Mandel JCC Early Childhood Parent Handbook by MandelJCCofCleveland

Mandel JCC Early Childhood

Parent Handbook 8 Weeks – Pre-K

Conscious Discipline Philosophy

Vision Statement

Early Childhood Full Day & Half Day Programs For Children 8 weeks Through Pre-K Monday through Friday 7:30 am-5 pm We welcome you and your child to the Mandel Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood program. To ensure that your child will realize the maximum benefits of our program, please familiarize yourself with our goals, procedures, policies and educational philosophy.

The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center is committed to excellence in Early Care and Education. Our program is inspired by Jewish traditions and values, strengthened by active parent involvement and guided by a dedicated team of early childhood professionals. Teachers build trusting relationships that support each child’s individuality, creativity and potential to learn. Classroom environments provide sacred spaces for children to explore and discover on their own and within a group. Children, teachers and parents represent a diverse community with a school program that is committed to enriching everyday living and learning.

Conscious Discipline is a social and emotional philosophy that provides the insights to increase a teacher’s skill set for self-management and classroom leadership. Conscious Discipline provides a relationshipbased model of classroom management with the “school family” being at the core of the program. In turn, this creates the school culture upon which all subsequent learning is built. Conscious Discipline is built on the following three premises: • Adult self-awareness and adult emotional intelligence has a profound impact on others. Our teachers are aware of their own thoughts and feelings and maintain a sense of calm and well-being even when children cannot. When adults manage their own frustration and anger, they are teaching children emotional self-management skills. In this way, adult composure teaches children how to behave and provides a healthy model for children to emulate.

Our Curriculum Our curriculum is built on our image of the child as a competent and capable individual with the potential to construct his or her own knowledge about the world in which we live. We are guided by developmentally appropriate practices and believe that it is through the passionate pursuit of play that children focus on their interests and make meaning of the world.

• Conflict is an opportunity to teach. While most people instinctively try to avoid conflict, we see it as an opportunity to teach a missing skill. At school, children develop the confidence to approach conflict directly and learn strategies to handle a variety of different situations. While few people find problems and conflicts pleasurable, children learn to see these obstacles as a manageable part of everyday life.

Constructivism and emergent curriculum, together with Jewish values, provide the core principles of our approach to early childhood education. Constructivism asserts that children create knowledge and internalize values as a result of interacting with their physical and social world. Emergent curriculum builds on the interests of the children and is guided by the teacher’s deep knowledge of child development. Literacy, science and mathematical concepts are woven into the natural work of the classroom.

Please read your Parent Handbook carefully and keep it handy for reference during the school year. We look forward to a wonderful year with your child.

26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122 216-831-0700 • Fax: 216-831-7799 • www.mandeljcc.org 2

• Connectedness governs behavior. We understand the importance of building an emotionally safe environment for children so they can learn. When teachers establish warm and mutually respectful relationships with children, children remain open to being influenced and guided by their teachers. Similarly, when children learn to respect their own uniqueness and the uniqueness of others, they begin to appreciate how pleasurable it is to play and work with others.

Jewish values include concepts of respect, honoring others and taking care of our community and environment. We reflect Jewish culture by integrating values, traditions and customs into the curriculum through music, language, literature, expressive arts, cooking and play.

Early Childhood Classes

Additional Spaces and Specials In addition to their classrooms, all children have the opportunity to spend time in The J’s various outdoor spaces and in the Studio. Children in our Toddler and Preschool programs visit the gym often for gross motor activities. During their time in our program, infant, toddlers and children in the Threes classes will spend time interacting with a movement specialist. Children in the Threes and PreK classes will participate in weekly instructional swim lessons.

Infant and Toddler Care – for children 8 weeks -36 months Warm and nurturing environments provide quality full time care for infants and toddlers. Teacher/child ratios are low to support individualized care.

Program Descriptions

Classes for Three’s and Pre-K Classroom experiences help children forge independence, develop friendships, and enhance skill development. They are structured to meet the needs of the individual as well as the group at large. Literacy-rich environments encourage children to develop language skills at their own pace. Art and music are integrated into the daily routines. Children are introduced to Jewish customs and traditions through songs, stories and other hands-on learning. A thoughtful rich school experience helps children acquire valuable skills that will assist them now and in the years to follow, and help them to develop a natural love of learning.

Operations Summer Program – Playland Day Camp The summer program encourages outdoor exploration and engagement with nature. The emphasis shifts from spending the majority of time inside the classroom, as reflected during the school year – to the great outdoors. Children use the indoor space as their “home base” – but attention and energy is directed outside. Classroom resources are reduced along with decorative embellishments. The summer curriculum reflects the following: • Theme-based explorations • Community entertainers • Picnic-style lunches • Outdoor enrichment including: – Soccer – Shabbat – Gardening – Swimming – Sprayground

Operations The Mandel JCC provides care and education for children year-round. The program is closed to families for a time period in June as classes transition from the school year to summer programming and in August as classes transition from the summer to the next school year. Calendar Year The school calendar includes both the academic year and the summer session. Although these programs take place within and outside the Early Childhood corridor, there is an intentional difference. Academic Program The academic program reflects the formality of traditional school. Classrooms are thoughtfully adorned with all of the accoutrements that support meaningful engagement. Abundant time and energy is spent defining and creating the indoor space since much of what occurs during the school year takes place indoors. The following approaches to learning comprise the academic curriculum: •C hild-centered learning (supported by well-equipped classroom learning centers) • Teacher-directed experiences (supported by teacher provocations often connected to the holidays and seasons) • E mergent learning (inspired by the children’s interests and curiosities) •P roject learning (inspired by the children’s in-depth explorations) • E nrichment experiences (supported by outside specialists) in the following areas: – Gardening/Science – Music – Yoga – Art and Materials Exploration – Swimming – Movement/Dance – Community Shabbat

Licensing Rosters of the names, telephone numbers and addresses of the parent or guardians of the children attending the facility are available upon request. The parent roster will not include the name, telephone number or address of any parent who requests that his/her name or telephone number not be included.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services CENTER PARENT INFORMATION REQUIRED BY OHIO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE The facility is licensed to operate legally by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. This license is posted in a conspicuous place for review.

The licensing inspection reports and complaint investigation reports, for the current licensing period, are posted in a conspicuous place in the facility for review.

A toll-free telephone number is listed on the facility’s license and may be used to report a suspected violation of the licensing law or administrative rules. The licensing law and rules governing child care are available for review at the facility upon request.

The licensing record including compliance report forms, complaint investigation reports, and evaluation forms from the building and fire departments are available for review upon request from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The department’s website is: http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc.

The administrator and each employee of the facility is required, under Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, ORC, to report their suspicions of child abuse or child neglect to the local public children’s services agency.

It is unlawful for the facility to discriminate in the enrollment of children upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin or disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 104 Stat. 32, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.

Any parent, custodian or guardian of a child enrolled in the facility shall be permitted unlimited access to the facility during all hours of operation for the purpose of contacting their children, evaluating the care provided by the facility or evaluating the premises. Upon entering the premises, the parent or guardian shall notify the Administrator of his/her presence.

This information must be given in writing to all parents, guardians and employees as required in 5101: 2-12-30 of the Ohio Administrative Code.

Admission Procedure

Admissions & Registration

Health and Medical Forms Each child must have the following signed forms in his/her file by the time of entry and annually thereafter: A medical exam form signed by a physician or nurse practitioner within 30 days of the child’s date of admission. An Enrollment Form must be in the child’s records for the first day of attendance. The enrollment form includes emergency contact information as well as permission to include parents/guardians names and information on a school roster. An administration of medication form and health care plan signed and dated by a physician for children who need medicine, vitamins or adhere to a special diet. If a child requires medication that is formally documented, the medication must be available at the center by the time the child begins school. Chapter 5104 of the Ohio Revised Code and Rule 5101:2-12-36 of the Ohio Administrative Code: “No medication, vitamin or special diet can be administered unless instructions to administer such items are written, signed and dated by a licensed physician and are prescribed for a specific child.”

• Parent or legal guardian visits the Early Childhood Department and meets with the Director or Assistant Director on a scheduled tour. Virtual tours are also offered for parents or legal guardians living out of town or who would prefer to meet virtually. • A registration form and questionnaire, accompanied with a non-refundable deposit and registration fee are required to process a registration form. (The nonrefundable deposit is applied to the cost of tuition.) Fees and Billing Information The Mandel JCC is a nonprofit social service agency. Our fees and annual increases cover the costs to operate an excellent and safe program for young children. Fees are established by the administrative staff as advised by the Board of Trustees. The fees take into consideration absences, building closures, holidays, vacations and snow days, etc. There are no fee adjustments for these closings or for family vacations. Membership Rate Early Childhood families qualify for a special discounted Frequent Family membership. This special rate requires an annual membership commitment and families must have a current membership throughout the year. Young Family Programming Members are not eligible for a reduced fee. For information about Frequent Family membership, please contact the Membership Desk at 216-831-0700, ext 0.

We will ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including: · Administering medication to children with disabilities. · Administering care procedures to children with disabilities. Immunization Policy The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center recognizes that immunization prevents the occurrence and spread of certain communicable diseases. The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center, as required by the OAC 5101:2-12-15 and in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, requires that all children enrolled in our program are immunized.

Payment Plans The Mandel JCC offers families different payment options to cover the cost of tuition. A family must remain current with their payment plan to maintain a child in the program. Delinquent accounts may result in a child’s dismissal. Payment plans begin before services are rendered and conclude prior to the end of the academic year.

The immunization record must be documented on the Child Medical Statement for Child Care form (ODJFS 01305). This form must be completed annually and all immunizations must be kept current. 9

Policies & Procedures

Potty Mastery

Meals and Snacks

Children must be toilet trained to be admitted to both the half-day and full-day 3’s and Pre-K program for the school year and the summer. Potty training is not required for the Toddler care program.

Lunch packed by parents should provide one third of the child’s recommended daily dietary allowance. It should include, at a minimum, one food from the meat-equivalent group, the bread/bread alternatives group, the milk group, and two foods from the fruit/vegetable group. Your child’s packed lunch, which does not need to be kosher, will not be shared by any other children. Your child’s lunch must be nut-free.

Arrival/Departure Half-day School Only Children should arrive no earlier than a few minutes before class time and be picked up promptly at dismissal time. If a parent anticipates a late pick up, the school must be alerted.

Kosher is the popular name for the Kashruth dietary laws, a discipline of the Jewish faith set forth in the Old Testament. Any food provided by the Mandel JCC is kosher. The laws of Kashruth have enriched Jewish life and helped to preserve Jewish identify for thousands of years. Jewish dietary laws divide all food into three classifications: • Those that are inherently kosher and may be eaten in their natural state: grains, fruit, vegetables, tea, coffee, etc. • Those that require some form of processing to be kosher, such as meat or poultry. • Those that are inherently not kosher: pork products, the meat from carnivorous animals and birds, shellfish and meat from fish without scales or fins.

A child WILL NOT be released to anyone other than a parent without permission from the parent. A picture I.D. is required. If the child is to go home with another child, the school or teachers must receive permission from the parent. Full-day Children Only The school day is long for both children and adults who attend and work in a full-day program. Therefore, all parents are expected to adhere closely to the program hours. Families will be charged a dollar a minute for late pick up – regardless of the reason. If a child is picked up late three times, the fee will increase to five dollars a minute every time thereafter. This fee covers the cost of maintaining staff after hours. Please note that you will not need to pay the office directly as this fee will be charged to your credit card on file. If the parent/guardian is frequently tardy, a meeting with the Director will be arranged.

Allergies Food allergies are becoming increasingly common. If your child suffers from any type of food allergy or food sensitivity, please inform the office and your child’s teachers. Additionally, a health care plan must be kept on file. The parent is responsible for providing any additional food substitutions that are necessary to complete the affected child’s diet. There is no sharing of food that is brought from home. A credit is not issued to parents who provide their own snacks.

Absences The teachers are directly responsible for each child in the group. Attendance is taken daily to verify your child’s presence. Please call if your child will be absent. To report an absence, call 216-593-6275.

We are a nut-free facility. Please do not send any peanuts, nut butter or foods containing nuts to school. We will not do any classroom projects that involve using peanuts or tree nuts. If your child eats peanut butter for breakfast, please make sure that his/her hands are washed with soap and water before leaving for school. 11

Birthdays

Outdoor Play

At school we honor and acknowledge children on their birthday. Each class expresses this differently. Your child’s teachers will share their class traditions with you. Please do not bring sweet snacks including cakes, cookies and cupcakes to school for your child’s birthday. Additionally, please do not bring party favors to school or provide party entertainment for the class on your child’s special day. Instead, we ask you to consult with your child’s teachers and come up with a mutually agreed upon plan.

Research has shown that children stay healthier when they have daily outdoor play. Based on this information and state requirements, outdoor play will be included in our program on a daily basis. We will limit the amount of time outside when the temperatures are very warm or very cold. Children will not be taken outside when the temperature (wind chill and heat index factored in) drop below 20 degrees or rise above 90 degrees. If the situation requires, we will also adjust outdoor time due to rain, threatening weather, ozone warnings, etc. On days that outdoor play is not provided due to these conditions, we will include a time for indoor gross motor activities. Please send your children with the proper clothing so they may be comfortable and safe whenever we are outside. This includes the following:

We hope parents will approach out-of-school celebrations with sensitivity to the needs of all children. While we know that some families prefer small, intimate gatherings with only a few children present, invitations and/or thank you notes can be passed out at school only when the entire class is included.

Wintertime: Children should bring snow pants, boots, mittens and warm outer jackets to school every day. Warmer Months: Lightweight jackets may be necessary. Sandals are unsafe for playing and outdoor climbing. Extra Clothes: Energetic participation at school can often be messy. Be sure to provide a complete change of clothes for your child. They will be stored in the classroom. This should include a top, bottom, underwear and socks. Extra shoes are helpful as well. Please label all items.

Clothing Please dress your child in appropriate school clothes. Clothes get dirty and occasionally torn at play. Your child needs sturdy, not fancy clothing. Comfortable tops, pants, dresses or skirts are usually the best choices. To promote independence, the clothes should fit freely and have easy fasteners. Tennis shoes or rubber-soled shoes help a child feel secure in the gym or on the playground. A complete change of clothes should be kept at school. Please make sure each piece of clothing is clearly labeled with your child’s name. The Mandel JCC is not responsible for lost or misplaced toys, jewelry, clothing, hair accessories or any other personal property brought in or worn by your child.

Accident and Emergency Procedures

Field Trips/Transportation of Children

The Mandel JCC has devised several procedures to follow if an emergency occurs while a child is in the center’s care. In the event of a fire or tornado, staff would follow the written instructions posted in each classroom describing emergency evacuation routes. In order to prepare children for the unlikely need to evacuate, the Mandel JCC conducts monthly fire drills and periodic tornado drills.

The Mandel JCC will not transport children in emergency situations. If a child requires transportation, the parent or the emergency squad will be contacted. Field Trips Our plan for safety whenever children are transported from the Mandel JCC on field trips, special outings or routine trips is as follows: • A person trained in first-aid is available on each field trip or special outing.

Should we need to evacuate due to fire or weather conditions, or the loss of power, heat or water to the center, the children will evacuate to the Arts and Crafts building. A sign will be posted on the school entrance indicating that we have been evacuated and the location where you can pick up your child. If a parent cannot be reached, we will contact the emergency contacts as listed on your child’s enrollment information.

• A traveling first aid kit is always taken. • Before departing the Mandel JCC, a count will be taken of all of the children, and they will be marked on a separate attendance sheet, specifically created for the trip. Upon arrival at the destination, another count will be taken to assure that all of the children have safely arrived. This process will be repeated upon leaving the destination, and returning to the Mandel JCC.

In the unlikely event there would be an environmental threat or a threat of violence, the staff will secure the children in the safest location possible, contact and follow the directions given by the proper authorities and contact the parents as soon as the situation allows.

• During the course of field trips, each adult will have specific children that they are responsible for supervising. Before any child participates in a field trip, the center will obtain written permission from the parent or guardian. The permission slip includes: the child’s name, destination, approximate time of departure and return, signature and date parent signed and the date of the field trip.

In any event, an incident/injury report is provided to the parents on the day when an accident or injury occurs.

Pets

• Parents who are transporting children on field trips have to meet and maintain the child restraint system requirements and have a current driver’s license and liability insurance. Parents will be informed as to who is driving which children.

Pets are not allowed in the school or outdoor play spaces without prior written parental consent for every child present in the space. In accordance with ODJFS licensing rules, all pets shall be properly housed, cared for, licensed and inoculated. All local and state ordinances governing the keeping of animals (exotic or domesticated) shall be followed and updated as required.

Verification of license and compliance with local and state requirements and inoculations, for each pet requiring such license or inoculations, or regulated by local or state government must be on file at the center.

Swimming and Water Safety

Rosters Rosters that include names, telephone numbers and addresses of parents of enrolled children are available upon request. Parents must sign a release allowing their family names, telephone numbers and addresses to be distributed to other parents in their child’s classroom.

A permission slip must be signed by the parent/guardian in order for children to participate in play activities in bodies of water two feet or more in depth. Children are supervised by Early Childhood staff along with Red Cross certified lifeguards and water safety instructors.

Custody of Children

Any custodial parent or guardian of a child enrolled in an early childhood program shall be permitted unlimited access to the center during hours of operation for the purposes of contacting their child(ren) or evaluating the care or the premises. A parent of a child enrolled at the center who is not the child’s residential parent shall be permitted unlimited access to the center and be afforded the same rights as the residential parent unless there is court documentation limiting access and conditions of the nonresidential parent. Upon entering the center, the parent or guardian shall notify the administrator or designee of their presence.

Reporting Abuse and Neglect Our staff is trained to recognize child abuse and neglect. Under Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, employees and administrators are required to report any suspected cases of abuse or neglect.

Screening and Assessments The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center completes both screenings and assessments, and data is reported to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS). Data obtained from screenings and assessments may be used for other purposes such as supporting families in linking a child to additional resources such as for mental/behavioral health or to obtain an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

School Closings Weather Related Closings

The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center strives to remain open despite inclement weather. We understand that the child care services provided by our program are a necessity for many of our working families.

If our half-day and/or full-day programs are closed due to the weather, the information will be communicated to parents via text, Kaymbu, e-mail or by phone. Our school is also listed as “Mandel JCC – Beachwood” on WKYC, Channel 3 for any school closings.

Extreme Cold It is unusual for our program to close due to extreme cold since children are transported to and from school by a designated adult, not by school buses. A child’s attendance at school, especially in extreme weather conditions, is always at the parent’s discretion.

Other Closings The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center is closed for major Jewish and national holidays. A calendar is sent to all parents before the beginning of the school year. The Early Childhood program is also closed for two weeks over Winter Break and one week over Passover Break. Parents have the option to enroll their children for Winter and Spring Vacation Camps run through the Early Childhood Department during these closures in order to secure coverage while the school is closed.

Heavy Snow Again, we do our best to remain open as long as staff can safely travel to school. It is possible that during extreme weather conditions, the half-day program will be closed and the full-day program will remain open in accordance with staffing availability.

Transition Protocols Infants

• Children transition into new classes at the end of the academic year or at the start of the new school year with other children in their class

Children remain in the infant program through the onset of their enrollment until they are age eligible to enter into the Toddler Program at 18 months.

Transition Protocols

Parent Supports: Pre-Matriculation: • Teachers contact parents before a child’s matriculation – Information about the child/family is exchanged to support a smooth transition • Teacher bios are sent to parents – Parent-teacher rapport and trust is being cultivated • Classroom Visits – Parents/child are encouraged to make three visits, when possible, before full matriculation occurs. – Visits last varying lengths of time ranging from 30 minutes to a full day and include exposure to the following: • Classroom exploration • Outdoor play • Snack • Enrichment class • Circle time • Discovery time

Transition Supports: • Teachers call parents before a child’s matriculation and information about the child/family is exchanged to support a smooth transition • Teacher bios are sent to parents to build parent-teacher rapport and cultivate trust • Meet and Greet – Parents are encouraged to visit the classroom with their child and meet the staff before the first day of enrollment • Classroom visit- Teachers and parents may create a transition schedule designed to meet both the child and parents needs in which arrangements can be made for a parent/caregiver to spend time (schedule to be mutually determined between parents and teachers) with the child in the classroom to help them get acclimated before they formally separate from one another. • A special lovey is given to each child before they begin that will ultimately remain in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to snuggle with the lovey as their scent will comfort and connect the child to them even when they are physically apart.

Transition Schedule: • Teachers and parents create a transition schedule designed to meet both the child’s and parents’ needs. – The following is a recommended transition plan. It is always tailored for each child and family. Day One: • Child visits for a couple of hours in the morning and experiences classroom discovery time and gross motor play before getting picked up

Transition Protocols Toddlers

Day Two: • Child arrives in the morning and experiences classroom discovery time, gross motor play, the classroom special and stays for lunch

Children remain in their classroom from the onset of enrollment, through the end of the academic year, in mid-June or the beginning of the academic year, mid-August.

Day Three: • Child arrives in the morning and experiences classroom discovery time, gross motor play, the classroom special, lunch and stays for nap; recommended pick-up time immediately following nap

Transition Goals To support children’s healthy attachment to the teachers/caregivers and strong affiliation to their peer group: • Children do not transition at random times during the academic year.

Transition Protocols 3’s & Pre-K

Day Four: •C hild experiences a full day in the toddler program

Children transition two times during the school year. 1. At the beginning of the academic year 2. At the beginning of the summer session • This intentional practice is designed to support children’s natural attachment to their caregivers/teachers and a strong and healthy affiliation to their peer group.

Child Supports: •A special book is given to each child before they begin • E ach child receives a plastic photo album for parents to fill with family photos – This helps connect children to their parents and family even when they are physically apart • A photo of the classroom teachers is sent to each child’s home – This helps keep the children connected to their teachers in the place where they are most familiar and comfortable • Each child receives a stuffed heart photo pillow – A family picture is inserted in the pillow. This provides children with a soft, tangible object to hold and a visual connection to their parents

What this means: • Children are with the same summer teacher and peer group for the duration of the school year • Children are with the same teacher/ counselor for the duration of the summer program • At transition periods (both at the start of the school year and at the start of summer session) children are placed with both new and familiar friends • All children transition at the same time • Specific rituals and programs are put in place to support smooth and healthy transitions

Toddlers New Class Placement Transitions: General: Children in the toddler program transition into a new class at the end of the school year or at the start of the school year. •C hildren transition with both new and familiar friends •C hildren transition into an older toddler class or a 3’s class, depending upon their birthdate

Start of school year transition supports: Parent Supports: Written information – Parents complete the following two forms before the start of school: • Parent Goals – (parents identify the goals they have for their child during the academic year) • Child Profile – (specific information about the child and family)

Transition Preparation: The following exposure occurs before transitioning into a new class. •C hildren visit the class where they will be transitioning to with their current teachers – Children spend time with the “new teaching team” both in their current class and pending new class •N ew teachers read to children in their current class • Children have snack and playtime in their new class • Toddler teachers combine classes out on the playground and during extended day to support camaraderie and familiarity among children and staff

Parent Open House Night (held within the first two months from the start of school) • Parents attend an informational meeting to learn about the school year – including the school calendar, curriculum and details about the classroom community

End of school year transitions: 3’s social – for all children and their families • Butterflies are released • Food is provided or brought in • Opportunities are provided for social engagement and entertainment

Teacher Biographies (sent to parents before the start of school) • These create a connection between parents and teachers before a more authentic rapport has been established • These biographies include both personal and professional information about the teachers and typically reflect the following: – Number of years in the teaching profession – Number of years at the Mandel JCC – Teacher’s philosophy and passion for the profession – Hobbies and or interests

Pre-K Honoring Ceremony • Musical performance and reflections video • Written acknowledgment of each child (i.e. – “I appreciate…”) • Refreshments Classroom Visits • 3’s visit the Pre-K classes and meet the teaching teams (most children know these teachers already) • Children document similarities and differences between their classrooms and Pre-K classrooms Kindergarten Guests • Teachers will introduce the topic of Transition to Kindergarten by sharing past “friends” fears, excitements and experiences • Teachers realize that their students have big feelings around the upcoming transition. They introduce conversation, puppet shows and role-playing to help children express their feelings and alleviate their concerns. • Picture books are read to children about starting Kindergarten

Child supports: Welcome Book – handed out to students before the start of school Meet-and Greet – held on the Friday before the first day of school • Children drop by their classroom to see the space and meet their teachers Picture Composite – Children receive a composite photo of each classmate by the end of the first week of school • Names are printed by each child’s picture • Children are encouraged to identify classmates by name to help build social rapport

Start of summer transition supports: • Playland Day Camp orientation materials Meet-and-Greet – held on the Friday or Sunday that precedes the start of camp – children see their camp group space and meet their summer camp teachers

Phone Calls to Parents – Teachers review the above-identified forms and then call parents • These calls provide an opportunity for teachers to introduce themselves to parents – The purpose of these calls is to help teachers develop a meaningful rapport with parents, create a personal connection and share relevant information that supports each child’s smooth and comfortable transition to school

Child Guidance and Management

• Teachers and parents will collaborate on a plan of action including any individualized strategies or supports that will be implemented at school.

The discipline at the Mandel JCC helps children to self-regulate and manage both their bodies and words in an age appropriate manner. Teachers use positive intent along with quiet, reassuring tones to help redirect poorly guided behavior. Children are offered safe, alternative choices and ongoing adult support in order to handle frustrating and/ or difficult situations. In addition, teachers thoughtfully prepare children for changes and transitions that occur throughout the school day.

• Teachers will document incidents of disruptive/defiant behavior and keep parents informed of a child’s progress. Grounds for Potential Suspension If behavioral improvement is not noted, the parents will conference with the school Director; the Director may encourage the family to seek outside professional assistance and my ask that the child does not return to school until that assistance has been arranged.

If a child demonstrates any sort of behavior that requires frequent “extra attention” from a teacher or staff member, the following steps will be taken: • Team teachers consult to identify and discuss the observed behaviors. Teachers will evaluate if the disruptive behaviors appear to be provoked by a person, place or situation.

Grounds for Potential Expulsion • Every attempt will be made to work collaboratively with the parents and child. However, when a child’s behavior becomes so disruptive that a staff member’s focused attention becomes consistently monopolized, which compromises the safety and well-being of other children, and especially if the parents are unwilling to seek outside assistance, the child may be asked to leave the program. The safety and well-being of all our children is always our primary concern.

• Teachers will communicate behavioral observations to parents; this may take place through e-mails, telephone conferencing, Zoom meetings or a face-to-face conference.

Parent Participation Parent Conferences

Parents are encouraged to participate in school whenever possible. Opportunities include: • Parent education programs and social events • Class socials • School-wide programs and events • School fundraising efforts • Classroom helper/volunteer opportunities

Telephone conferences are held in the fall. Yearly parent conferences are held in the winter. Parents are encouraged to bring concerns up when they occur. We want to encourage and support a strong partnership between home and school. Your child’s teachers and the Director are available to discuss a child’s progress or needs at any time. However, due to staff responsibilities and schedules, parents may be asked to make appointments with staff when it is necessary to engage in any lengthy conversations.

Safety and Illness Communicable Disease Policy

Parents of other children who have been exposed to a child who is ill will be notified by the office in writing.

The administrator will periodically review with all staff members the signs and symptoms of illness and proper handwashing and disinfecting procedures. This review will be given to each new employee and discussed at staff meetings.

Medication for any child will be administered only when a parent has filled out the Administration of Medication form and staff have been effectively trained on administering the medication. Children who require vitamins or a special diet will need specific instructions, written, signed and dated by a physician, according to Chapter 5104:2-12-36 of the Ohio Administrative Code.

No staff member will come to work if they exhibit signs of communicable disease or illness. Staff members may be required to bring a physician’s note to return to work.

Children will be isolated and a parent or legal guardian will be contacted for the following reasons: Diarrhea, severe coughing (whooping), yellow skin or eyes, conjunctivitis (redness of eye, discharge, matted eyelashes, burning, itching), 100 degree temperature, cough, new onset of a severe headache, new loss of smell and taste, signs of respiratory distress, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, infected skin patches, stiff neck, dark urine or grey or white stool, sore throat, vomiting, nits, lice or scabies, or unusual rashes and rapid or difficulty breathing. Parents will be called for any of these symptoms and decisions regarding discharging a child will be determined by the administrator and coordinated with the parent.

A staff member will be available to observe all children as they enter their group and will notify the parent or guardian if the child exhibits signs of communicable disease or illness and will not be permitted to enter the program that day. A child suspected of having a communicable disease or illness will be provided a cot and blanket and will be isolated from the group. The child will remain in the office or in a quiet area of the classroom under the care of an early childhood staff member. No child will be left unsupervised. Children will be re-admitted to the program when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the assistance of medication, not exhibiting signs of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours or have a note signed by their physician stating that they are no longer contagious.

Mildly ill children will be observed within the group, and observed for worsening conditions. These symptoms may include muscle aches and pain, sore throat, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and nasal congestion or a runny nose.

The Communicable Disease Chart is located in the office.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)

The Mandel JCC offers a program that enhances a child’s view of Jewish identity. We do this through a variety of “hands-on” experiences, including weekly Shabbat celebrations and Jewish holiday explorations.

The holiest day of the Jewish New Year is the Day of Judgment. This is a solemn day when we ask God for forgiveness for any wrong deeds that we may have done in the past year. Jews go to the synagogue and fast for the entire day to be able to focus on prayer and repentance.

Children who are not Jewish are acknowledged for their beliefs, and can use their Mandel JCC experience to learn about other religions. Mutual respect and understanding are cornerstones for a successful future.

Jewish Content

Sukkot (Feast of Booths)

The Jewish Holidays

This eight day festival has an agricultural and historical significance. Historically, it commemorates the wandering of the Jews in the desert after their Exodus from Egypt. They lived in temporary shelters – “Sukkah.” Agriculturally, it celebrates the last harvest of the year. Some people correlate it with Thanksgiving. Some families build a Sukkah at their home and eat meals in it. The Sukkah has an open roof so the stars can be seen.

Jewish holidays are based upon the lunar calendar. The year is 354 days and the months are Hebrew. This explains why the Jewish holidays do not fall in the same secular dates each year. Holidays begin at sunset prior to the first full day of the holiday and end at sunset.

Rosh Hashanah (New Year)

Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret

The Jewish New year usually occurs in September or October. Unlike the secular New Year, this is a very holy time for the Jewish people. It is the beginning of a time of soul searching and self-evaluation when we are being judged by God. We wish each other a happy, healthy and sweet New Year and hope they will be written into the Book of Life. Symbolic foods are apples and honey for a sweet New Year and round challah to signify a crown like the kingship of God. Jews go to the synagogue. Most Reform Jews celebrate for one day, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox Jews celebrate for two days.

During each Sabbath we read another section of the five books of Moses or the Torah. This holiday marks the completion of reading the Torah with the book of Deuteronomy and the starting over with the beginning of Genesis.

Chanukah

Pesach (Passover)

The Hebrew word “Chanukah” means “dedication” to represent the rededication of the Holy Temple that was destroyed by the Greeks. The small army of Jews led by Judah Maccabee was victorious over the Greek armies and won the right to religious freedom. When the Temple was cleansed, oil was found and thought to be enough for only one day but a miracle happened and it lasted for eight days. Jews light the Chanukah menorah or “Chanukiyah,” the eight branched candelabra with a ninth candle called the shamash. Children play dreidel, which is a four-sided top, and the traditional food is potato latkes or pancakes and jelly donuts.

Passover marks the beginning of spring and commemorates the exodus of the Jews from the slavery of Egypt. It lasts eight days. The central celebration is the Seder, which means “order.” This is done at home around the dinner table and re-tells the exodus story in its entirety, which is written in the Haggadah. There are many foods symbolic of the events that occurred including matzah – unleavened bread. There are separate laws regarding Kashrut – the dietary laws for Passover.

Tu B’Shevat The Jewish Arbor Day. It is celebrated in the winter because in Israel spring is beginning.

Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Israel is the Jewish homeland where any Jew is welcome.

Purim

Shavuot

Israel Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut)

Shavuot celebrates the time when Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. We eat dairy foods and decorate the synagogue with flowers and greenery.

Purim commemorates the bravery of Queen Esther and her uncle (some say cousin) Mordechai to save the Jewish people from destruction by the wicked Prime Minister Haman. This is a day of fun and merriment. There are carnivals and people dress in costumes. There is a custom of giving gifts called “shalach manot.” We eat three cornered filled cookies called hamantaschen.

Additional Information Mothers are welcome to breastfeed or pump at the center. Please let us know if you would like this option and we will make arrangements.

FOR INFORMATION

Contact the Early Childhood Office at 216-593-6275

YO U R C O M M U N I T Y B Y

D E S I G N

26001 South Woodland Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 • mandeljcc.org/preschool