| NCS HANDBOOK 2007-2008 |
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School Policies and Procedures
Tuition Payments
Tuition is a yearly fee. Rates are as follows:
2 Day AM.....................................$ 1,807.00 with 6 payments of $301.17
3 Day.............................................$ 2,270.00 with 6 payments of $378.33
3 Day Extended.......................$ 3,013.00 with 6 payments of $ 502.17
5 Day Pre-K................................$ 3,755.00 with 6 payments of $ 625.83
Payments are due on July 1, September 1, November 1, January 1, and March 1 and May 1. Reminders of
tuition due are in monthly newsletters and on the outside “Welcome Board.” You can choose to pay tuition
online or by check. There is a $20.00 late charge after the 15th of a tuition month, and a $5.00 charge
for returned checks. Checks should be mailed to:
Norfolk Children’s School
23 Union Street
Norfolk, MA 02056
NOTE: You might qualify for a tax deduction on tuition, talk to the NCS Director.
Scholarships & Subsidies
The Janine O-Toole Scholarship Fund. This fund has been established in the honor of Janine O-Toole,
one of our NCS parents who passed away recently. Please contact Renee Tocci or Katy Merrell for more
information.
Withdrawal & Termination
If your family is moving or your child is being withdrawn from school, tuition will be reimbursed for the
days that your child will not be in school. The Director will need a three-week notice. If there is less
than three-week notice, you will be charged for three weeks tuition. No refunds after April 1.
Termination of a student will be considered in the following cases:
- The child’s needs cannot be met by the school;
- The parent’s needs, wishes, desires cannot be met by the school;
- The parent’s behavior jeopardizes the health and safety of children or staff.
The family will receive written notification from the Director regarding termination from the program.
The letter will include documentation of the reasons for termination. Referrals will be included, and a
plan for preparing the child for the termination will be outlined.
General School Rules
Be kind
Be gentle
Be safe
Whenever possible, children will participate in the development of school rules.
Child Guidance Policy
(Adapted from Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services Child Guidance Policy, 8/26/02)
There is a difference between child guidance and punishment. That difference plays a big part in the
kind of person each child becomes.
Goals:
1. To be safe with ourselves and each other.
2. To feel good about ourselves.
3. To develop self-control and good coping skills.
4. To appropriately express our feelings.
5. To become more independent.
6. To balance our needs with the needs of others.
7. To learn new problem solving skills, including non-violent resolution.
8. To learn about conservation – to use equipment, materials, and other resources in caring,
appropriate ways.
Methods:
1. Plan for appropriate behavior through the environment by arranging furniture and other materials
to encourage active learning and independence.
2. Plan daily scheduling that prevents boredom, waiting, hurriedness, with time to relax and enjoy
activities.
3. A daily routine with ample opportunity for children to select activities and move between them at
their own pace and one that gives children ample time notice between transitions.
4. Provide children with expectations that are clear, age-appropriate and applied in a consistent way.
Allow children to participate in the establishment of rules, policies and procedures where appropriate and
feasible.
5. Reinforce positive behavior by recognizing children’s positive actions.
6. Adults model appropriate behavior by being consistent with the program’s expectations for
children.
7. Redirect children toward positive activities by interrupting negative behavior and steering the
child toward an acceptable substitute activity.
8. Teach children new skills and encourage them to discuss and resolve conflicts on their own, or with
adult support, rather than imposing and adult’s solution. Encourage children to express their feelings in
words and to resolve problems peacefully.
9. Ignore simple inappropriate negative behavior that is merely unpleasant.
10. Work in close partnership with parents to address children’s difficulties at home and in the
program. Strive for a shared understanding and consistency between home and school.
11. Observe and document children’s behavior.
12. Meet with parents. Keep them informed of the child’s behavior, and document teacher/parent
discussions.
13. Assess the need for specialized support services if a child’s behavior continues to be harmful to
themselves or others. With written parental permission, refer families to mental health or other
specialized services that can help address problems. Follow NCS policy for referrals.
14. Learn and list community support available.
When a child loses control…
Effective Ways a Teacher May Respond:
1. Separate the child from the environment, but have the child remain within the teacher’s immediate
and direct supervision until the child is able to regain self-control and rejoin the group.
2. When the child cannot be removed from the environment, have the teacher place herself in close
proximity to the child until the child is able to regain self-control. In this instance, the teacher must
remove anything within the child’s immediate reach that is a potential danger to the child or others.
3. If necessary, the teacher may use another adult to support and assist in calming the child until the
child is able to regain self-control.
4. Talk calmly to the child; this is always appropriate.
Supportive holding of children should be considered only in the following situations:
1. The child’s safety is at risk.
2. The safety of other children or adults is at risk.
3. The child must be moved in order to be safely supervised.
4. The child demonstrates a sustained behavior that is highly disruptive and/or upsetting to other
children necessitating moving the child.
Prohibitions
1. Spanking or other corporal punishment of children.
2. Subjecting children to cruel or severe punishment such as humiliation, verbal or physical abuse,
neglect, or abusive treatment.
3. Depriving children of meals or snacks.
4. Using methods such as force feeding children.
5. Disciplining a child for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet; or forcing a child to remain in soiled
clothing or forcing a child to remain on the toilet; or using any other unusual or excessive practices for
toileting.
OCCS does not allow any licensed child care program to use discipline techniques that require the use of
any physical restraint.
No child will be left alone with any staff member without intermittent supervision by another staff
member. All staff members have a Massachusetts C.O.R.I (criminal records check) on file in the office.
(2006-2007)
Suspension Policy
If a child’s gross misbehavior (i.e., violent physical attacks on adults, children, or property) has resulted
in him/her being sent home from school, the second event of such misbehavior will result in a two-week
suspension.
Grievance Procedures
1. Parents should first take a concern regarding their child or their child’s classroom to the child’s
teachers. Either team teacher may be approached with the concern. If the parent takes the concern to
the Director first or to the NCS Parent Advisory Board, these parties will direct the parent to speak to
the teachers first.
2. Teachers will document all conversations with a parent regarding a concern, and will inform the
Director of these conversations. Written record of these conversations will be kept in the child’s file.
3. If conversations with the teacher are not satisfactory to the parent or the teacher, the concern
may be taken to the Director or the Parent Advisory Board. The concern must be addressed within two
working days.
4. Grievances regarding school administration or programming may be directed to the Director or the
NCS Parent Advisory Board. These grievances will be addressed within two working days. (2003)
Clothing
Please send your child to school in PLAY CLOTHES. Comfortable, well-fitting shoes are a must! PLEASE
LABEL EVERYTHING! The Massachusetts Office for Child Care Services (OCCS) requires a change of
clothing for children be kept at school. Send in underwear, a shirt, pants and socks. Put the clothes in a
gallon-sized zip-lock plastic bag labeled with your child’s name and class. We will store them. We also
have some extra clothes at school.
Outerwear
We go outside EVERY DAY unless the temperature is below 20 degrees or it is raining. Playing outside is
an important part of pre-school. PLEASE dress your child in appropriate clothes, especially during cold
weather. Each child needs a warm jacket, hat, mittens, etc. Snow pants and boots do not have to be worn
to school; just make sure they are in your child’s bag. If your child comes to school without adequate
outerwear or refuses to wear adequate outerwear, we may call you to come and get your child early.
Sometimes, in the rush to get to school, hats, mittens, boots and snow pants can get left behind at home.
Don’t worry; we have some extra hats and mittens, and a few snow pants.
Toileting Procedures
If a child comes to school in a diaper, and has a bowel movement, he/she will be changed by an authorized
staff member.
After using the toilet, every child must wash their hands with antibacterial soap, dry their hands with a
disposable paper towel, turn off the faucet with the paper towel, and dispose the paper towel in the
wastebasket adjacent to the sink. All staff will follow the same washing procedure upon arrival to school,
before serving food, before and after first aid, after toileting, after assisting a child in the bathroom or
after any contact with any person’s bodily fluids.
Toys From Home
In general, toys from home interfere with your child’s play at school. Toys are hard to keep track of, and
often cause conflicts between children. We prefer to encourage the children to “tell” about their
experiences rather than “show” off their belongings. We do encourage you to send in items found in
nature, special souvenirs from vacations, special books, cassette tapes, and photographs.
Field Trips
If your child’s class is planning a field trip, you will receive a notice describing the trip. A permission slip
is required for each field trip. Mode of transportation will be outlined on the field trip permission form.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Conferences will be scheduled twice during the school year. There will be NO SCHOOL on Conference
Days, as the teachers will be with parents the entire day. Early morning or evening conferences may be
available to those who request them.
If you are unable to attend on “Conference Day” or have to cancel that day, a phone conference can be
arranged.
You do not have to wait for formal conferences to speak with your child’s teacher or the Director. Some
concerns can be dealt with via a short telephone call, or you may prefer to make an appointment to see
your child’s teacher or the Director. Keeping the lines of communication open between school and home is
the key factor to a positive school experience for you and your child.
Transportation
NCS does not provide transportation for children to and from school. Car-pooling is strongly encouraged.
If you need help establishing a car-pool, please see the Director.
Arrivals and Departures Schedule
Late arrivals and late pick-ups are difficult for children to handle, and early arrivals are difficult for
teachers to handle! Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Drop off and pick up times for classes are as follows:
2 Day Am 9:00am – 11:30am
3 Day Am 9:00am – 11:30am
3 Day Ext 9:00am – 1:00pm
5 Day Pm 12:30pm – 3:00pm
Entering the Driveway
Please enter the school from the south end of the driveway and exit from the north end. (Note the
ENTER and EXIT signs.) The driveway is ONE WAY ONLY.
NOTE: You ALWAYS have the option of parking your car in the designated parking areas and walking your
child to her/his classroom. At the end of your child’s school day, you also have the option of parking your
car and walking onto the playground to pick up your child. Just remember that parking is limited.
Drop Off Procedure
When bringing your child to school, please drive to the main door. STAY IN YOUR CAR and the teacher
will escort your child into school. If you need to come into school or stop for an extended period, PLEASE
PARK IN THE PARKING LOT, NOT IN THE DRIVEWAY. Also, please be considerate of the people in
cars waiting behind you. Drop off time is not a good time to engage teachers in conversation.
NOTE: If you have an automatic opening car door, please “roll down” the front passenger side window and
alert the teacher, before she attempts to open the door.
Pick Up Procedure
Please pull up to the front steps. Put your car in “park”. STAY IN YOUR CAR. Your child will be called
from the porch and brought to you by a teacher. The teacher will open the door, unless it is automatic,
and help the children into the car. You will need to make sure all children are buckled into seat belts
before leaving the school driveway. Sometimes you can do this right away. There are times that cars will
be lined up behind you, and you will be asked to slowly pull forward, put the car in “park” and buckle the
children.
Pick Up by Other People
If anyone other than the customary person is transporting your child, you must call the school and notify
us. Or, you may send a note with your child. We recommend that you attach notes to school on the
OUTSIDE of your child’s bag so they are easily spotted by teachers. Please inform others of our drop
off and pick up procedures. We will not release your child to any unauthorized person! We will check
identification to verify that it is the person you have named to pick up.
School Cancellations & Delays
Inclement Weather
If Norfolk Public Schools cancel classes due to inclement weather NCS will be cancelled.
NEW POLICY: If Norfolk Public Schools delays opening, or cancels AM kindergarten, NCS will cancel all
morning classes. Watch WBZ Channel 4 for announcements of school closings.
Sometimes weather becomes hazardous during the school day. If the Norfolk Public Schools have an
early release due to weather, or the NCS Director declares an early release, NCS parents will be
telephoned, and requested to pick up their children. If the parent cannot be reached, the person listed
on the Emergency Consent Form will be contacted. At all times, OFC regulations for staff/children
ratios will be observed until all children have been picked up.
Evacuation Plans
Loss of Electricity
(inside temperature falls below 65 degrees)
Plan: Parents or adult on release form will be called to pick children up. At all times, OFC staff/child
ratios will be observed until all children have been picked up.
Fire, Natural Disaster
(any situation necessitating evacuation of the building)
Plan: ~Children will be taken to a safe facility (designated by the town of Norfolk), and will be
accompanied by NCS staff. All attempts will be made to keep children in familiar groupings.
~Via Town of Norfolk police or fire personnel.
~Upon safe arrival at designated safe facility, parents will be notified via telephone by NCS staff.
Immunization Records
Every child needs to have an immunization record and a current medical form. This is a state law and our
files are checked by the Office for Children. Compliance is necessary unless your child is exempt for
religious reasons. Medical reports are considered current for one year after date noted on the form.
Medications
Teachers are not permitted to dispense medication unless it is a life-threatening situation. Medications
need to be given before your child arrives at school. OCCS regulations require that parents notify NCS
when their child is taking any medication.
Medications that are needed for life threatening conditions, such as anaphylactic shock due to a food
allergy, can be administered by a trained staff member. All medications need to be in the original
container and labeled, easily accessible to trained staff members and in a secured cabinet out of the
reach of children. NCS needs, on file with a copy stored with the medication, the required OCCS forms
signed by the parents and pediatrician.
Please notify the school if your child is taking ANY medication, even “over the counter” medications. Also,
notify the school if your child has had any inoculations within 24 hours of attending school.
If Your Child Is Ill...
Please do not send your child to school if you suspect he/she may be ill. In some cases, teachers may spot
the condition before parents. In such a case, the parent will be called and asked to come for the child.
Your emergency numbers will be used if we cannot reach you. Choose your emergency numbers carefully.
Ideally, your child should be comfortable with the person you have designated.
One adult shall stay with a mildly ill child until a parent or other designated adult retrieves the child.
The child’s need for water, food, rest and play will be met by the supervising adult. A child will never be
left unattended.
All children who attend school will be expected to go outside for play at the end of each daily session.
Generally, if your child is well enough to come to school, he/she is well enough to go outside.
Contagious Infections
Parents will be notified if the group has been exposed to a contagious infection. Please inform school as
soon as you determine that your child has contracted a contagious infection so that we may notify other
parents.
The following conditions are extremely contagious, especially to young children. Do not send your child to
school with any of these conditions:
Common Cold and Influenza: The child should remain home until the fever has been gone at least 24
hours. All children should remain home if there is any discharge, sneezing, or expectoration.
Vomiting: The child may come to school if no symptoms of cold or flu appear 24 hours after vomiting
stops.
Diarrhea: The child should remain home until stools are well formed, and fever is absent for 24 hours.
Conjunctivitis: The child should stay home and see a doctor if there is any drainage from the eye. Child
may return to school after 48 hours of antibiotic therapy.
Impetigo (Staph or strep skin infections): The child may return to school after 48 hours of antibiotic
therapy. All draining areas should be covered.
Strep Throat: The child may return to school after 48 hours of antibiotic therapy.
Cold Sores: The child must remain at home until all sores are dry. This may take 4-5 days.
Fever (Temperature of 100.0 o F or greater orally, 99.0o F maxillary, or 100.4 o F rectally): This is
often the first indication of illness. Since cross infection is most likely to occur before symptoms show,
it is important to keep your child home if she/he has an elevated temperature.
Sinusitis, Ear Infection, and Urinary Tract Infections: These three conditions are usually complications
of a cold, and are not contagious in themselves. The child may return to school providing there is NO
nasal or ear drainage.
Persistent Cough: This is usually a sign of infection. When a child has a persistent cough, he/she is
susceptible to disease and tires easily. The child should remain home until cough is no longer evident.
Hand Washing
Upon arrival to school, each child will be greeted by his/her teacher and directed to the child’s cubby to
hang up belongings. Then, the child will be directed to “wash your hands before you play”. This policy will
help keep all of us healthy. (2002)
Absences
If your child will be absent from school, please notify the school. You will be called after two consecutive
unexplained absences.
Diagnostic Referral Plan
The Director has responsibility for the implementation of the Diagnostic Referral Plan. When a staff
member has a concern regarding a child, they are to notify the Director. The concern is documented by
the teacher. The teacher and Director decide upon further action. The teacher and Director will
determine when the parent will be notified of the concern. The teacher may write a note to the parent,
telephone the parent, or relay the concern during an in-person conference. It may be decided by the
teacher and the Director that the Director will inform the parent of the concern via the modes of
communication outlined above.
Sometimes a parent communicates to the teacher or Director a concern. In any case, The Director or
teacher may give the parent reading material or other resources to help with the concern. Follow-up may
be done by teacher or Director at a mutually agreeable time between both parties. If further referral is
needed, Director will facilitate. The Director or a teacher will accompany parents to any outside
evaluation or team meeting, if parents desire.
Parents are notified before professional diagnostic personnel visit the school. This will probably be done
through a newsletter. A child may be “red flagged” by a visiting professional. It is then the
responsibility of the Director to notify the parent of these observations. However, no child will be
included in any diagnostic observations or research study unless parental permission is on file in the
office.
Nutritious "Safe Snack" Program
We are committed to helping children learn about and enjoy eating healthy, nutritious food.
Food Allergies
*NCS IS A NUT-FREE ENVIRONMENT*
Some children have food allergies. Food allergies differ from other allergies because even a minuscule
amount of the wrong food can be fatal. Even traces of food on hands, face and clothing (especially peanut
butter and snack cheese products) can be a serious threat. Children with food allergies will have on file
at school an allergy form, consent for medication form, and necessary medications for life threatening
situations only. In addition, each parent of a food allergic child will supply the director with a list of
forbidden foods.
Cooking projects develop math, science and problem solving skills and are an integral part of the NCS
curriculum. Parents of children with food allergies will be notified two weeks prior to a cooking project.
The parent will have the opportunity to okay the project for their child, or supply substitute ingredients
that are safe for all the children. (2002)
Safe Snacks
Snacks will be provided by NCS. Because the types of allergies vary from year to year and class to class,
a Safe Snack List will be compiled for each class, depending on the allergies of the children in that class.
As always, the school will remain ‘nut free’. Also, children and staff will continue to use hand washing as a
way to control cross-contamination of allergens.
Curriculum
Components of a typical day include:
• Free play (blocks, dramatics, art, manipulatives, science)
• Small group (language activity, science experiment, or math game)
• Large group (music and movement activity)
• Outside play
• Snack
At Norfolk Children’s School, the curriculum is based upon the criteria set by the National Association
for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Curriculum goals address all areas of a child’s
development: physical, emotional, social, and cognitive. Children’s learning does not occur in narrowly
defined subject areas. Rather, their development and learning are integrated.
Curriculum for three-year olds emphasizes language, large muscle activity, and textural art. Appropriate
experiences include, but are not limited to, dramatic play, riding toys, blocks, climbers, and the chance to
listen to and talk about simple stories, songs and finger plays.
Four-year olds enjoy a greater variety of experiences with more processes involved. They are developing
their fine motor skills, so experiences with scissors, art, manipulatives, and cooking are important. Fours
are also more able to concentrate and remember, as well as recognize sizes, shapes, colors, etc. This is
the beginning of the development of basic math concepts and problem solving skills. Our Nature Trail,
science experiments, the water table, counting songs and finger plays are used to help children learn in
ways that are concrete and meaningful.
Children’s play is the primary vehicle for and indicator of their learning and growth. Child-initiated, child-
directed, teacher-supported play are the essential components of the philosophy at NCS. Several times
throughout the year children are asked, “What do you want to learn about?” These answers are listed,
and incorporated into our curriculum plans.
At Norfolk Children’s School, we strive to meet the needs of all the children, no matter where they are
developmentally. The very first place to begin to help children learn is in the area of self-esteem. Our
highest goal is to help your child develop a positive self-concept. All children, regardless of their
developmental level, should experience happiness from achievement and success.
Celebrations
In keeping with the criteria set by The National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, curriculum is not
driven by holiday celebrations and/or activities. Holidays are minimized, and kept developmentally
appropriate and culturally respectful. For example, in October we do not have a Halloween Party. We
might have an Orange Day or a Spider Day. During the month of November, we might talk about families
and cook recipes that use the “fruits” of the season. During December, we might celebrate snow, or
study light, the night, or stars. In February, we reemphasize our ongoing curriculum of friendship and
community. We do not exchange valentines “en masse,” but our Writing Centers are well stocked with
materials for making valentines. In May, rather than focusing on Mother’s Day, we might talk about
families and again stock the Writing Center with paper and envelopes for making cards rather than
making a specific gift.
Birthdays are celebrated at NCS with traditional ceremonies. Usually, the birthday child’s parent is in
the classroom on a prearranged day. Summer birthdays are celebrated also, and are scheduled by the
teacher during the months of Jan-May, or in early September. In addition, other traditional
ceremonies/activities are used in the classroom to help us learn about each other. Very often, Group
Time is a place to discuss family traditions, holidays, and celebrations. Families are encouraged to share
their cultural heritage at school, so that we may all grow in our appreciation of the diversity around us.
For Our Parents...
Parent Visit Program
The quality of Norfolk Children’s School is directly enhanced by the involvement of parents on a daily
basis. We hope you will choose to spend several days at school with your child. Every effort will be made
to schedule these days at a convenient time for you. The rewards from this program are many. School,
child, and parent benefit in important and unique ways.
This is a time for you to spend with your child in his/her environment. It is not intended for you to help
out in the classroom, but to play with your child and their friends. On your visit day if you would like to
bring in a snack off of the attached safe snack list, that would be wonderful.
If you ever have a question about appropriate behavior for children inside or outside, just ask a teacher.
Please do not be offended if a teacher redirects the play in the area you are supervising. It is the
teacher’s job to monitor the dynamics of the classroom, and to implement the Behavior Management Plan,
if necessary.
If a parent displays inappropriate behavior in the classroom, teachers are instructed to bring such
behavior to the attention of the Director immediately. A parent may be asked to leave the school
grounds.
At no time is a parent to have unsupervised contact with any child (other than their own) at school.
Confidentiality
NCS encourages parent participation. Indeed, it is your right to be involved in your child’s preschool
experience. While you exercise this right, please keep in mind the rights and privacy of the other
children and the staff.
Please do not discuss ANY situations observed at school involving children or the staff with anyone. Even
the most seemingly innocuous story or comment shared with someone else is a breach of confidentiality.
If you observe something that causes you concern, discuss it with the teacher in the classroom or the
Director. Situations are not always as they appear, particularly if they are observed singularly and not in
the broader scheme of things.
Permission for Release of Records
All children’s records are confidential. Written parental consent is required to release records. Parents
will be notified if their child’s records have been subpoenaed. Parents have access to their child’s file no
more than two days after a request. Each time information is released from a child’s record, the
following information shall be recorded: the name, signature, and position of the person releasing the
information; the portion of the record that was released; and the signature of the person to whom the
information is distributed or released.
When a parent asks for records to be sent to parties outside of NCS, the following procedure by the
child’s teacher will be used:
1. Teacher sends release form to parent.
2. A copy of the request from the outside agency, and signature of the person to whom the
information will be released, will be placed in child’s file.
3. The signed release form from the parent will be placed in file, also.
At no time will any names, phone numbers, or addresses of Norfolk Children’s School families be given to
any organization, professional, etc. without the consent of the parent(s).
Unauthorized Activities
According to licensing regulations, there must be written parental consent to any activities other than
childcare at NCS.
Parent Advisory Board
The Purpose of the NCS Parent Advisory Board
1. To provide support, technical assistance, and constructive feedback to the Director.
2. To represent the issues, concerns, and support of the general parent population of NCS.
3. To research fund-raisers, operating policies, developmental practices, and early childhood
materials as requested by the Director.
4. To sustain NCS philosophy and practice within school boundaries and to the community at large, and
to promote NCS to the greater community.
5. To provide opportunities for families at NCS to become acquainted with each other.
This Board is made up of those selected through a lottery system. Interest in participating on the Board
is indicated through a form in your registration packet. The Board meets approximately four times
during the year. Some of the activities that the Board has facilitated in the past are: Parent Teas,
Playground Dates, Teacher Appreciation Day, and various fund-raisers. Generally, meetings are in the
evening.
Parent Night
This is a special evening when children share an abbreviated version of their school day with the parent(s)
who are unable to visit school during the day.
Parent Education
Workshops, lectures, etc. are offered throughout the school year. You will be notified by separate flier
or mailing.
Lending Library
The library is located in the Director’s Office. Books, articles, and tapes can be signed out for two
weeks.
Thank You!
Tuition Payments
Tuition is a yearly fee. Rates are as follows:
2 Day AM.....................................$ 1,807.00 with 6 payments of $301.17
3 Day.............................................$ 2,270.00 with 6 payments of $378.33
3 Day Extended.......................$ 3,013.00 with 6 payments of $ 502.17
5 Day Pre-K................................$ 3,755.00 with 6 payments of $ 625.83
Payments are due on July 1, September 1, November 1, January 1, and March 1 and May 1. Reminders of
tuition due are in monthly newsletters and on the outside “Welcome Board.” You can choose to pay tuition
online or by check. There is a $20.00 late charge after the 15th of a tuition month, and a $5.00 charge
for returned checks. Checks should be mailed to:
Norfolk Children’s School
23 Union Street
Norfolk, MA 02056
NOTE: You might qualify for a tax deduction on tuition, talk to the NCS Director.
Scholarships & Subsidies
The Janine O-Toole Scholarship Fund. This fund has been established in the honor of Janine O-Toole,
one of our NCS parents who passed away recently. Please contact Renee Tocci or Katy Merrell for more
information.
Withdrawal & Termination
If your family is moving or your child is being withdrawn from school, tuition will be reimbursed for the
days that your child will not be in school. The Director will need a three-week notice. If there is less
than three-week notice, you will be charged for three weeks tuition. No refunds after April 1.
Termination of a student will be considered in the following cases:
- The child’s needs cannot be met by the school;
- The parent’s needs, wishes, desires cannot be met by the school;
- The parent’s behavior jeopardizes the health and safety of children or staff.
The family will receive written notification from the Director regarding termination from the program.
The letter will include documentation of the reasons for termination. Referrals will be included, and a
plan for preparing the child for the termination will be outlined.
General School Rules
Be kind
Be gentle
Be safe
Whenever possible, children will participate in the development of school rules.
Child Guidance Policy
(Adapted from Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services Child Guidance Policy, 8/26/02)
There is a difference between child guidance and punishment. That difference plays a big part in the
kind of person each child becomes.
Goals:
1. To be safe with ourselves and each other.
2. To feel good about ourselves.
3. To develop self-control and good coping skills.
4. To appropriately express our feelings.
5. To become more independent.
6. To balance our needs with the needs of others.
7. To learn new problem solving skills, including non-violent resolution.
8. To learn about conservation – to use equipment, materials, and other resources in caring,
appropriate ways.
Methods:
1. Plan for appropriate behavior through the environment by arranging furniture and other materials
to encourage active learning and independence.
2. Plan daily scheduling that prevents boredom, waiting, hurriedness, with time to relax and enjoy
activities.
3. A daily routine with ample opportunity for children to select activities and move between them at
their own pace and one that gives children ample time notice between transitions.
4. Provide children with expectations that are clear, age-appropriate and applied in a consistent way.
Allow children to participate in the establishment of rules, policies and procedures where appropriate and
feasible.
5. Reinforce positive behavior by recognizing children’s positive actions.
6. Adults model appropriate behavior by being consistent with the program’s expectations for
children.
7. Redirect children toward positive activities by interrupting negative behavior and steering the
child toward an acceptable substitute activity.
8. Teach children new skills and encourage them to discuss and resolve conflicts on their own, or with
adult support, rather than imposing and adult’s solution. Encourage children to express their feelings in
words and to resolve problems peacefully.
9. Ignore simple inappropriate negative behavior that is merely unpleasant.
10. Work in close partnership with parents to address children’s difficulties at home and in the
program. Strive for a shared understanding and consistency between home and school.
11. Observe and document children’s behavior.
12. Meet with parents. Keep them informed of the child’s behavior, and document teacher/parent
discussions.
13. Assess the need for specialized support services if a child’s behavior continues to be harmful to
themselves or others. With written parental permission, refer families to mental health or other
specialized services that can help address problems. Follow NCS policy for referrals.
14. Learn and list community support available.
When a child loses control…
Effective Ways a Teacher May Respond:
1. Separate the child from the environment, but have the child remain within the teacher’s immediate
and direct supervision until the child is able to regain self-control and rejoin the group.
2. When the child cannot be removed from the environment, have the teacher place herself in close
proximity to the child until the child is able to regain self-control. In this instance, the teacher must
remove anything within the child’s immediate reach that is a potential danger to the child or others.
3. If necessary, the teacher may use another adult to support and assist in calming the child until the
child is able to regain self-control.
4. Talk calmly to the child; this is always appropriate.
Supportive holding of children should be considered only in the following situations:
1. The child’s safety is at risk.
2. The safety of other children or adults is at risk.
3. The child must be moved in order to be safely supervised.
4. The child demonstrates a sustained behavior that is highly disruptive and/or upsetting to other
children necessitating moving the child.
Prohibitions
1. Spanking or other corporal punishment of children.
2. Subjecting children to cruel or severe punishment such as humiliation, verbal or physical abuse,
neglect, or abusive treatment.
3. Depriving children of meals or snacks.
4. Using methods such as force feeding children.
5. Disciplining a child for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet; or forcing a child to remain in soiled
clothing or forcing a child to remain on the toilet; or using any other unusual or excessive practices for
toileting.
OCCS does not allow any licensed child care program to use discipline techniques that require the use of
any physical restraint.
No child will be left alone with any staff member without intermittent supervision by another staff
member. All staff members have a Massachusetts C.O.R.I (criminal records check) on file in the office.
(2006-2007)
Suspension Policy
If a child’s gross misbehavior (i.e., violent physical attacks on adults, children, or property) has resulted
in him/her being sent home from school, the second event of such misbehavior will result in a two-week
suspension.
Grievance Procedures
1. Parents should first take a concern regarding their child or their child’s classroom to the child’s
teachers. Either team teacher may be approached with the concern. If the parent takes the concern to
the Director first or to the NCS Parent Advisory Board, these parties will direct the parent to speak to
the teachers first.
2. Teachers will document all conversations with a parent regarding a concern, and will inform the
Director of these conversations. Written record of these conversations will be kept in the child’s file.
3. If conversations with the teacher are not satisfactory to the parent or the teacher, the concern
may be taken to the Director or the Parent Advisory Board. The concern must be addressed within two
working days.
4. Grievances regarding school administration or programming may be directed to the Director or the
NCS Parent Advisory Board. These grievances will be addressed within two working days. (2003)
Clothing
Please send your child to school in PLAY CLOTHES. Comfortable, well-fitting shoes are a must! PLEASE
LABEL EVERYTHING! The Massachusetts Office for Child Care Services (OCCS) requires a change of
clothing for children be kept at school. Send in underwear, a shirt, pants and socks. Put the clothes in a
gallon-sized zip-lock plastic bag labeled with your child’s name and class. We will store them. We also
have some extra clothes at school.
Outerwear
We go outside EVERY DAY unless the temperature is below 20 degrees or it is raining. Playing outside is
an important part of pre-school. PLEASE dress your child in appropriate clothes, especially during cold
weather. Each child needs a warm jacket, hat, mittens, etc. Snow pants and boots do not have to be worn
to school; just make sure they are in your child’s bag. If your child comes to school without adequate
outerwear or refuses to wear adequate outerwear, we may call you to come and get your child early.
Sometimes, in the rush to get to school, hats, mittens, boots and snow pants can get left behind at home.
Don’t worry; we have some extra hats and mittens, and a few snow pants.
Toileting Procedures
If a child comes to school in a diaper, and has a bowel movement, he/she will be changed by an authorized
staff member.
After using the toilet, every child must wash their hands with antibacterial soap, dry their hands with a
disposable paper towel, turn off the faucet with the paper towel, and dispose the paper towel in the
wastebasket adjacent to the sink. All staff will follow the same washing procedure upon arrival to school,
before serving food, before and after first aid, after toileting, after assisting a child in the bathroom or
after any contact with any person’s bodily fluids.
Toys From Home
In general, toys from home interfere with your child’s play at school. Toys are hard to keep track of, and
often cause conflicts between children. We prefer to encourage the children to “tell” about their
experiences rather than “show” off their belongings. We do encourage you to send in items found in
nature, special souvenirs from vacations, special books, cassette tapes, and photographs.
Field Trips
If your child’s class is planning a field trip, you will receive a notice describing the trip. A permission slip
is required for each field trip. Mode of transportation will be outlined on the field trip permission form.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Conferences will be scheduled twice during the school year. There will be NO SCHOOL on Conference
Days, as the teachers will be with parents the entire day. Early morning or evening conferences may be
available to those who request them.
If you are unable to attend on “Conference Day” or have to cancel that day, a phone conference can be
arranged.
You do not have to wait for formal conferences to speak with your child’s teacher or the Director. Some
concerns can be dealt with via a short telephone call, or you may prefer to make an appointment to see
your child’s teacher or the Director. Keeping the lines of communication open between school and home is
the key factor to a positive school experience for you and your child.
Transportation
NCS does not provide transportation for children to and from school. Car-pooling is strongly encouraged.
If you need help establishing a car-pool, please see the Director.
Arrivals and Departures Schedule
Late arrivals and late pick-ups are difficult for children to handle, and early arrivals are difficult for
teachers to handle! Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Drop off and pick up times for classes are as follows:
2 Day Am 9:00am – 11:30am
3 Day Am 9:00am – 11:30am
3 Day Ext 9:00am – 1:00pm
5 Day Pm 12:30pm – 3:00pm
Entering the Driveway
Please enter the school from the south end of the driveway and exit from the north end. (Note the
ENTER and EXIT signs.) The driveway is ONE WAY ONLY.
NOTE: You ALWAYS have the option of parking your car in the designated parking areas and walking your
child to her/his classroom. At the end of your child’s school day, you also have the option of parking your
car and walking onto the playground to pick up your child. Just remember that parking is limited.
Drop Off Procedure
When bringing your child to school, please drive to the main door. STAY IN YOUR CAR and the teacher
will escort your child into school. If you need to come into school or stop for an extended period, PLEASE
PARK IN THE PARKING LOT, NOT IN THE DRIVEWAY. Also, please be considerate of the people in
cars waiting behind you. Drop off time is not a good time to engage teachers in conversation.
NOTE: If you have an automatic opening car door, please “roll down” the front passenger side window and
alert the teacher, before she attempts to open the door.
Pick Up Procedure
Please pull up to the front steps. Put your car in “park”. STAY IN YOUR CAR. Your child will be called
from the porch and brought to you by a teacher. The teacher will open the door, unless it is automatic,
and help the children into the car. You will need to make sure all children are buckled into seat belts
before leaving the school driveway. Sometimes you can do this right away. There are times that cars will
be lined up behind you, and you will be asked to slowly pull forward, put the car in “park” and buckle the
children.
Pick Up by Other People
If anyone other than the customary person is transporting your child, you must call the school and notify
us. Or, you may send a note with your child. We recommend that you attach notes to school on the
OUTSIDE of your child’s bag so they are easily spotted by teachers. Please inform others of our drop
off and pick up procedures. We will not release your child to any unauthorized person! We will check
identification to verify that it is the person you have named to pick up.
School Cancellations & Delays
Inclement Weather
If Norfolk Public Schools cancel classes due to inclement weather NCS will be cancelled.
NEW POLICY: If Norfolk Public Schools delays opening, or cancels AM kindergarten, NCS will cancel all
morning classes. Watch WBZ Channel 4 for announcements of school closings.
Sometimes weather becomes hazardous during the school day. If the Norfolk Public Schools have an
early release due to weather, or the NCS Director declares an early release, NCS parents will be
telephoned, and requested to pick up their children. If the parent cannot be reached, the person listed
on the Emergency Consent Form will be contacted. At all times, OFC regulations for staff/children
ratios will be observed until all children have been picked up.
Evacuation Plans
Loss of Electricity
(inside temperature falls below 65 degrees)
Plan: Parents or adult on release form will be called to pick children up. At all times, OFC staff/child
ratios will be observed until all children have been picked up.
Fire, Natural Disaster
(any situation necessitating evacuation of the building)
Plan: ~Children will be taken to a safe facility (designated by the town of Norfolk), and will be
accompanied by NCS staff. All attempts will be made to keep children in familiar groupings.
~Via Town of Norfolk police or fire personnel.
~Upon safe arrival at designated safe facility, parents will be notified via telephone by NCS staff.
Immunization Records
Every child needs to have an immunization record and a current medical form. This is a state law and our
files are checked by the Office for Children. Compliance is necessary unless your child is exempt for
religious reasons. Medical reports are considered current for one year after date noted on the form.
Medications
Teachers are not permitted to dispense medication unless it is a life-threatening situation. Medications
need to be given before your child arrives at school. OCCS regulations require that parents notify NCS
when their child is taking any medication.
Medications that are needed for life threatening conditions, such as anaphylactic shock due to a food
allergy, can be administered by a trained staff member. All medications need to be in the original
container and labeled, easily accessible to trained staff members and in a secured cabinet out of the
reach of children. NCS needs, on file with a copy stored with the medication, the required OCCS forms
signed by the parents and pediatrician.
Please notify the school if your child is taking ANY medication, even “over the counter” medications. Also,
notify the school if your child has had any inoculations within 24 hours of attending school.
If Your Child Is Ill...
Please do not send your child to school if you suspect he/she may be ill. In some cases, teachers may spot
the condition before parents. In such a case, the parent will be called and asked to come for the child.
Your emergency numbers will be used if we cannot reach you. Choose your emergency numbers carefully.
Ideally, your child should be comfortable with the person you have designated.
One adult shall stay with a mildly ill child until a parent or other designated adult retrieves the child.
The child’s need for water, food, rest and play will be met by the supervising adult. A child will never be
left unattended.
All children who attend school will be expected to go outside for play at the end of each daily session.
Generally, if your child is well enough to come to school, he/she is well enough to go outside.
Contagious Infections
Parents will be notified if the group has been exposed to a contagious infection. Please inform school as
soon as you determine that your child has contracted a contagious infection so that we may notify other
parents.
The following conditions are extremely contagious, especially to young children. Do not send your child to
school with any of these conditions:
Common Cold and Influenza: The child should remain home until the fever has been gone at least 24
hours. All children should remain home if there is any discharge, sneezing, or expectoration.
Vomiting: The child may come to school if no symptoms of cold or flu appear 24 hours after vomiting
stops.
Diarrhea: The child should remain home until stools are well formed, and fever is absent for 24 hours.
Conjunctivitis: The child should stay home and see a doctor if there is any drainage from the eye. Child
may return to school after 48 hours of antibiotic therapy.
Impetigo (Staph or strep skin infections): The child may return to school after 48 hours of antibiotic
therapy. All draining areas should be covered.
Strep Throat: The child may return to school after 48 hours of antibiotic therapy.
Cold Sores: The child must remain at home until all sores are dry. This may take 4-5 days.
Fever (Temperature of 100.0 o F or greater orally, 99.0o F maxillary, or 100.4 o F rectally): This is
often the first indication of illness. Since cross infection is most likely to occur before symptoms show,
it is important to keep your child home if she/he has an elevated temperature.
Sinusitis, Ear Infection, and Urinary Tract Infections: These three conditions are usually complications
of a cold, and are not contagious in themselves. The child may return to school providing there is NO
nasal or ear drainage.
Persistent Cough: This is usually a sign of infection. When a child has a persistent cough, he/she is
susceptible to disease and tires easily. The child should remain home until cough is no longer evident.
Hand Washing
Upon arrival to school, each child will be greeted by his/her teacher and directed to the child’s cubby to
hang up belongings. Then, the child will be directed to “wash your hands before you play”. This policy will
help keep all of us healthy. (2002)
Absences
If your child will be absent from school, please notify the school. You will be called after two consecutive
unexplained absences.
Diagnostic Referral Plan
The Director has responsibility for the implementation of the Diagnostic Referral Plan. When a staff
member has a concern regarding a child, they are to notify the Director. The concern is documented by
the teacher. The teacher and Director decide upon further action. The teacher and Director will
determine when the parent will be notified of the concern. The teacher may write a note to the parent,
telephone the parent, or relay the concern during an in-person conference. It may be decided by the
teacher and the Director that the Director will inform the parent of the concern via the modes of
communication outlined above.
Sometimes a parent communicates to the teacher or Director a concern. In any case, The Director or
teacher may give the parent reading material or other resources to help with the concern. Follow-up may
be done by teacher or Director at a mutually agreeable time between both parties. If further referral is
needed, Director will facilitate. The Director or a teacher will accompany parents to any outside
evaluation or team meeting, if parents desire.
Parents are notified before professional diagnostic personnel visit the school. This will probably be done
through a newsletter. A child may be “red flagged” by a visiting professional. It is then the
responsibility of the Director to notify the parent of these observations. However, no child will be
included in any diagnostic observations or research study unless parental permission is on file in the
office.
Nutritious "Safe Snack" Program
We are committed to helping children learn about and enjoy eating healthy, nutritious food.
Food Allergies
*NCS IS A NUT-FREE ENVIRONMENT*
Some children have food allergies. Food allergies differ from other allergies because even a minuscule
amount of the wrong food can be fatal. Even traces of food on hands, face and clothing (especially peanut
butter and snack cheese products) can be a serious threat. Children with food allergies will have on file
at school an allergy form, consent for medication form, and necessary medications for life threatening
situations only. In addition, each parent of a food allergic child will supply the director with a list of
forbidden foods.
Cooking projects develop math, science and problem solving skills and are an integral part of the NCS
curriculum. Parents of children with food allergies will be notified two weeks prior to a cooking project.
The parent will have the opportunity to okay the project for their child, or supply substitute ingredients
that are safe for all the children. (2002)
Safe Snacks
Snacks will be provided by NCS. Because the types of allergies vary from year to year and class to class,
a Safe Snack List will be compiled for each class, depending on the allergies of the children in that class.
As always, the school will remain ‘nut free’. Also, children and staff will continue to use hand washing as a
way to control cross-contamination of allergens.
Curriculum
Components of a typical day include:
• Free play (blocks, dramatics, art, manipulatives, science)
• Small group (language activity, science experiment, or math game)
• Large group (music and movement activity)
• Outside play
• Snack
At Norfolk Children’s School, the curriculum is based upon the criteria set by the National Association
for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Curriculum goals address all areas of a child’s
development: physical, emotional, social, and cognitive. Children’s learning does not occur in narrowly
defined subject areas. Rather, their development and learning are integrated.
Curriculum for three-year olds emphasizes language, large muscle activity, and textural art. Appropriate
experiences include, but are not limited to, dramatic play, riding toys, blocks, climbers, and the chance to
listen to and talk about simple stories, songs and finger plays.
Four-year olds enjoy a greater variety of experiences with more processes involved. They are developing
their fine motor skills, so experiences with scissors, art, manipulatives, and cooking are important. Fours
are also more able to concentrate and remember, as well as recognize sizes, shapes, colors, etc. This is
the beginning of the development of basic math concepts and problem solving skills. Our Nature Trail,
science experiments, the water table, counting songs and finger plays are used to help children learn in
ways that are concrete and meaningful.
Children’s play is the primary vehicle for and indicator of their learning and growth. Child-initiated, child-
directed, teacher-supported play are the essential components of the philosophy at NCS. Several times
throughout the year children are asked, “What do you want to learn about?” These answers are listed,
and incorporated into our curriculum plans.
At Norfolk Children’s School, we strive to meet the needs of all the children, no matter where they are
developmentally. The very first place to begin to help children learn is in the area of self-esteem. Our
highest goal is to help your child develop a positive self-concept. All children, regardless of their
developmental level, should experience happiness from achievement and success.
Celebrations
In keeping with the criteria set by The National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, curriculum is not
driven by holiday celebrations and/or activities. Holidays are minimized, and kept developmentally
appropriate and culturally respectful. For example, in October we do not have a Halloween Party. We
might have an Orange Day or a Spider Day. During the month of November, we might talk about families
and cook recipes that use the “fruits” of the season. During December, we might celebrate snow, or
study light, the night, or stars. In February, we reemphasize our ongoing curriculum of friendship and
community. We do not exchange valentines “en masse,” but our Writing Centers are well stocked with
materials for making valentines. In May, rather than focusing on Mother’s Day, we might talk about
families and again stock the Writing Center with paper and envelopes for making cards rather than
making a specific gift.
Birthdays are celebrated at NCS with traditional ceremonies. Usually, the birthday child’s parent is in
the classroom on a prearranged day. Summer birthdays are celebrated also, and are scheduled by the
teacher during the months of Jan-May, or in early September. In addition, other traditional
ceremonies/activities are used in the classroom to help us learn about each other. Very often, Group
Time is a place to discuss family traditions, holidays, and celebrations. Families are encouraged to share
their cultural heritage at school, so that we may all grow in our appreciation of the diversity around us.
For Our Parents...
Parent Visit Program
The quality of Norfolk Children’s School is directly enhanced by the involvement of parents on a daily
basis. We hope you will choose to spend several days at school with your child. Every effort will be made
to schedule these days at a convenient time for you. The rewards from this program are many. School,
child, and parent benefit in important and unique ways.
This is a time for you to spend with your child in his/her environment. It is not intended for you to help
out in the classroom, but to play with your child and their friends. On your visit day if you would like to
bring in a snack off of the attached safe snack list, that would be wonderful.
If you ever have a question about appropriate behavior for children inside or outside, just ask a teacher.
Please do not be offended if a teacher redirects the play in the area you are supervising. It is the
teacher’s job to monitor the dynamics of the classroom, and to implement the Behavior Management Plan,
if necessary.
If a parent displays inappropriate behavior in the classroom, teachers are instructed to bring such
behavior to the attention of the Director immediately. A parent may be asked to leave the school
grounds.
At no time is a parent to have unsupervised contact with any child (other than their own) at school.
Confidentiality
NCS encourages parent participation. Indeed, it is your right to be involved in your child’s preschool
experience. While you exercise this right, please keep in mind the rights and privacy of the other
children and the staff.
Please do not discuss ANY situations observed at school involving children or the staff with anyone. Even
the most seemingly innocuous story or comment shared with someone else is a breach of confidentiality.
If you observe something that causes you concern, discuss it with the teacher in the classroom or the
Director. Situations are not always as they appear, particularly if they are observed singularly and not in
the broader scheme of things.
Permission for Release of Records
All children’s records are confidential. Written parental consent is required to release records. Parents
will be notified if their child’s records have been subpoenaed. Parents have access to their child’s file no
more than two days after a request. Each time information is released from a child’s record, the
following information shall be recorded: the name, signature, and position of the person releasing the
information; the portion of the record that was released; and the signature of the person to whom the
information is distributed or released.
When a parent asks for records to be sent to parties outside of NCS, the following procedure by the
child’s teacher will be used:
1. Teacher sends release form to parent.
2. A copy of the request from the outside agency, and signature of the person to whom the
information will be released, will be placed in child’s file.
3. The signed release form from the parent will be placed in file, also.
At no time will any names, phone numbers, or addresses of Norfolk Children’s School families be given to
any organization, professional, etc. without the consent of the parent(s).
Unauthorized Activities
According to licensing regulations, there must be written parental consent to any activities other than
childcare at NCS.
Parent Advisory Board
The Purpose of the NCS Parent Advisory Board
1. To provide support, technical assistance, and constructive feedback to the Director.
2. To represent the issues, concerns, and support of the general parent population of NCS.
3. To research fund-raisers, operating policies, developmental practices, and early childhood
materials as requested by the Director.
4. To sustain NCS philosophy and practice within school boundaries and to the community at large, and
to promote NCS to the greater community.
5. To provide opportunities for families at NCS to become acquainted with each other.
This Board is made up of those selected through a lottery system. Interest in participating on the Board
is indicated through a form in your registration packet. The Board meets approximately four times
during the year. Some of the activities that the Board has facilitated in the past are: Parent Teas,
Playground Dates, Teacher Appreciation Day, and various fund-raisers. Generally, meetings are in the
evening.
Parent Night
This is a special evening when children share an abbreviated version of their school day with the parent(s)
who are unable to visit school during the day.
Parent Education
Workshops, lectures, etc. are offered throughout the school year. You will be notified by separate flier
or mailing.
Lending Library
The library is located in the Director’s Office. Books, articles, and tapes can be signed out for two
weeks.
Thank You!
NORFOLK CHILDREN'S SCHOOL, 23 Union St., Norfolk, MA 02056 508-528-1970
Copyright 2008 Norfolk Children's School
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Website Design by Karma Communications