Early Childhood Family Handbook
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| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Educational Administration | |
| Rabbi Dr. Gavriel Brown | Head of School |
| Ms. Katie Minner | Early Childhood Director |
| Mrs. Katie Lichter | Judaic Coordinator |
| Office | |
| Brandy Flack | Office Staff |
| Erica Stoltz | Office Staff |
| Kitchen & Maintenance | |
| Sandra Osdoba | Kitchen & Maintenance |
| Mika Stigger | Kitchen & Maintenance |
| Danny Love | Kitchen & Maintenance |
The administration of MHA-CYOS is deeply appreciative of your decision to enroll your child in our Early Childhood Program. We are proud of our exceptional educational program and we look forward to watching your child grow socially, academically, and religiously over the coming year. Achieving maximal student growth, though, is predicated on a strong partnership between both the home and school. Neither can work effectively without the understanding, support and assistance of the other. Guiding the development of the child is a cooperative endeavor. Therefore, it is very important that there is open communication between parent and teacher. This handbook is designed to help you better understand the philosophy, structure, and expectations of the Margolin Hebrew Academy Early Childhood Department.
The MHA-CYOS Early Childhood Department is designed to promote learning through play and creative educational experiences in a warm and nurturing environment. Teachers use developmentally appropriate practices to reach these goals while recognizing that students learn and grow at different rates and have a variety of interests. It is of the utmost importance that all of the students experience an open and caring learning environment which nurtures their love for school, fosters the creation of healthy relationships with their peers, and begins to build a rich and positive Jewish identity.
The curriculum in our Early Childhood classrooms is an integrated curriculum. This means that students can be learning about Jewish holidays, colors, mathematics, literacy or science at the same time through various activities. Students learn many things about life and their environment through hands-on activities, songs, books, free play, art, library, music, and PE. The Kindergarten math, reading, and Kriyah curricula coordinate with that of the elementary division providing a solid foundation for success in the Elementary School while maintaining a creative, center-based, enjoyable environment.
Eligibility for enrollment in the Early Childhood Program at Margolin Hebrew Academy is based on age requirements established by the Tennessee Department of Education:
Margolin Hebrew Academy does not offer early admission or entrance testing for children whose birthdays fall after August 15 for the Pre-K 3 program.
Additionally, all children must be fully potty trained in order to attend the Early Childhood Program.
Each of our Early Childhood classes is staffed by a well trained and highly experienced lead teacher as well as caring and capable co-teachers or assistants during the school day. The lead teachers are responsible for planning the learning activities for the children. They are also responsible for supervision of the overall environment in the classroom. The lead teacher is ultimately responsible and in charge of her area and the assistant's work.
All teachers have appropriate degrees and experience.
The Early Childhood Director supervises the total program. Her responsibilities include curriculum development, in-service training, ordering of materials for the enhancement of the curriculum, and general programming and recruitment. Parents should feel comfortable to contact the Early Childhood Director for any questions or concerns.
We also have a Judaic Coordinator. Her responsibilities include supporting the Judaic teachers, overseeing the Judaic curriculum and programming, and working alongside the ECE Director to ensure that each class is incorporating Jewish values and customs into their everyday activities.
The school day begins at 8:00 AM daily. Drop-off in the morning begins at 7:45.
The aftercare program runs from 2:00 to 3:45. Students can be signed up in advance for the aftercare program through the front office. Students not picked up by 2:10 who are not signed up for aftercare will stay with the aftercare group until his/her parent arrives and will be charged the drop-in rate for aftercare. Parents are requested to strictly observe the hours of operations, so that children are properly supervised at all times. Aftercare and Kindergarten students are dismissed at 3:45.
Our Aftercare Program is available only on a full-time basis. At this time, we are unable to accommodate drop-in or part-time participation. Families who wish to enroll in Aftercare must commit to the full program schedule.
Parents of preschool students can either park and walk their children into the building or drop them off curbside where there will be a staff member to help them safely inside. If you do decide to park your vehicle, please park in the designated parking areas only. Please do not park in the FIRE LANE directly in front of the building, or in any handicapped parking spaces.
An adult must sign the sign-in sheet for each child. An administrator will sign in/out all students that arrive or are picked up during carpool times. Anyone who arrives after 8:05 a.m. or is picked up before 3:45 p.m. (2:00 for Pre-K) or after 4:00 p.m., must come into the front office to sign their children into school. This is a requirement from the Department of Education and must be followed. If you are late, please walk your child to the classroom to ensure they make it to the classroom safely.
For the safety of your children, no child will be dismissed from school or from class prior to the regularly scheduled time unless a parent (or authorized person) signs the child out in the sign-out book in the office. Upon return, please sign the child back into school. Remember, children cannot wait for you in the office, as your signature is needed before they can be released from class.
If your child will be going home with a friend, you must send a note from home or call the office with the information. No child will be released to someone other than their normal carpool without prior notification. No exceptions.
It is the responsibility of each parent or driver of the car or carpool to be sure the children are secure in an age and size appropriate car seat or booster.
For information about the TN Child restraint laws, please visit tntrafficsafety.org/cps.
Regular attendance is encouraged. If a child is absent, parents should email or call the school that day, stating the reason for the absence. If parents anticipate an absence, they should contact the teachers. If your child is sick, please make sure to call the school and inform us. Coming to school on time is not only a good and important habit to develop; it is also a matter of consideration and Derech Eretz. Please do your best to facilitate the consistent practice of prompt arrival.
Each classroom teacher will have a daily schedule posted in her room. The MHA-CYOS will post notices of special events and activities. We also provide an opportunity for outdoor play every day. Please make sure to send appropriate outerwear for the day, as the children will go outside if the temperature is above 32 and below 95.
All students must be fully toilet trained before starting school. Children may not attend school in pull-ups or diapers — underwear is required for all Early Childhood students.
While occasional accidents are understandable, consistent toileting is an essential requirement for participation in our program. Our policy regarding accidents is outlined below:
Sick children will be placed in an isolated area until they are picked up to prevent the spread of illness. If a student becomes ill during school hours, the student will be sent to the office. If an elevated temperature of 99.9 is detected, if the student has vomited or has persistent diarrhea, parents will be requested to take the student home. If a student needs to stay at home due to an illness, please notify the school office/teacher in case other parents need to be notified of a possible contagious illness in the class.
A child whose ailment is contagious will not be allowed at school with or without medicine. Children must be fever-free without fever-reducing medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school. If a child vomits or has diarrhea, please wait 12 hours to determine that there is no recurrence. If there is vomiting within 12 hours of school, please keep your child home for the day.
If your child becomes sick during the school day, we will contact you and your emergency contacts immediately. We expect you to pick up in a timely manner.
Children are not allowed to have prescription or non-prescription medication in their possession, including Tylenol, Motrin, or other non-prescription medications. Prescription medication must be sent to the office in the original container. It must have the child's first and last name, prescription number, medication name and dosage, times of dosage, physician's name, and pharmacy name, address, phone number and written directions from a licensed healthcare provider. All prescription medication will be kept in a locked cabinet in the office.
Please inform the MHA-CYOS of any allergies or diagnosed medical conditions your child may have. A form for this purpose was provided with the registration packet. Your child's teacher will be informed of such and will contact you directly to fill out an allergy or medical condition procedure form.
In order to maintain a sanitary and lice-free environment in the school, mandatory lice checks will be held from time to time. Any student that does not attend a mandatory lice check will not be admitted to class until he/she is checked by a school authorized lice checker. In the event a student has either nits or lice, he/she will be sent home from school for appropriate treatment, and will only be re-admitted when found to be nit free by an authorized school lice checker. The school will also notify and re-check siblings and classmates of that student. Parents must take students returning from a trip to Israel to be checked by an authorized lice checker before being re-admitted to class. Contact Mrs. Michelle Katz for authorized lice checkers.
Accidents are inevitable whenever large numbers of children gather. We strive to prevent mishaps through safety instructions, elimination of dangerous equipment, alert supervision and other safety procedures. However, despite precautions, we cannot completely avoid injuries. Therefore it is critical that the school is able to quickly contact a child's parent if the need arises. At the time of registration, parents must give the school emergency information (who to call in case of emergency, name of doctor, insurance information). If parents cannot be contacted immediately, the school will then notify other persons designated by the parents to call in case of an emergency. Please keep emergency information current. Each EC class has at least one CPR/First Aid Trained teacher with them at all times.
All food brought from home must be certified Kosher with proper Rabbinic supervision. While we understand that different households have varying levels of Kashrut observance, when it comes to school, please make sure that everything is of the highest standard. Children are extremely sensitive in this area; they may feel uncomfortable if a teacher or fellow student brings to their attention a questionable item.
Additionally, in the past few years, there have been problems with food items brought from Israel. Their Kashrut is sometimes questionable, and it is disconcerting to parents and children alike when they cannot distribute these treats to their friends and classmates. If you wish to distribute Israeli candy to any class, please contact the Administration prior to sending the candy with your child to school. As with all matters of Kashrut in the school, if you have any questions, please call an Administrator.
The school will again be offering a lunch program. The office sends out monthly menus. Please adhere to the deadlines as instructed by the school office.
Please note: School lunches are brought to the classroom. If a student does not like his lunch, there is an option of a bagel. We do not have the ability to substitute other foods in the ECE besides bagels. Please make sure your child likes the lunches and is willing to eat them.
Children in Pre-K 3 may not be served the following foods: hot dogs (whole or cut into rounds), whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, raw peas, hard pretzels or sticks, spoonfuls of peanut butter, raw carrots, and chunks of meat larger than can be swallowed whole. School lunch hot dogs will be cut into long strips for the children who have ordered them. We do not serve these foods at snacktime and cannot allow Pre-K 3 students to eat them in school. Please do not send them in your child's lunch. We will need to send home any foods that are choking hazards to young children.
If you send a home lunch with your children, please send it with them in the morning. Lunch boxes or bags should be clearly labeled. Please send spoons, forks, paper products, and condiments when needed; the school does not provide these items. Please do not send in hard candy, gum, sodas, or sports drinks in your child's lunch. Please do not send food that needs to be microwaved or that requires hot water!
Please send a frozen ice pack or frozen drink in your child's lunch to keep it cool all morning. This will prevent foods from spoiling.
If your child has forgotten to take lunch from home, or if you on occasion need to drop it off, please bring the lunch to the front office by 11:00 a.m. Please do not make a habit of bringing lunches late.
All Early Childhood students will have a designated rest period after lunch each day, as required by the Tennessee Department of Education. While children are not required to fall asleep during this time, they are expected to rest quietly so that those who wish to sleep may do so without disruption. Each child should bring a mat cover (crib sheet size) and a small, thin blanket for rest time. These items will be sent home weekly for laundering and should be returned at the beginning of each week to ensure your child is prepared. Thank you for helping us maintain a calm and comfortable rest environment for all students.
At the Margolin Hebrew Academy, we fully subscribe to the moral imperative of "Derech Eretz Kodmah La-Torah" – "Appropriate conduct is a prerequisite to Torah study and living." Therefore, we work to guide children to make appropriate choices and to respect their friends, teachers and environment. We follow a developmentally appropriate schedule that allows for children's needs to be met in a variety of different settings. At times, children still require discipline or guidance to make good choices. Each teacher will follow the early childhood discipline policy. Individual classroom management plans will be implemented by the classroom teachers. At the Parent Orientation, the teachers will clearly delineate and explain their classroom management plan.
The following are some principles we follow:
If a child repetitively demonstrates a challenging behavior and does not respond to these policies, teachers, parents and administration will work together as a team to develop and implement an individualized plan that supports the child's inclusion and success.
High quality child care and early learning programs are important to preventing suspensions and expulsions in the early learning setting. Our ECE program focuses on fostering the social and emotional health of children. If an expulsion or suspension must occur, the child care agency will assist the child and family in transitioning to another program by identifying and engaging mental/behavioral health consultants and community resources to assist in determining the most appropriate placement for the child.
Biting is uncommon at this age. However, there are times that it does occur. Due to the health concerns associated with biting, the MHA feels it is important to protect all children. Both the parent of the biter as well as the bitten child will be contacted. Our first role will be to comfort the hurt child and remove the biter from the situation. Any child who bites will visit Miss Katie's office. If the biting happens more than one time, the child will be sent home for the remainder of the day. If this becomes a consistent problem, further action will be taken. Our goal is to keep every child safe in a loving classroom!
Students in Preschool and Kindergarten are not subject to any specific dress code. They should come dressed comfortably and appropriately in clothes they can easily manage in the bathroom. We paint and glue almost daily and we do wear smocks during these activities. However, please remember to dress your children for mess. Students should wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes to ensure safety throughout the day. No crocs, flip flops, or open toe shoes are allowed in school. This is for your child's safety.
Parent involvement in their children's education is a very important part of the MHA program. We believe that all children will learn more and have more positive attitudes towards school, higher aspirations and other positive behaviors if they have parents who are aware, knowledgeable, encouraging and involved. We also request that parents attend all scheduled meetings and conferences (see below). Parents are encouraged to talk with the classroom teachers and administrators to discuss goals and plans for their child. Parents should feel comfortable to contact teachers and administrators at any time throughout the year to discuss their child's development.
Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled twice each year — once in the fall and once in the spring. We strongly suggest that all parents avail themselves of the opportunity to further the home/school educational team by participating in these conferences.
The primary aim of the Margolin Hebrew Academy is to give each child the best education possible. We are very aware that children differ in their learning styles and academic ability. Therefore, we assess each student in a variety of different ways. Some of the many different methods of assessment are: giving the children opportunities to self-assess, observing and listening to get an idea of what and how the children are thinking, documenting their learning style, their social skills and their use of language, collecting samples of their work, art, and dictation and other methods.
Children will be assessed in a non-stressful environment. Children will never be forced to complete standard testing or formal evaluations. Children will be given numerous opportunities to answer questions and to complete assignments. Formal assessments will always be combined with informal methods of assessment.
The Administration is always available to meet with parents and proactively work towards their child's success in school. Should the teacher become concerned about a child's progress, we will meet with the parents to explain our concerns carefully and offer a number of options. The school reserves the right to mandate counseling or intervention for any student whom the administration perceives is having consistent problems in school.
The Margolin Hebrew Academy will maintain the confidentiality of all student records. Any information collected will be used to benefit the child's school experience. No one has immediate access to student files except authorized school staff. All personal files are kept in a locked file cabinet in the office. We are happy to work with families and support agencies and physicians to help their child. Our teaching staff and administrators must have written consent from the child's parent in order to speak to anyone outside the school. Please see the Early Childhood Director for the appropriate authorization forms. We will not speak to anyone without signed forms. This is for your child's protection.
As the school is deeply committed to the safety and well being of every child, all staff must be trained in Tennessee Child Abuse policies. Staff who have "reasonable cause to believe" a child is being abused or neglected, are mandated by law to report that suspicion to the state department of Children's Services.
If an employee or staff member of our school is accused of sexual or physical abuse at our school, parents of the child should immediately report such to the Head of School. In the event that the alleged victim is not comfortable reporting to the Head of School, the report should be made to the President of the Board. In response, the staff member will be immediately suspended and removed from the premises until an investigation is conducted and concluded. The accused staff member shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to respond to the accusation. As a result of the accusation and/or investigation, the school may, in its sole discretion, take disciplinary action up to and including termination of the staff member. The school shall maintain the confidentiality of the investigation to the extent possible, but shall abide by all municipal, state and/or federal regulations and laws.
For your child's comfort, we have asked that you bring a complete change of clothing (underwear, socks and outerwear) clearly marked in some way for identification. These items should be sent in a Ziploc bag which is also clearly labeled with your child's name. These items will be kept in your child's cubby and used when necessary. Soiled items will be returned to you in the Ziploc bag with a note. Please send in a clean set of clothing the next school day in a new Ziploc bag.
The children's clothing should be comfortable and adequate for the weather. Toys will be provided by the school and none should be brought from home, except at the special Show and Tell time or other times as indicated by your child's teachers. Books and stuffed animals are permitted to provide comfort during rest time. Pacifiers are not allowed in school at any time.
Please feel free to contact the classroom teacher and administrator to discuss your child's education and care at any time. Emailing teachers is an easy way to open a dialogue and ensure communication. We look forward to talking with you to make this the best experience for your child.
All necessary communication with your child's teacher should take place in person in the morning at drop-off time, or in writing, via email, or through the school office.
The email address for every teacher and administrator in the school follows this formula: firstname.lastname@mhafyos.org — example: katie.minner@mhafyos.org.
Teachers will communicate with parents using weekly notes or emails regarding your child individually. Class newsletters will be emailed each Friday with a photo link of weekly class pictures. Updates on your child's progress will also be sent home twice per month using progress reports in their weekly folders. Please check these avenues regularly so you are well-informed about your child's progress and activities occurring in school.
MHA recognizes that situations may arise concerning the care of a child that may require formal or informal procedures for resolution. When a parent needs to resolve a question concerning the care of a child, they are encouraged to first discuss the issue with the lead teacher. If no satisfactory resolution can be found, the Director will mediate the matter. If a successful resolution can still not be found, the Dean of the school will mediate the matter until an acceptable resolution has been reached. Challenges to matters of all types will be handled on a case by case basis by administrators. Questions of Jewish laws or traditions will be brought to the Dean. Additionally, constructive comments and criticisms are welcome. A translator will be provided if necessary to help the discussion.
If a parent wishes to meet with a teacher, visit the classroom, or come into the school building, he/she will need to make an appointment by emailing their child's teacher directly to set up an appropriate date/time. All visitors will be buzzed in by the receptionist. Everyone must sign in at the front desk and receive a Visitor's Pass. Please consider the ease in which your child separates from his/her parents when planning a visit.
Parents visiting the school should remember that they are examples to the children and should dress appropriately on the school premises. For your convenience, Kippot are available in the school office.
Parents are encouraged to carefully follow all school guidelines to help us ensure the continued safety of the children.
As a rule, out of town school age visitors are not allowed to attend classes.
At Margolin Hebrew Academy, we deeply value the partnership between home and school and recognize the importance of parents being engaged in their child's education. We strive to keep families well-informed and involved, but it is equally important that we maintain a learning environment that is safe, secure, and conducive to the success of all students.
We encourage parents to stay engaged by collaborating with our educational professionals to support their child's growth and development. Should you wish to discuss your child's classroom experience or have specific concerns, we are happy to arrange meetings with teachers, provide feedback, or explore other avenues of engagement.
The school makes an independent decision regarding the closing of school due to inclement weather or hazardous driving conditions. If, in the opinion of the administration, the roads are safe enough to drive, there will be school. If possible, we will open late rather than cancel the entire school day. Every day of school is important; therefore, these decisions are not made lightly. Nevertheless, safety is our primary concern.
Decisions and announcements are usually made before 6:30 a.m. Closing announcements will also be sent out via WhatsApp and Remind texts.
In rare circumstances, it may be necessary to close school early during the school day. In such cases, you will be notified by text or email of these arrangements.
In-class birthday parties for children are permitted. Older students may not leave class for in-school birthday parties of their siblings. All arrangements for in-school parties must be made through the teacher. Surprise visits by clowns or balloon deliveries will not be permitted. Parents may send in store-bought treats (with proper Kashrut certification only — no home baked items) for the planned party. We invite parents to come for the celebration in-person, or we can FaceTime one parent to include you in your child's celebration.
We request that when a party is planned for your child outside of school, if all children are not invited, all invitations should be distributed outside of school. Children are very sensitive and easily hurt when left out of these activities. If it is not possible to invite the entire class, please use good judgment and consideration in planning these events.
In order to increase the students' interest in healthy foods as well as an interest in trying a variety of foods, the ECE division has introduced a healthy food Shabbat party. We encourage each family with a child in Pre-K to sign up to bring a healthy snack for both of those classes one time per year. A Sign-Up will be sent to parents once the school year begins. The Kindergarten class will have an imma and abba schedule set by the teacher. Healthy snacks include string cheese, fruit strips, Nature Valley bars, squeezable applesauce and yogurt. We encourage families to bring a healthy snack that their child enjoys and to use their own best judgment when providing the healthy snack.
In order for a student to attend a field trip, a permission slip must be signed and returned to the school by a parent. Only certified kosher food may be brought or purchased on the field trip. Booster seats are required by State law for all field trips involving children through 9 years or under 5 feet tall.
Tutors: Tutors are permitted to enter the MHA building only after school hours and during lunch. This policy helps maintain the security and focus of the learning environment during instructional time.
Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Other Therapy Appointments: These appointments may be scheduled during school hours only if specifically supported by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). All such appointments must be coordinated with the school's administration to ensure minimal disruption to the student's education.
Lunch Period: Tutors may meet students during lunch periods if necessary. However, we encourage scheduling tutoring sessions outside of lunch hours to allow students to socialize and participate in other activities during their break time.
For Tutors: Tutors must submit a request to the school administration to gain after-hours access. This request should include the intended schedule and the names of the students they will be working with.
For Therapy Appointments: Parents or guardians must provide documentation from the student's IEP indicating the need for therapy appointments during school hours. Coordination with the school administration is required to ensure that these appointments align with the student's educational plan and do not interfere with their classroom activities.
All visitors, including tutors and therapists, must sign in at the front office upon arrival and wear a visitor badge while in the building. They should be escorted by a school staff member if required.
Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the school administration. Requests for exceptions should be made in advance and include a detailed justification.
In cases where a student is experiencing a prolonged illness or medical condition that impedes their ability to attend school regularly, and tutoring sessions are crucial for their educational progress, an exception may be granted. Proper medical documentation and a proposed schedule must be submitted for review. This should be part of a 504/8-week plan.
If a student has a mental health or social condition that requires urgent intervention or cannot be effectively addressed outside of school hours, parents or guardians may request an exception. Documentation from a licensed healthcare professional must support the request, and it must be reviewed and approved by the school administration. This should be part of a 504/8-week plan.