family handbook school policies & procedures€¦ · 3...
TRANSCRIPT
1
FAMILY HANDBOOK
School Policies amp Procedures
2
Table of Contents
Introductionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip4
Our Visionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip5
Our Goalshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip5
Our Core Valueshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip5
A Brief School Descriptionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip5
Elements of the Montessori Approach to Teachinghelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip6
A Responsive Prepared Child-Centered Environmenthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip6
A Focus on Human Tendencieshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip6
A Multiage Community of Learnershelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip6
Cooperation and Collaborationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip7
The Process of Learninghelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip7
Evaluation of Student Progresshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip7
Overview of Montessori Curriculumhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip7
Classroom Routineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
Classroom Materialshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
School Supplieshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
Adult Guidelines and Ruleshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
Discipline Policieshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
General School and Classroom Guidelineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip11
Personal Belongingshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip11
Health amp Safetyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip11
Drop Off and Pick Uphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip11
Morning Arrivalhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip12
Signing In and Outhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip12
Late Pick-Uphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip12
Visitation Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip12
Supervision of Childrenhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip13
In Case of Emergencyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip13
Fire DrillsInclement Weatherhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
School Closingshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
LocalNational Emergencieshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
General Student Health and Safetyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
Illnesseshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
Medicationshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip15
Toilet Learning Montessori Stylehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip15
Privacy Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip16
Answering Machine Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip17
Risky Behavior Pick-Uphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip17
Staff and Facility Health and Safetyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip17
3
Nutritionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip18
General School Informationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Clothinghelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Outdoor Playhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Nap and Quiet Timehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Use of Televisionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
Lost and Foundhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
Birthdayshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
Holidays and Celebrationshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
On-Campus Field Tripshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip21 Gold Sneaker Certificationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip21
Parent Communication amp Eventshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip22
Powerful Wordshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip22
Parental Involvementhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Mail Foldershelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Website and Internet Informationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Classroom Newshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Parent-Teacher Conferenceshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Evaluation of Student Progresshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Meetings with the Head of Schoolhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Support Serviceshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Special Family Eventshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Montessori Education Nightshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Community and Committee Meetingshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Appeal from the Hearthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Admissions and Enrollmenthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip25
Observations amp School Tourshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip25
Admissions Applicationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip25
Waiting Listhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Provisional Acceptancehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Enrollment Agreementhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Enrollment Formshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Tuition Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Tuition AssistanceBi-Weekly Paymentshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Collection Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Tuition Credithelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Withdrawalhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
ExpulsionDisenrollmenthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Reporting Requirementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip30
Revisions to Handbook and Contracthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip30
4
Introduction This policy manual and handbook has been developed as a resource for families staff and community members Please
read and familiarize yourselves with the policies and procedures enclosed Further questions should be directed to the Head
of School Nikki Hatcher
ldquoChildren are human beings to whom respect is due superior to us
by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurehelliprdquo
ldquoIt is the child who makes the man and no man exists
who was not made by the child he once wasrdquo
--Dr Maria Montessori
5
Our Vision We share the vision of Dr Maria Montessori Our care of the child should not be governed by the desire to make him
learn things but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligencerdquo
More specifically
Our vision is to promote the development of the whole child by providing a Montessori education in an environment
that cultivates deep thought focus love of self and for nature and fosters social citizenship
Our goal remains to assist children to develop their own unique personality according to their individual potential and
interests We help children make sense of the worldmdashnot only because it is infinitely interesting and learning is fun but
also to equip them to be able to make it a better place We help children become confident independent thinkers and life-
long learners Exercising freedom within limits that allow them room to grow and blossom into responsible productive
citizens
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) accomplishes this through not only offering a solid academic foundation but
also emphasizing independence self-direction choice teamwork cooperation and peace
We offer a comprehensive education from 6 weeks-6 years of age In a family-like setting that celebrates the diversity of
people We believe in the principles that have made Montessori one of the most effective approaches to education for over
100 years Maria Montessori referred to her method as ldquopreparation for liferdquo
Our Goals
To awaken a love a learning passion for knowledge and joy of creativity in each student
To support the development of independent self-confident learners
To foster a strong sense of self respect for others and an ability to work as part of a group
To develop a repertoire of life skills and a strong academic foundation
To provide developmentally appropriate physical activity and healthy nutritional snacks
To encourage regular practice of self-reflection and nurturing the peace within
To provide a reliable source of care and information for families
Our Core Values
Respect Honesty
Responsibility Kindness
Compassion Awareness
A Brief School Description
Established in 2014 The Montessori School of Donelson is a private independent educational program certified by The
Tennessee Department of Education We offer a year-round program for children ages 6 weeks-6 years including
kindergarten (Older school-age children admitted for summers only) Our location is conveniently situated to serve
6
Nashville Donelson Hermitage and Mt Juliet communities
The Montessori School of Donelson utilizes the child-centered educational philosophy developed by Dr Maria
Montessori This method based on scientific observations of children has been time tested with over 100 years of
success in diverse cultures throughout the world It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the
whole child physically socially emotionally and cognitively
Endowed with a natural inner drive to learn children thrive in an environment that is prepared (neat orderly meets
individual needs) with a Guide (Montessori word for teacher) that is trained to observe their unique skills and interests
and as members of a community where faculty parents staff and children come together to nurture their hearts and
mindsWe are ldquoMontessori Donelsonrdquo
Elements of the Montessori Approach to Teaching Montessori is primarily a philosophy of child development and a method of applying the philosophy in an educational
setting to ldquoguiderdquo a childrsquos growth Thus the Montessori Teacher are referred to as a ldquoGuiderdquo The Montessori classrooms
at all levels are dynamic communities of learners and guides Some basic premises of Montessori for all age levels include
A Responsive Prepared Student-Centered Environment
Children are to be respected as unique individuals different from adults but not less important or valued as members of the
community The child possesses an unusual sensitivity and intellectual ability to learn from her environment The focus of
activity in our Montessori classroom setting is on the childrsquos experience within the environment and not on the teacherrsquos
teaching Our environment is designed to meet the needs interests and abilities of the children within the class Teachers
adapt the environment through modifying the selection of educational materials available the physical layout and equipment
in the classroom and shifting the tone of the class to fit the ever-changing needs of the children Generally students work
individually or in small self-selected groups Community meetings or ldquocircle timesrdquo are scheduled so as not to interrupt the
childrsquos work and are usual held at transitional points during the day There is a conscious effort to design our classroom as
a ldquochildrenrsquos houserdquo making it as comfortable and inviting as a home
A Focus on the Human Tendencies
Maria Montessori based her philosophy of education on the human tendency within the child to explore to move to share
with a group to be independent and make decisions to create order to develop self-control to abstract ideas from
experience to use creative imagination to work hard to repeat concentrate and perfect onersquos efforts and creations Each
of these tendencies is considered carefully when designing our environments preparing materials and planning activities
for the students
A Multiage Community of Learners
Our Montessori classroom is a community of children and adults The classroom consists of children from a multiage span
of three to four years This creates a ldquofamilyrdquo like group where older children model and help care for younger children
and younger children look up to and learn from the older children Varying levels of ability blend easily in a multiage setting
no child feels left behind and everyone learns at their own pace
Cooperation and Collaboration
Montessori children learn ldquoat their own pacerdquo When the child demonstrates readiness she is guided gently by the teachers
in the classroom to explore increasingly challenging activities In a Montessori setting teacherrsquos refrain from comparing
students to one another and base evaluations on the progress of the individual Children are encouraged to work together as
well as independently Often a more experienced child will be asked to assist a less experienced child with an activity or
lesson Group discussion and problem solving are strongly encouraged Teachers work to create a sense of community
within the classroom Children feel a sense of belonging and responsibility toward their classroom and toward each other
7
The Process of Learning
Montessori materials teach through hands on learning spontaneous engagement active involvement and self-directed
activity Montessori materials have a control of error inherent in their design This allows children to work independently
unafraid to make mistakes and to become comfortable with the fact errors are essential to the process of learning While
making independent choices and exploring concepts largely on their own Montessori students construct their own sense of
individual identity They become independent and confident individuals The child is intrinsically motivated to learn In a
Montessori classroom children donrsquot work for grades or external rewards nor do they complete assignments given to them
by their teachers
Children learn because they are interested in things and in gaining an understanding of the world around them In
the classroom there are three stages of learning a new concept or lesson
1 Introduction to a concept This is usually occurs by means of exploration within the classroom observing
another child at work a conversation reading something in a book etc
2 Processing the concept The child develops an understanding of the concept through working with materials
that illustrate the ideas provide opportunity for exploration and experimentation and provide opportunity for
repetition of an activity
3 Mastering the concept The child is confidently able to explain the concept and teach the concept to another
person
Evaluation of Student Progress
The Montessori School of Donelson maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the
traditional Montessori curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner
(except where State standards apply ie kindergarten) Written narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio
samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress is based on the individual growth of each child
Overview of Montessori Curriculum
The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work He works however not as an adult for completion of a job but
for the sake of an activity itself It is this activity which enables him to accomplish his most important goal the development
of himself ndashmental physical and psychological powers
In our InfantNido (6 weeks-6 months amp 6 months-15 months) Toddler (12-24 months) and Pre-Primary (18-36 months)
In infant and toddler level classrooms children participate joyfully in purposeful tasks such as slicing bananas or tending
the garden They develop the skills needed to foster independence and care for themselves and each other The environment
is rich in opportunities to move with balance and control as well as lessons in art and music The childs development of
self-confidence and understanding that he or she is part of a community are fostered The children work together at tasks
such as setting the table for snack or dressing for the outdoors They gather as a community to play musical instruments
sing nursery rhymes or listen to stories Once the child has shown the readiness usually around age 3 he or she moves into
the Primary Program
The Primary classroom also known as ldquoThe Casardquo (3-6 years) is an atmosphere of calm order and joy as children ages 3
through 6 learn together The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students
Primary students literally absorb information experiences and life around them The older children learn leadership and
compassion in this mixed-aged setting Children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and develop their self-
discipline and the capacity for deep concentration Respect for others and good manners develop naturally as the children
grow within the Montessori environment
In addition to the goals of our program listed at the beginning of this handbook our curriculum includes the following areas
8
Practical Life Young children Toddler and Primary Students have a natural urge to partake in the activities of daily living
and be a participating member of family life Simple chores adults may take for granted fascinate the child engaging them
in the meaningful learning of life skills Practical life activities help children develop and coordinate movement awareness
of the environment orderly thought patterns independent work habits and responsibility The lessons in Practical Life
include
Preliminary Exercises- preparing the fine motor skills for more challenging activities (spooning pouring stringing etc
Care of the Environment- learning to respect and care for the tools in the space where the child lives and learns (food
preparation sweeping dusting washing polishing etc)
Care of the Person- learning the basics of self-care skills (hand washing nose blowing dressing nutrition etc)
Grace and Courtesy- learning social skills (walking carefully communication manners table setting hosting a guest etc)
Sensorial The materials and activities level are iconic for Montessori They allow children to pursue their natural tendency
to classify sensorial impressions and sort by size shape color touch sound and weight The sensorial materials isolate
specific qualities have a built in control of error allow for repetition and make abstract qualities concrete Sensorial
activities lay a foundation for math geometry geography botany art and music
Math An introduction to mathematics at the Toddler level is given through simple counting exercises such as counting the
plates when setting the table counting the children as they line up and through counting songs and rhymes
At the Primary level childrenrsquos mathematical sense is built on the strong foundation of the sensorial materials where many
fundamental concepts such as length volume gradation sequencing grouping and so on have been already experienced
via the senses These activities make the abstract concepts of mathematics concrete for hands on learning Each activity
isolates a particular concept and integrates with other activities to form a strong foundation for further exploration
Beginning Primary math activities include 1 to 10 (sequences quantity numeral names combinations of ten basic
arithmetic) teens tens introduction to the decimal system and the operations of addition multiplication subtraction and
division Children explore fractional equivalences and the fractional names with manipulative materials They use a wide
variety of two and three-dimensional geometry materials and learn the basics of geometric nomenclature They see and
explore binomial and trinomial patterns in certain materials and gain a visual and tactile impression for later work when
they will use such patterns to explore the concepts of squaring square root cubing and cube root during the elementary
years The emphasis is always on examining patterns and sequences and the connections between arithmetic and geometry
in order to help children develop their mathematical minds from an early age
Language Children are immersed in language the moment they enter the classroom Spoken language is encouraged as
children communicate with each other individually in small groups and in large groups A library of books is available for
enjoyment and information Stories are read and told individually in small and large groups
At the Primary level phonemic awareness is taught through hands on activities and games the alphabet is learned with fun
and interesting sorting and matching works handwriting is practiced through tracing shapes sandpaper letters and using
chalkboards moveable alphabet letters are used for writing words and labels are used all over for word recognition Reading
for 4 or 5 year olds in a Montessori program usually follows an immersion in writing activities mostly done using the
moveable alphabets The children spontaneously synthesize all of the phonemes they have learned and the sight words they
have been given and often discover that one day they can now read In addition to a wide range of suitable fiction and non-
fiction books in each classroom there are vocabulary cards in relation to every subject area (nomenclature of everyday
objects geometry science world cultures etc) Enrichment of vocabulary across the curriculum is a constant focus in the
Primary classroom Another daily occurrence is reading aloud to the children as a group Introductory activities in areas of
9
grammar syntax and word study form a part of the early language work Dr Maria Montessori described the 5 to 7 year
olds as ldquoword loversrdquo such was their great interest in language at this age The concepts of noun verb preposition subject
direct object etc are introduced in playful activities using a miniature environment and a variety of movement games
Science Toddler and Primary level sensorial exploration and experimentation is key as children learn about the natural
world For example sand and water tables allow for open-ended work while other activities isolate individual concepts such
as sink and float magnets botany etc Care for plants and animals overlap with practical life activities and teach science
as well as responsibility At the Primary level basic skills of science such as measuring comparing classifying and keen
observing are carefully prepared and practiced This work is accompanied by extensive classified nomenclature For
example Primary age children learn the scientific nomenclature of the parts of a flower such as the calyx and corolla
Classification systems such as livingnon-living and vertebrateinvertebrate are also taught Children study the basic
characteristics and nomenclature of plants and animals They learn to name common domestic and wild plants and animals
and they work with materials to learn fundamental classifications such as mammals birds reptiles amphibians and fish
Children are also introduced to some basic concepts of physical science such as floatingsinking magneticnon-magnetic
Non-fiction books related to science are read aloud to the children and they have classroom responsibilities for the care of
indoor plants as well as feeding the birds outside The children also plant tend to and harvest in our school gardens
Geography These materials help the child learn about the facts of the material world Working with the sensorial language
and cultural materials related to geography is an important part of the work of a Montessori Primary classroom The very
young children are introduced early to a sandpaper globe where they can have a visual and tactile experience of the Earth
Other sensorial materials and puzzle maps are used by the children to explore the continents of our world the countries of
each continent and the states of our own country They also create key land and water forms such as lake island and
peninsula Geography vocabulary is given both orally and with prepared nomenclature cards that are used by the children
as an integrated part of their language work The children are introduced to the diversity of international cultures by means
of stories songs celebrations pictures and artifacts
History and Cultural Studies The Toddler and Primary students celebrate diversity of our world through language music
art traditions food stories and history A variety of cultural themes are integrated into all curriculum areas Peace education
is an integral part of the Montessori classroom and begins with respect for understanding and acceptance of differences as
well as the celebration of the unifying aspects that connect us all
Music At the Toddler and Primary levels informal and formal music education occurs through singing listening to music
introduction of instruments introduction of musical notation and exploration of sound
Art A range of art materials and activities are available to students in the classroom Art activities in the Toddler and
Primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest There is a progression in the artwork as
the childrsquos skills develop Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises Pasting work is followed
later by collage Coloring with various media (crayons pastels charcoal) is available Painting on an easel watercolor and
clay work are presented Handwork including sewing and embroidery is taught Seasonal inspirations using different media
are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms
Spanish At the Primary and Lower Elementary level the main goal is to create enthusiasm about speaking and learning
Spanish Many songs rhymes and games are used New vocabulary and expressions are presented in categories such as
colors foods school etc By using a wide variety of resources in a creative way we generate the interest and desire to
communicate in the language
Universal Values and Global Perspective
Montessori deliberately teaches children not only appropriate patterns of polite behavior but seeks to instill basic universal
values within the core of the childrsquos personality These values include self-respect acceptance of the uniqueness and dignity
of each person we meet kindness peacefulness compassion empathy honor individual responsibility and the courage to
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
2
Table of Contents
Introductionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip4
Our Visionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip5
Our Goalshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip5
Our Core Valueshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip5
A Brief School Descriptionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip5
Elements of the Montessori Approach to Teachinghelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip6
A Responsive Prepared Child-Centered Environmenthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip6
A Focus on Human Tendencieshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip6
A Multiage Community of Learnershelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip6
Cooperation and Collaborationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip7
The Process of Learninghelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip7
Evaluation of Student Progresshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip7
Overview of Montessori Curriculumhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip7
Classroom Routineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
Classroom Materialshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
School Supplieshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
Adult Guidelines and Ruleshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
Discipline Policieshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip10
General School and Classroom Guidelineshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip11
Personal Belongingshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip11
Health amp Safetyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip11
Drop Off and Pick Uphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip11
Morning Arrivalhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip12
Signing In and Outhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip12
Late Pick-Uphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip12
Visitation Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip12
Supervision of Childrenhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip13
In Case of Emergencyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip13
Fire DrillsInclement Weatherhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
School Closingshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
LocalNational Emergencieshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
General Student Health and Safetyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
Illnesseshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip14
Medicationshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip15
Toilet Learning Montessori Stylehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip15
Privacy Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip16
Answering Machine Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip17
Risky Behavior Pick-Uphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip17
Staff and Facility Health and Safetyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip17
3
Nutritionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip18
General School Informationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Clothinghelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Outdoor Playhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Nap and Quiet Timehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Use of Televisionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
Lost and Foundhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
Birthdayshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
Holidays and Celebrationshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
On-Campus Field Tripshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip21 Gold Sneaker Certificationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip21
Parent Communication amp Eventshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip22
Powerful Wordshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip22
Parental Involvementhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Mail Foldershelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Website and Internet Informationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Classroom Newshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Parent-Teacher Conferenceshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Evaluation of Student Progresshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Meetings with the Head of Schoolhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Support Serviceshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Special Family Eventshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Montessori Education Nightshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Community and Committee Meetingshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Appeal from the Hearthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Admissions and Enrollmenthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip25
Observations amp School Tourshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip25
Admissions Applicationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip25
Waiting Listhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Provisional Acceptancehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Enrollment Agreementhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Enrollment Formshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Tuition Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Tuition AssistanceBi-Weekly Paymentshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Collection Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Tuition Credithelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Withdrawalhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
ExpulsionDisenrollmenthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Reporting Requirementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip30
Revisions to Handbook and Contracthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip30
4
Introduction This policy manual and handbook has been developed as a resource for families staff and community members Please
read and familiarize yourselves with the policies and procedures enclosed Further questions should be directed to the Head
of School Nikki Hatcher
ldquoChildren are human beings to whom respect is due superior to us
by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurehelliprdquo
ldquoIt is the child who makes the man and no man exists
who was not made by the child he once wasrdquo
--Dr Maria Montessori
5
Our Vision We share the vision of Dr Maria Montessori Our care of the child should not be governed by the desire to make him
learn things but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligencerdquo
More specifically
Our vision is to promote the development of the whole child by providing a Montessori education in an environment
that cultivates deep thought focus love of self and for nature and fosters social citizenship
Our goal remains to assist children to develop their own unique personality according to their individual potential and
interests We help children make sense of the worldmdashnot only because it is infinitely interesting and learning is fun but
also to equip them to be able to make it a better place We help children become confident independent thinkers and life-
long learners Exercising freedom within limits that allow them room to grow and blossom into responsible productive
citizens
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) accomplishes this through not only offering a solid academic foundation but
also emphasizing independence self-direction choice teamwork cooperation and peace
We offer a comprehensive education from 6 weeks-6 years of age In a family-like setting that celebrates the diversity of
people We believe in the principles that have made Montessori one of the most effective approaches to education for over
100 years Maria Montessori referred to her method as ldquopreparation for liferdquo
Our Goals
To awaken a love a learning passion for knowledge and joy of creativity in each student
To support the development of independent self-confident learners
To foster a strong sense of self respect for others and an ability to work as part of a group
To develop a repertoire of life skills and a strong academic foundation
To provide developmentally appropriate physical activity and healthy nutritional snacks
To encourage regular practice of self-reflection and nurturing the peace within
To provide a reliable source of care and information for families
Our Core Values
Respect Honesty
Responsibility Kindness
Compassion Awareness
A Brief School Description
Established in 2014 The Montessori School of Donelson is a private independent educational program certified by The
Tennessee Department of Education We offer a year-round program for children ages 6 weeks-6 years including
kindergarten (Older school-age children admitted for summers only) Our location is conveniently situated to serve
6
Nashville Donelson Hermitage and Mt Juliet communities
The Montessori School of Donelson utilizes the child-centered educational philosophy developed by Dr Maria
Montessori This method based on scientific observations of children has been time tested with over 100 years of
success in diverse cultures throughout the world It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the
whole child physically socially emotionally and cognitively
Endowed with a natural inner drive to learn children thrive in an environment that is prepared (neat orderly meets
individual needs) with a Guide (Montessori word for teacher) that is trained to observe their unique skills and interests
and as members of a community where faculty parents staff and children come together to nurture their hearts and
mindsWe are ldquoMontessori Donelsonrdquo
Elements of the Montessori Approach to Teaching Montessori is primarily a philosophy of child development and a method of applying the philosophy in an educational
setting to ldquoguiderdquo a childrsquos growth Thus the Montessori Teacher are referred to as a ldquoGuiderdquo The Montessori classrooms
at all levels are dynamic communities of learners and guides Some basic premises of Montessori for all age levels include
A Responsive Prepared Student-Centered Environment
Children are to be respected as unique individuals different from adults but not less important or valued as members of the
community The child possesses an unusual sensitivity and intellectual ability to learn from her environment The focus of
activity in our Montessori classroom setting is on the childrsquos experience within the environment and not on the teacherrsquos
teaching Our environment is designed to meet the needs interests and abilities of the children within the class Teachers
adapt the environment through modifying the selection of educational materials available the physical layout and equipment
in the classroom and shifting the tone of the class to fit the ever-changing needs of the children Generally students work
individually or in small self-selected groups Community meetings or ldquocircle timesrdquo are scheduled so as not to interrupt the
childrsquos work and are usual held at transitional points during the day There is a conscious effort to design our classroom as
a ldquochildrenrsquos houserdquo making it as comfortable and inviting as a home
A Focus on the Human Tendencies
Maria Montessori based her philosophy of education on the human tendency within the child to explore to move to share
with a group to be independent and make decisions to create order to develop self-control to abstract ideas from
experience to use creative imagination to work hard to repeat concentrate and perfect onersquos efforts and creations Each
of these tendencies is considered carefully when designing our environments preparing materials and planning activities
for the students
A Multiage Community of Learners
Our Montessori classroom is a community of children and adults The classroom consists of children from a multiage span
of three to four years This creates a ldquofamilyrdquo like group where older children model and help care for younger children
and younger children look up to and learn from the older children Varying levels of ability blend easily in a multiage setting
no child feels left behind and everyone learns at their own pace
Cooperation and Collaboration
Montessori children learn ldquoat their own pacerdquo When the child demonstrates readiness she is guided gently by the teachers
in the classroom to explore increasingly challenging activities In a Montessori setting teacherrsquos refrain from comparing
students to one another and base evaluations on the progress of the individual Children are encouraged to work together as
well as independently Often a more experienced child will be asked to assist a less experienced child with an activity or
lesson Group discussion and problem solving are strongly encouraged Teachers work to create a sense of community
within the classroom Children feel a sense of belonging and responsibility toward their classroom and toward each other
7
The Process of Learning
Montessori materials teach through hands on learning spontaneous engagement active involvement and self-directed
activity Montessori materials have a control of error inherent in their design This allows children to work independently
unafraid to make mistakes and to become comfortable with the fact errors are essential to the process of learning While
making independent choices and exploring concepts largely on their own Montessori students construct their own sense of
individual identity They become independent and confident individuals The child is intrinsically motivated to learn In a
Montessori classroom children donrsquot work for grades or external rewards nor do they complete assignments given to them
by their teachers
Children learn because they are interested in things and in gaining an understanding of the world around them In
the classroom there are three stages of learning a new concept or lesson
1 Introduction to a concept This is usually occurs by means of exploration within the classroom observing
another child at work a conversation reading something in a book etc
2 Processing the concept The child develops an understanding of the concept through working with materials
that illustrate the ideas provide opportunity for exploration and experimentation and provide opportunity for
repetition of an activity
3 Mastering the concept The child is confidently able to explain the concept and teach the concept to another
person
Evaluation of Student Progress
The Montessori School of Donelson maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the
traditional Montessori curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner
(except where State standards apply ie kindergarten) Written narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio
samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress is based on the individual growth of each child
Overview of Montessori Curriculum
The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work He works however not as an adult for completion of a job but
for the sake of an activity itself It is this activity which enables him to accomplish his most important goal the development
of himself ndashmental physical and psychological powers
In our InfantNido (6 weeks-6 months amp 6 months-15 months) Toddler (12-24 months) and Pre-Primary (18-36 months)
In infant and toddler level classrooms children participate joyfully in purposeful tasks such as slicing bananas or tending
the garden They develop the skills needed to foster independence and care for themselves and each other The environment
is rich in opportunities to move with balance and control as well as lessons in art and music The childs development of
self-confidence and understanding that he or she is part of a community are fostered The children work together at tasks
such as setting the table for snack or dressing for the outdoors They gather as a community to play musical instruments
sing nursery rhymes or listen to stories Once the child has shown the readiness usually around age 3 he or she moves into
the Primary Program
The Primary classroom also known as ldquoThe Casardquo (3-6 years) is an atmosphere of calm order and joy as children ages 3
through 6 learn together The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students
Primary students literally absorb information experiences and life around them The older children learn leadership and
compassion in this mixed-aged setting Children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and develop their self-
discipline and the capacity for deep concentration Respect for others and good manners develop naturally as the children
grow within the Montessori environment
In addition to the goals of our program listed at the beginning of this handbook our curriculum includes the following areas
8
Practical Life Young children Toddler and Primary Students have a natural urge to partake in the activities of daily living
and be a participating member of family life Simple chores adults may take for granted fascinate the child engaging them
in the meaningful learning of life skills Practical life activities help children develop and coordinate movement awareness
of the environment orderly thought patterns independent work habits and responsibility The lessons in Practical Life
include
Preliminary Exercises- preparing the fine motor skills for more challenging activities (spooning pouring stringing etc
Care of the Environment- learning to respect and care for the tools in the space where the child lives and learns (food
preparation sweeping dusting washing polishing etc)
Care of the Person- learning the basics of self-care skills (hand washing nose blowing dressing nutrition etc)
Grace and Courtesy- learning social skills (walking carefully communication manners table setting hosting a guest etc)
Sensorial The materials and activities level are iconic for Montessori They allow children to pursue their natural tendency
to classify sensorial impressions and sort by size shape color touch sound and weight The sensorial materials isolate
specific qualities have a built in control of error allow for repetition and make abstract qualities concrete Sensorial
activities lay a foundation for math geometry geography botany art and music
Math An introduction to mathematics at the Toddler level is given through simple counting exercises such as counting the
plates when setting the table counting the children as they line up and through counting songs and rhymes
At the Primary level childrenrsquos mathematical sense is built on the strong foundation of the sensorial materials where many
fundamental concepts such as length volume gradation sequencing grouping and so on have been already experienced
via the senses These activities make the abstract concepts of mathematics concrete for hands on learning Each activity
isolates a particular concept and integrates with other activities to form a strong foundation for further exploration
Beginning Primary math activities include 1 to 10 (sequences quantity numeral names combinations of ten basic
arithmetic) teens tens introduction to the decimal system and the operations of addition multiplication subtraction and
division Children explore fractional equivalences and the fractional names with manipulative materials They use a wide
variety of two and three-dimensional geometry materials and learn the basics of geometric nomenclature They see and
explore binomial and trinomial patterns in certain materials and gain a visual and tactile impression for later work when
they will use such patterns to explore the concepts of squaring square root cubing and cube root during the elementary
years The emphasis is always on examining patterns and sequences and the connections between arithmetic and geometry
in order to help children develop their mathematical minds from an early age
Language Children are immersed in language the moment they enter the classroom Spoken language is encouraged as
children communicate with each other individually in small groups and in large groups A library of books is available for
enjoyment and information Stories are read and told individually in small and large groups
At the Primary level phonemic awareness is taught through hands on activities and games the alphabet is learned with fun
and interesting sorting and matching works handwriting is practiced through tracing shapes sandpaper letters and using
chalkboards moveable alphabet letters are used for writing words and labels are used all over for word recognition Reading
for 4 or 5 year olds in a Montessori program usually follows an immersion in writing activities mostly done using the
moveable alphabets The children spontaneously synthesize all of the phonemes they have learned and the sight words they
have been given and often discover that one day they can now read In addition to a wide range of suitable fiction and non-
fiction books in each classroom there are vocabulary cards in relation to every subject area (nomenclature of everyday
objects geometry science world cultures etc) Enrichment of vocabulary across the curriculum is a constant focus in the
Primary classroom Another daily occurrence is reading aloud to the children as a group Introductory activities in areas of
9
grammar syntax and word study form a part of the early language work Dr Maria Montessori described the 5 to 7 year
olds as ldquoword loversrdquo such was their great interest in language at this age The concepts of noun verb preposition subject
direct object etc are introduced in playful activities using a miniature environment and a variety of movement games
Science Toddler and Primary level sensorial exploration and experimentation is key as children learn about the natural
world For example sand and water tables allow for open-ended work while other activities isolate individual concepts such
as sink and float magnets botany etc Care for plants and animals overlap with practical life activities and teach science
as well as responsibility At the Primary level basic skills of science such as measuring comparing classifying and keen
observing are carefully prepared and practiced This work is accompanied by extensive classified nomenclature For
example Primary age children learn the scientific nomenclature of the parts of a flower such as the calyx and corolla
Classification systems such as livingnon-living and vertebrateinvertebrate are also taught Children study the basic
characteristics and nomenclature of plants and animals They learn to name common domestic and wild plants and animals
and they work with materials to learn fundamental classifications such as mammals birds reptiles amphibians and fish
Children are also introduced to some basic concepts of physical science such as floatingsinking magneticnon-magnetic
Non-fiction books related to science are read aloud to the children and they have classroom responsibilities for the care of
indoor plants as well as feeding the birds outside The children also plant tend to and harvest in our school gardens
Geography These materials help the child learn about the facts of the material world Working with the sensorial language
and cultural materials related to geography is an important part of the work of a Montessori Primary classroom The very
young children are introduced early to a sandpaper globe where they can have a visual and tactile experience of the Earth
Other sensorial materials and puzzle maps are used by the children to explore the continents of our world the countries of
each continent and the states of our own country They also create key land and water forms such as lake island and
peninsula Geography vocabulary is given both orally and with prepared nomenclature cards that are used by the children
as an integrated part of their language work The children are introduced to the diversity of international cultures by means
of stories songs celebrations pictures and artifacts
History and Cultural Studies The Toddler and Primary students celebrate diversity of our world through language music
art traditions food stories and history A variety of cultural themes are integrated into all curriculum areas Peace education
is an integral part of the Montessori classroom and begins with respect for understanding and acceptance of differences as
well as the celebration of the unifying aspects that connect us all
Music At the Toddler and Primary levels informal and formal music education occurs through singing listening to music
introduction of instruments introduction of musical notation and exploration of sound
Art A range of art materials and activities are available to students in the classroom Art activities in the Toddler and
Primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest There is a progression in the artwork as
the childrsquos skills develop Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises Pasting work is followed
later by collage Coloring with various media (crayons pastels charcoal) is available Painting on an easel watercolor and
clay work are presented Handwork including sewing and embroidery is taught Seasonal inspirations using different media
are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms
Spanish At the Primary and Lower Elementary level the main goal is to create enthusiasm about speaking and learning
Spanish Many songs rhymes and games are used New vocabulary and expressions are presented in categories such as
colors foods school etc By using a wide variety of resources in a creative way we generate the interest and desire to
communicate in the language
Universal Values and Global Perspective
Montessori deliberately teaches children not only appropriate patterns of polite behavior but seeks to instill basic universal
values within the core of the childrsquos personality These values include self-respect acceptance of the uniqueness and dignity
of each person we meet kindness peacefulness compassion empathy honor individual responsibility and the courage to
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
3
Nutritionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip18
General School Informationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Clothinghelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Outdoor Playhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Nap and Quiet Timehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip19
Use of Televisionhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
Lost and Foundhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
Birthdayshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
Holidays and Celebrationshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip20
On-Campus Field Tripshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip21 Gold Sneaker Certificationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip21
Parent Communication amp Eventshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip22
Powerful Wordshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip22
Parental Involvementhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Mail Foldershelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Website and Internet Informationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Classroom Newshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Parent-Teacher Conferenceshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip23
Evaluation of Student Progresshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Meetings with the Head of Schoolhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Support Serviceshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Special Family Eventshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Montessori Education Nightshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Community and Committee Meetingshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Appeal from the Hearthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip24
Admissions and Enrollmenthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip25
Observations amp School Tourshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip25
Admissions Applicationhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip25
Waiting Listhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Provisional Acceptancehelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Enrollment Agreementhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Enrollment Formshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip26
Tuition Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Tuition AssistanceBi-Weekly Paymentshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Collection Policyhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Tuition Credithelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Withdrawalhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
ExpulsionDisenrollmenthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip27
Reporting Requirementshelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip30
Revisions to Handbook and Contracthelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip30
4
Introduction This policy manual and handbook has been developed as a resource for families staff and community members Please
read and familiarize yourselves with the policies and procedures enclosed Further questions should be directed to the Head
of School Nikki Hatcher
ldquoChildren are human beings to whom respect is due superior to us
by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurehelliprdquo
ldquoIt is the child who makes the man and no man exists
who was not made by the child he once wasrdquo
--Dr Maria Montessori
5
Our Vision We share the vision of Dr Maria Montessori Our care of the child should not be governed by the desire to make him
learn things but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligencerdquo
More specifically
Our vision is to promote the development of the whole child by providing a Montessori education in an environment
that cultivates deep thought focus love of self and for nature and fosters social citizenship
Our goal remains to assist children to develop their own unique personality according to their individual potential and
interests We help children make sense of the worldmdashnot only because it is infinitely interesting and learning is fun but
also to equip them to be able to make it a better place We help children become confident independent thinkers and life-
long learners Exercising freedom within limits that allow them room to grow and blossom into responsible productive
citizens
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) accomplishes this through not only offering a solid academic foundation but
also emphasizing independence self-direction choice teamwork cooperation and peace
We offer a comprehensive education from 6 weeks-6 years of age In a family-like setting that celebrates the diversity of
people We believe in the principles that have made Montessori one of the most effective approaches to education for over
100 years Maria Montessori referred to her method as ldquopreparation for liferdquo
Our Goals
To awaken a love a learning passion for knowledge and joy of creativity in each student
To support the development of independent self-confident learners
To foster a strong sense of self respect for others and an ability to work as part of a group
To develop a repertoire of life skills and a strong academic foundation
To provide developmentally appropriate physical activity and healthy nutritional snacks
To encourage regular practice of self-reflection and nurturing the peace within
To provide a reliable source of care and information for families
Our Core Values
Respect Honesty
Responsibility Kindness
Compassion Awareness
A Brief School Description
Established in 2014 The Montessori School of Donelson is a private independent educational program certified by The
Tennessee Department of Education We offer a year-round program for children ages 6 weeks-6 years including
kindergarten (Older school-age children admitted for summers only) Our location is conveniently situated to serve
6
Nashville Donelson Hermitage and Mt Juliet communities
The Montessori School of Donelson utilizes the child-centered educational philosophy developed by Dr Maria
Montessori This method based on scientific observations of children has been time tested with over 100 years of
success in diverse cultures throughout the world It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the
whole child physically socially emotionally and cognitively
Endowed with a natural inner drive to learn children thrive in an environment that is prepared (neat orderly meets
individual needs) with a Guide (Montessori word for teacher) that is trained to observe their unique skills and interests
and as members of a community where faculty parents staff and children come together to nurture their hearts and
mindsWe are ldquoMontessori Donelsonrdquo
Elements of the Montessori Approach to Teaching Montessori is primarily a philosophy of child development and a method of applying the philosophy in an educational
setting to ldquoguiderdquo a childrsquos growth Thus the Montessori Teacher are referred to as a ldquoGuiderdquo The Montessori classrooms
at all levels are dynamic communities of learners and guides Some basic premises of Montessori for all age levels include
A Responsive Prepared Student-Centered Environment
Children are to be respected as unique individuals different from adults but not less important or valued as members of the
community The child possesses an unusual sensitivity and intellectual ability to learn from her environment The focus of
activity in our Montessori classroom setting is on the childrsquos experience within the environment and not on the teacherrsquos
teaching Our environment is designed to meet the needs interests and abilities of the children within the class Teachers
adapt the environment through modifying the selection of educational materials available the physical layout and equipment
in the classroom and shifting the tone of the class to fit the ever-changing needs of the children Generally students work
individually or in small self-selected groups Community meetings or ldquocircle timesrdquo are scheduled so as not to interrupt the
childrsquos work and are usual held at transitional points during the day There is a conscious effort to design our classroom as
a ldquochildrenrsquos houserdquo making it as comfortable and inviting as a home
A Focus on the Human Tendencies
Maria Montessori based her philosophy of education on the human tendency within the child to explore to move to share
with a group to be independent and make decisions to create order to develop self-control to abstract ideas from
experience to use creative imagination to work hard to repeat concentrate and perfect onersquos efforts and creations Each
of these tendencies is considered carefully when designing our environments preparing materials and planning activities
for the students
A Multiage Community of Learners
Our Montessori classroom is a community of children and adults The classroom consists of children from a multiage span
of three to four years This creates a ldquofamilyrdquo like group where older children model and help care for younger children
and younger children look up to and learn from the older children Varying levels of ability blend easily in a multiage setting
no child feels left behind and everyone learns at their own pace
Cooperation and Collaboration
Montessori children learn ldquoat their own pacerdquo When the child demonstrates readiness she is guided gently by the teachers
in the classroom to explore increasingly challenging activities In a Montessori setting teacherrsquos refrain from comparing
students to one another and base evaluations on the progress of the individual Children are encouraged to work together as
well as independently Often a more experienced child will be asked to assist a less experienced child with an activity or
lesson Group discussion and problem solving are strongly encouraged Teachers work to create a sense of community
within the classroom Children feel a sense of belonging and responsibility toward their classroom and toward each other
7
The Process of Learning
Montessori materials teach through hands on learning spontaneous engagement active involvement and self-directed
activity Montessori materials have a control of error inherent in their design This allows children to work independently
unafraid to make mistakes and to become comfortable with the fact errors are essential to the process of learning While
making independent choices and exploring concepts largely on their own Montessori students construct their own sense of
individual identity They become independent and confident individuals The child is intrinsically motivated to learn In a
Montessori classroom children donrsquot work for grades or external rewards nor do they complete assignments given to them
by their teachers
Children learn because they are interested in things and in gaining an understanding of the world around them In
the classroom there are three stages of learning a new concept or lesson
1 Introduction to a concept This is usually occurs by means of exploration within the classroom observing
another child at work a conversation reading something in a book etc
2 Processing the concept The child develops an understanding of the concept through working with materials
that illustrate the ideas provide opportunity for exploration and experimentation and provide opportunity for
repetition of an activity
3 Mastering the concept The child is confidently able to explain the concept and teach the concept to another
person
Evaluation of Student Progress
The Montessori School of Donelson maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the
traditional Montessori curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner
(except where State standards apply ie kindergarten) Written narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio
samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress is based on the individual growth of each child
Overview of Montessori Curriculum
The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work He works however not as an adult for completion of a job but
for the sake of an activity itself It is this activity which enables him to accomplish his most important goal the development
of himself ndashmental physical and psychological powers
In our InfantNido (6 weeks-6 months amp 6 months-15 months) Toddler (12-24 months) and Pre-Primary (18-36 months)
In infant and toddler level classrooms children participate joyfully in purposeful tasks such as slicing bananas or tending
the garden They develop the skills needed to foster independence and care for themselves and each other The environment
is rich in opportunities to move with balance and control as well as lessons in art and music The childs development of
self-confidence and understanding that he or she is part of a community are fostered The children work together at tasks
such as setting the table for snack or dressing for the outdoors They gather as a community to play musical instruments
sing nursery rhymes or listen to stories Once the child has shown the readiness usually around age 3 he or she moves into
the Primary Program
The Primary classroom also known as ldquoThe Casardquo (3-6 years) is an atmosphere of calm order and joy as children ages 3
through 6 learn together The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students
Primary students literally absorb information experiences and life around them The older children learn leadership and
compassion in this mixed-aged setting Children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and develop their self-
discipline and the capacity for deep concentration Respect for others and good manners develop naturally as the children
grow within the Montessori environment
In addition to the goals of our program listed at the beginning of this handbook our curriculum includes the following areas
8
Practical Life Young children Toddler and Primary Students have a natural urge to partake in the activities of daily living
and be a participating member of family life Simple chores adults may take for granted fascinate the child engaging them
in the meaningful learning of life skills Practical life activities help children develop and coordinate movement awareness
of the environment orderly thought patterns independent work habits and responsibility The lessons in Practical Life
include
Preliminary Exercises- preparing the fine motor skills for more challenging activities (spooning pouring stringing etc
Care of the Environment- learning to respect and care for the tools in the space where the child lives and learns (food
preparation sweeping dusting washing polishing etc)
Care of the Person- learning the basics of self-care skills (hand washing nose blowing dressing nutrition etc)
Grace and Courtesy- learning social skills (walking carefully communication manners table setting hosting a guest etc)
Sensorial The materials and activities level are iconic for Montessori They allow children to pursue their natural tendency
to classify sensorial impressions and sort by size shape color touch sound and weight The sensorial materials isolate
specific qualities have a built in control of error allow for repetition and make abstract qualities concrete Sensorial
activities lay a foundation for math geometry geography botany art and music
Math An introduction to mathematics at the Toddler level is given through simple counting exercises such as counting the
plates when setting the table counting the children as they line up and through counting songs and rhymes
At the Primary level childrenrsquos mathematical sense is built on the strong foundation of the sensorial materials where many
fundamental concepts such as length volume gradation sequencing grouping and so on have been already experienced
via the senses These activities make the abstract concepts of mathematics concrete for hands on learning Each activity
isolates a particular concept and integrates with other activities to form a strong foundation for further exploration
Beginning Primary math activities include 1 to 10 (sequences quantity numeral names combinations of ten basic
arithmetic) teens tens introduction to the decimal system and the operations of addition multiplication subtraction and
division Children explore fractional equivalences and the fractional names with manipulative materials They use a wide
variety of two and three-dimensional geometry materials and learn the basics of geometric nomenclature They see and
explore binomial and trinomial patterns in certain materials and gain a visual and tactile impression for later work when
they will use such patterns to explore the concepts of squaring square root cubing and cube root during the elementary
years The emphasis is always on examining patterns and sequences and the connections between arithmetic and geometry
in order to help children develop their mathematical minds from an early age
Language Children are immersed in language the moment they enter the classroom Spoken language is encouraged as
children communicate with each other individually in small groups and in large groups A library of books is available for
enjoyment and information Stories are read and told individually in small and large groups
At the Primary level phonemic awareness is taught through hands on activities and games the alphabet is learned with fun
and interesting sorting and matching works handwriting is practiced through tracing shapes sandpaper letters and using
chalkboards moveable alphabet letters are used for writing words and labels are used all over for word recognition Reading
for 4 or 5 year olds in a Montessori program usually follows an immersion in writing activities mostly done using the
moveable alphabets The children spontaneously synthesize all of the phonemes they have learned and the sight words they
have been given and often discover that one day they can now read In addition to a wide range of suitable fiction and non-
fiction books in each classroom there are vocabulary cards in relation to every subject area (nomenclature of everyday
objects geometry science world cultures etc) Enrichment of vocabulary across the curriculum is a constant focus in the
Primary classroom Another daily occurrence is reading aloud to the children as a group Introductory activities in areas of
9
grammar syntax and word study form a part of the early language work Dr Maria Montessori described the 5 to 7 year
olds as ldquoword loversrdquo such was their great interest in language at this age The concepts of noun verb preposition subject
direct object etc are introduced in playful activities using a miniature environment and a variety of movement games
Science Toddler and Primary level sensorial exploration and experimentation is key as children learn about the natural
world For example sand and water tables allow for open-ended work while other activities isolate individual concepts such
as sink and float magnets botany etc Care for plants and animals overlap with practical life activities and teach science
as well as responsibility At the Primary level basic skills of science such as measuring comparing classifying and keen
observing are carefully prepared and practiced This work is accompanied by extensive classified nomenclature For
example Primary age children learn the scientific nomenclature of the parts of a flower such as the calyx and corolla
Classification systems such as livingnon-living and vertebrateinvertebrate are also taught Children study the basic
characteristics and nomenclature of plants and animals They learn to name common domestic and wild plants and animals
and they work with materials to learn fundamental classifications such as mammals birds reptiles amphibians and fish
Children are also introduced to some basic concepts of physical science such as floatingsinking magneticnon-magnetic
Non-fiction books related to science are read aloud to the children and they have classroom responsibilities for the care of
indoor plants as well as feeding the birds outside The children also plant tend to and harvest in our school gardens
Geography These materials help the child learn about the facts of the material world Working with the sensorial language
and cultural materials related to geography is an important part of the work of a Montessori Primary classroom The very
young children are introduced early to a sandpaper globe where they can have a visual and tactile experience of the Earth
Other sensorial materials and puzzle maps are used by the children to explore the continents of our world the countries of
each continent and the states of our own country They also create key land and water forms such as lake island and
peninsula Geography vocabulary is given both orally and with prepared nomenclature cards that are used by the children
as an integrated part of their language work The children are introduced to the diversity of international cultures by means
of stories songs celebrations pictures and artifacts
History and Cultural Studies The Toddler and Primary students celebrate diversity of our world through language music
art traditions food stories and history A variety of cultural themes are integrated into all curriculum areas Peace education
is an integral part of the Montessori classroom and begins with respect for understanding and acceptance of differences as
well as the celebration of the unifying aspects that connect us all
Music At the Toddler and Primary levels informal and formal music education occurs through singing listening to music
introduction of instruments introduction of musical notation and exploration of sound
Art A range of art materials and activities are available to students in the classroom Art activities in the Toddler and
Primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest There is a progression in the artwork as
the childrsquos skills develop Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises Pasting work is followed
later by collage Coloring with various media (crayons pastels charcoal) is available Painting on an easel watercolor and
clay work are presented Handwork including sewing and embroidery is taught Seasonal inspirations using different media
are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms
Spanish At the Primary and Lower Elementary level the main goal is to create enthusiasm about speaking and learning
Spanish Many songs rhymes and games are used New vocabulary and expressions are presented in categories such as
colors foods school etc By using a wide variety of resources in a creative way we generate the interest and desire to
communicate in the language
Universal Values and Global Perspective
Montessori deliberately teaches children not only appropriate patterns of polite behavior but seeks to instill basic universal
values within the core of the childrsquos personality These values include self-respect acceptance of the uniqueness and dignity
of each person we meet kindness peacefulness compassion empathy honor individual responsibility and the courage to
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
4
Introduction This policy manual and handbook has been developed as a resource for families staff and community members Please
read and familiarize yourselves with the policies and procedures enclosed Further questions should be directed to the Head
of School Nikki Hatcher
ldquoChildren are human beings to whom respect is due superior to us
by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurehelliprdquo
ldquoIt is the child who makes the man and no man exists
who was not made by the child he once wasrdquo
--Dr Maria Montessori
5
Our Vision We share the vision of Dr Maria Montessori Our care of the child should not be governed by the desire to make him
learn things but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligencerdquo
More specifically
Our vision is to promote the development of the whole child by providing a Montessori education in an environment
that cultivates deep thought focus love of self and for nature and fosters social citizenship
Our goal remains to assist children to develop their own unique personality according to their individual potential and
interests We help children make sense of the worldmdashnot only because it is infinitely interesting and learning is fun but
also to equip them to be able to make it a better place We help children become confident independent thinkers and life-
long learners Exercising freedom within limits that allow them room to grow and blossom into responsible productive
citizens
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) accomplishes this through not only offering a solid academic foundation but
also emphasizing independence self-direction choice teamwork cooperation and peace
We offer a comprehensive education from 6 weeks-6 years of age In a family-like setting that celebrates the diversity of
people We believe in the principles that have made Montessori one of the most effective approaches to education for over
100 years Maria Montessori referred to her method as ldquopreparation for liferdquo
Our Goals
To awaken a love a learning passion for knowledge and joy of creativity in each student
To support the development of independent self-confident learners
To foster a strong sense of self respect for others and an ability to work as part of a group
To develop a repertoire of life skills and a strong academic foundation
To provide developmentally appropriate physical activity and healthy nutritional snacks
To encourage regular practice of self-reflection and nurturing the peace within
To provide a reliable source of care and information for families
Our Core Values
Respect Honesty
Responsibility Kindness
Compassion Awareness
A Brief School Description
Established in 2014 The Montessori School of Donelson is a private independent educational program certified by The
Tennessee Department of Education We offer a year-round program for children ages 6 weeks-6 years including
kindergarten (Older school-age children admitted for summers only) Our location is conveniently situated to serve
6
Nashville Donelson Hermitage and Mt Juliet communities
The Montessori School of Donelson utilizes the child-centered educational philosophy developed by Dr Maria
Montessori This method based on scientific observations of children has been time tested with over 100 years of
success in diverse cultures throughout the world It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the
whole child physically socially emotionally and cognitively
Endowed with a natural inner drive to learn children thrive in an environment that is prepared (neat orderly meets
individual needs) with a Guide (Montessori word for teacher) that is trained to observe their unique skills and interests
and as members of a community where faculty parents staff and children come together to nurture their hearts and
mindsWe are ldquoMontessori Donelsonrdquo
Elements of the Montessori Approach to Teaching Montessori is primarily a philosophy of child development and a method of applying the philosophy in an educational
setting to ldquoguiderdquo a childrsquos growth Thus the Montessori Teacher are referred to as a ldquoGuiderdquo The Montessori classrooms
at all levels are dynamic communities of learners and guides Some basic premises of Montessori for all age levels include
A Responsive Prepared Student-Centered Environment
Children are to be respected as unique individuals different from adults but not less important or valued as members of the
community The child possesses an unusual sensitivity and intellectual ability to learn from her environment The focus of
activity in our Montessori classroom setting is on the childrsquos experience within the environment and not on the teacherrsquos
teaching Our environment is designed to meet the needs interests and abilities of the children within the class Teachers
adapt the environment through modifying the selection of educational materials available the physical layout and equipment
in the classroom and shifting the tone of the class to fit the ever-changing needs of the children Generally students work
individually or in small self-selected groups Community meetings or ldquocircle timesrdquo are scheduled so as not to interrupt the
childrsquos work and are usual held at transitional points during the day There is a conscious effort to design our classroom as
a ldquochildrenrsquos houserdquo making it as comfortable and inviting as a home
A Focus on the Human Tendencies
Maria Montessori based her philosophy of education on the human tendency within the child to explore to move to share
with a group to be independent and make decisions to create order to develop self-control to abstract ideas from
experience to use creative imagination to work hard to repeat concentrate and perfect onersquos efforts and creations Each
of these tendencies is considered carefully when designing our environments preparing materials and planning activities
for the students
A Multiage Community of Learners
Our Montessori classroom is a community of children and adults The classroom consists of children from a multiage span
of three to four years This creates a ldquofamilyrdquo like group where older children model and help care for younger children
and younger children look up to and learn from the older children Varying levels of ability blend easily in a multiage setting
no child feels left behind and everyone learns at their own pace
Cooperation and Collaboration
Montessori children learn ldquoat their own pacerdquo When the child demonstrates readiness she is guided gently by the teachers
in the classroom to explore increasingly challenging activities In a Montessori setting teacherrsquos refrain from comparing
students to one another and base evaluations on the progress of the individual Children are encouraged to work together as
well as independently Often a more experienced child will be asked to assist a less experienced child with an activity or
lesson Group discussion and problem solving are strongly encouraged Teachers work to create a sense of community
within the classroom Children feel a sense of belonging and responsibility toward their classroom and toward each other
7
The Process of Learning
Montessori materials teach through hands on learning spontaneous engagement active involvement and self-directed
activity Montessori materials have a control of error inherent in their design This allows children to work independently
unafraid to make mistakes and to become comfortable with the fact errors are essential to the process of learning While
making independent choices and exploring concepts largely on their own Montessori students construct their own sense of
individual identity They become independent and confident individuals The child is intrinsically motivated to learn In a
Montessori classroom children donrsquot work for grades or external rewards nor do they complete assignments given to them
by their teachers
Children learn because they are interested in things and in gaining an understanding of the world around them In
the classroom there are three stages of learning a new concept or lesson
1 Introduction to a concept This is usually occurs by means of exploration within the classroom observing
another child at work a conversation reading something in a book etc
2 Processing the concept The child develops an understanding of the concept through working with materials
that illustrate the ideas provide opportunity for exploration and experimentation and provide opportunity for
repetition of an activity
3 Mastering the concept The child is confidently able to explain the concept and teach the concept to another
person
Evaluation of Student Progress
The Montessori School of Donelson maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the
traditional Montessori curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner
(except where State standards apply ie kindergarten) Written narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio
samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress is based on the individual growth of each child
Overview of Montessori Curriculum
The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work He works however not as an adult for completion of a job but
for the sake of an activity itself It is this activity which enables him to accomplish his most important goal the development
of himself ndashmental physical and psychological powers
In our InfantNido (6 weeks-6 months amp 6 months-15 months) Toddler (12-24 months) and Pre-Primary (18-36 months)
In infant and toddler level classrooms children participate joyfully in purposeful tasks such as slicing bananas or tending
the garden They develop the skills needed to foster independence and care for themselves and each other The environment
is rich in opportunities to move with balance and control as well as lessons in art and music The childs development of
self-confidence and understanding that he or she is part of a community are fostered The children work together at tasks
such as setting the table for snack or dressing for the outdoors They gather as a community to play musical instruments
sing nursery rhymes or listen to stories Once the child has shown the readiness usually around age 3 he or she moves into
the Primary Program
The Primary classroom also known as ldquoThe Casardquo (3-6 years) is an atmosphere of calm order and joy as children ages 3
through 6 learn together The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students
Primary students literally absorb information experiences and life around them The older children learn leadership and
compassion in this mixed-aged setting Children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and develop their self-
discipline and the capacity for deep concentration Respect for others and good manners develop naturally as the children
grow within the Montessori environment
In addition to the goals of our program listed at the beginning of this handbook our curriculum includes the following areas
8
Practical Life Young children Toddler and Primary Students have a natural urge to partake in the activities of daily living
and be a participating member of family life Simple chores adults may take for granted fascinate the child engaging them
in the meaningful learning of life skills Practical life activities help children develop and coordinate movement awareness
of the environment orderly thought patterns independent work habits and responsibility The lessons in Practical Life
include
Preliminary Exercises- preparing the fine motor skills for more challenging activities (spooning pouring stringing etc
Care of the Environment- learning to respect and care for the tools in the space where the child lives and learns (food
preparation sweeping dusting washing polishing etc)
Care of the Person- learning the basics of self-care skills (hand washing nose blowing dressing nutrition etc)
Grace and Courtesy- learning social skills (walking carefully communication manners table setting hosting a guest etc)
Sensorial The materials and activities level are iconic for Montessori They allow children to pursue their natural tendency
to classify sensorial impressions and sort by size shape color touch sound and weight The sensorial materials isolate
specific qualities have a built in control of error allow for repetition and make abstract qualities concrete Sensorial
activities lay a foundation for math geometry geography botany art and music
Math An introduction to mathematics at the Toddler level is given through simple counting exercises such as counting the
plates when setting the table counting the children as they line up and through counting songs and rhymes
At the Primary level childrenrsquos mathematical sense is built on the strong foundation of the sensorial materials where many
fundamental concepts such as length volume gradation sequencing grouping and so on have been already experienced
via the senses These activities make the abstract concepts of mathematics concrete for hands on learning Each activity
isolates a particular concept and integrates with other activities to form a strong foundation for further exploration
Beginning Primary math activities include 1 to 10 (sequences quantity numeral names combinations of ten basic
arithmetic) teens tens introduction to the decimal system and the operations of addition multiplication subtraction and
division Children explore fractional equivalences and the fractional names with manipulative materials They use a wide
variety of two and three-dimensional geometry materials and learn the basics of geometric nomenclature They see and
explore binomial and trinomial patterns in certain materials and gain a visual and tactile impression for later work when
they will use such patterns to explore the concepts of squaring square root cubing and cube root during the elementary
years The emphasis is always on examining patterns and sequences and the connections between arithmetic and geometry
in order to help children develop their mathematical minds from an early age
Language Children are immersed in language the moment they enter the classroom Spoken language is encouraged as
children communicate with each other individually in small groups and in large groups A library of books is available for
enjoyment and information Stories are read and told individually in small and large groups
At the Primary level phonemic awareness is taught through hands on activities and games the alphabet is learned with fun
and interesting sorting and matching works handwriting is practiced through tracing shapes sandpaper letters and using
chalkboards moveable alphabet letters are used for writing words and labels are used all over for word recognition Reading
for 4 or 5 year olds in a Montessori program usually follows an immersion in writing activities mostly done using the
moveable alphabets The children spontaneously synthesize all of the phonemes they have learned and the sight words they
have been given and often discover that one day they can now read In addition to a wide range of suitable fiction and non-
fiction books in each classroom there are vocabulary cards in relation to every subject area (nomenclature of everyday
objects geometry science world cultures etc) Enrichment of vocabulary across the curriculum is a constant focus in the
Primary classroom Another daily occurrence is reading aloud to the children as a group Introductory activities in areas of
9
grammar syntax and word study form a part of the early language work Dr Maria Montessori described the 5 to 7 year
olds as ldquoword loversrdquo such was their great interest in language at this age The concepts of noun verb preposition subject
direct object etc are introduced in playful activities using a miniature environment and a variety of movement games
Science Toddler and Primary level sensorial exploration and experimentation is key as children learn about the natural
world For example sand and water tables allow for open-ended work while other activities isolate individual concepts such
as sink and float magnets botany etc Care for plants and animals overlap with practical life activities and teach science
as well as responsibility At the Primary level basic skills of science such as measuring comparing classifying and keen
observing are carefully prepared and practiced This work is accompanied by extensive classified nomenclature For
example Primary age children learn the scientific nomenclature of the parts of a flower such as the calyx and corolla
Classification systems such as livingnon-living and vertebrateinvertebrate are also taught Children study the basic
characteristics and nomenclature of plants and animals They learn to name common domestic and wild plants and animals
and they work with materials to learn fundamental classifications such as mammals birds reptiles amphibians and fish
Children are also introduced to some basic concepts of physical science such as floatingsinking magneticnon-magnetic
Non-fiction books related to science are read aloud to the children and they have classroom responsibilities for the care of
indoor plants as well as feeding the birds outside The children also plant tend to and harvest in our school gardens
Geography These materials help the child learn about the facts of the material world Working with the sensorial language
and cultural materials related to geography is an important part of the work of a Montessori Primary classroom The very
young children are introduced early to a sandpaper globe where they can have a visual and tactile experience of the Earth
Other sensorial materials and puzzle maps are used by the children to explore the continents of our world the countries of
each continent and the states of our own country They also create key land and water forms such as lake island and
peninsula Geography vocabulary is given both orally and with prepared nomenclature cards that are used by the children
as an integrated part of their language work The children are introduced to the diversity of international cultures by means
of stories songs celebrations pictures and artifacts
History and Cultural Studies The Toddler and Primary students celebrate diversity of our world through language music
art traditions food stories and history A variety of cultural themes are integrated into all curriculum areas Peace education
is an integral part of the Montessori classroom and begins with respect for understanding and acceptance of differences as
well as the celebration of the unifying aspects that connect us all
Music At the Toddler and Primary levels informal and formal music education occurs through singing listening to music
introduction of instruments introduction of musical notation and exploration of sound
Art A range of art materials and activities are available to students in the classroom Art activities in the Toddler and
Primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest There is a progression in the artwork as
the childrsquos skills develop Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises Pasting work is followed
later by collage Coloring with various media (crayons pastels charcoal) is available Painting on an easel watercolor and
clay work are presented Handwork including sewing and embroidery is taught Seasonal inspirations using different media
are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms
Spanish At the Primary and Lower Elementary level the main goal is to create enthusiasm about speaking and learning
Spanish Many songs rhymes and games are used New vocabulary and expressions are presented in categories such as
colors foods school etc By using a wide variety of resources in a creative way we generate the interest and desire to
communicate in the language
Universal Values and Global Perspective
Montessori deliberately teaches children not only appropriate patterns of polite behavior but seeks to instill basic universal
values within the core of the childrsquos personality These values include self-respect acceptance of the uniqueness and dignity
of each person we meet kindness peacefulness compassion empathy honor individual responsibility and the courage to
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
5
Our Vision We share the vision of Dr Maria Montessori Our care of the child should not be governed by the desire to make him
learn things but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligencerdquo
More specifically
Our vision is to promote the development of the whole child by providing a Montessori education in an environment
that cultivates deep thought focus love of self and for nature and fosters social citizenship
Our goal remains to assist children to develop their own unique personality according to their individual potential and
interests We help children make sense of the worldmdashnot only because it is infinitely interesting and learning is fun but
also to equip them to be able to make it a better place We help children become confident independent thinkers and life-
long learners Exercising freedom within limits that allow them room to grow and blossom into responsible productive
citizens
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) accomplishes this through not only offering a solid academic foundation but
also emphasizing independence self-direction choice teamwork cooperation and peace
We offer a comprehensive education from 6 weeks-6 years of age In a family-like setting that celebrates the diversity of
people We believe in the principles that have made Montessori one of the most effective approaches to education for over
100 years Maria Montessori referred to her method as ldquopreparation for liferdquo
Our Goals
To awaken a love a learning passion for knowledge and joy of creativity in each student
To support the development of independent self-confident learners
To foster a strong sense of self respect for others and an ability to work as part of a group
To develop a repertoire of life skills and a strong academic foundation
To provide developmentally appropriate physical activity and healthy nutritional snacks
To encourage regular practice of self-reflection and nurturing the peace within
To provide a reliable source of care and information for families
Our Core Values
Respect Honesty
Responsibility Kindness
Compassion Awareness
A Brief School Description
Established in 2014 The Montessori School of Donelson is a private independent educational program certified by The
Tennessee Department of Education We offer a year-round program for children ages 6 weeks-6 years including
kindergarten (Older school-age children admitted for summers only) Our location is conveniently situated to serve
6
Nashville Donelson Hermitage and Mt Juliet communities
The Montessori School of Donelson utilizes the child-centered educational philosophy developed by Dr Maria
Montessori This method based on scientific observations of children has been time tested with over 100 years of
success in diverse cultures throughout the world It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the
whole child physically socially emotionally and cognitively
Endowed with a natural inner drive to learn children thrive in an environment that is prepared (neat orderly meets
individual needs) with a Guide (Montessori word for teacher) that is trained to observe their unique skills and interests
and as members of a community where faculty parents staff and children come together to nurture their hearts and
mindsWe are ldquoMontessori Donelsonrdquo
Elements of the Montessori Approach to Teaching Montessori is primarily a philosophy of child development and a method of applying the philosophy in an educational
setting to ldquoguiderdquo a childrsquos growth Thus the Montessori Teacher are referred to as a ldquoGuiderdquo The Montessori classrooms
at all levels are dynamic communities of learners and guides Some basic premises of Montessori for all age levels include
A Responsive Prepared Student-Centered Environment
Children are to be respected as unique individuals different from adults but not less important or valued as members of the
community The child possesses an unusual sensitivity and intellectual ability to learn from her environment The focus of
activity in our Montessori classroom setting is on the childrsquos experience within the environment and not on the teacherrsquos
teaching Our environment is designed to meet the needs interests and abilities of the children within the class Teachers
adapt the environment through modifying the selection of educational materials available the physical layout and equipment
in the classroom and shifting the tone of the class to fit the ever-changing needs of the children Generally students work
individually or in small self-selected groups Community meetings or ldquocircle timesrdquo are scheduled so as not to interrupt the
childrsquos work and are usual held at transitional points during the day There is a conscious effort to design our classroom as
a ldquochildrenrsquos houserdquo making it as comfortable and inviting as a home
A Focus on the Human Tendencies
Maria Montessori based her philosophy of education on the human tendency within the child to explore to move to share
with a group to be independent and make decisions to create order to develop self-control to abstract ideas from
experience to use creative imagination to work hard to repeat concentrate and perfect onersquos efforts and creations Each
of these tendencies is considered carefully when designing our environments preparing materials and planning activities
for the students
A Multiage Community of Learners
Our Montessori classroom is a community of children and adults The classroom consists of children from a multiage span
of three to four years This creates a ldquofamilyrdquo like group where older children model and help care for younger children
and younger children look up to and learn from the older children Varying levels of ability blend easily in a multiage setting
no child feels left behind and everyone learns at their own pace
Cooperation and Collaboration
Montessori children learn ldquoat their own pacerdquo When the child demonstrates readiness she is guided gently by the teachers
in the classroom to explore increasingly challenging activities In a Montessori setting teacherrsquos refrain from comparing
students to one another and base evaluations on the progress of the individual Children are encouraged to work together as
well as independently Often a more experienced child will be asked to assist a less experienced child with an activity or
lesson Group discussion and problem solving are strongly encouraged Teachers work to create a sense of community
within the classroom Children feel a sense of belonging and responsibility toward their classroom and toward each other
7
The Process of Learning
Montessori materials teach through hands on learning spontaneous engagement active involvement and self-directed
activity Montessori materials have a control of error inherent in their design This allows children to work independently
unafraid to make mistakes and to become comfortable with the fact errors are essential to the process of learning While
making independent choices and exploring concepts largely on their own Montessori students construct their own sense of
individual identity They become independent and confident individuals The child is intrinsically motivated to learn In a
Montessori classroom children donrsquot work for grades or external rewards nor do they complete assignments given to them
by their teachers
Children learn because they are interested in things and in gaining an understanding of the world around them In
the classroom there are three stages of learning a new concept or lesson
1 Introduction to a concept This is usually occurs by means of exploration within the classroom observing
another child at work a conversation reading something in a book etc
2 Processing the concept The child develops an understanding of the concept through working with materials
that illustrate the ideas provide opportunity for exploration and experimentation and provide opportunity for
repetition of an activity
3 Mastering the concept The child is confidently able to explain the concept and teach the concept to another
person
Evaluation of Student Progress
The Montessori School of Donelson maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the
traditional Montessori curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner
(except where State standards apply ie kindergarten) Written narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio
samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress is based on the individual growth of each child
Overview of Montessori Curriculum
The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work He works however not as an adult for completion of a job but
for the sake of an activity itself It is this activity which enables him to accomplish his most important goal the development
of himself ndashmental physical and psychological powers
In our InfantNido (6 weeks-6 months amp 6 months-15 months) Toddler (12-24 months) and Pre-Primary (18-36 months)
In infant and toddler level classrooms children participate joyfully in purposeful tasks such as slicing bananas or tending
the garden They develop the skills needed to foster independence and care for themselves and each other The environment
is rich in opportunities to move with balance and control as well as lessons in art and music The childs development of
self-confidence and understanding that he or she is part of a community are fostered The children work together at tasks
such as setting the table for snack or dressing for the outdoors They gather as a community to play musical instruments
sing nursery rhymes or listen to stories Once the child has shown the readiness usually around age 3 he or she moves into
the Primary Program
The Primary classroom also known as ldquoThe Casardquo (3-6 years) is an atmosphere of calm order and joy as children ages 3
through 6 learn together The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students
Primary students literally absorb information experiences and life around them The older children learn leadership and
compassion in this mixed-aged setting Children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and develop their self-
discipline and the capacity for deep concentration Respect for others and good manners develop naturally as the children
grow within the Montessori environment
In addition to the goals of our program listed at the beginning of this handbook our curriculum includes the following areas
8
Practical Life Young children Toddler and Primary Students have a natural urge to partake in the activities of daily living
and be a participating member of family life Simple chores adults may take for granted fascinate the child engaging them
in the meaningful learning of life skills Practical life activities help children develop and coordinate movement awareness
of the environment orderly thought patterns independent work habits and responsibility The lessons in Practical Life
include
Preliminary Exercises- preparing the fine motor skills for more challenging activities (spooning pouring stringing etc
Care of the Environment- learning to respect and care for the tools in the space where the child lives and learns (food
preparation sweeping dusting washing polishing etc)
Care of the Person- learning the basics of self-care skills (hand washing nose blowing dressing nutrition etc)
Grace and Courtesy- learning social skills (walking carefully communication manners table setting hosting a guest etc)
Sensorial The materials and activities level are iconic for Montessori They allow children to pursue their natural tendency
to classify sensorial impressions and sort by size shape color touch sound and weight The sensorial materials isolate
specific qualities have a built in control of error allow for repetition and make abstract qualities concrete Sensorial
activities lay a foundation for math geometry geography botany art and music
Math An introduction to mathematics at the Toddler level is given through simple counting exercises such as counting the
plates when setting the table counting the children as they line up and through counting songs and rhymes
At the Primary level childrenrsquos mathematical sense is built on the strong foundation of the sensorial materials where many
fundamental concepts such as length volume gradation sequencing grouping and so on have been already experienced
via the senses These activities make the abstract concepts of mathematics concrete for hands on learning Each activity
isolates a particular concept and integrates with other activities to form a strong foundation for further exploration
Beginning Primary math activities include 1 to 10 (sequences quantity numeral names combinations of ten basic
arithmetic) teens tens introduction to the decimal system and the operations of addition multiplication subtraction and
division Children explore fractional equivalences and the fractional names with manipulative materials They use a wide
variety of two and three-dimensional geometry materials and learn the basics of geometric nomenclature They see and
explore binomial and trinomial patterns in certain materials and gain a visual and tactile impression for later work when
they will use such patterns to explore the concepts of squaring square root cubing and cube root during the elementary
years The emphasis is always on examining patterns and sequences and the connections between arithmetic and geometry
in order to help children develop their mathematical minds from an early age
Language Children are immersed in language the moment they enter the classroom Spoken language is encouraged as
children communicate with each other individually in small groups and in large groups A library of books is available for
enjoyment and information Stories are read and told individually in small and large groups
At the Primary level phonemic awareness is taught through hands on activities and games the alphabet is learned with fun
and interesting sorting and matching works handwriting is practiced through tracing shapes sandpaper letters and using
chalkboards moveable alphabet letters are used for writing words and labels are used all over for word recognition Reading
for 4 or 5 year olds in a Montessori program usually follows an immersion in writing activities mostly done using the
moveable alphabets The children spontaneously synthesize all of the phonemes they have learned and the sight words they
have been given and often discover that one day they can now read In addition to a wide range of suitable fiction and non-
fiction books in each classroom there are vocabulary cards in relation to every subject area (nomenclature of everyday
objects geometry science world cultures etc) Enrichment of vocabulary across the curriculum is a constant focus in the
Primary classroom Another daily occurrence is reading aloud to the children as a group Introductory activities in areas of
9
grammar syntax and word study form a part of the early language work Dr Maria Montessori described the 5 to 7 year
olds as ldquoword loversrdquo such was their great interest in language at this age The concepts of noun verb preposition subject
direct object etc are introduced in playful activities using a miniature environment and a variety of movement games
Science Toddler and Primary level sensorial exploration and experimentation is key as children learn about the natural
world For example sand and water tables allow for open-ended work while other activities isolate individual concepts such
as sink and float magnets botany etc Care for plants and animals overlap with practical life activities and teach science
as well as responsibility At the Primary level basic skills of science such as measuring comparing classifying and keen
observing are carefully prepared and practiced This work is accompanied by extensive classified nomenclature For
example Primary age children learn the scientific nomenclature of the parts of a flower such as the calyx and corolla
Classification systems such as livingnon-living and vertebrateinvertebrate are also taught Children study the basic
characteristics and nomenclature of plants and animals They learn to name common domestic and wild plants and animals
and they work with materials to learn fundamental classifications such as mammals birds reptiles amphibians and fish
Children are also introduced to some basic concepts of physical science such as floatingsinking magneticnon-magnetic
Non-fiction books related to science are read aloud to the children and they have classroom responsibilities for the care of
indoor plants as well as feeding the birds outside The children also plant tend to and harvest in our school gardens
Geography These materials help the child learn about the facts of the material world Working with the sensorial language
and cultural materials related to geography is an important part of the work of a Montessori Primary classroom The very
young children are introduced early to a sandpaper globe where they can have a visual and tactile experience of the Earth
Other sensorial materials and puzzle maps are used by the children to explore the continents of our world the countries of
each continent and the states of our own country They also create key land and water forms such as lake island and
peninsula Geography vocabulary is given both orally and with prepared nomenclature cards that are used by the children
as an integrated part of their language work The children are introduced to the diversity of international cultures by means
of stories songs celebrations pictures and artifacts
History and Cultural Studies The Toddler and Primary students celebrate diversity of our world through language music
art traditions food stories and history A variety of cultural themes are integrated into all curriculum areas Peace education
is an integral part of the Montessori classroom and begins with respect for understanding and acceptance of differences as
well as the celebration of the unifying aspects that connect us all
Music At the Toddler and Primary levels informal and formal music education occurs through singing listening to music
introduction of instruments introduction of musical notation and exploration of sound
Art A range of art materials and activities are available to students in the classroom Art activities in the Toddler and
Primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest There is a progression in the artwork as
the childrsquos skills develop Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises Pasting work is followed
later by collage Coloring with various media (crayons pastels charcoal) is available Painting on an easel watercolor and
clay work are presented Handwork including sewing and embroidery is taught Seasonal inspirations using different media
are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms
Spanish At the Primary and Lower Elementary level the main goal is to create enthusiasm about speaking and learning
Spanish Many songs rhymes and games are used New vocabulary and expressions are presented in categories such as
colors foods school etc By using a wide variety of resources in a creative way we generate the interest and desire to
communicate in the language
Universal Values and Global Perspective
Montessori deliberately teaches children not only appropriate patterns of polite behavior but seeks to instill basic universal
values within the core of the childrsquos personality These values include self-respect acceptance of the uniqueness and dignity
of each person we meet kindness peacefulness compassion empathy honor individual responsibility and the courage to
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
6
Nashville Donelson Hermitage and Mt Juliet communities
The Montessori School of Donelson utilizes the child-centered educational philosophy developed by Dr Maria
Montessori This method based on scientific observations of children has been time tested with over 100 years of
success in diverse cultures throughout the world It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the
whole child physically socially emotionally and cognitively
Endowed with a natural inner drive to learn children thrive in an environment that is prepared (neat orderly meets
individual needs) with a Guide (Montessori word for teacher) that is trained to observe their unique skills and interests
and as members of a community where faculty parents staff and children come together to nurture their hearts and
mindsWe are ldquoMontessori Donelsonrdquo
Elements of the Montessori Approach to Teaching Montessori is primarily a philosophy of child development and a method of applying the philosophy in an educational
setting to ldquoguiderdquo a childrsquos growth Thus the Montessori Teacher are referred to as a ldquoGuiderdquo The Montessori classrooms
at all levels are dynamic communities of learners and guides Some basic premises of Montessori for all age levels include
A Responsive Prepared Student-Centered Environment
Children are to be respected as unique individuals different from adults but not less important or valued as members of the
community The child possesses an unusual sensitivity and intellectual ability to learn from her environment The focus of
activity in our Montessori classroom setting is on the childrsquos experience within the environment and not on the teacherrsquos
teaching Our environment is designed to meet the needs interests and abilities of the children within the class Teachers
adapt the environment through modifying the selection of educational materials available the physical layout and equipment
in the classroom and shifting the tone of the class to fit the ever-changing needs of the children Generally students work
individually or in small self-selected groups Community meetings or ldquocircle timesrdquo are scheduled so as not to interrupt the
childrsquos work and are usual held at transitional points during the day There is a conscious effort to design our classroom as
a ldquochildrenrsquos houserdquo making it as comfortable and inviting as a home
A Focus on the Human Tendencies
Maria Montessori based her philosophy of education on the human tendency within the child to explore to move to share
with a group to be independent and make decisions to create order to develop self-control to abstract ideas from
experience to use creative imagination to work hard to repeat concentrate and perfect onersquos efforts and creations Each
of these tendencies is considered carefully when designing our environments preparing materials and planning activities
for the students
A Multiage Community of Learners
Our Montessori classroom is a community of children and adults The classroom consists of children from a multiage span
of three to four years This creates a ldquofamilyrdquo like group where older children model and help care for younger children
and younger children look up to and learn from the older children Varying levels of ability blend easily in a multiage setting
no child feels left behind and everyone learns at their own pace
Cooperation and Collaboration
Montessori children learn ldquoat their own pacerdquo When the child demonstrates readiness she is guided gently by the teachers
in the classroom to explore increasingly challenging activities In a Montessori setting teacherrsquos refrain from comparing
students to one another and base evaluations on the progress of the individual Children are encouraged to work together as
well as independently Often a more experienced child will be asked to assist a less experienced child with an activity or
lesson Group discussion and problem solving are strongly encouraged Teachers work to create a sense of community
within the classroom Children feel a sense of belonging and responsibility toward their classroom and toward each other
7
The Process of Learning
Montessori materials teach through hands on learning spontaneous engagement active involvement and self-directed
activity Montessori materials have a control of error inherent in their design This allows children to work independently
unafraid to make mistakes and to become comfortable with the fact errors are essential to the process of learning While
making independent choices and exploring concepts largely on their own Montessori students construct their own sense of
individual identity They become independent and confident individuals The child is intrinsically motivated to learn In a
Montessori classroom children donrsquot work for grades or external rewards nor do they complete assignments given to them
by their teachers
Children learn because they are interested in things and in gaining an understanding of the world around them In
the classroom there are three stages of learning a new concept or lesson
1 Introduction to a concept This is usually occurs by means of exploration within the classroom observing
another child at work a conversation reading something in a book etc
2 Processing the concept The child develops an understanding of the concept through working with materials
that illustrate the ideas provide opportunity for exploration and experimentation and provide opportunity for
repetition of an activity
3 Mastering the concept The child is confidently able to explain the concept and teach the concept to another
person
Evaluation of Student Progress
The Montessori School of Donelson maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the
traditional Montessori curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner
(except where State standards apply ie kindergarten) Written narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio
samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress is based on the individual growth of each child
Overview of Montessori Curriculum
The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work He works however not as an adult for completion of a job but
for the sake of an activity itself It is this activity which enables him to accomplish his most important goal the development
of himself ndashmental physical and psychological powers
In our InfantNido (6 weeks-6 months amp 6 months-15 months) Toddler (12-24 months) and Pre-Primary (18-36 months)
In infant and toddler level classrooms children participate joyfully in purposeful tasks such as slicing bananas or tending
the garden They develop the skills needed to foster independence and care for themselves and each other The environment
is rich in opportunities to move with balance and control as well as lessons in art and music The childs development of
self-confidence and understanding that he or she is part of a community are fostered The children work together at tasks
such as setting the table for snack or dressing for the outdoors They gather as a community to play musical instruments
sing nursery rhymes or listen to stories Once the child has shown the readiness usually around age 3 he or she moves into
the Primary Program
The Primary classroom also known as ldquoThe Casardquo (3-6 years) is an atmosphere of calm order and joy as children ages 3
through 6 learn together The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students
Primary students literally absorb information experiences and life around them The older children learn leadership and
compassion in this mixed-aged setting Children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and develop their self-
discipline and the capacity for deep concentration Respect for others and good manners develop naturally as the children
grow within the Montessori environment
In addition to the goals of our program listed at the beginning of this handbook our curriculum includes the following areas
8
Practical Life Young children Toddler and Primary Students have a natural urge to partake in the activities of daily living
and be a participating member of family life Simple chores adults may take for granted fascinate the child engaging them
in the meaningful learning of life skills Practical life activities help children develop and coordinate movement awareness
of the environment orderly thought patterns independent work habits and responsibility The lessons in Practical Life
include
Preliminary Exercises- preparing the fine motor skills for more challenging activities (spooning pouring stringing etc
Care of the Environment- learning to respect and care for the tools in the space where the child lives and learns (food
preparation sweeping dusting washing polishing etc)
Care of the Person- learning the basics of self-care skills (hand washing nose blowing dressing nutrition etc)
Grace and Courtesy- learning social skills (walking carefully communication manners table setting hosting a guest etc)
Sensorial The materials and activities level are iconic for Montessori They allow children to pursue their natural tendency
to classify sensorial impressions and sort by size shape color touch sound and weight The sensorial materials isolate
specific qualities have a built in control of error allow for repetition and make abstract qualities concrete Sensorial
activities lay a foundation for math geometry geography botany art and music
Math An introduction to mathematics at the Toddler level is given through simple counting exercises such as counting the
plates when setting the table counting the children as they line up and through counting songs and rhymes
At the Primary level childrenrsquos mathematical sense is built on the strong foundation of the sensorial materials where many
fundamental concepts such as length volume gradation sequencing grouping and so on have been already experienced
via the senses These activities make the abstract concepts of mathematics concrete for hands on learning Each activity
isolates a particular concept and integrates with other activities to form a strong foundation for further exploration
Beginning Primary math activities include 1 to 10 (sequences quantity numeral names combinations of ten basic
arithmetic) teens tens introduction to the decimal system and the operations of addition multiplication subtraction and
division Children explore fractional equivalences and the fractional names with manipulative materials They use a wide
variety of two and three-dimensional geometry materials and learn the basics of geometric nomenclature They see and
explore binomial and trinomial patterns in certain materials and gain a visual and tactile impression for later work when
they will use such patterns to explore the concepts of squaring square root cubing and cube root during the elementary
years The emphasis is always on examining patterns and sequences and the connections between arithmetic and geometry
in order to help children develop their mathematical minds from an early age
Language Children are immersed in language the moment they enter the classroom Spoken language is encouraged as
children communicate with each other individually in small groups and in large groups A library of books is available for
enjoyment and information Stories are read and told individually in small and large groups
At the Primary level phonemic awareness is taught through hands on activities and games the alphabet is learned with fun
and interesting sorting and matching works handwriting is practiced through tracing shapes sandpaper letters and using
chalkboards moveable alphabet letters are used for writing words and labels are used all over for word recognition Reading
for 4 or 5 year olds in a Montessori program usually follows an immersion in writing activities mostly done using the
moveable alphabets The children spontaneously synthesize all of the phonemes they have learned and the sight words they
have been given and often discover that one day they can now read In addition to a wide range of suitable fiction and non-
fiction books in each classroom there are vocabulary cards in relation to every subject area (nomenclature of everyday
objects geometry science world cultures etc) Enrichment of vocabulary across the curriculum is a constant focus in the
Primary classroom Another daily occurrence is reading aloud to the children as a group Introductory activities in areas of
9
grammar syntax and word study form a part of the early language work Dr Maria Montessori described the 5 to 7 year
olds as ldquoword loversrdquo such was their great interest in language at this age The concepts of noun verb preposition subject
direct object etc are introduced in playful activities using a miniature environment and a variety of movement games
Science Toddler and Primary level sensorial exploration and experimentation is key as children learn about the natural
world For example sand and water tables allow for open-ended work while other activities isolate individual concepts such
as sink and float magnets botany etc Care for plants and animals overlap with practical life activities and teach science
as well as responsibility At the Primary level basic skills of science such as measuring comparing classifying and keen
observing are carefully prepared and practiced This work is accompanied by extensive classified nomenclature For
example Primary age children learn the scientific nomenclature of the parts of a flower such as the calyx and corolla
Classification systems such as livingnon-living and vertebrateinvertebrate are also taught Children study the basic
characteristics and nomenclature of plants and animals They learn to name common domestic and wild plants and animals
and they work with materials to learn fundamental classifications such as mammals birds reptiles amphibians and fish
Children are also introduced to some basic concepts of physical science such as floatingsinking magneticnon-magnetic
Non-fiction books related to science are read aloud to the children and they have classroom responsibilities for the care of
indoor plants as well as feeding the birds outside The children also plant tend to and harvest in our school gardens
Geography These materials help the child learn about the facts of the material world Working with the sensorial language
and cultural materials related to geography is an important part of the work of a Montessori Primary classroom The very
young children are introduced early to a sandpaper globe where they can have a visual and tactile experience of the Earth
Other sensorial materials and puzzle maps are used by the children to explore the continents of our world the countries of
each continent and the states of our own country They also create key land and water forms such as lake island and
peninsula Geography vocabulary is given both orally and with prepared nomenclature cards that are used by the children
as an integrated part of their language work The children are introduced to the diversity of international cultures by means
of stories songs celebrations pictures and artifacts
History and Cultural Studies The Toddler and Primary students celebrate diversity of our world through language music
art traditions food stories and history A variety of cultural themes are integrated into all curriculum areas Peace education
is an integral part of the Montessori classroom and begins with respect for understanding and acceptance of differences as
well as the celebration of the unifying aspects that connect us all
Music At the Toddler and Primary levels informal and formal music education occurs through singing listening to music
introduction of instruments introduction of musical notation and exploration of sound
Art A range of art materials and activities are available to students in the classroom Art activities in the Toddler and
Primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest There is a progression in the artwork as
the childrsquos skills develop Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises Pasting work is followed
later by collage Coloring with various media (crayons pastels charcoal) is available Painting on an easel watercolor and
clay work are presented Handwork including sewing and embroidery is taught Seasonal inspirations using different media
are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms
Spanish At the Primary and Lower Elementary level the main goal is to create enthusiasm about speaking and learning
Spanish Many songs rhymes and games are used New vocabulary and expressions are presented in categories such as
colors foods school etc By using a wide variety of resources in a creative way we generate the interest and desire to
communicate in the language
Universal Values and Global Perspective
Montessori deliberately teaches children not only appropriate patterns of polite behavior but seeks to instill basic universal
values within the core of the childrsquos personality These values include self-respect acceptance of the uniqueness and dignity
of each person we meet kindness peacefulness compassion empathy honor individual responsibility and the courage to
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
7
The Process of Learning
Montessori materials teach through hands on learning spontaneous engagement active involvement and self-directed
activity Montessori materials have a control of error inherent in their design This allows children to work independently
unafraid to make mistakes and to become comfortable with the fact errors are essential to the process of learning While
making independent choices and exploring concepts largely on their own Montessori students construct their own sense of
individual identity They become independent and confident individuals The child is intrinsically motivated to learn In a
Montessori classroom children donrsquot work for grades or external rewards nor do they complete assignments given to them
by their teachers
Children learn because they are interested in things and in gaining an understanding of the world around them In
the classroom there are three stages of learning a new concept or lesson
1 Introduction to a concept This is usually occurs by means of exploration within the classroom observing
another child at work a conversation reading something in a book etc
2 Processing the concept The child develops an understanding of the concept through working with materials
that illustrate the ideas provide opportunity for exploration and experimentation and provide opportunity for
repetition of an activity
3 Mastering the concept The child is confidently able to explain the concept and teach the concept to another
person
Evaluation of Student Progress
The Montessori School of Donelson maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the
traditional Montessori curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner
(except where State standards apply ie kindergarten) Written narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio
samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress is based on the individual growth of each child
Overview of Montessori Curriculum
The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work He works however not as an adult for completion of a job but
for the sake of an activity itself It is this activity which enables him to accomplish his most important goal the development
of himself ndashmental physical and psychological powers
In our InfantNido (6 weeks-6 months amp 6 months-15 months) Toddler (12-24 months) and Pre-Primary (18-36 months)
In infant and toddler level classrooms children participate joyfully in purposeful tasks such as slicing bananas or tending
the garden They develop the skills needed to foster independence and care for themselves and each other The environment
is rich in opportunities to move with balance and control as well as lessons in art and music The childs development of
self-confidence and understanding that he or she is part of a community are fostered The children work together at tasks
such as setting the table for snack or dressing for the outdoors They gather as a community to play musical instruments
sing nursery rhymes or listen to stories Once the child has shown the readiness usually around age 3 he or she moves into
the Primary Program
The Primary classroom also known as ldquoThe Casardquo (3-6 years) is an atmosphere of calm order and joy as children ages 3
through 6 learn together The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students
Primary students literally absorb information experiences and life around them The older children learn leadership and
compassion in this mixed-aged setting Children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and develop their self-
discipline and the capacity for deep concentration Respect for others and good manners develop naturally as the children
grow within the Montessori environment
In addition to the goals of our program listed at the beginning of this handbook our curriculum includes the following areas
8
Practical Life Young children Toddler and Primary Students have a natural urge to partake in the activities of daily living
and be a participating member of family life Simple chores adults may take for granted fascinate the child engaging them
in the meaningful learning of life skills Practical life activities help children develop and coordinate movement awareness
of the environment orderly thought patterns independent work habits and responsibility The lessons in Practical Life
include
Preliminary Exercises- preparing the fine motor skills for more challenging activities (spooning pouring stringing etc
Care of the Environment- learning to respect and care for the tools in the space where the child lives and learns (food
preparation sweeping dusting washing polishing etc)
Care of the Person- learning the basics of self-care skills (hand washing nose blowing dressing nutrition etc)
Grace and Courtesy- learning social skills (walking carefully communication manners table setting hosting a guest etc)
Sensorial The materials and activities level are iconic for Montessori They allow children to pursue their natural tendency
to classify sensorial impressions and sort by size shape color touch sound and weight The sensorial materials isolate
specific qualities have a built in control of error allow for repetition and make abstract qualities concrete Sensorial
activities lay a foundation for math geometry geography botany art and music
Math An introduction to mathematics at the Toddler level is given through simple counting exercises such as counting the
plates when setting the table counting the children as they line up and through counting songs and rhymes
At the Primary level childrenrsquos mathematical sense is built on the strong foundation of the sensorial materials where many
fundamental concepts such as length volume gradation sequencing grouping and so on have been already experienced
via the senses These activities make the abstract concepts of mathematics concrete for hands on learning Each activity
isolates a particular concept and integrates with other activities to form a strong foundation for further exploration
Beginning Primary math activities include 1 to 10 (sequences quantity numeral names combinations of ten basic
arithmetic) teens tens introduction to the decimal system and the operations of addition multiplication subtraction and
division Children explore fractional equivalences and the fractional names with manipulative materials They use a wide
variety of two and three-dimensional geometry materials and learn the basics of geometric nomenclature They see and
explore binomial and trinomial patterns in certain materials and gain a visual and tactile impression for later work when
they will use such patterns to explore the concepts of squaring square root cubing and cube root during the elementary
years The emphasis is always on examining patterns and sequences and the connections between arithmetic and geometry
in order to help children develop their mathematical minds from an early age
Language Children are immersed in language the moment they enter the classroom Spoken language is encouraged as
children communicate with each other individually in small groups and in large groups A library of books is available for
enjoyment and information Stories are read and told individually in small and large groups
At the Primary level phonemic awareness is taught through hands on activities and games the alphabet is learned with fun
and interesting sorting and matching works handwriting is practiced through tracing shapes sandpaper letters and using
chalkboards moveable alphabet letters are used for writing words and labels are used all over for word recognition Reading
for 4 or 5 year olds in a Montessori program usually follows an immersion in writing activities mostly done using the
moveable alphabets The children spontaneously synthesize all of the phonemes they have learned and the sight words they
have been given and often discover that one day they can now read In addition to a wide range of suitable fiction and non-
fiction books in each classroom there are vocabulary cards in relation to every subject area (nomenclature of everyday
objects geometry science world cultures etc) Enrichment of vocabulary across the curriculum is a constant focus in the
Primary classroom Another daily occurrence is reading aloud to the children as a group Introductory activities in areas of
9
grammar syntax and word study form a part of the early language work Dr Maria Montessori described the 5 to 7 year
olds as ldquoword loversrdquo such was their great interest in language at this age The concepts of noun verb preposition subject
direct object etc are introduced in playful activities using a miniature environment and a variety of movement games
Science Toddler and Primary level sensorial exploration and experimentation is key as children learn about the natural
world For example sand and water tables allow for open-ended work while other activities isolate individual concepts such
as sink and float magnets botany etc Care for plants and animals overlap with practical life activities and teach science
as well as responsibility At the Primary level basic skills of science such as measuring comparing classifying and keen
observing are carefully prepared and practiced This work is accompanied by extensive classified nomenclature For
example Primary age children learn the scientific nomenclature of the parts of a flower such as the calyx and corolla
Classification systems such as livingnon-living and vertebrateinvertebrate are also taught Children study the basic
characteristics and nomenclature of plants and animals They learn to name common domestic and wild plants and animals
and they work with materials to learn fundamental classifications such as mammals birds reptiles amphibians and fish
Children are also introduced to some basic concepts of physical science such as floatingsinking magneticnon-magnetic
Non-fiction books related to science are read aloud to the children and they have classroom responsibilities for the care of
indoor plants as well as feeding the birds outside The children also plant tend to and harvest in our school gardens
Geography These materials help the child learn about the facts of the material world Working with the sensorial language
and cultural materials related to geography is an important part of the work of a Montessori Primary classroom The very
young children are introduced early to a sandpaper globe where they can have a visual and tactile experience of the Earth
Other sensorial materials and puzzle maps are used by the children to explore the continents of our world the countries of
each continent and the states of our own country They also create key land and water forms such as lake island and
peninsula Geography vocabulary is given both orally and with prepared nomenclature cards that are used by the children
as an integrated part of their language work The children are introduced to the diversity of international cultures by means
of stories songs celebrations pictures and artifacts
History and Cultural Studies The Toddler and Primary students celebrate diversity of our world through language music
art traditions food stories and history A variety of cultural themes are integrated into all curriculum areas Peace education
is an integral part of the Montessori classroom and begins with respect for understanding and acceptance of differences as
well as the celebration of the unifying aspects that connect us all
Music At the Toddler and Primary levels informal and formal music education occurs through singing listening to music
introduction of instruments introduction of musical notation and exploration of sound
Art A range of art materials and activities are available to students in the classroom Art activities in the Toddler and
Primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest There is a progression in the artwork as
the childrsquos skills develop Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises Pasting work is followed
later by collage Coloring with various media (crayons pastels charcoal) is available Painting on an easel watercolor and
clay work are presented Handwork including sewing and embroidery is taught Seasonal inspirations using different media
are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms
Spanish At the Primary and Lower Elementary level the main goal is to create enthusiasm about speaking and learning
Spanish Many songs rhymes and games are used New vocabulary and expressions are presented in categories such as
colors foods school etc By using a wide variety of resources in a creative way we generate the interest and desire to
communicate in the language
Universal Values and Global Perspective
Montessori deliberately teaches children not only appropriate patterns of polite behavior but seeks to instill basic universal
values within the core of the childrsquos personality These values include self-respect acceptance of the uniqueness and dignity
of each person we meet kindness peacefulness compassion empathy honor individual responsibility and the courage to
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
8
Practical Life Young children Toddler and Primary Students have a natural urge to partake in the activities of daily living
and be a participating member of family life Simple chores adults may take for granted fascinate the child engaging them
in the meaningful learning of life skills Practical life activities help children develop and coordinate movement awareness
of the environment orderly thought patterns independent work habits and responsibility The lessons in Practical Life
include
Preliminary Exercises- preparing the fine motor skills for more challenging activities (spooning pouring stringing etc
Care of the Environment- learning to respect and care for the tools in the space where the child lives and learns (food
preparation sweeping dusting washing polishing etc)
Care of the Person- learning the basics of self-care skills (hand washing nose blowing dressing nutrition etc)
Grace and Courtesy- learning social skills (walking carefully communication manners table setting hosting a guest etc)
Sensorial The materials and activities level are iconic for Montessori They allow children to pursue their natural tendency
to classify sensorial impressions and sort by size shape color touch sound and weight The sensorial materials isolate
specific qualities have a built in control of error allow for repetition and make abstract qualities concrete Sensorial
activities lay a foundation for math geometry geography botany art and music
Math An introduction to mathematics at the Toddler level is given through simple counting exercises such as counting the
plates when setting the table counting the children as they line up and through counting songs and rhymes
At the Primary level childrenrsquos mathematical sense is built on the strong foundation of the sensorial materials where many
fundamental concepts such as length volume gradation sequencing grouping and so on have been already experienced
via the senses These activities make the abstract concepts of mathematics concrete for hands on learning Each activity
isolates a particular concept and integrates with other activities to form a strong foundation for further exploration
Beginning Primary math activities include 1 to 10 (sequences quantity numeral names combinations of ten basic
arithmetic) teens tens introduction to the decimal system and the operations of addition multiplication subtraction and
division Children explore fractional equivalences and the fractional names with manipulative materials They use a wide
variety of two and three-dimensional geometry materials and learn the basics of geometric nomenclature They see and
explore binomial and trinomial patterns in certain materials and gain a visual and tactile impression for later work when
they will use such patterns to explore the concepts of squaring square root cubing and cube root during the elementary
years The emphasis is always on examining patterns and sequences and the connections between arithmetic and geometry
in order to help children develop their mathematical minds from an early age
Language Children are immersed in language the moment they enter the classroom Spoken language is encouraged as
children communicate with each other individually in small groups and in large groups A library of books is available for
enjoyment and information Stories are read and told individually in small and large groups
At the Primary level phonemic awareness is taught through hands on activities and games the alphabet is learned with fun
and interesting sorting and matching works handwriting is practiced through tracing shapes sandpaper letters and using
chalkboards moveable alphabet letters are used for writing words and labels are used all over for word recognition Reading
for 4 or 5 year olds in a Montessori program usually follows an immersion in writing activities mostly done using the
moveable alphabets The children spontaneously synthesize all of the phonemes they have learned and the sight words they
have been given and often discover that one day they can now read In addition to a wide range of suitable fiction and non-
fiction books in each classroom there are vocabulary cards in relation to every subject area (nomenclature of everyday
objects geometry science world cultures etc) Enrichment of vocabulary across the curriculum is a constant focus in the
Primary classroom Another daily occurrence is reading aloud to the children as a group Introductory activities in areas of
9
grammar syntax and word study form a part of the early language work Dr Maria Montessori described the 5 to 7 year
olds as ldquoword loversrdquo such was their great interest in language at this age The concepts of noun verb preposition subject
direct object etc are introduced in playful activities using a miniature environment and a variety of movement games
Science Toddler and Primary level sensorial exploration and experimentation is key as children learn about the natural
world For example sand and water tables allow for open-ended work while other activities isolate individual concepts such
as sink and float magnets botany etc Care for plants and animals overlap with practical life activities and teach science
as well as responsibility At the Primary level basic skills of science such as measuring comparing classifying and keen
observing are carefully prepared and practiced This work is accompanied by extensive classified nomenclature For
example Primary age children learn the scientific nomenclature of the parts of a flower such as the calyx and corolla
Classification systems such as livingnon-living and vertebrateinvertebrate are also taught Children study the basic
characteristics and nomenclature of plants and animals They learn to name common domestic and wild plants and animals
and they work with materials to learn fundamental classifications such as mammals birds reptiles amphibians and fish
Children are also introduced to some basic concepts of physical science such as floatingsinking magneticnon-magnetic
Non-fiction books related to science are read aloud to the children and they have classroom responsibilities for the care of
indoor plants as well as feeding the birds outside The children also plant tend to and harvest in our school gardens
Geography These materials help the child learn about the facts of the material world Working with the sensorial language
and cultural materials related to geography is an important part of the work of a Montessori Primary classroom The very
young children are introduced early to a sandpaper globe where they can have a visual and tactile experience of the Earth
Other sensorial materials and puzzle maps are used by the children to explore the continents of our world the countries of
each continent and the states of our own country They also create key land and water forms such as lake island and
peninsula Geography vocabulary is given both orally and with prepared nomenclature cards that are used by the children
as an integrated part of their language work The children are introduced to the diversity of international cultures by means
of stories songs celebrations pictures and artifacts
History and Cultural Studies The Toddler and Primary students celebrate diversity of our world through language music
art traditions food stories and history A variety of cultural themes are integrated into all curriculum areas Peace education
is an integral part of the Montessori classroom and begins with respect for understanding and acceptance of differences as
well as the celebration of the unifying aspects that connect us all
Music At the Toddler and Primary levels informal and formal music education occurs through singing listening to music
introduction of instruments introduction of musical notation and exploration of sound
Art A range of art materials and activities are available to students in the classroom Art activities in the Toddler and
Primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest There is a progression in the artwork as
the childrsquos skills develop Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises Pasting work is followed
later by collage Coloring with various media (crayons pastels charcoal) is available Painting on an easel watercolor and
clay work are presented Handwork including sewing and embroidery is taught Seasonal inspirations using different media
are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms
Spanish At the Primary and Lower Elementary level the main goal is to create enthusiasm about speaking and learning
Spanish Many songs rhymes and games are used New vocabulary and expressions are presented in categories such as
colors foods school etc By using a wide variety of resources in a creative way we generate the interest and desire to
communicate in the language
Universal Values and Global Perspective
Montessori deliberately teaches children not only appropriate patterns of polite behavior but seeks to instill basic universal
values within the core of the childrsquos personality These values include self-respect acceptance of the uniqueness and dignity
of each person we meet kindness peacefulness compassion empathy honor individual responsibility and the courage to
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
9
grammar syntax and word study form a part of the early language work Dr Maria Montessori described the 5 to 7 year
olds as ldquoword loversrdquo such was their great interest in language at this age The concepts of noun verb preposition subject
direct object etc are introduced in playful activities using a miniature environment and a variety of movement games
Science Toddler and Primary level sensorial exploration and experimentation is key as children learn about the natural
world For example sand and water tables allow for open-ended work while other activities isolate individual concepts such
as sink and float magnets botany etc Care for plants and animals overlap with practical life activities and teach science
as well as responsibility At the Primary level basic skills of science such as measuring comparing classifying and keen
observing are carefully prepared and practiced This work is accompanied by extensive classified nomenclature For
example Primary age children learn the scientific nomenclature of the parts of a flower such as the calyx and corolla
Classification systems such as livingnon-living and vertebrateinvertebrate are also taught Children study the basic
characteristics and nomenclature of plants and animals They learn to name common domestic and wild plants and animals
and they work with materials to learn fundamental classifications such as mammals birds reptiles amphibians and fish
Children are also introduced to some basic concepts of physical science such as floatingsinking magneticnon-magnetic
Non-fiction books related to science are read aloud to the children and they have classroom responsibilities for the care of
indoor plants as well as feeding the birds outside The children also plant tend to and harvest in our school gardens
Geography These materials help the child learn about the facts of the material world Working with the sensorial language
and cultural materials related to geography is an important part of the work of a Montessori Primary classroom The very
young children are introduced early to a sandpaper globe where they can have a visual and tactile experience of the Earth
Other sensorial materials and puzzle maps are used by the children to explore the continents of our world the countries of
each continent and the states of our own country They also create key land and water forms such as lake island and
peninsula Geography vocabulary is given both orally and with prepared nomenclature cards that are used by the children
as an integrated part of their language work The children are introduced to the diversity of international cultures by means
of stories songs celebrations pictures and artifacts
History and Cultural Studies The Toddler and Primary students celebrate diversity of our world through language music
art traditions food stories and history A variety of cultural themes are integrated into all curriculum areas Peace education
is an integral part of the Montessori classroom and begins with respect for understanding and acceptance of differences as
well as the celebration of the unifying aspects that connect us all
Music At the Toddler and Primary levels informal and formal music education occurs through singing listening to music
introduction of instruments introduction of musical notation and exploration of sound
Art A range of art materials and activities are available to students in the classroom Art activities in the Toddler and
Primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest There is a progression in the artwork as
the childrsquos skills develop Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises Pasting work is followed
later by collage Coloring with various media (crayons pastels charcoal) is available Painting on an easel watercolor and
clay work are presented Handwork including sewing and embroidery is taught Seasonal inspirations using different media
are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms
Spanish At the Primary and Lower Elementary level the main goal is to create enthusiasm about speaking and learning
Spanish Many songs rhymes and games are used New vocabulary and expressions are presented in categories such as
colors foods school etc By using a wide variety of resources in a creative way we generate the interest and desire to
communicate in the language
Universal Values and Global Perspective
Montessori deliberately teaches children not only appropriate patterns of polite behavior but seeks to instill basic universal
values within the core of the childrsquos personality These values include self-respect acceptance of the uniqueness and dignity
of each person we meet kindness peacefulness compassion empathy honor individual responsibility and the courage to
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
10
speak from our hearts The Montessori philosophy is international in its heritage and consciously seeks to promote a global
perspective
Classroom Routines General School amp Classroom Guidelines
The Montessori School of Donelson (MSD) supports a philosophy based on mutual respect to all members of our
community It is our intention to create a safe supportive nurturing environment for students parents and staff There are
some basic expectations we have for all members of our community Please review discuss and model these guidelines
with your child
bull Walk safely and calmly in the classrooms and hallways ---ldquowalking feetrdquo
bull Use quiet calm and gentle voices (indoor voices) no calling or yelling across the classroom
bull Be kind and gentle to others no aggressive behaviors will be tolerated
bull Respect privacy and concentration do not disturb others who are working
bull Respect otherrsquos personal belongings do not touch without permission
bull Take responsibility for care of our classroom return work in good order to shelves
Classroom Materials
The materials in the classroom are there to be used by all the children and the staff attempts to make them as inviting as
possible Sometimes they are too successful and pieces of the apparatus get invited home It is often the most
importantfavorite pieces that find their way home Should this occur we ask that parents return items as soon as possible
School Supplies School supply list are updated each year according to the needs for each classroom Please refer to it for a complete list of
items that your child may need It is also available on our Facebook page (wwwfacebookcomfacebook) under ldquoFilesrdquo
Adult Guidelines and Rules The entire school community including administrators teachers students parents and friends are responsible for modeling
appropriate behavior helping to maintain the order and neatness of the school environment and reporting any violations of
guidelines or safety concerns to the Head of School
MSD is a smoke free environment No one may smoke anywhere on school grounds Our school cannot and will not tolerate
any irresponsible and dangerous behavior acts of violence threats of violence emotional or sexual harassment or verbal
abuse directed toward anyone It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the school or on the grounds of the
school
Discipline Policies ldquoFreedom within limitsrdquo is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment Montessori children
enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice however their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits
on the range of their behavior They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community
but they are redirected promptly and firmly if they do not
Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline When a child oversteps
these boundaries and redirection does not work a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the
student At this time age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out Should the child continue
to disobey the natural consequences of that behavior will follow For example if a four year old is painting on the wall
instead of the easel and refuses to stop when asked she would use the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day
If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person an adult will intervene immediately and remove
the child from the situation Once the childchildren are safe the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate
discipline measures If the childrsquos body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection discussion or
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
11
consequences the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self-control
When the child is able to return to work calmly he or she may do so with permission from the teacher Our approach to
discipline is based on empowerment mutual respect and trust
Corporal punishment is prohibited Withholding or using food rest or sleep as a punishment is prohibited Methods of
discipline or interactions that frighten demean or humiliate a child are prohibited We WILL maintain an environment of
mutual respect A teacher or staff member only may administer discipline in the school setting When any student at MSD
finds it difficult to meet the schoolrsquos expectation of positive conduct every effort will be made to bring the student family
and staff together to achieve a solution
Personal Belongings
Children may not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (ie books videos
etc) with permission from the classroom teacher Occasionally classrooms may choose to do a ldquoshow and tellrdquo activity
Parents will be informed prior to the scheduled day Little ones have a difficult time sharing with others and it is even
harder with their own very special toys If toys are brought please note that they may be put away if they are the cause of
disagreements among the children Exceptions to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime
only and toys may be brought for show and tell activities We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items
All personal items must be clearly marked with the childs name The child care center is not responsible for the loss of or
damage to these items
Health amp Safety Drop off and Pick up
Communication between the parents and teacher is essential to the safety and the best care of the child Often the morning
arrival time and afternoon dismissal time are quite busy for the teacher Her primary focus is on the safety of the children
so she may not be able to hold a lengthy conversation at these times A folder for each child will be kept near the sign in
sheet Parents are asked to check this folder on arrival and pick up for important notes and information from the teacher
Parents can leave notes for the teachers forms and tuition payments in the box near the sign in IPad A bulletin board of
general information will be posted nearby Phone conversations or teacher conferences are encouraged and best arranged
outside of regular school hours Emergency phone calls should be made at any time and emergency calls will always be
returned as soon as they are received
Parents are asked to fill out a form authorizing who is able to pick up their child from school andor act on their behalf in
case of an emergency Children will only be released to people on this list Parents should check and update this form
regularly The parent or person dropping off must sign in on arrival indicating date and time of arrival and noting any
significant information the caregiver may need to know for the day On departure the parent or person picking the child up
must sign out on the IPad
Children are expected to arrive at school on time Late arrivals are disruptive to the classroom and make it difficult for
the child arriving late to transition into the school day
Parents should call in the morning whenever their child will be out for the day coming in late andor leaving school early
Let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible for longer-term absences Children are expected to be picked up from
school on time Late pick-ups are disruptive to our afternoon programs often create anxiety in the child who is picked up
late and create unsafe studentteacher ratios
Morning Arrival Policy To maintain the integrity of our learning environments We request that all adhere to the following standards
1 Children should arrive no later than 830 am
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
12
(Our classroom doors will be closed at 830 am and you will need to lightly knock and wait for
the teacher)
2 Children should WALK from the car into the building and to classrooms carrying their lunchboxes andor backpacks
If they can walk they should not be carried (Remember responsibilities build self-esteem)
3 Parents should stop at the classroom door and allow their child to be greeted by the teacher and enter the environment
unassisted (Children will proceed to the welcome rug with the teacher and put on indoor shoes and wash their hands)
4 Please do not sneak away (It may cause them to become distrustful of us) Get a hug kiss or high-five and say
ldquoGoodbyerdquo only once and then promptly depart Drop-off should be short and sweet
5 Do not bring children into the environment eating or drinking food Please allow them to finish their food prior to
entering the classroom
6 Do not bring toys stuffed animals (except for naptime items) video games or other electronics
Signing In and Out
In Tennessee there is a requirement for all parents sign their child in and out each day For your convenience a digital sign-
in app is used on the IPad located in the lobby area In the event of any technical malfunction a sign inout sheet pen and
a clock are located by the door this gives us a written record of the childs attendance hours and the person who
broughtpicked up the child each day In the event of an emergency these records give police or other authorities a reference
point
Late Pick-Up Policy Our academic day begins at 800 am and ends at 300 pm After care begins at 430 pm daily For families who have not
enrolled in after care late fees will be incurred beginning at 430 pm The late pickup fee is $500 minimum and $100 per
minute every minute after the school day ends until the child is picked up BeforeAftercare services are in addition to school
day tuition Payment is required to be made at the time of pick up or it will be added to your account balance This will be
strictly enforced and habitual tardiness may result in termination of enrollment Being on time is courteous to staff who
have worked all day and who additionally have family and personal responsibilities after work We appreciate your
consideration in this matter
Visitation Policy
All visitors are required to sign in in the classroom visitor log book recording the date and time of arrival purpose for visit
and sign out with a time of departure The Montessori classroom is a very special place The environment has been carefully
designed to meet the developmental needs of children A very delicate balance occurs between the child teacher and the
environment as they work together to support growth and learning The presence of visitors moving freely through the room
can be distracting and at times confusing for the children It can interfere with the atmosphere of independence and
concentration in the classroom We ask that all visitors respect the children and the classroom The teacher will guide visitors
into appropriate areas to sit and observe Visitors should remain seated and restrain from engaging in conversation or activity
with the children In the case of parents student teachers and volunteers the teachers will direct visitors to appropriate
activities within the classroom where they can become involved such as sharing a special skill or cultural information during
circle time listening to children read or directing a special project
Supervision of Children
MSD follows the required recommended guidelines per State standards for student-teacher ratios For the infant program
one teacher to every four children For the toddler program this is one teacher to every six children between the ages of 12
months and 36 months For the Preschool program this is one teacher to every twelve children between the ages of 3 years
and 5 years All classrooms other than the Nido (Infant) consists of a Co-Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher(s) A child
will never be left unsupervised Efforts will be made to familiarize children and parents with potential substitute teachers
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
13
volunteers and student teachers Should an emergency arise where the teacher may need to leave the classroom an approved
substitute will be called in to supervise the children In the event of a planned short-term non-recurring absence of the
teacher (ie doctorrsquos appointment teacher training personal day) parents will be notified in advance and an approved
substitute will be arranged
In Case of Emergency Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are located in each area of the school These detectors are checked and inspected
regularly by our servicer Simplex Grinnell The detectors and emergency fire alarm pulls are directly wired to the Simplex-
Grinnell alarm monitoring station When an alarm is set off the fire department responds immediately Fire drills are held
monthly Fire extinguishers are located on the wall near each exit near the stove and at alternate locations in the building
These extinguishers are checked regularly and inspected by a servicing technician from Simplex-Grinnell annually
Emergency phone numbers are located on the wall near each phone in each classroom first aid kit and on the wall hanging
near each fire extinguisher
In case of fire emergency
The fire sirens and lights at the school will be sounded
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either
the primary or secondary exit In case of a fire emergency the smoke detector alarm will go off and the
teacher will instruct children to line up at the nearest exit immediately
As the children are lining up the teacher or her assistant will check all areas of the classroom for children
(bathroom closets etc) get the emergency bag and in inclement weather collect childrenrsquos coats and gear
from their cubbies A large laundry basket is kept next to the cubbies for holding coats and belongings
In the case of a fire emergency the teacher will guide the children out of the building as quickly as possible
checking that all children are present and taking the emergency bag Since a quick evacuation is essential
in a fire this may mean leaving coats and gear behind
The teacher will walk with the children to the designated meeting place
Once assembled in a safe place the teacher will take attendance using the class list located in the emergency
bag (During drills the Head of SchoolDirector will give clearance for re-entry to the building)
Authorities can be notified using the cell phone and emergency numbers located in the emergency bag
Parents will be notified using the emergency contact list in the childrsquos file This list is checked and updated
monthly In the case of a serious medical emergency a senior teacher or staff member trained by the Red
Cross in First AidCPR will evaluate the situation direct someone to call 911 and follow instructions from
emergency personnel If a First AidCPR trained staff member is not immediately available the supervising
adult will call 911 and follow the instructions from emergency personnel Should the child need to be
transported to a hospital or other medical facility a familiar teacher or staff member will ride with the child
to the hospital and remain with the child until a parent or guardian arrives The floating teacher on duty or
a member of the administrative staff will step into the classroom to ensure remain children are being
supervised according to required ratios It is important to keep all of your emergency contact information
up to date the school using this information will contact parents
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
14
Fire DrillsInclement Weather Drills
Random fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis When necessary the emergency procedures described herein will
be implemented Inclement weather (tornado drills) are practiced every 90 days All evacuation procedures are posted in
each classroom
In the event of severe weathertornado emergency
The teacher will ring the bell or announce for children to stop what they are doing and quietly walk to either the
primary or secondary shelter area
The teacher and children will huddle in the designated location for a short duration after which the Head of
SchoolDirector will announce for their return to the classrooms
School ClosingsDelayed Openings
If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous school may be postponed closed early or canceled MSD may not
necessarily follow the exact school closing policy of the Metro-Nashville School district Please listen to the Snow Bird
report on WSMV News Channel 4 as well as WTVF News Channel 5 for school closing and delay information There is
no credit or make up days given for weather and emergency related school closings Additionally the school website
(wwwmontessoridonelsonorg) and school Facebook page (wwwfacebookcommontessoridonelson) will be the first
points of contact
Local and National Emergencies
In the event that children and staff need to evacuate the building due to a national or local emergency they will proceed to
the closest safe building as directed by emergency personnel The school will only be evacuated in the event the building is
deemed not safe for occupancy by the policefire department Please tune into your local TV and Radio stations for more
emergency information In the event the entire premises must be evacuated the first meeting point shall be Holy Rosary
Academy an adjacent property located at 190 Graylynn Drive In the event his location is also deemed unsafe the
secondary meeting point is the Donelson Branch Library approximately one block north of McGavock Pike 2315 Donelson
Pike Please ensure that all information telephone numbers and emergency contacts are updated and checked throughout
the year The school highly recommends that each family have an emergency plan for picking up your child at school
General Student Health and Safety Policies
All children under 30 months enrolled in the program must submit a written statement signed by a health care provider
verifying the child is able to participate in child day care currently appears to be free from contagious or communicable
disease and is receiving health care including appropriate health examinations in accordance with the American Academy
of Pediatrics schedule of such care and examinations Such documentation must also state that the child has received age
appropriate immunizations in accordance with the law Any child who is not immunized because of the parentrsquos genuine
and sincere religious beliefs may be admitted if the parent furnishes the provider with a written statement to this effect All
children must remain current with their immunizations and update the documentation at the school annually
Illnesses
MSD adheres strictly to the State of Tennessee Department of Education and Metropolitan Nashville Health Department
guidelines for dealing with illness in the school The standards are designed to protect your healthy child Please do not send
your child to school if they are sick or unable to participate in daily activities Your child will recover more quickly at home
and the other children and adults at the school will be protected from continued exposure to the illness The school is neither
licensed nor equipped to care for ill children If a child becomes ill while at school he or she will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to arrange for the child to be picked up If a child is considered to be too ill to attend
school at drop off he or she will not be admitted to class Please remember that when illness is accompanied by fever your
child may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for twenty four hours (without medication) Our
school will take every effort to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see
CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE)
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
15
Please see the list of guidelines that detail conditions that may prevent your child from being in attendance
Symptoms requiring removal of child from schoolnon-attendance
Fever Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100degF or higher taken under the arm or orally A child needs to
be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school that means the child is fever free without the
aid of Tylenolreg or any other fever reducing substance
Sore throat rash vomiting diarrhea earache irritability or confusion
Diarrhea runny watery bloody stools or 2 or more loose stools within last 24 hours
Vomiting 2 or more times in a 24 hour period Note please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the
night
Breathing trouble sore throat swollen glands loss of voice hacking or continuous coughing
Excessively runny nose (other than clear) draining from eyes or ears
Frequent scratching of body or scalp lice rash or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases including
ringworm
Any other contagious or communicable disease as deemed by the Tennessee Department of Health
Child is irritable continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health
safety or well-being of the other children in our care
Having a sick child can be very hard especially for working parents So out of courtesy for other children in our care and
their working parents please do not bring your child if your child is genuinely sick Our goal is to provide for the well-
being of all children in our care and would greatly appreciate your courtesy and cooperation in this matter
Medication Policy
MSD maintains a ldquono medication administrationrdquo policy Teachers and staff will not administer any medication
prescription home remedy or treatment except as in the use of topical ointments such as sun block skin lotions or diaper
cream When a child has a food or other allergy only trained staff may administer necessary treatments to avoid anaphalaxis
or other sever consequence in the event a child comes in contact with an allergen (Our schools adheres to requirements
and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act) Parents have the option of requesting that the caring physician write
the prescription in a way that may be given outside of school hours or the parents may come or send a representative during
the day to administer the needed medication If any medication is given by a parentguardian parents must still complete
the medication log maintained at the school
Toilet Learning Montessori Style
This is the first step in helping infants prepare themselves for toileting when they are developmentally ready At around the
age of twelve months children often become quite interested in the bathroom They want to explore play with the water in
the toilet and may persistently follow their parents when they go into the bathroom These are early signs of the childrsquos first
interest in toileting
By the age of fifteen months children often show interest in wearing underpants Many become fascinated with the process
of dressing and undressing and may undress themselves when it would be least expected It is not uncommon for children
of this age to try on their older siblingsrsquo or parentsrsquo underpants What may seem to be simply cute or attention getting
behavior is probably just another indication that they are becoming curious about toileting
Between thirteen and fifteen months many children will want to sit on the toilet or potty chair in imitation of their parents
and siblings use of the toilet even though they may not yet have learned to control their bladder or bowel At this point
parents can easily begin to introduce young children to the entire toileting routine pulling down their pants sitting on the
toilet correctly wiping their bottoms pulling their pants up flushing and washing their hands Most children will easily
master this routine just as they learn so many practical life skills in the Montessori classroom
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
16
Toddlersrsquo fascination with the toilet leads some parents to put a latch on the bathroom door or secure the toilet lid for fear
that their youngsters will play in the toilet potentially falling in and drowning This gives the child the message that the
bathroom and toilet are forbidden territory They may simply be attracted to the toilet as a source of water play It is
recommended that you give them access to water in some other way such as a preschool water table a shallow basin or
from a low sink
Allow children to experiment with flushing the toilet and when you sense that they are curious explain body functions to
them Respond to their questions with clear honest answers appropriate to their level of understanding ldquoEverybody poops
Itrsquos normal Itrsquos our bodyrsquos way of getting rid of that part of our food that it doesnt needrdquo
Myelination is a process in infancy through which the nerves become coated with a fatty substance myelin which facilitates
transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell As the nervous system becomes refined the growing toddler begins to gain
better and better coordination of their movements This process works from the head down The developing infant gains
control of their head then arms and the trunk of their body and eventually their legs and feet From random movements of
the head arms and feet the baby gradually gains the ability to move with conscious intent and control This process of
Myelinization or integration of the nervous system which proceeds on an external level from the head down is also taking
place within the infantrsquos body As the nerve cells become myelinated just as they gain control of the other voluntary muscles
of the body myelination allows control of the sphincter muscles that control the bladder and bowel Theoretically these
muscles have become myelinated before the muscles of the legs according to this head down progression This is confirmed
by our observation of young children
Around eighteen months children enter a sensitive period in which they can most easily gain control of their now much
more developed and integrated nervous system At this stage most children have both the physical ability and the interest to
control bladder and bowel If they are given the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in underpants rather than
diapers they gain a greater awareness of these bodily functions The absorbency of disposable diapers prevents toddlers
from sensing when they have urinated During this sensitive period if the child is in underpants most if not all of the time
he will quickly learn to sense when his bladder is full and he needs to go to the bathroom And there we have it The child
has developed the neuromuscular ability to control his body his interest in using the potty chair or toilet is there and he is
well under way in mastering the specific steps involved in using the toilet
Hopefully the parent will be comfortable and prepared for this process The parent needs to be calm when the child has an
accident They need to be very patient and reassuring when a child has an accident Perhaps they can have some old towels
available which they and the child can use to wipe up an accident
Underpants should be stored on a low shelf in a cubby or in an easily accessible drawer so the child can get them alone
as they are needed A hamper should be provided for wet underpants and towels used for clean up Most children who are
put into underpants at this age can be using the toilet consistently within a few weeks or months They learn this out of
their desire to be independent It is a self-motivated process The parent can be encouraging and can prepare the
environment to support the child when he is ready using the cotton training pants allowing access to the bathroom
providing an appropriate way for the child to explore both the use of the toilet and to play with water their patient
explanation of body functions the provision of old towels for cleaning up accidents and their gentle understanding when
accidents do occur
Toileting is not something facilitated through the parentrsquos efforts thus we avoid the term ldquotoilet trainingrdquo It is or rather
should be a natural process which grows out of the childrsquos interest desire for independence and self-respect and
gradually evolving neurological development ldquoI did it myselfrdquo Toileting is the childrsquos work not his mom or dads They
play a secondary and supportive role Rewards and punishment are both unnecessary and inappropriate
This sensitive period typically ends at about 24 months As the child gets older toileting becomes more difficult and
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
17
becomes more of an issue between child and parent It is best to give the child more independence provide underpants
and ideally eliminate diapers The child can then gain this skill and independence for himself
(Excerpt from NAMC Teacherrsquos Blog)
Privacy Policy Child Privacy-The staff of The Montessori School of Donelson values the privacy of each family that is enrolled in our
program and will keep personal and private information secure Annually with the registration packet we will update your
privacy preferences including photography permission internet access etc We will respect each familyrsquos personal decision
of privacy Staff are not allowed to photograph children with personal devices such as cell phones or tablets and it is grounds
for termination according to our Employee Handbook
Staff Privacy-The school also respects the privacy of the entire staff The office will not give out home phone number or
addresses During the school day the staff will be given messages when you call If it is an emergency please notify the
person answering the phone and the teacher will be called to the office
Answering Machine Policy We appreciate having very involved and caring parents and do value your daily calls to check on your child If for any
reason the telephone goes unanswered please leave a message The answering machine is checked every 15 minutes in the
case of missed phone calls If it is great importance please hang up and call back immediately this will signal to us that
there is an urgent call and someone will answer the phone right away You may also reach the Director by voice or text on
her cellular phone at (615) 600-2177 Thanks for your cooperation
Risky Behavior Pick-up Policy
If anyone arrives to pick up your child that exhibits dangerous behavior such as drunkenness intoxicated by any drug or
extremely violent andor acting reckless we will attempt to establish alternate pick up of your child by those on the
emergency contact list If this cannot be accomplished or someone cannot be reached and the transporter becomes violent
or threatening to staff your child will be released ONLY AFTER ALL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
including Metro Police Metro Fire and Ambulance The Department of Childrenrsquos Services The Department of Human
Services and others
Staff amp Facility Health and Safety Policies
All employees of the MSD must submit a statement of health (physical) from a healthcare provider as required by the TN
Department of Education This information will be kept on file and updated regularly
In accordance with the provisions of State Law all teachers and staff at the MSD are required to report any suspected
incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child to the statewide center of child abuse and maltreatment
Caregivers must wash their hands and ensure children wash their hands with soap and running water at the beginning of
each day when they are dirty after toileting or assisting children with toileting after changing a diaper before and after
food handling or eating after handling of pets and other animals after contact with bodily secretion or fluid and after
coming in from the outdoors
Safety precautions relating to blood must be observed as follows
Disposable gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood including but not limited
to touching blood or blood contaminated fluids treating cuts that bleed and wiping surfaces with stained blood
In an emergency a childrsquos well-being must take priority A bleeding child must not be denied care because gloves
are unavailable
Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
18
If blood is touched accidentally the exposed skin must be thoroughly washed with soap and running water
Clothing contaminated with blood must be placed in a securely tied plastic bag and returned to the parent at the
end of the day
Surfaces that have been contaminated with blood must be cleaned and disinfected with a germicidal solution
Sufficient and suitable clothing must be available so that children who are dirty or soil their clothing may be
changed Parents will be asked to keep at least one seasonally appropriate change of clothes for their child at school
Toileting facilities will be kept clean at all times and stacked with toilet paper soap and towels accessible to staff
and children Toileting equipment will be provided appropriate to the toilet training level of the children in the
group If a child is not yet potty trained parents must supply an adequate supply of diapers or nappies and wipes
Diapers will be disposed of in a covered trashcan and kept out of reach of children Soiled cloth diapers will be
placed and sealed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child at the end of the day The changing pad will be
wiped with a disinfecting solution after each use
All rooms equipment supplies and furnishing accessible to children will be cleaned and disinfected as needed to
protect the health of the children and staff and in a manner consistent with the health care guidelines
Nutrition
Morning snack is served between 900-930 am and is provided by school for all children Lunch begins for most classrooms
at 1130 Milk is provided by school meal provided by parents Afternoon (PM) snack is served between 300 and 330
provided by school for all children The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates that each breakfast
include milk a grain and a fruit and that each snack include two of the following milk or juice fruit vegetable grain
andor proteins from an approved list of foods Low sugar low sodium organically grown and locally grown foods are used
whenever possible All snacks and meals are prepared fresh on site Children are included in meal and snack preparation
often as possible Serving sizes are appropriate to the age of the child Food is never forced on a child rather offered
frequently throughout the day Every effort will be made to accommodate food preferences for personal religious or
medical reasons If resultant meal patterns or serving sizes will not meet the childrsquos nutritional needs a medical statement
must be obtained documenting the appropriateness of the variation Some examples of foods served include
Dairy cowrsquos milk (whole or 1) yogurt cottage cheese mild hard cheese etc Fruit apples avocado bananas berries
melons peaches pears pineapple oranges apricots kiwi papaya figs olives raisins dried fruits fruit purees (like
applesauce) 100 fruit juice etc
Vegetables asparagus broccoli green beans peas spinach peppers tomatoes potatoes yams squashes beets
cauliflower turnips beans corn carrots etc Grains whole grain cereals hot and cold whole grain pasta brown rice whole
grain bread other whole grains such as quinoa crackers pretzels bread sticks pancakes waffles French toast muffins
Protein eggs chicken turkey fish nuts nut butters seeds beans and rice cheeses Lunches Parents are required to provide
a balanced nutritious lunch for their children Parents should remember to include a protein grains vegetables and fruits
for lunch Candy and other highly sugared foods are not appropriate and prohibited If parents are having trouble discovering
meals their child is willing to eat they are encouraged to speak with staff members who will be happy to give them ideas
The school can refrigerate andor reheat lunches if required At lunch the school also provides water or milk for each child Faculty Meetings and Staff Professional Development
In order to ensure the highest quality program and to meet licensing requirements for professional development required by
the Tennessee Department of Education as well as Montessori and accreditation agencies MSD closes school to hold
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
19
regular faculty meetings professional development days (such as Red Cross CPR Training) and attend educational
conferences These dates are marked on the regular school calendar
Cleanliness amp Hygiene We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards Childrens hands are washed upon entering school or
classrooms before and after meals after toileting after outdoor play after messy play (sand paint etc) after blowing or
wiping their nose after feeding class pets etc We use paper towels for drying hands so children do not have to use the
same towel If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste teeth will be brushed as well All employees are required to
wash their hands frequently and also use antibacterial gel when soap and running water are not available (playground)
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays with clean sheets used only by them Beginning at toddler age washable
nap mats are used Each child has a separate nap mat with a sheet and a blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled
then they are washed as often as necessary) and mats are sprayed with disinfectant daily
Children use separate utensils and dishes for eating All tables and chairs etc are disinfected before and after each use
We clean and disinfect daily classrooms tables chairs work materials shelves sinks amp faucets toilets water fountains
etc
General School Information Clothing
All clothing and other belongings which are brought to school should be clearly labeled with your childrsquos name A supply
of clothes for changes should be sent at the beginning of the year and checked regularly to insure an adequate supply Keep
in mind that adjustments to changes of clothes will need to be made at least seasonally in order to ensure children are
dressed appropriately
Throughout the day the children work with materials in the classroom that may result in their clothing becoming soiled or
wet (water paint etc) sometimes more than once a day They appreciate the option of changing into clean dry clothes on
their own Since self-sufficiency is encouraged parents are asked to consider the ease with which their child is able to dress
him or herself For example overalls make look cute but may be challenging for your child to unhook when they need to
use the bathroom Each child should keep a pair of indoor shoes or slippers to wear while at school This helps keep our
environment clean and healthy Additionally removing shoes helps serve as a psychological transition for the children from
home to school just as we prepare with a ldquosuit and tierdquo for example for the office
Outdoor Play Time outdoors is an important part of a childrsquos day It provides the fresh air needed to insure good health and aids in the
development of social and gross motor skills Weather permitting the children go outside every day Adjustments are made
when the temperature is below 40 degrees or over 90 degrees It is important to dress children appropriately Nashville
winters can be windy and temperatures may be cooler on our playground because it is shaded So in cooler months a hat
gloves or mittens are recommended Shade also makes outdoor play in the summerrsquos heat simply fun and blissful except
for those pesky mosquitos so please send your familyrsquos preferred brand of insect repellant
If your child is recovering from an illness and still is unable to go outside you are asked to keep him or her home The
school does not have extra staff available daily to provide for the care of one or two children while all other children are
outdoors Parents who feel their children are not well enough to play outside are asked to keep children at home
Nap and Quiet Time There is a designated naprest time each day beginning in the toddler classroom All children must nap rest or play quietly
during this period Rest time gives children a much needed break during the day Without rest time some children are
argumentative in the afternoon short-tempered with others and not real happy when they go home in the evening
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
20
Infants and young toddlers nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated Somewhere between 12 and 18
months children usually drop down to one nap per day At this time we will attempt to put them on the scheduled naprest
period
Use of Television Policy
No television viewing during school hours within the academic year is allowed Summer camp may at times include G-
rated subject or content related videos etc Parents are always notified in advance
Lost and Found
With so many children it is sometimes difficult to keep track of clothing and other belongings Having each article of
clothing clearly labeled helps prevent losing items A ldquolost and foundrdquo box is kept in each classroom Clothing that is not
claimed after a period of two weeks may be kept as extra items for children who may need it on any given day or donated
to a good cause
Birthdays
Birthday Celebrations-Please remind your childrsquos teacher a few days before any birthday plans so the teacher is able to
plan for the celebration You and your child are free to bring a healthy birthday snack to share with the class If you choose
to bring any form of ldquocakerdquo please notify the teacher with enough time to request permission from health conscience parents
who do not wish their child to eats sweet or sugary foods Also please bring an alternate ldquohealthyrdquo items for those children
The celebration of your childrsquos birthday can also include donating a book to the classroom library in your childrsquos name etc
Holidays amp Celebrations
ldquoAll mankind shares a common history a common world of cultures and struggles toward a common future The child
should be given a sense of our heritage our culture and our potential destiny from the earliest moments of sensitivity The
needs of mankind are universal Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet The child should
come to relish the texture of that diversityrdquo -Maria Montessori
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community and the diversity of the much larger world community
At The Montessori School of Donelson we are concerned about the tendency in America to see the United States as the
center of the world We feel it is important to broaden our childrenrsquos horizons to encompass the entire planet Our goal is
not just to transmit information about other cultures but also to celebrate them Celebrations help inspire a sense of joy
wonder and enthusiasm We teach with great respect for the child his or her family and his or her background We
encourage each family to share their heritage through stories food and celebrations The Montessori School of Donelson
does not teach religion although we do present many universal spiritual themes such as love kindness joy and confidence
in the fundamental goodness of life Many of the holidays we celebrate may be religious in origin We approach them instead
from a cultural perspective sharing food music dance and traditions related to the day This helps us build a sense of
community by celebrating our similarities as well as our differences If we want to achieve peace we must begin by teaching
children how to accept each person for who they are
The following is a list of the holidays that the School is typically closed These daysdates may be adjusted based on the
needs of school families staff or for other unforeseen occurrences A school calendar is issued annually at the start of the
academic year These include
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Birthday
Presidentrsquos Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Patriots Day (Staff Training Day)
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
21
4th of July-Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteranrsquos Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
If one of these holidays falls on a weekend then we will be closed either Friday or Monday
Going OutOn-Campus Field Trips
From time to time classrooms children attend on campus field trips such as nature walks visits to other classrooms or
environments on campus supervised by the caregivers at The Montessori School of Donelson
The Gold Sneaker Policy
We are dedicated to helping our children remain active and lead healthy lives by following an organic-style diet and getting
plenty of exercise We are Gold Sneaker certified
Getting a Jump on Childhood Obesity Prevention
According to research health habits are instilled at a young age with most habits being formed during adolescence
Following adolescence as we see with adults habits become much harder to change If can instill good habits at an early
age we can address behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning
The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child
care facilities across Tennessee It is collaboration among the Department of Health Department of Human Services United
Way and YMCA of TN and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) New policy will be
primarily focused on physical activity more frequently referred to as ldquoactive playrdquo in this age group Policies to enact will
include minimum requirements on physical activity sedentary activities breastfeeding meal time behaviors portion sizes
and a tobacco-free facility Schoolrsquos that implement the proposed enhanced physical activity nutrition and tobacco policies
will earn a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo award which designates them as a ldquoGold Sneakerrdquo child care facility
For more information on the Gold Sneaker initiative including the specific policies check out
httphealthstatetnusGoldsneakerindexhtm
We adhere to the following Gold Sneaker policies
Policy 11 Children ages 12 months or older attending a full day program shall be offered at least 60 minutes of physical
activity per day either indoors or outdoors Children attending less than a full day program shall be offered a proportional
amount of such activities For children ages three and older this physical activity must be a balance of free play teacher-
directed activities and music and movement
Policy 12 Viewing of television videos and other visual recordings shall be limited to no more than 60 minutes per day
of educational programs or programs that actively engage child movement Children attending less than a full day
program shall be limited to a proportionate amount of such viewing
Policy 13 Children shall not be allowed to remain sedentary or to sit passively for more than 60 minutes continuously
except for scheduled rest or naptime Policy 14 Child care facilities must ensure physical activity is a positive experience for children and is never used
negatively or to control behavior
Policy 15 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including breastfeeding Staff will be sensitive to
breastfeeding mothers and infants and their eating patterns Each infant will have a feeding plan on file which is
completed by the parentparents and facility as a team to address their unique feeding patterns
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
22
Policy 16 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including adequate time for meal consumption
Adequate time for meals and snacks will be allowed for all children and will be included in classroom schedules
Policy 17 Ensure appropriate infant and child feeding patterns including appropriate portion sizes Appropriate portion
sizes will be assured through staff training and adherence to portion sizes as found in child care licensing regulations
Policy 18 All eating opportunities should consist of a respect for the child and promoting a positive attitude toward
food Food shall never be used as rewards for children
Policy 19 Child care facility campus shall be tobacco free
Parent Communication amp Events
Powerful Words
Good communication is of the utmost importance for the well-being of our families and children When a new family is
admitted into our school we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise It is
important that there is support and understanding of the Montessori philosophy between the school and the parents We
welcome questions feedback or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the child
Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time and out of range of the child in discussion Beware
of subtle comments about little ones when they can hear our opinion of them counts and they may begin to internalize
negative views of themselves if they constantly hear talk of the areas in which they struggle
Agency announcements event dates closing dates and other pertinent information are posted in the entrance hallway and
sent home when applicable We also utilize electronic mail (E-mail) for the primary dissemination of school information
Please ensure that your e-mail address is kept up to date with the office
What parents can EXPECT
Parent communications responded to within a reasonable time
Requests for appointments responded to or scheduled within a reasonable time
Parent to be notified about single serious issue or ongoing problem
Two formal conferences per year other meetings and calls within reason
What parents should NOT EXPECT
Teachers returning a call after work hours
Answering email in the eveningweekends
Access to teacherrsquos private phone number or email
When you should contact your childrsquos teacher
Changes in family situation (divorce new baby move)
Medical issues that arise or change
Illness lasting longer than 3 days
Safety issues change in behavior at home
Family emergencies sleepless nights play dates appointments (send a note)
Ongoing and pervasive problemsconcerns at school or home
When you canrsquot keep a scheduled appointment
To increase mutual respect remember
Teachers will make mistakes theyrsquore human too
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
23
Teachers have their own families and lives respect their privacy
We are all on the same team - your childrsquos support team
Use age-appropriate language around children on campus and at the curb when you drop them off
Recognize that we wonrsquot always agree but we promise to listen
Speak positively in front of your child
Parental Involvement Our school requires 6 hours per year of direct parental involvement Parents may choose the type of work that best suits their own
needs talents and schedules We encourage all parents to become involved in their childrsquos education and we hope that a habit of
involvement will continue for years to come Empirical research states that parental involvement is a direct indicator of a childrsquos
educational success or not and we support this viewpoint For parents who wish to donate money or gift cards in lieu of physical
involvement a contribution in the amount of $60 is requested Classroom teachers love the help and support of their parents In
addition to the parent involvement questionnaire the following are ways in which you may help your childrsquos class
Lending objects for units of study
Being a ldquoGuest Readerrdquo for story time
Field Trips
Coming and talking about your job (when asked)
Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see
monthly newsletter)
Helping your child prepare for Show and Tell
Helping to provide treats or other items for our parties
Mail Folders
Each family has a mail folder in their childrsquos classroom Please check your folder daily for notes and information
Website and Internet Information Our website is wwwMontessoriDonelsonorg We maintain two blogs that feed through our website and Facebook page
ldquoMontessori Donelson Classroom Liferdquo is a private blog for families in the school only It contains a picture diary of children
and their work in the classroom Contact the office with your email address to given permission to view this blog at
wwwMontessoriDonelsonblogspotcom
ldquoOn the Shelf Montessori Donelsonrdquo is a picture diary and brief explanation of activities in our classrooms that is available
to the public at wwwmontessori-workblogspotcom There are many useful links articles and information about our school
on these sites
Classroom News Classroom newsletters are published six times a year and are distributed to families currently enrolled in the school and
posted to our web site The focus on this newsletter is specific classroom news and communication
ldquoThe Montessori Donelson Messengerrdquo newsletters are published monthly and are distributed to the school community
including current parents families on our waiting list friends of the school and posted on our website It details information
that is pertinent to all families at the school including explanations of school policies special events etc The focus is on
Montessori philosophy child development and community topics of interest
Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent teacher conferences are regularly scheduled twice a year in the fall and in the spring A parent can request
a conference with a teacher at any time throughout the year and your teacher may schedule additional conferences
if necessary
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
24
Evaluation of Student Progress
MSD maintains careful notes and documentation on each child in accordance with the traditional Montessori
curriculum Children are never compared to each other or ldquogradedrdquo in a traditional or arbitrary manner Written
narratives are kept for younger children and portfolio samples are kept for older children Evaluation of progress
is based on the individual growth of each child
Meetings with the Head of School
Meetings with the Head of School can be arranged by appointment
Support Services
All Montessori School of Donelson families of preschool age children or older are eligible for the screening services
available through the public school home districts Screenings are available for speech hearing socialemotional finegross
motor etc Younger children are eligible for screening through early intervention services The school office can assist you
in requesting a screening from your home district if there are concerns about your child development in one of these areas
Special Family Events During the year our school we have special school events like dish to pass parties our fall party and family days at local
parks We will announce these events in our newsletters and post them on classroom bulletin boards
Montessori Education Nights
Montessori education nights are scheduled four times a year We will host Montessori education nights that are open to the
school and larger community We will discuss different areas of the Montessori philosophy and child development This is
a great opportunity to meet and talk with other parents ask questions and learn about what your child does each day in the
classroom These meetings will be announced through our newsletters website yahoo group and local media
Community and Committee Meetings
Through-out the year we will hold regular community and committee meeting to discuss the needs of the families and the
future of the school These are open to all friends and families interested in our school community
Appeal from the Heart
As with other independent schools tuition alone does not cover the full costs of a private Montessori education Did you
know that tuition covers only 90 of the costs of providing a high-quality Montessori early childhood education at
Montessori Donelson Or that it costs $30000 alone to purchase materials for a complete classroom
There are many ways for parents grandparents friends and community supporters to demonstrate their support and
appreciation for our school This can be done by actively participating in school events sharing time and energy when they
are able and contributing to the Annual Fund and other fundraising imperatives of the school The Annual Fund helps keep
tuition affordable retain a certified teaching staff and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible Support
from our parents and Montessori Donelson community is so important in bridging the critical 10 which is why we our
school relies on your generous donations A gift to Montessori Donelson immediately results in more enriching experience
for our students by directly supporting essential classroom library and playground materials continued professional
development for teachers enhancements to the music and art programs and other improvements to our school
Admissions and Enrollment Policies General Admissions Policy The Montessori School of Donelson considers itself more than just a school or daycare program we consider ourselves a
true community of families that share a vision values and goals for our children Beginning the admissions process and
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
25
learning about our school is a process of learning about each other similar to dating Our primary goal in the admissions
process is to help each family find the perfect match Just as not all great people would make us happy as our spouse or
business partner we recognize that we may not be the perfect match as a school for every family The admissions process
is a chance for us to get to know each other
Honesty in any relationship is key to its success We are not here to convince prospective families that our school is right
for them We actively encourage families to observe and explore the many school options available Our goal is to present
our program as truthfully as possible help families to grasp the nature of our school and what we have to offer and allow
them to weigh all the factors out as they consider whether our school is indeed the right match for them School tours
classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School are important
ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the Montessori
philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a new student
we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents siblings and
extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families who share
common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded that our
school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
School tours classroom observations open houses Montessori education meetings and meetings with the Head of School
are important ways to get to know our community We have a lending library of videos DVDs and books that describe the
Montessori philosophy of education and are a great resource for current as well as prospective parents When we admit a
new student we are not simply bringing him or her into the school community We are bringing the child his parents
siblings and extended family into the mix In making admissions decisions we normally give strong preference to families
who share common values and goals with the school and who after careful consideration and exploration have concluded
that our school is something that they want very much for their children for the right reasons
We consider applications for admissions on a case-by-case open admission basis When no openings are available children
will be placed in the applicant group waiting list In the event of an opening children in this group will be considered based
on the date an application was received and age and needs of the child (in accordance with the Montessori principle of a
multi-age classroom) Siblings of currently enrolled students children of staff members and transfers from other Montessori
schools may be granted priority in the admissions process The Montessori School of Donelson admits students of any race
color nationality and ethnic origin to all rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school The Montessori School of Donelson does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and
ethnic origin in administration of educational policies and admission policies Following the traditional multi-age
Montessori classroom model The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to creating a balanced learning environment
for all students We are committed to integrating and accommodating children with special needs into our program in
accordance with the Montessori philosophy and appropriate early childhood practices In some circumstancersquos The
Montessori School of Donelson is not the ldquoright fitrdquo for a child and family The Montessori School of Donelson reserves
the right not to accept a child into the program or to ask a child to leave the program based on the schoolrsquos inability to meet
the needs of the child We will support the family in finding a program better suited to the childrsquos specific needs
Observation and School Tour Prospective families are required to have a school tour before enrolling their child Appointment for tours can be made
through the main office
Admissions Application
If at all possible parents are encouraged to speak with the Head of School and tour the classroom before submitting an
application All applications will be processed upon receipt of a completed application form The application is valid for
three months from the application date or until the child is no longer eligible for enrollment If an offer for enrollment is
declined for any reason the application will be withdrawn Please remember to notify the school if you change your address
or phone number
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
26
Waiting List
If there are no openings available in the classroom or program selected your application will be placed on a waiting list
You will be contacted as soon as space becomes available and will then have one week in which to enroll your child by
signing a contract and paying the non-refundable registration fee and enrollment security deposit
We maintain the right to decline enrollment of families and may refer families to the enrollment waiting list based on the
following
1 Suitability for the school taking into consideration
A) Balance of ages (3 year span is recommended)
B) Families intention to complete the Montessori 3-year-cycle
C) Current students that will be moving up (Reserved Space)
D) Prior Montessori experience
2 Siblings Current families receive sibling preference
3 Acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support
and participate in their implementation
4 Acceptance of school policies and proceduresState and Certification standards
5 Parent participation and support of the school
The Montessori School of Donelson is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent
worth and dignity of every person fosters tolerance sensitivity understanding and mutual respect among its members
and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence
our school seeks to develop and nurture diversity We believe that diversity among its many members strengthens the
school stimulates creativity promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches school life
The Montessori School of Donelson prohibits discrimination against any member of the school community on the basis of
race religion color sex age national origin or ancestry genetic information marital status parental status sexual
orientation gender identity and expression or disability
Provisional Acceptance All children enrolled are accepted into the program with the understanding that if the teacher feels the program cannot meet
the childrsquos needs the staff and parents will explore alternatives together
Enrollment Agreement
A child is officially enrolled in the program when the school has received the signed enrollment agreement and tuition
deposit Enrollment in all programs is binding Parents are responsible for tuition each month regardless of the amount of
time the child attends the school
Enrollment Forms The State of Tennessee requires that the following information be kept on file for each child enrolled in the program
1 Application for Enrollment
2 Enrollment Documentation includes (but may not be limited to)
Day care registration form
MedicalHealth historyTennessee Immunization documentation
Emergency medical treatment consent form
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
27
Emergency transportation release form
List of authorized people able to pick child up from school
Topical ointment permission
Photography permission and release Social Media Permission
(It is your responsibility to notify the school when there is any change in the information provided on these forms)
3 Tuition Agreement
4 School PolicyHandbook Acknowledgement Receipt
5 TN Dept of Education Approval Summary Acknowledgement of Receipt
Tuition Policy All tuition is billed via TADS Tuition CollectionPayment System The establishment fee for each TADS account is $40
and is the responsibility of each family Parents are responsible for logging into their school payments accounts and making
timely payments Late fees are assessed when payments are late according to the policies in the Tuition Agreement We do
not accept credit cards and billing is in the form of an e-checkelectronic draftdebit ACH may also be established for
automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month In the event there is some technological glitch or email failure
you are responsible for paying your tuition via cashierrsquos check or money order prior to the 3rd of the month to avoid late
fees We do not accept personal or business checks
Tuition may be paid annually monthly or bi-weekly in accordance with the following schedule of payment
Annual One-time annual payments for the upcoming fall semester are due December 15th
Monthly Due the 1st day of each month beginning in the first month of attendance Late on 3rd day of each
month and incurs a late payment fee
Bi-Weekly Due every 2 weeks Due the Wednesday before the next week of care Late if not paid by the Friday
of the week due Incurs a $5 service fee for bi-weekly payments
Our school does not accept weekly payments
Tuition Assistance amp Bi-Weekly Payments Because our school supports the concept of ldquoMontessori for everyonerdquo regardless of economic status our school allows
families that need smaller incremental payments such as bi-weekly payments to apply for tuition assistance for approval
to make payments bi-weekly However because additional accounting is required it incurs a service fee of $5 Eventually
as our fundraising efforts increase our goal is to provide ldquoscholarshiprdquo opportunities for families who qualify
For families that receive tuition assistance by utilizing the bi-weekly payment structure tuition is due on the Wednesday
prior to the two-week period services are provided There is service fee of $5 incurred with each bi-weekly payment We
do not accept weekly tuition payments There will be a $2500 late tuition payment charged for payments received after the
3rd day of each month Bi-weekly payments incur $2500 late fee on Friday of the week for the week in which payment was
due
Collection Policy Parents are expected to make payment by the due date or make payment arrangements in writing If no payment agreements
are made with the school children will be asked to leave as of the first day for which tuition has not been paid When
payment is made children may return to class With two weeks written notice at the discretion of the Head of School The
Montessori School of Donelson may cancel the contract and reserved spaces of children with unpaid tuition The school
understands that families may experience some financial difficulties and are committed to working with any family to make
acceptable arrangements for payment when absolutely necessary
Tuition Credit There is no credit given for absences (such as but not limited to illness death in the family vacations) There are no tuition
credits for school closings
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
28
Withdrawal
Should a family initiate withdrawal of a child a minimum of 30-days advance written notice must be given to the school
in order to receive a full credit of the tuition deposit If the school decides that The Montessori School of Donelson program
is not appropriate for an enrolled child or family and proceeds with the process of disenrollment the family is relieved of
any further financial obligation When necessary it is possible to change programs within the school if it seems advisable
to both the parents and the staff and if space is available The Head of School has the final decision making authority
Expulsion amp Disenrollment The Montessori School of Donelson upholds the belief the belief of Maria Montessori ldquoChildren are human beings to
whom respect is due superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their futurerdquo In adherence to this belief our educational program is focused on the needs of the children for whom we care We
seek to provide programs designed to support childrenrsquos natural development and to guide them to learn
in their own unique ways through self-discovery and the inner teacher or life force that propels them through their lifelong
pursuit of the acquisition of knowledge
The beautiful enriching diversity of the families and communities that we serve make it imperative to recognize and
appreciate the things that each family contributes to our program Our goal remains to form a solid partnership with our
families as a basis for each childrsquos educational success We pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate a wide range of
individual differences and often do not find it necessary that a childrsquosfamilyrsquos behavior warrant the need to be find a more
suitable educational setting We will do everything possible to work with you to avoid a childrsquos disenrollment from our
school The following are some reasons why we would have to dis-enroll a child or family from the school
Some examples of such instances include
Childrsquos Actions
Child unable to adjust to the program after a reasonable amount of time
Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children
Ongoing uncontrollable tantrumsangry outbursts
Excessive aggressive andor uncontrollable biting
Parental Actions
A parentguardian fails to abide by school policies or requirements imposed by the appropriate licensing agency
A parentguardian demands special services that are not provided to other children and cannot reasonably be delivered by
the program This includes requests that depart from the philosophy of The Montessori School of Donelson program
Non-Payment of Tuition
Lack of acceptance of the Montessori philosophy and principles and willingness to support and participate in their
implementation
Lack of parent participation and support of the school
Routinely late picking up a child
The schoolrsquos inability to meet a childrsquos need
Immediate Causes for Disenrollment
A parent or guardian is physically or verbally abusive or intimidating to school staff children or anyone else at the
school
Potentially dangerous behavior by a parent or child
Non-Payment of Tuition
Behavior by a child that hurts injures or endangers the health and safety of other children
Working Towards a Positive Solution
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
29
The decision to disenroll a child is a difficult one for both the school and the family In all cases our goal is to act quickly
compassionately thoughtfully and thoroughly to communicate address and resolve concerns relating to the children in our
care School staff will attempt to work with a family to take constructive steps to finding a solution that resolves the
problem(s) before a disenrollment occurs
Step 1 When a childrsquos teacher or an administrator has concerns about a childrsquos behavior or other circumstances he or she
will document such concerns as soon as they arise
Step 2 The Center will inform and involve the childrsquos parentguardian by notes phone calls and meetings as necessary
to establish a collaborative environment If the childrsquos behavior is problematic a review of that behavior based upon
developmentally-appropriate guidelines established by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young
Children) will be utilized in understanding the behavior in its appropriate context This review includes input from a number
of teachers and administrators so that checks and balances are used to analyze the problem
Step 3 As the Center develops strategies to address a childrsquos particular problem a variety of options should be considered
including changes to the physical environment the daily structure of activities consistency transition times and
redirection Similarly teachersrsquo expectations home management skills and intervention techniques will be evaluated and
changed to adapt to the particular circumstances Whenever possible and appropriate efforts will be made to help a family
understand how they can support the plan at home or encourage a resolution by adjusting their interactions or expectations
for a child Literature and other support resources regarding methods of improving behavior will be provided to the family
if available Lines of communication with parents will be established and parent conferences will be conducted to review
the problematic behaviors the strategies implemented to resolve them (and their relative success) and the possibility of
disenrollment if the behaviors are not resolved
It is the schoolrsquos ultimate goal to provide the parents sufficient time to take the necessary corrective action to allow the child
to remain at the school and to provide them with sufficient notice of the potential for disenrollment so they can secure
alternative care When appropriate we may suggest an evaluation by a professional consultant to come in and observe the
child in the home environment In some cases it may be appropriate for the child to be assessed by the local school district
child study team Ultimately school personnel will attempt a number of approaches before making the final decision to
suspend or disenroll a child from the program
Disenrollment Decision
If the behavior has not resolved after all remedial actions have been exhausted a conference will be held with the childrsquos
parentguardian to communicate the schoolrsquos decision to disenroll A follow-up letter will be provided which will include
if applicable
the reasons for the disenrollment or suspension
the date of the disenrollment or length of the suspension which affords the parent sufficient time to seek alternative
care (up to two weeks depending on safety risks presented)
the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return or to resume or continue
enrollment at the Center
The school will not disenroll a child or family based solely on any of the following (unless this behavior takes the form of
harassment intimidation confrontation andor deemed as antagonistic or belligerent)
making a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a centerrsquos alleged violations of the licensing requirements
reporting abuse or neglect occurring at the center
questioning the center regarding policies and procedures
Our school strives incessantly to maintain an environment of peace and love above all other things as we feel this is the
number one ingredient for healthy children If the school and family are unable to maintain this peace and love among
themselves then we cannot expect it from our children
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes
30
If the center elects to disenroll a child the Center will maintain on file a record of the circumstances parental notification
and corrective action taken
Reporting Requirements
As a certified school we are mandated by Tennessee law to report to the Department of Childrenrsquos Services when we feel
a child is being abused neglected or suffering maltreatment Always be sure to let your Director know when you drop
your child off if heshe has any unexplained cuts or bruises All children that come to school with injuries have them
logged into the childs file Our staff is trained and knowledgeable of and in compliance with all applicable state and local
laws We pride ourselves in running a very safe school
Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be annual revisions (unless required sooner) to this handbook and the accompanying contract All families will
sign a new contract each year We reserve the right to make changes in rates and policies as we deem necessary You will
be notified in writing of any changes that may occur Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks written notice
of all policy changes