant room staff to coordinate feedings and making reservations for a
comfortable place for you to feed your child at the school.
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Parent Policy Booklet
Cleaning and Serving procedures to prepare, handle, and store food - Procedures and practices to prepare,
handle, and store food for infants are in compliance with the requirements for food and beverage establishments.
Preparation of formula, milk, breast milk, solid foods, and supplements –
Food is prepared in designated areas and kept separate from diapering areas. Fresh fruits and
vegetables as well as food-service untensils and equipment are washed desginated sinks.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are washed before serving,
Program staff work with families (who are informed by their child's health care provider) to ensure
that the food is based on the infants' individual nutritional needs and developmental stage. A diet
form is must be completed before the infant starts so the feedings are coordinated between the
parents and teachers. The form indicates how much food and when to feed an infant. A feeding
schedule is posted and updated regularly for each child.
Parents must label all infant bottles with the baby's name and date before bringing them. The sign
in/out table has tape and a marker to label your bottles.
Parents and staff must wash hands and wear gloves before preparing any bottle. Do not touch
nipples with your fingers.
If breast milk is served, staff gently mix, not shake, the milk before feeding to preserve special
infection-fighting and nutritional components in human milk. Staff also coordinate feedings with
the infant's mother. Breast milk bottles and caps must be labeled with the infant's first and last
name. Confirm each child's identity before preparing and feeding breast milk to an infant to prevent
potential exposure of another mother's breast milk. Remember breast milk is a body fluid and could
contain HIV so use caution when preparing and handling breast milk.
If formula is served, staff served only formula that comes to the facility in factory-sealed containers
(e.g. ready-to-feed powder or concentrate formulas and baby food jars) prepared according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Formula is provided and will be prepared in an individual's bottle at the
time of the feeding according to the infant's schedule. If solid food is served, parents may bring
solid food prepared at home for use by their child or the program may prepare solid infant food in
the facility.
Whole milk is served to children of ages one to two years.
Bottle feedings do not contain solid foods unless the child's health care provider supplies written
instructions and a medical reason for this practice.
If staff warm formula or breast milk, the milk is warmed in water at no more than 120 degrees
Fahrenheit for no more than 5 minutes. Staff test the temperature of the bottle contents prior to
feeding the infant to make sure the bottle contents are no hotter than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
No milk, including breast milk, and no other infant foods are warmed in a microwave oven.
Staff do not offer solid foods and fruit juices to infants younger than six months, unless that practice
is recommended by the child's health care provider and approved by families.
Sweetened
beverages are avoided. If juice (only 100% fruit juice is recommended) is served, the amount is
limited to no more than four ounces per child daily. Infants 12 months or older will be provided
with table foods as indicated on our breakfast, lunch, and snack menus. If the parents suggest table
food before the infant is 12 months old, a doctor's note is required. Staff will cut food into pieces,
according to each child's chewing and swallowing capability.
Iron-fortified, single-grain infant cereal is provided and it is served in a bowl.
Store-bought baby food jars are provided for infants. When serving jar food, remove portions from
the jar and place in a small bowl for feeding. Use a separate spoon for dispensing from the jars as
for feeding.
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Handling of formula, milk, breast milk, solid foods, and supplements –
Only infant teachers (or mothers) are responsible for feeding infants. They must wash hands before and
after feeding an infant.
Bottle feeding tips:
Staff discard after one hour any formula or human milk that is served but not completely consumed
or is not refrigerated. If too much seems to be going to waste, records the amount usually used and
ask the child's parents to prepare a smaller amount.
Feed infants whenever they seem hungry. Note that feeding is not used in lieu of other forms of
comfort. After each feeding, infant's teeth and gums are wiped with a disposable tissue (or clean
soft cloth used only for one child and laundered daily) to remove liquid that coats teeth and gums.
Infants unable to sit are held for bottle-feeding. All others sit or are held to be fed. Avoid giving
bottles to infants in their cribs and do not eat from propped bottles at any time. Infants do not carry
bottles, sippy cups, or regular cups with them while crawling or walking. Teaching staff offer
children fluids from a cup as soon as the families and teachers decide together that a child is
developmentally ready to use a cup. Children older than 1 year who can hold their own bottle or
cup may do so at a table and on a chair with a back and arm rests. It is recommended that a child
use a sippy cup or cup after the child's first birthday.
If there is any spilled milk, staff will wash the skin with soap and water.
See the procedure for “Follow-up of exposures” if a child was ever given another mother's breast
milk.
Solid Food Feeding tips:
Wait for the baby to develop certain motor skills before starting.
Introduce solid foods at 4-6 months. Start slowly. Introduce one new food at a time. Follow the
parents' lead.
Encourage self-feeding, but help if the baby is hungry and wants the food but is frustrated with selffeeding skills.
If the baby rejects a food, try offering it again.
Order to feed foods: rice cereals, vegetables (7 months), fruits. Protein (meat, egg yolks, cheese at 8
months), Wheat, Drinking from a cup after 10 months (formula, breast milk, juices, and water).
Babies with one or two teeth can eat some lumpy foods.
Offer soft finger foods as soon as a baby can grasp.
Honey and corn syrup are not recommended before 12 months.
Storage of formula, milk, breast milk, solid foods, and supplements –
Although the parent may store breast milk in the refrigerator for no longer than 48 hours (or no
more than 24 hours if the breast milk was previously frozen), the school will not store breast milk
overnight.
Cover all bottles during storage and store used bottles in the child's cubby for the parent to take
home daily.
Any unused portions of jar food in the child's bowl needs to be discarded.
Perishable infant food once opened must be refrigerated immediately for later use for no more than
two days. For other opened perishable food, follow recommendations on commercially packaged
labels for refrigeration length.
Non perishable infant food (cereal, powder formula, etc) must be stored in designated areas.
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Parent Policy Booklet
Cleaning:
Food-service equipment and utensils are cleaned and sanitized after each use.
Any bottle being sent home must be cleaned, sanitized, dried re-filled, and labeled before returning
it back to school. Do not wash bottles that contained breast milk to prevent splashing of a body
fluid into your eye. Wear gloves to clean and sanitize spilled breast milk.
Pacifiers are cleaned, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and stored on a labeled pacifier hanger to
be only used by the named child.
Make sure high chairs, trays, and floor are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after a child eats.
Preventing the Spreading of Germs
Hand Washing - Hand washing prevents the spread of illness. Staff and children are encouraged to wash hands
frequently as in before and after the following: blowing or wiping a nose, diapering/toileting or preparing food.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Procedures – The center has implemented procedure for cleaning. The center is cleaned
daily, including bathrooms, furniture and mouthed toys. Cots are washed weekly as are non-mouthed toys and
materials.
Health and Safety – The Minnesota Department of Public Health (651-215-5800) determines our minimum set of
rules for health and safety:
◦ Equipment is maintained in clean and good repair.
◦ All playground equipment is securely anchored and cushioning materials are used under climbing
equipment.
◦ All chemicals are stored in original containers and are in locked cabinets out of the reach of children.
◦ Soiled diapers are disposed of in closed containers and inaccessible to children.
◦ Changing table is disinfected after each use.
Diaper/Training pants Requirements ◦ Cloth diapers must have an absorbent inner lining completely contained within an outer covering. Outer
coverings must be waterproof
◦ Diapers and training pants (cloth or disposable) must be designed to prevent the escape of feces and
urine while children are in motion
Diapering/Toilet Training Policies for Maintaining the Environment:
◦ Surfaces that may come in contact with potentially infectious body fluids must be disposable or made of
a material that can be sanitized.
◦ Staff use barriers and techniques that minimize contact of mucous membranes or of openings in skin
with potentially infectious body fluids and that reduce the spread of infectious disease.
◦ When spills of body fluids occur, staff clean them up immediately with detergent followed by water
rinsing.
◦ After cleaning, staff disinfect nonporous surfaces by using the procedure for disinfecting designated
changing surfaces described in the posted Cleaning and Sanitation Frequency Table.
◦ Staff clean rugs and carpeting by blotting, spot cleaning with a detergent-disinfectant and shampooing
or steam cleaning.
◦ Staff dispose of contaminated materials and diapers in a plastic bag with a secure tie that is placed in a
closed container.
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Diaper Changing Policy
◦ Diapers are to be changed when wet or soiled. Staff are not to 'conserve' diapers.
◦ Diapers are to only be changed in diaper changing stations (found in restrooms).
◦ The diaper changing station is not to be used for any other purpose. No storage of materials.
◦ Staff members whose primary function is preparing food do not change diapers until their food
preparation duties are completed for the day.
◦ Ensure the lid on a foot-operated garbage which is used to dispose of diapering supplies, is closed after
each use.
◦ Cloth diaper (or Eco-friendly diaper) and linings are to be changed as one unit. A family that chooses to
use Eco-friendly diapers must provide an adequate supply of cloth diapers and zipper laundry bags each
week. The family must also provide a foot operated waste basket with a closeable lid that is labeled with
the child's first and last name. This waste basket is for storing used cloth diapers. The family must also
empty their child's waste basket daily.
Diaper Changing Procedure – Staff are to check children in diapers every 2 hours. The child's Toddler
Permission Form will be reviewed to determine which diapering supplies to use and are approved by the child's
parent. This procedure is approved by our health consultant and it is posted in our diapering areas. The following is
the procedure the staff are asked to follow:
a.
Wash your hands with soap under running tap water.
b.
Assemble all the supplies you need: Clean diaper, wipes (or wet paper towels), tissues, diaper cream (if
needed), plastic bags (if needed for soiled diaper or soiled clothes), clean clothes (if needed), computer
paper and the diaper area's disinfecting bleach solution. Cover the changing table pad with paper-liner. Put
on disposable gloves. Note: Keep the diaper cream/ointments and disinfecting solution out of the child's
reach.
c.
Open staircase for diaper changing station and help guide the child safely to the top. Place child on
changing table. Remove the child's socks and shoes (if needed for soiled diapers). Remove any soiled
clothes and place in a non-leak-able plastic bag. Do Not Rinse out! Keep one hand on child to when
using an raised changing station. Note: Any clothing that has BM on it should in a bag that is inside
another bag that has the outer garment.
d.
Removing diaper: Remove diaper and place it in a plastic bag. Do Not Rinse out!
e.
Cleaning child's bottom: Wipe the child's bottom from front to back with disposable diaper wipes (or soapy
paper towel and then rinse bottom with wet paper towel) and use a fresh wipe each time. Place used wipes
or paper towels in a plastic bag.
f.
Moving the soiled items: Fold the soiled paper liner inwards. Place the disposable gloves in the plastic bag
with the used wipes. If needed, use a disposable wipe to clean your hands and another to clean the child's
hands and place the used wipes in the plastic bag. Check for spills under the child; if any, wipe up the spills
and continue folding the paper liner as many times as needed to prevent leakage during transport into the
plastic bag. Wipe under liner surface and place wipes into the plastic bag.
g.
Place plastic bags containing disposable items (wipes, paper liner, soiled gloves, disposable diapers, etc.)
inside the foot operated garbage next to changing station. (If garbage is now full, please notify a staff
member to remove garbage)
h.
Putting on a clean diaper and dressing the child: Put a clean diaper under the child and examine the child
for rashes, cracks or bleeding. Use a clean glove to apply any diaper cream/ointments. Baby powder is not
recommended for use. Dispose of the used tissue in the plastic bag. Fasten the diaper and re-dress the
child. Do not stand the child on the diapering surface; this will contaminate the child's feet and is unsafe.
Guide the child to climb down the stairs. Wash the child’s hands with soap under running tap water and
return the child to the supervised area.
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Parent Policy Booklet
i.
j.
Clean and disinfect the changing surface: Place the bag with soiled diaper in a closed diaper pail
that is inaccessible to the children. Place the soiled plastic bag in another clean plastic bag. Clean
the changing surface with soap and water and then spray changing table pad with bleach solution
and let air dry. Put the bleach solution away. *Parents please notify staff when changing a
diaper so they may clean and sanitize the surface and area according to our sanitation
procedures.
Wash your hands with soap under running tap water. Record child's skin condition and what was in the
diaper.
k. Label the outer plastic bag for soiled clothing with the child's name, date and time. Place this bag
on the child's hook after leaving diapering area. Parents are required to pick up all soiled items
daily.
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Behavior Guidance Policy
Choo Choo Montessori prohibits the following actions by or at the direction of a staff person:
1. Subjection of a child to corporal punishment. Corporal punishment includes, but is not limited to rough
handling, shoving, hair pulling, ear pulling, shaking, slapping, kicking, biting, pinching, hitting and
spanking. To reduce physical harm like dislocation of elbows when a child does not want to come, the staff
may use suggested lifting techniques (near lower ribs or under the armpits) to help move a child.
2. Subjection of a child to emotional abuse. Emotional abuse includes, but is not limited to name calling,
ostracism, shaming, making derogatory remarks about a child’s family and using language that threatens,
humiliates or frightens the child.
3. Separation from the group except within rule guidelines. We also prohibit separation of a child from the
group in a different area away from the staff person.
4. Punishment for lapses in toilet habits.
5. Withholding food, light, warmth, clothing or medical care as punishment for behaviors which are not
acceptable. Threatening to withhold these necessities are also not acceptable.
6. The use of physical restraint other than to physically hold a child where containment is necessary to protect
a child or others from harm.
7. The use of mechanical restraints, such as tying.
To ensure that each child is provided with a positive model of acceptable behavior that is tailored to each child’s
developmental level, the following behavior guidance policy has been established for the staff:
Staff expectations of children’s social behaviors are developmentally appropriate. Encouragement and
recognition of pro-social behaviors among children, such as cooperation, helping, taking turns and talking to
solve problems.
o
Divergence such as bell-ringing, playing the piano, singing or using a hand signal is a good
classroom management method for obtaining the attention of the group. Staff are to redirect
children and groups away from problems toward constructive activity in order to reduce conflict.
o
Staff members interact frequently with children. They express respect for and affection toward
children by smiling, touching, holding and speaking to children at their eye level throughout the
day, particularly at arrival and departure, and when diapering or feeding very young children. Staff
members actively seek meaningful conversations with children.
o
Staff are immediately available and responsive when children’s responses to each other become
physical and discuss the inappropriateness of such responses. They encourage them to share
experiences, ideas and feelings, and listen to them with attention and respect to assess the function
of the child's behavior. Staff is aware of the activities of the entire group when dealing with a
smaller group as they position themselves strategically and look up often from involvement.
o
Staff members treat children of all races, religions, ethnicities and cultures with equal respect and
consideration. Staff provides children of both sexes with equal opportunities to take part in all
activities. They also provide books, dolls, toys, wall decorations (photos and pictures) and
recordings that reflect diverse images that children may not see elsewhere. Staff makes it a firm
rule that a person’s identity (age, race, ethnicity or disability) is never an acceptable reason for
teasing or rejection. Activities and discussions are initiated that build positive self-identity and
teach the value of differences. Staff talk positively about each child‘s physical characteristics and
cultural heritage.
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Parent Policy Booklet
o
Staff members use positive techniques of guidance, including logical or natural consequences
applied in problem situations, redirection, anticipation of and elimination of potential problems, and
encouragement of appropriate behavior rather than competition, comparison or criticism. Staff are
to teach children how to use acceptable alternatives to problem behavior in order to reduce conflict.
Consistent and clear rules are developed in conjunction with children and are discussed with them to
make sure they understand. Staff members describe the situation to encourage a child’s evaluation
of the problem rather than impose the solution. Staff members do not force the children to
apologize or explain their behavior, but rather to help them recognize another child’s feelings. Staff
abstains from corporal punishment or humiliating and frightening discipline techniques. Food or
beverage is never withheld as a discipline device.
Staff members encourage developmentally appropriate independence in children. They foster independence
in routine activities such as picking up toys, wiping spills, personal grooming (toileting and hand washing),
obtaining and caring for materials in addition to other self-help skills.
Staff members provide immediate and directly related consequences for a child's unacceptable or
challenging behavior. Separation from the group occurs with persistently exhibited unacceptable behaviors.
Unacceptable or challenging behaviors include the following (but not limited to):
o
Physical biting, pinching, kicking or spitting
o
Emotional temper tantrums or disruptive behavior
o
Disrespect for property or destroying materials/toys
o
Verbal use of abusive language
o
Behavior that interferes with the children's learning
o
Add risk for social development problems or educational difficulty in the future.
o
Unable to follow classroom or school rules that ensure education and safety of children
o
Verbal language that excludes or hurts other children
o
Direction, instruction or play that leads to development of unacceptable or challenging behaviors
within the classroom environment (i.e. gun play, instruction other children to exclude, etc.)
The parent will be notified when a child chooses to display unacceptable behavior. A parent-teacher
conference with a parent will be held when a child receives 3 incident reports of level 4 severity in a month
or 5 incident reports of level 3 severity within 5 school days.
Children with Special Needs - Children with mental retardation or related conditions or children under the
age of five as specified in MN Rules, parts 9525.0004 to 9529.0036, the standards governing the
use of aversive and deprivation procedures in MN Rules parts 9525.2700 to 9525.2810 apply.
These rules encourage the use of positive approaches as an alternative to aversive or
deprivation procedures and require documentation that positive approaches have been
tried and have been unsuccessful as a condition of implementing an aversive or deprivation
procedure.
In the event that a child with special needs should enroll at the center, we have established the following guidelines:
1. An interview with management will determine if our center can meet the needs of the child.
2. Written permission will be obtained from our licensing agent prior to enrollment.
3. Equipment and activities will be modified as necessary.
4. Necessary staff training will be arranged.
5. Information will be obtained from the parents, physicians, state or local agency dealing with the child's
education and why the child is receiving special needs care.
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Methods of Separation from the Group
1. No child may be separated from the group unless the staff member has tried less-intrusive methods of
guiding the child’s behavior which have been ineffective and the child’s behavior threatens his/her or
another child’s well-being. An example of a less-intrusive methods is to try to redirect the child toward a
constructive activity in order to reduce conflict and get their mind on something else.
2. Protect the safety of children and other staff. An example may be if the child refuses to leave the room and
threatens the safety of other children then try moving the rest of the children.
3. A child who requires separation from the group must remain within an unenclosed part of the classroom,
where the child can be continuously seen and heard by a staff person.
4. When separation from the group is used as a behavior guidance technique, the child’s return to the group
must be contingent upon the stop or control of the behavior that precipitated the separation.
5. The child must be returned to the group as soon as the behavior that precipitated the separation abates or
stops.
6. Children between the ages of six weeks and 16 months must not be separated from the group as a means of
behavior guidance.
About the Separation Report - All separations from the group must be noted on a Separation Report log located
in the Full Review Document Bin. Notation must include the child’s and staff person’s name, time, date and
information indicating what less-intrusive methods were used to guide the child’s behavior and how this behavior
continued to threaten the well being of the child or the group.
If a child is separated from the group three or more times in one day, the child’s parents shall be notified by the
child’s head teacher using the Parent Notification of Separation Report located in the Full Review Document Bin.
Once the parent is notified, this must be indicated on the daily log.
If a child is separated either five times or more in one week, or eight times or more in two weeks, then a procedure is
followed to brainstorm possible causes and solutions that could lead to the elimination of the persistent unacceptable
behavior.
If the child displays persistent unacceptable behavior, staff persons observe and record the behavior of the child and
staff response to the behavior. A plan will be developed to address the child's behavior in consultation with the
parents, other staff and other professionals. The intent of this plan is to support the child's inclusion and success
within the environment. Staff and professionals of other disciplines (such as therapists, social workers, nutritionists,
etc) work as a team with families to help the development of the child when needed. The following procedures are
implemented:
1. A parent-teacher conference is set up. This conference includes the following:
Defining the Problem and assess the function of the child's behavior
Brainstorming for a Solution
Sharing Ideas
Setting Written Behavior Strategies and Consequences Agreed to by All Parties – Parents, Staff and
Director (The purpose of this individualized plan supports the child's inclusion and success)
2. In the event that the unacceptable behavior persists, a second conference is set up:
Appraise the Situation
Recommend Professional Help
o
Psychological
o
Assessment Team (Preschool)
o
Physical – Doctor
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Parent Policy Booklet
o
Neurological
Reset Written Behavior Strategies
Set Up a Follow-Up Conference
3. Follow-Up Conference:
Obtaining Data from Outside Sources
Evaluate Whether the Center is Capable of Facilitating the Recommended Treatment.
o
If Yes: Specific behavior strategies are put into effect. The follow up
conference could include the presence of outside professionals.
o
If No: The child will be asked to leave the center.
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Maltreatment of Minors Mandated Reporting Policy
(Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect)
Anyone may report abuse or neglect. Under state law, however, people who are required to report include: “A
professional or his delegate who is engaged in the practice of healing arts, social services, hospital administration,
psychiatric treatment, child care, education or law enforcement…”
Doctors, dentists, educators, child care staff, foster parents, pharmacists and nurses are among the people who must
step in to help children in this capacity.
What is Neglect? Neglect of children is defined in two places in state law. The mandated conditions for reporting
are found in MS 626.556. Other conditions of neglect and dependency are found in MS 260.015.
The following are conditions under which the law requires a report to Child Protection or a law enforcement agency:
⇒ Inadequate Food
⇒ Inadequate Clothing
⇒ Inadequate Shelter
⇒ Inadequate Medical Care
⇒ Failure to protect a child from conditions or actions which imminently and seriously endanger the
child’s physical and/or mental health when reasonably able to do so
As you can see, neglect and dependency are extremely difficult elements of behavior to judge. It is crucial however,
that people who work with children consider the array of factors which deny children basic physical necessities. We
encourage you to think about the many forms of neglect and call your county to discuss the appropriateness of
referrals when you are in doubt.
What is Physical Abuse? Under Minnesota statutes, physical abuse means: “Any physical injury inflicted by
parent, guardian or other persons responsible for the child’s care other than by accidental means,” OR Any
physical injury that cannot be reasonably explained by the history of injuries provided by a parent, guardian or
other person responsible for the child’s care.”
Children who are physically abused sometimes bear signs of injury such as bruises, welts, burns, fractures, swellings
or lost teeth. The list of possibilities is long and unpleasant. Because internal injuries are seldom detectable without
a hospital exam, anyone in close contact with children should be alert to multiple injuries, a history of repeated
injury or new injuries added to old and untreated injuries.
The following are conditions of physical abuse that should be referred:
⇒ Child has suffered an injury which appears to be non-accidental in nature.
⇒ Child has suffered a physical injury as a result of hazardous conditions uncorrected by the parent or
guardian.
⇒ Child suffers physical injury due to inadequate supervision by the parent or guardian.
⇒ There is a substantial likelihood that the child will imminently suffer physical injury.
What is Sexual Abuse? Approximately 75% of the sexual abusers are known to the child or child’s family. Since
the sexually abused child lacks the symptoms of battering, sexual abuse is difficult to identify. Short of telling
someone, the best indicators may be a sudden change in behavior or signs of emotional disturbance. The child, for
example, may unexplainably begin to cry easily and seem excessively nervous. The following are conditions of
sexual abuse which should be referred:
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Parent Policy Booklet
⇒ A child is the victim of criminal sexual conduct by a parent, guardian, sibling or caregiver.
⇒ A child is engaged in the act of prostitution.
⇒ A juvenile is the perpetrator of sexual abuse.
⇒ A child is the subject of pornographic materials.
Suggested Procedures for Reporting and Recording Abuse or Neglect
1. Every parent shall be informed when they enroll their child that Choo Choo Montessori is required by law to
report cases of suspected child abuse.
2. The caregiver in each classroom is responsible for recording any suspicious incidents. Recording must be
done carefully and factually. Every effort must be made to avoid judgmental comments and only objective
data may be recorded.
3. The Director and teacher need to discuss the injury or problem with the child’s parent or guardian.
4. In most cases of suspected abuse or neglect, it is not one incident, but rather a series of incidents and risk
factors which create the suspicion of child abuse. Accurate observation and recording provide the child care
program with enough information on which to base a decision on whether or not to report. Records should
be maintained for one year after the child leaves the center.
5. If there is a doubt about whether the case should be reported to Child Protection, a designated staff person
may consult with Child Protection, their public health nurse or medical resource.
6. The parents shall be informed of the child care program’s intention to report or be informed immediately
after the report is made. The parent needs to be reassured that the role of Child Protection is to support the
family.
7. When and Who should Report
If you know or have reason to believe a child is being or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused
within the preceding three years you must either immediately discuss the issue with the Director and the
Director must make a report to an outside agency (within 24 hours), or you may choose to report it yourself.
The Director shall not retaliate against an anyone for reports made in good faith.
8. Failure to Report
An employee who fails to report a child that has been neglected or abused is guilty of a misdemeanor. In
addition, an employee who fails to report maltreatment that is found to be serious or recurring may be
disqualified from employment in positions allowing direct contact with persons receiving services from
programs licensed by the Department of Human Services and by the Minnesota Department of Health and
unlicensed Personal Care Provider Organizations.
9. Where to Report
•
In cases where the child is in immediate danger, the police should be called at 911. The child care
program must decide whether to inform the parents before the child has been removed or immediately
after. It is helpful to make an oral report to both Child Protection and the police in cases of immediate
danger.
•
All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring within a family or in the
community should be made to Child Protection Services agency at (651) 266-4500 or the Maplewood
Police Department at (651) 777-8191.
•
All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring in the center should be made to
the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division's Maltreatment Intake line at (651) 431-6600.
The center must complete an Internal Review and corrective action must be taken.
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•
If your report does not involve possible abuse or neglect, but does involve possible violations of
Minnesota Statutes or Rules that govern the facility, you should call the Department of Human Services,
Licensing Division at (651) 431-6500.
10. What to Report
An oral or written report should include the following information:
Date and time of the report
Name of the child, parent or guardian’s name, and any persons responsible for the abuse or neglect
(if known)
Description of child’s injuries or condition
Parent or guardian’s explanation of the child’s condition if suspected abuse or neglect occurred
within the family or community
Any actions taken by staff in response to the incident if suspected abuse or neglect occurred at the
center
Possible licensing violations
Name, address and phone number of the person making the report
An oral report of suspected abuse or neglect made to an agency must be followed by a written report to the
same agency within 72 business hours.
11. Internal Review
An internal review process must be conducted when the Director has reason to know that an internal or
external report of alleged or suspected maltreatment has been made for the center. The purpose of an
internal review is to review current policy and procedures as well as take corrective action to to protect the
health and safety of children. Internal review forms are kept in the Full Review Document Bin. The
process includes the following steps:
a. Identify who will write an internal review:
The internal review will be completed by the Director of the center. If this individual is involved in
the alleged or suspected maltreatment, then the Owner will be responsible for completing the
internal review.
b. The identified staff member must complete an internal review which must include an evaluation of
whether:
related policies and procedures were followed;
the policies and procedures were adequate;
there is a need for additional staff training;
the reported event is similar to past events with the children or the services involved;
there is a need for corrective action by the center to protect the health and safety of children
in care.
c. Based on the results of the internal review, the facility must develop, document and implement a
corrective action plan designed to correct current lapses and prevent future lapses in performance by
any staff member at Choo Choo Montessori.
d. The facility must keep a copy of the internal review in the Full Review Document Bin and provide
documentation showing the review was completed to the commissioner upon the commissioner's
request.
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Parent Policy Booklet
Naps and Rest Policy
Each child, in accordance with his or her daily schedule, will have a designated nap/rest time. Nap areas should be
supervised and relatively quiet to allow proper rest. Each child must keep on their shoes in case of an emergency.
Confinement Limitation - Supervised activities will be provided for any child who has completed a nap or has rested
quietly for 30 minutes because children must not be required to remain on a cot.
Placement of Equipment – Naps and rest must be provided in a quiet area that is physically separated from children
who are engaged in an activity that will disrupt a napping or resting child. Cribs and cots must be placed so there
are clear aisles and unimpeded access for both adults and children on at least one side of each piece of napping and
resting equipment. These cribs and cots must be placed directly on the floor and must not be stacked when in use.
Bedding - Separate bedding must be provided for each child in care. Bedding and blankets must be washed and
sanitized weekly, when soiled or wet, and after the child is ill:
For Toddlers and Older – Each child is assigned their own cot and uses his or her own labeled napping blanket to
rest. The child's napping blanket must be laundered weekly and when wet or soiled, or when child becomes ill.
Soiled cots must be cleaned before re-use.
For Infants – Each infant is assigned their own crib and uses a labeled fitted sheet to rest. The fitted sheet must
be washed weekly and when wet or soiled. Although the child's receiving blanket is used to help your child fall
asleep, it will not be used as a blanket in the crib. Any used receiving blankets and fitted sheets must be
laundered weekly, when wet or soiled, and when the child becomes ill. Soiled cribs must be cleaned before reuse.
Infants Only:
Crib Standard - A crib must be provided for each infant for which the center is licensed to provide care. The
equipment must be of safe and sturdy construction that conforms to federal crib standards under Code of
Federal Regulations for full-size baby cribs, or for non-full-size baby cribs. Crib inspection requirements
are checked monthly.
Reduction of risk of sudden unexpected infant death - Each infant is placed to sleep on the infant's back,
unless the parent provides documentation from the infant's physician directing an alternative sleeping
position for the infant. The physician directive must be on a form approved by the commissioner and must
remain on file at the center. An infant who independently rolls onto its stomach after being placed to sleep
on its back may be allowed to remain sleeping on its stomach if the infant is at least six months of age or the
parent provided a signed statement indicating that the infant regularly rolls over at home. The infant's head
remains uncovered during sleep.
The staff must place each infant in a crib on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet that is appropriate to the
mattress size, that fits tightly on the mattress, and overlaps the underside of the mattress so it cannot be
dislodged by pulling the corner of the sheet with reasonable effort. Staff must not place anything in the crib
with the infant except for the infant's pacifier.
If an infant falls asleep before being placed in a crib, the staff must move the infant to a crib as soon as
practicable, and must keep the infant within sight of the staff until the infant is placed in a crib. When the
infant falls asleep while being held, the staff must consider the supervision needs of other children in care
when determining how long to hold the infant before placing the infant in a crib to sleep. The sleeping
infant must not be in a position where the airway may be blocked or with anything covering the infant's face.
Placing a swaddled infant down to sleep in a licensed setting is not recommended for an infant of any age
and is prohibited for any infant who has begun to roll over independently. However, with the written
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consent of a parent or guardian according to this paragraph, the staff may place the infant who has not yet
begun to roll over on its own down to sleep in a one-piece sleeper equipped with an attached system that
fastens securely only across the upper torso, with no constriction of the hips or legs, to create a swaddle.
Prior to any use of swaddling for sleep, parents must provide written consent for the infant on a form
provided by the commissioner and prepared in partnership with the Minnesota Sudden Infant Death Center.
Program Drug and Alcohol Policy
Employees, contractors and volunteers who work at Choo Choo Montessori are prohibited from abusing prescription
medications or being under the influence of alcohol or other chemicals while being responsible for children served
by the program.
Program Grievance Policy
Parents with grievances or issues about the operation of the program are encouraged to talk to or submit their
concerns in writing to the Director. Grievance forms are available at the student information area. Parents, or their
authorized representatives, should fill in the form and hand it to the Director. The Director will review the concern
and handle it in an appropriate manner (verbally or in written form) within one week.
Public displays of rudeness to staff or other parents are not tolerated at any given time. If this happens, it is grounds
for termination of the contract and a written notice will be given so that alternative care arrangements can be made.
Security
Please keep the entry door closed and locked - The purpose is to allow only those people into the center that have
business here for the safety of the children and staff at the center.
Visitors/Strangers - Any person visiting the center who does not currently have a child attending the school or is
not enrolling must sign our guest book. Strangers that are not interested in taking a tour, but are waiting for the bus
are not allowed to use the restroom and phone because we may not have enough people on staff to escort and wait
for them to finish as our primary job is to watch the children.
Statement of Affirmative Action
All children are accepted in order of request. Choo Choo Montessori does not discriminate applicants on the basis
of color, creed, handicap, national origin, economic status, race, religion or gender. Choo Choo Montessori is an
equal opportunity educator and employer. The center will accept children with physical handicaps following an
interview with the director and owner to ensure that the program will meet all the special needs of the child.
Closing Remarks
Choo Choo Montessori we strive to provide high quality early childhood education. Our staff members are hired
through a process which values parent and fellow staff respect as well as a dedication to quality care for young
children. This booklet outlines the expectations for the staff and parents of a student enrolled at our center. These
conditions have been carefully implemented to ensure a safe and friendly environment for the student to develop as a
whole.
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