Family Handbook 2018-2019

12 Backpacks Due to both safety and storage considerations, backpacks are discouraged. Totes or other pliable carrying cases must be able to be folded and stored in classroom cubbies. The dimensions of cubbies are: 13” D x 11” W x 9.5” H. Birthday Celebrations We welcome sharing in your family’s celebrations such as your child’s birthday which may be celebrated in school with a special snack or activity. To support our culture of wellness and to help children learn about and enjoy healthy foods, we ask that you do not bring cake, cupcakes, candy, or other sugary foods or drinks to school as a birthday treat. Healthy alternatives such as fruit salads, pancakes, smoothies, whole grain tortilla chips with salsa, bean dips with vegetables, or crackers with cheese cubes are some great ideas. We also strongly encourage you to celebrate your child with his/her classmates with special non-food focused activities. For example, your child can select a favorite book for you to read to the class; your child and class can plant something in our garden; or you and your child can participate in a fun class activity together to mark this special occasion. If you plan a private birthday celebration outside of school time, please email invitations directly to families rather than distributing them in children’s cubbies. Birthday entertainment such as clowns, puppet shows, and petting zoos are not able to be accommodated in our program schedule and due to choking hazard, latex balloons are not permitted in our programs (Mylar balloons are acceptable). Change of Clothing Accidents and spills will happen so please send a complete, labeled change of clothes in a labeled, zippered plastic bag to keep in the classroom. This includes shoes, socks, and underwear. Please remember to change this set of clothing as the seasons change and your child grows. Changes in Program Options (Preschool) All program, day, and/or time changes are to be approved by the director of the preschool. Parents are permitted to add days of attendance if space permits. Changes in Student Information Any changes in home or work addresses and telephone numbers, must be given to the business office or front desk as soon as possible. Please ask the business office for the appropriate forms to complete. Child Abuse Policy In 1974, Congress passed the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), to provide federal standards and minimum state guidelines for child abuse investigation and protection. The Mailman Segal Center informs its employees about the indications of abuse, the state’s laws regarding employees’ status as mandatory reporters, and procedures for reporting to the school and to the state.