Handbook

I.  Introduction

Goal -- The goal of the Rosary Academy Learning Center is to provide a stimulating environment in which children experience a sense of security and belonging while they are away from their homes.

Mission -- The mission of Rosary Academy Learning Center is to provided a comprehensive preschool/early care program in a safe, nurturing and warm environment.  We accomplish this through the expertise of a capable, caring, well-qualified teaching staff.  The staff views each child as a unique person in God’s family, possessing his or her own personal worth and dignity.  The programs at the Center endeavor to nurture all areas of each child’s development.  The Center strives to enhance an awareness of God and the loving concern of God for each child.  The personal talents and gifts of each child will be encouraged and developed through supervision of the planned and spontaneous interaction among peers and adults.  This develops a sense of identity and personal worth in each child.

Statement of Inclusion -- Rosary Academy Learning Center does not discriminate in providing services to children and their families on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage,  political beliefs or marital status.
 

II.  Access to Files

          All information on children and their families will be held in the strictest of confidence.  Each child’s file contains the application form, medical history and developmental history forms, and progress and conference reports.  Files are available to the professional staff of the Center.   

          Parents/Guardians have the right to review the child’s file by scheduling an appointment with the Director.  Although files may not be removed from the building, a request in writing may be made to have a duplicate copy.
 

III.  Transportation

          Rosary does not provide transportation; however, we do provide a school directory so that you can contact other parents who may live nearby to arrange a carpool.  Please notify the teachers and Director of all transportation arrangements and be sure to notify us of any changes. This will alleviate unnecessary anxiety and stress for the child.
 

IV.  Parking Spaces

          The condo association provides three visitor parking spaces near the playground and three at the back of the building in front of the last condos.  Parents are asked to park in these spaces (if available) when dropping off and picking up children.  This is especially important after 4:30 PM when residents of Saint Joseph Hall are returning home from work and expect to find their numbered parking space vacant.
 

V.  Teachers and Curriculum

          At Rosary, our purpose is to provide the important pathways for children to know about themselves and their world.  Rosary stresses the total child, the integration of the individual child’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth within the recognized developmental parameters.  Rosary offers an environment in which a child’s natural creativity, imagination and desire for mastery are encouraged.  At Rosary, we respect each child’s unique and special ways of growing.

          Given that developmental change is a basic fact of human existence, but that each person is also developmentally unique, and there are optimal times for particular kinds of learning, the educational experience at Rosary involves:

*   exercising and challenging the capacities of the child that are emerging at a given developmental stage
*   encouraging and helping the child to develop his or her unique pattern of interests, talents, and goals
*   presenting learning experiences when the child is developmentally best able to master, generalize, and retain that which is learned and relate it to previous experiences and future expectations.

Environment
          Of equal importance in early childhood education is environment.  Both indoors and outdoors at Rosary, the spaces and materials are geared to the children’s physical size and interests.  In planning a rich and varied environment, we select equipment and materials that allow for learning conditions conducive to the acquiring and practicing of skills; opportunities for interaction with peers; objects to manipulate, explore and master; opportunities to utilize emerging skills; and support for the child’s development of his/her own abilities.

Group Size
          Rosary is divided into four different classroom areas and children are grouped according to age and development.  The groups are as follows:    

          Each teacher at Rosary has a solid framework in child development and experience gained through training and working in the field of early childhood education with a particular age group; each is genuinely concerned about the development and well-being of young children.  The teachers fully share the philosophy, goals, and values of the program at Rosary.

          Patience, warmth, understanding of the needs and feelings of individual children as well as the group, along with the acceptance and appreciation of each child’s customs and uniqueness are qualities that are central among the staff.

          Throughout all of the groups, individual needs and interests of each child will be integrated into the curriculum, thus allowing the child to develop to his/her fullest potential.  The staff at Rosary also feels very strongly that the customs and holidays of all of the children in the Center should be equally represented.  We welcome parents’ suggestions on these subjects.  Please feel free to talk to the teachers and Director.

Progress Reports/Conferences
          Beyond daily communication, parents will receive a written report along with a conference in January; end-of-the-year progress reports are sent home in June.  Every effort will be made to accommodate parents’ requests for conferences beyond those scheduled.

Grievance Procedure
          When a parent/guardian has a classroom grievance to speak about, the following should be followed:

*   Parent/guardian addresses the concern with the appropriate person -- lead teacher or assistant
*   A decision regarding an appropriate action is agreed upon
*   A date is set within a reasonable time (usually a week or two) for a quick check-up on the action
*   The teacher or assistant puts the decision in writing and gives a copy to the parent/guardian to sign
*   A signed copy, (by the parent and teacher or assistant) is given to the parent/guardian, the teacher or assistant and the Director
*   The written decision will include the date for checking back
*   If satisfaction has not been reached the steps are repeated with the Director substituted for teacher or assistant
*   If, after going through the process with the Director, satisfaction has not been reached the chairperson of the Board of Directors will be involved
*   During this process, if conversations should be difficult, each party is invited to have a neutral third party person present during the conversation

Termination Procedure
          Situations may occur that would cause dismissal from Rosary Academy Learning Center.  They may include lack of payment, behavioral difficulties or the need for services available outside of Rosary.  Before dismissal is discussed, all avenues of referrals will be investigated.  Parents are advised to consult their copy of the referral policy of Rosary Academy Learning Center (c.f. Child Guidance Plan).  This lists the local agencies available to help a child.  In situations regarding lack of payment, all cases are discussed individually with the Director before dismissal.

          All unacceptable or unusual behavior will be documented and placed in the child’s file.  Lead teachers will discuss the problem with the Director and all methods of intervention will be attempted where necessary.

          Parents will be called for a meeting with the teacher and the Director and a behavioral plan will be implemented for implementation at home and at school.

          As a last resort, taking the safety of other children into consideration, the Director and the parents will make a mutual decision to remove the child from the Center and place him or her in the proper center for appropriate care to be given.

          The Director has the power to dismiss a child from the Center when the parents do not agree.  The Director will be looking out for the benefit of the child and will follow the discrimination guidelines.  This extreme action will not be taken unless all other interventions have failed.

          Information and referral for other services will always be available to parents.  When any child is dismissed from the Center, initiated by the Center or the parents, the staff will prepare the child for dismissal from Rosary Academy Learning Center, in a manner that is consistent to the child’s ability to understand.

Field Trips
          As a rule, Rosary does not plan field trips that require transportation.  Rather we concentrate on bringing to the Center a variety of professionals, (musicians, Science Museum etc.) who both instruct and entertain.  In this regard, we attempt to enhance and enrich our regular program.

          From time to time the children will walk, with proper supervision, around the grounds of Siena Village.  Parental permission slips for this will be signed annually.|
 

VI.  Administration

          The administration of Rosary is under the operation of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catharine, KY.  The program is operated by the Director who works with a Board of Directors. 

          The Director is primarily responsible for the daily running of the Center: staff applications and recruitment; supervision of staff; support and resources for staff; recruitment of student teachers; enrollment; equipment purchase and maintenance.  The Director is liaison with the community and other agencies and schools working with and educating young children and their families.

Licensure
          Rosary Academy Learning Center is licensed by the state of Massachusetts.

Accreditation
          Rosary is fully accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, (NAEYC).
 

VII.  Tuition and Billing

          Tuition is tabulated on a monthly basis and is due on the child’s first day of school each month with the exception of the September payment.  September’s tuition is due on or before July 15.  Once the year begins we do not send a bill; parents place the tuition payment in the designated tuition mailbox at the beginning of the month.  When a tuition payment is delinquent by two weeks, a late fee of $25.00 will be assessed to the account.  If the account remains overdue by 30 days your child will have to forfeit his/her space.  Requests for alternative tuition payment schedules should be addressed to the Director.  You are expected to pay for all days agreed upon at admission.  Make up days are not available.
 

VIII.  Hours of Operation

          Rosary is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Arrival time is between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.  Half day is considered a departure by 12:00 noon and a full day is considered a departure by 5:30 p.m.
 

IX.  Arrival and Departure 

          All at Rosary believe that daily communication between parent and teacher is vital to providing the best program for a child.  We encourage one parent to make contact with the teacher either at drop-off or pick-up time.  This will be a time to talk informally with the teacher and communicate any information that may be relevant to the child’s day, (i.e. child’s night, spouse away, relatives visiting, etc.).  Parents should assist their child in hanging up the child’s coat, putting his/her things in the cubby, and settling into the classroom. 

          Separation and good-byes can be difficult for both child and parents; however, they are extremely important.  At Rosary we encourage and welcome parents to spend as much time as needed during a child’s first week/s at the Center to aid in this transition period.  We will encourage parents to say, “Good-bye” and teachers will assist parents in helping to make the separation (cries, screams, etc.) after you have made the decision to leave.  You should feel free to call later in the day to inquire about your child.  

Departure times are as follows:

Half day program by 12:00 Noon     Full day program by 5:30 p.m. 

Lateness
          We appreciate being notified if you will be late in picking up your child.  We also request that you notify us after 9:30 a.m. if your child will be absent. 

          It is important for reasons of consistency that your child be dropped off and picked up at approximately the same time each day.  Children may arrive at opening time 7:30 a.m., but must be here by 9:00 a.m.  It is more difficult for children to come into the classroom after 9:00 a.m. because they are trying to enter a group that may have been playing together for almost an hour.  Children are working on issues of separation and how to function socially with each other.  Both of these issues become more difficult for the child to handle when they lack the time and space to work them out at their own pace.  Before 9:00 a.m. the children enjoy free play choosing activities from the entire combined classroom area.  Free play is also designed so that we have time to greet parents and children, communicate information, and help children settle into the room.  It is vital that we talk to parents because often children cannot tell us what is going on in their lives.  It is also important that you have the time to be with your child if needed before we transition to circle time. 

          Children will be dismissed only to the parent(s) who signed the application or person designated by this parent(s).  Any change in these arrangements must have a written request; a picture ID of the individual must be shown at the time of pick up.
 

X.  Birthdays

          Birthdays are treated as a very special time at Rosary.  If you would like to provide a small treat (cupcakes, cookies) for your child’s birthday, this will be fine.  If you are planning a birthday party away from school and are not planning on inviting all of the members of your child’s class, we ask that you mail the invitations rather than place them in the children’s folders.  Please remember that children are sensitive and are very aware of not receiving invitations when others do. 
 

XI.  Clothes

          Children should wear comfortable shoes and clothing which will not inhibit play whether it be running, walking, climbing, painting, or water play.  Please be sure that clothes are developmentally correct for the child so that he/she is totally independent especially when preparing to use the toilet. 

          Each child needs a complete change of clothes, socks and shoes.  Label everything with indelible marker.  We cannot be responsible for articles that are not labeled.

          Dressing for winter becomes part of the curriculum (helping children begin to do things for themselves).  Please keep this in mind when purchasing clothing.

          What to bring for morning and/or full day children:

*   Snack and lunch
*   Bag with extra clothes (including underwear, socks and shoes), [several sets, renewed regularly]
*   Diapers and wipes if applicable
*   Mittens/gloves and a hat during the cold weather season labeled with the child’s name
*   Boots and snow pants during the snowy season
*   For full day children, a pillowcase or tote bag containing a blanket, small pillow, and/or stuffed animal to sleep with (if your child uses one)
 

XII.  Snow Days

          Rosary follows the Watertown decision regarding school cancellation.  Rosary has arrangements for school cancellation to be broadcast on local TV stations, (channel 5, 7 and 25).  We will attempt to be listed as early as possible beginning at 6:00 a.m.  We suggest arranging a backup in the late fall so that you are not left in the lurch on a stormy morning with no arrangements for child care.  If there is cause to believe that weather conditions will dramatically deteriorate during the day and become extremely hazardous, parents will be notified to make every effort to have their children picked up early.
 

 XIII.  Vacation/Holidays

          Rosary will be closed for vacation during the last two weeks in August.  The Center will also be closed on the following days:  New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Patriots’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Snow Days. 
 

XIV.  Summer Program

          A summer program is offered each year.  Registration for the summer program is conducted during December with preference given to current students and recent graduates.  Enrollment for children between the ages of 4&6 1/2 is then offered to the general civic community during January. 
 

 XV.  Health and Safety

          Just like in a home, a Center is a place where illnesses can spread.  There has been little long term research on the spread of disease in children’s centers.  What we do know is that frequent hand washing by both staff and children and the isolation of a contagious child as soon as possible are the two biggest factors in keeping everyone healthy.  We also know that it is very common for a child to become ill within the first months in a center.

            We realize how difficult it is to have to miss a day or more of work to stay home with a sick child.  However, it is neither in the child’s nor the group’s and teacher’s best interest to have a sick child at school.  A sick child who requires prolonged individual staff attention interferes with the safety and normal functioning of the group.  If a child is sick (temperature of 99.5 or above), we will call the parents and ask them to take the child home as soon as possible.  If the staff cannot make a decision as to whether the child should stay in school or return home, (i.e. no fever but the child does not seem to be feeling well, is crying for no known reason or seems generally uncomfortable,) the staff will call the parents, discuss their concerns and together make the best decision for the child.  Before returning to the Center, a child should be fever-free (without the aid of a fever reducer) for at least twenty-four hours.  If a child comes down with Chicken Pox, he/she cannot return to the Center until all pox marks have dried up (usually a week).  A note from a doctor or health department is needed for readmittance.

Snack/Lunch/Allergies
Rosary is a nut-free facility.

          A light morning snack and lunch is provided by the family.  We are able to heat foods in a microwave.  The Center provides snack for the children who remain for the afternoon. 

          Any food allergies should be mentioned to the teachers.  Notice of severe food allergies will be posted in the classroom so that all personnel are aware of the condition.

Medication
          We will dispense prescription medication that the physician and parent have approved in writing.  Rosary will accept a blanket permission for Tylenol signed by a doctor.  Please bring medication in a child proof container labeled by the pharmacy and hand it to the teacher.  The teacher will give you a medication form to fill out.  After the medication is finished, we will keep the form in your child’s file.
 

XVI.  Parent Involvement

          Rosary encourages a strong working relationship between teachers and parents.  We stress open communication and close collaboration.  Daily summaries of what stories/activities/events occurred during the day will be provided to parents.  Prior to the beginning of the month, families receive a calendar of upcoming events and a newsletter entitled Rosary Roundup.   

            We encourage parents to let us know about any incident, no matter how small, that may occur at home to help us further understand your child.  We handle all such communications in complete confidentiality, but we also handle them with professionals skills that often help children sort out unknown and confused feelings.

Outreach Projects
          Throughout the year we will focus on various civic community involvement projects.  In the past we have had drives for local food pantries, the Red Cross, battered women’s shelters, etc.  All participation is strictly on a voluntary basis.  We do feel that these projects foster a caring spirit among the young along with supporting the mission of the Dominican Sisters who sponsor this program.

Guest Readers
          We welcome parents/ grandparents/relatives to come and read to their child’s class.  Parents and the child usually choose a favorite book from home to be read and shared with the class.

Special Events
          During the year programs may be offered for the parents.  In the past we have offered a Back to School Night, Grandparent’s Day, Christmas Program, Mother’s Day Coffee and Father’s Day Coffee. 

Fundraisers
          The operating budget is supported by fundraisers.  Every effort is made to space these events throughout the year.  Parent support is welcome both by participation in the fundraiser and/or organizational work related to it.
 

 XVII. Conclusion

          We hope that you have found this handbook helpful.  It is our hope that it will aid in your child’s transition from home to school.  Our staff is always available to answer your questions or to assist you in any way.  Parents are welcome to visit at any time.  We look forward to a pleasant preschool experience for both you and your children.

          Included with this handbook is a signature paper indicating that you have received the handbook, understand the contents and will abide by the school policies..  Please sign the paper and return it to your child’s teacher.