For More Information, Please Call: 604-593-5263

"We have been opt-in the reduction fee initiative program, parents can get grants from government to reduce the tuition fees"

We know parenting can be enjoyable, but it can also bring different challenges. At North FleetWood Montessori School, we strive to provide you with useful resources that can hopefully make things easier.

We encourage you to check out the useful parents’ handbook and the sites listed here:

North Fleetwood Montessori School
8415 160st Surrey, V4N 0V6
(604) 593 5263
Parents Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Program Schedules———————————P.3
Program Fees———————————————-P.3
Daily Schedules——————————————-P.4
Registration Process ————————————P.5
A Few Thoughts about Separation——————P.6
Things to Bring and not to Bring———————p.7
Comfort Kit form—————————————–P.8
Simple of personal letter——————————-P.8
Financial Policies and Procedures——————–P.10
Care and Supervision————————————P.11
Snack Time and Nutrition——————————P.13
Birthday—————————————————–P.15
Health, illness, and Medication Procedure——–P.15
Reportable Incidents————————————P.21
Emergency Preparedness Procedure—————-P.24
Guiding Children’s Behaviour————————-P.26
Release of a Child—————————————–P.28
Field Trips and Outings———————————-P.28
Special need policy—————————————P.29
Active play and screen time—————————P.29
Tax credit, Subsidy & Fee reduction Initiative—-P.30
School website and download school pictures—P.30

Program Schedules

Full Day Pre-K Montessori: 9:00am – 3:00 pm (Monday – Friday) If you want the different time to fit your schedule, please contact us to discuss it.

Montessori Early Learning Program
Early Learning Program: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (Monday – Friday)

call us for the information of the Program Fees

Daily Schedules
Montessori PreK Program
9:00 am – 9:30 am Welcome full day and morning half day children, start with Montessori circle time
9:30 am – 10:50 am work period in the Montessori environment
10:50 am – 11:00 am Children change to outdoor clothing/footwear and circle time
11:00 am – 11:30 am Outdoor time
11:30 am Dismiss morning half day children
11:30 am – 12:30 am Lunch for full day children
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Welcome full day children and afternoon half day children, start with Montessori circle time
1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
work period in the Montessori environment
2:15 pm – 2:30 pm Children change to outdoor clothing/footwear and Circle time
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Outdoor time
3:00 pm Dismiss full day and afternoon half day children

Montessori Early Learning Program
7:30 am – 8:30 am Open / Creative play
8:30 am – 8:35 am Clean up
8:35 am – 11:00 am Montessori individual Lesson/ snack
11:00 am – 12:30 pm Outdoor Play/ Movement Games/ Mandarin Lesson/Circle Time
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch time
1:00pm – 3:00 pm Story time/ Nap time or Quiet time
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm Clean up/ Washroom time
3:15 pm – 3:30 pm Snack time
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Outdoor play/ Movement Games/ Circle time/Fun Family Phonics/ Yoga
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Arts and Crafts
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Creative play

The Registration Process:
Admission

Your child is eligible to attend Montessori PreK program or Early Learning program if he/she at least 30 months of age on the date of entrance to our group daycare classrooms.

The Montessori preK program will only accept children who are fully toilet trained. If any bowel accident happens, the parent has the responsibility to come cleaning up the child. While the Early Learning program may accept children who are still in the process of potty training.

A North Fleetwood Montessori teacher or manager will give you a tour of our centre and answer any of your questions. Before you leave, we will provide you with a registration package. To register, please return the registration form, the non-refundable $125 registration fee, void cheques and the $250 deposit. Once these items are returned to North Fleetwood Montessori, you will be given confirmation of your child’s placement.
If all slots are filled, we will put your child’s information and your contact numbers on the waiting list.
The deposit is refundable only if the child attends our program and
-Provides written notice of departure at least 2 months (60-62 days).
-Before departure date, notice must be given by the 1st of the month.
– Should you register for the program and then choose not to attend, the deposit will not be refunded
– The center reserves the right to change the rates and fees during the school year, should the parent – choose not to continue due to fee increase or additional charges, the deposit fee is not to be refunded.
– Parent must understand that the monthly fee is payable on the first of the month.
– Parent must understand that he/she is to provide cheques for monthly payments.
– Parent must understand that if the payment is due later than the first of the month, he/she will be charged a late fee of ($5.00 per day) and therefore asked to keep the child at home until full payment has been made.
– Parent must understand that he/she needs to reimburse the amount of $30 to the center for NSF cheque (Non-sufficient funds).
A Few Thoughts about Separation
The time is approaching when you, as well as your child, must be ready to separate at school. Keep in mind that you are not separating, so much as gaining new experiences which can eventually unite you more.

If this is a new experience for you, please don’t feel anxious about it. We know you must feel that school is a good, safe place for your child, and (s)he will soon realize this too.

There are some ways you can help prepare your youngster. Talk to your child in a positive, enthusiastic way about the fact that soon he will go to school while you are at home or work. Mention our names often and help him/her understand that we will care for him/her lovingly while you are gone, and that if (s)he needs anything, (s)he can come to us. Reassure your child that you will always come back to pick him/her up. Your child should realize that you are firm in your decision to take him/her to school. Allow him/her to participate in choosing supplies and clothes for school, especially those (s)he will wear the first day. Try and grant him a grown-up privilege at home to coincide with the grown-up experience of starting school.

The first day you come to school, appear confident, expect him/her to stay happily, and reassure him/her that you will pick her up in a little while. Then, please don’t hesitate or linger. A hug and kiss then, say good-bye and leave. Don’t ask him/her id (s)he OK and don’t upset if (s)he cries. We are professionally trained to introduce your child into this new experience: (s)he will be comforted and directed to an activity that helps make him feel a part of the group. Although you should never try to sneak away, your entering the classroom would simply delay this adjustment.

In most cases, the children become comfortable within a few minutes. If your child seems to really feel frightened and abandoned, we will call you. Fell free to call us during the day if you are worried – if we are busy during class time, leave a message in the answering machine. Even when we cannot answer the phone, we always monitor any message left.

If your child has not had much experience away from you, separation may take time. This is a normal stage of development. Be patient and you will both soon feel comfortable.

Other things to bring to school

Each child must have the following on or before their first day of school:
• A set of extra clothing (a pair of pants, T-shirt, pair of socks, and underwear) in a labeled Ziploc bag to be left
• A pair of labeled inside shoes, preferably with Velcro.
• A Muddy Buddy for rainy days with the child’s name
• Diapers and wipes if needed
• Blanket, bed sheet and pillow (only for the napping children)

Things not to bring to school

• Toys — Anything brought will be left in their cubbies and pick up as (s)he leaves. If a child has something very special to show everyone, (s)he should check with the Directress in advance. This does not, of course, apply to items such as bird’s nest or a cocoon that would go on the science shelf and be of interest to everyone during class time.
• Candies, chocolates or any unhealthy food

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

Dear Parents:

We are in the process of preparing our school for the possibility of an earthquake.

• We have Earthquake Kits in the school and along with these earthquake kits we would like each child in the school to have one “Comfort Kit” which included
• Flash Light or light stick
• Emergency Blanket
• Whistle
• 4 food bars (no Nuts)
• A big garbage bag
• Water
we will prepared the things above for your child. However, we still will ask that each parent prepares some personal things for your child if you prefer.

We ask that you place the following items:

• Personal letter
• Family photograph
• Small favorite personal belonging

All the things above will not be returned to you.

We will also be going over with the children the necessary steps to take should an earth quake take place, and then will be having drills in order to practice these steps.

We hope that we will never need to use any of the above, but for the safety and comfort of the children we feel the need to be prepared.

COMPLETED COMFORT KIT
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

CHILD’S NAME: _______________________________

COMFORT KIT CHECKLIST

Small personal belonging A big garbage bag
Personal letter Emergency Blanket
Family photograph Water
Flash light or light stick 4 Food Bars (No Nuts) / Whistle
________________________________________

Financial Policies and Procedures
Registration
Here are the financial policies that need to be observed during registration:

1. A non-refundable registration fee of $125.00 is required at the time of registration.
2. A $250.00 deposit be paid by cash or check.
3. All payment must be made on the first of each month.
4. There is no exemption from fees for any reason such as absences due to illnesses or vacations.
5. The deposit is refundable only if the child attends our program and
6. Provides written notice of departure at least 2 months (60-62 days).
7. The center reserves the right to change the rates and fees during the school year, should the parent choose not to continue due to fee increase or additional charges, the deposit fee is not to be refunded.
8. Parent must understand that he/she needs to reimburse the amount of $30 to the center for NSF cheque (Non-sufficient funds).
9. Parent understands that to prepare children for natural calamities, school provides emergency/disaster kit to each child which a parent must buy at the time of registration.
10. Parent understands that muddy buddies are required to buy from the centre.

Affordable child care benefit

The centre will claim the benefit once the ministry approves it and puts in place. Parent must understand that while we wait for the benefit authorization, it is still their responsibility to cover the entire fee until the benefit amount is received. The subsidy amount will be reimbursed after.
We only provide the arrangement form to the parent for applying the affordable child care benefit after the registration process is completed.

Withdrawals

The Deposit is refundable only if the child attends our program and:
– Parent provides the school with the approved written notice of at least 2 months prior to the last day of the child at the program. Before departure date, notice must be given by the 1st of the month.
1. If the notice is given after 2 months of period, the deposit will not be refunded to the parent.
2. Should you register for the program and then choose not to attend, the deposit will not be refunded
3.

For pre-K child(ren) withdrawals taking place after April 1st, parents will be responsible for the full year’s tuition.

Should your child need to be withdrawn from the school as a result of non-readiness or behaviour, you understand that payment for the months in progress and the registration fee will not be refunded.

Care and Supervision
North Fleetwood Montessori is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for all children. We believe caring supervision is essential for the support, development and well-being of all children.

Parents’ responsibilities include:

• Parent/guardian will bring their child directly to the classroom teachers before leaving the school premises. If a parent/guardian must leave before class starts, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make sure that their child is under adult supervision.

• Parent/guardian must advise teachers if an unauthorized person (not on the list) will be picking up their child from school.

• It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to supervise their children before and after school while on school premises.

• Parents/guardians must ensure no child is left alone in the playground or classroom outside of school hours.

Use of Washroom and Diaper Change
Proper hand washing and use of the toilet will be taught to the children. Hand washing must be observed before and after snack and special activities like baking or art projects.

Your child in the Montessori preschool program is expected to be fully toilet trained and is able to use the washroom by himself/herself. In case of accidents, parents must leave one (1) full set of extra clothing of their child and replenish this as necessary.

At least one teacher should be able to visually see the children who are in the washroom. The door that leads to the washroom (from the Montessori class) should be left open while a child is in the washroom. Sometimes, a teacher must walk to the washrooms to check and supervise the children there.

Hygiene
All the materials in the Montessori Program and the Daycare including toys, educational materials, and equipment used at North Fleetwood Montessori will be thoroughly sanitized on a daily basis.

Floors are swept and moped everyday. The shelves, tables, and chairs are cleaned with bleach and water. All carpets and rugs are vacuumed after classes and repeated within the day as the need arise.

All washrooms and play areas are disinfected everyday. This is done to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of germs.

Clothing
Please dress your children in appropriate clothing that they can comfortably move and play in as children are active and some activities can get messy.

On the first day of school, please provide a spare change of clothes and a pair of indoor shoes, hats, and sunscreen (for the summer only) to be kept at North Fleetwood Montessori. Please Label all your child’s belongings.

Care Plan
All children with allergies, medical issues, and behavioral concerns must have a care plan. This is done though a verbal agreement and a signed consent and authorization of the parents explaining the details of the care plan for their child. In some cases, a doctor’s note is needed. All care plans must be posted in each classroom so that all teachers, including substitute teachers, can visually refer to this at any time. Copies of the care plans must also be in the emergency and first aid kits.
Immunization

All children at North Fleetwood Montessori School are required to have up to date immunization. Please contact your health care provider for more details.

Snack Time and Nutrition
We are strictly a nut-free facility. We do not allow children to bring any food with any traces of tree nuts in consideration of our students with nut allergies. Please make sure to read packaging of the snack you want to provide to your child for snack time.

At North Fleetwood Montessori it is our goal to promote and encourage healthy food habits. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to make sure that their child has eaten a healthy breakfast or lunch before coming to school.
All parents/guardians of the Montessori Program and the Daycare are asked to contribute to the snack by sending a bunch of unwashed and uncut fruits, vegetable, or bread etc. on the first of school day of each week. Please do not bring the fruit has stones and large seeds or pips. eg. No cherries and No Crackers and No Juice.
The school will also provide extra snacks if there is a need. Snacks will be shared with all children in both programs. Classroom teachers will prepare a snack tray at the beginning of each day. Water will be provided by the school.
Children who are registered in the all day program will enjoy lunch together in their respective classrooms. Lunch is to be provided by the parents/guardians with an icepack. We encourage parents/guardians to pack a nutritious meal. There are countless studies that have linked healthy eating to a child’s ability to actively engage in learning and schoolwork. All parents/guardians are encouraged to ensure that their child receives a nutritious and well balanced lunch every day.
We suggest the following food items as possible lunch options:
– Fresh fruit or vegetables – Trail Mix
– Non-White Bread – Corn Chips
– Milk – Cheese
– Soup – Healthy Sandwich
It is important that children receive at least one item of protein in their lunch regularly, e.g., meat, cheese, seeds, tofu, beans, etc.
For dessert we suggest fresh or dried fruit, yogurt, a wholesome cookie, granola bars without chocolate chips or natural fruit leather. Parents/guardians area asked not to include items such as candy, gum, chocolate bars, cakes, popcorns, cupcakes, pop, etc. Please refer to Canada Food Guide standards.
Water is available for the children as needed. To prevent choking, the children are required to be seated at the snack table while eating snack, lunch, or drinking water. They should not be engaged in any other activity.
Children will be provided a reasonable amount of time to eat their lunch in a quiet and calm environment. No sharing or trading of food will be allowed due to allergies. Teachers will encourage children to eat their lunches, if reluctant, children will not be forced eat. Any uneaten food will be sent home. Please label all your child(ren) food containers.

Food Storage

Snack areas will be cleaned and disinfected before and after snack time. Food for snack will be stored in our refrigerator and warmed up if needed. Our teachers must make sure that the fridge’s temperature is always within the range of 0-4 degrees Celsius for safe food storage.

Parents of the full day Montessori and, Daycare are required to put ice-packs for keeping the temperature cool in their child’s lunch boxes.

Birthday
Every child’s birthday is observed at the school by lighting candle to represent the sun, and having the children carry the globe around it, once for each year of the life. (Staff members, too! They sure need a BIG candle, and comfortable shoes!) The chid may also bring a poster board with photos for each year of their lives. Usually all birthdays in a particular month will be grouped on one day, often the last Thursday or Friday of the month. At this time parents are invited to send a special snack, such as cup cakes, vegetables and dip, muffins, fruit plates, etc…

Health, illness, and Medication Procedure
Children are vulnerable to infectious diseases such as colds, coughs, and other infections that can easily spread in a child group setting. We ask parents to keep their child at home, or pick up their child, if any of the following situations occurs:

• Child is feverish or has had a fever of 38.3°C or 100°F within the past 24-hour period.
• Child is taking antibiotics.
• Child has a runny nose for days not due to allergies.
• Child has a heavy nasal discharge.
• Child has constant cough.
• Child has diarrhea.
• Child has been vomiting.
• Child has a sore throat.
• Child has severe itching of body or scalp.
• Child has infected skin or eyes.
• Child has an undiagnosed skin rash.

1. If child becomes sick while at the centre, parent will be informed to pick up the child from the facility as soon as possible.
2. Illness with a return of 24 hours:
– Parent understands that if child shows any of the following symptoms. Child will be sent home with a 24 hour of minimum return until symptoms free.
1. Runny nose
2. Coughing or sneezing
3. Fever
4. Listlessness or tiredness
3. Illness with a return of minimum of 2 days(48 hours):
– Parent understands that if child shows any of the following symptoms. Child will stay at home for minimum of 2 days (48 hours)
1. Nausea or vomiting
2. Diarrhea (2 motions in 30 minute period)
3. Fever( above 30 degree centigrade)

4. Communicable illness with a doctor’s note required for the return
– Parent understands that if child contracts communicable disease, it is important to inform the centre or staff once so that families can be alerted and a doctor’s written health clearance is required before a child can return to the facility following a communicable illness. Below mentioned are some common communicable illnesses among children.
1. Pink eye
2. Rash of any kind ( eg: hand, foot and mouth)
3. Eczema ( open sores etc)
4. Covid-19( see policy)
5. Parent must understand that prescription medication will only be administered if it is authorized by a “qualified physician” and all the required forms are fully completed.

If at any time a member of the staff feels that a child is too sick to be in the program, the child will not be allowed to attend class. We will ask parents/guardians to pick up the child immediately.

If your child is going to be absent from the program at his/her regularly scheduled time or is going to be late, please notify the staff as soon as possible. Call our school number at 604-593-5263

In the event of an accident at school, the following steps will be taken by any of the staff at school:
1. We will attempt to contact the parents or guardian.
2. We will attempt to contact the emergency number you have provided.
3. We will attempt to contact the child’s physician.
4. Call an ambulance and accompany the child to the Surrey General Hospital.

Please make sure all the information on your child’s Emergency Consent Card are updated.

Life Threatening Allergies
All information regarding allergies is requested. Such information must include possible symptoms generated by indirect contact with the allergy source as well as what steps need to be followed if a reaction occurs.
For those children who are in danger of severe allergic reactions, please provide a clearly labeled pack containing your child’s Epi pen and any special instructions. During field trips or outdoor play times, these packs will always be carried by staff.

Gastroenteritis Outbreaks, Reportable Diseases & Immunization Procedures

All parents must be notified immediately and a reportable incident report will be sent to Fraser Health within 24 hours if an outbreak in school occurs.

Teachers must notify parents immediately and send a reportable incident form to Fraser Health within 24 hours if an outbreak of the following occurs:

• Gastroenteritis
• Norwalk virus or rotavirus
• chicken pox
• conjunctivitis
• hand, foot and mouth disease
• food borne illness
• hepatitis A, B, and C
• measles
• congenital infections
• mumps
• tetanus

All accomplished immunization record forms will be checked and all unimmunized children may be asked to be temporarily excluded from the program during the period of communicability.

All parents should have accomplished this immunization record and the signed letter that their unimmunized child might be exposed to diseases in school.

Parents are required to inform the facility within 24 hours of:

a) The diagnosis of a serious illness or communicable disease in their child, or

b) The exposure of their child to a serious illness or communicable disease in any member of their
family.

Administration of Medication
A teacher can administer medication to a child only when prescribed by a doctor. Parents are required to complete a Medical Consent form (see form on p. 17) before any medication can be administered to their child. Medication is kept in a locked and secure location, accessible to staff.

If a child is required to take prescription medication and if for some reason the medication has to be administered during school hours, the following must be followed:
1. Parents/guardians must provide staff in writing authorization to administer prescription medication while their child is at school. The written authorization must include:
• Child’s first and last name
• Name of the medication
• Reason for the medication
• Method of administration and specify dosage
• Special storage requirements
• Any special instructions

2. Medication must be in the original container.
All medication containers must be:
• Labelled clearly with child’s first and last name
• Must be in original container
• Contain date prescription was filled
• Expiration date
• Instructions for giving, storing, and disposing of the medication
• Name of the health care provider who recommended the medication

3. Staff must complete a medication form and medication log (see p. 18), containing child’s first and last name, name of medication, how and when to give the medication.

4. Only classroom teachers are permitted to administer medication.

The staff will not administer non-prescription medication

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

Parent/Guardian Consent Form

Child’s Name: Parent/Guardian Name:
________________________________ ________________________________

Start Date: Stop Date:

Name of Medication:

Reason for Administration:
Method of Administration:

Dosage:
Storage Requirements:

Special Instructions:

Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:
___________________________________ ___________________________________

MEDICATION LOG

Child’s Name: ___________________________ Name of Medication: ___________________________
Date Time Dosage Teacher Name &Initials

Reportable Incidents
All injuries which require medical attention are to be reported to the parents/guardians and to the Fraser Health Authorities within 24 hours. The following are reportable incidents as per Schedule H of the Community Care and Assisted Living Act:
“aggressive or unusual behaviour”, which means aggressive or unusual behaviour by a child towards other persons, including another child, which has not been appropriately assessed in the child’s care plan;
“attempted suicide”, which means an attempt by a child to take his or her own life;
“choking” means a choking incident involving a person in care that requires
(a) first aid,
(b) emergency care by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, or
(c) transfer to a hospital;
“death”, which means any death of a child;
“disease outbreak or occurrence”, which means an outbreak or the occurrence of a disease above the incident level that is normally expected;
“emergency restraint”, which means a restraint that is necessary to protect the child or others from imminent serious physical harm that is not approved and documented in a child’s care plan;
“emotional abuse”, which means any act, or lack of action, which may diminish the sense of well-being of a child, such as verbal harassment, yelling or confinement, perpetrated by a person not in care;
“fall”, which means a fall of such seriousness, experienced by a child, as to require emergency care by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, or transfer to a hospital;
“financial abuse”, which means
(a) the misuse of the funds and assets of a child by a person not in care, or
(b) the obtaining of the property and funds of a child by a person not in care without the knowledge and full consent of the child or the child’s parent;
“food poisoning” means a food borne illness involving a person in care that requires emergency care by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, or transfer to a hospital;
“medication error”, which means an error in the administration of a medication which adversely affects a child or requires emergency intervention or transfer to a hospital;
“missing or wandering person”, which means a child who is missing;
“motor vehicle injury”, which means an injury to a child that occurs during transit by motor vehicle while the child is under the care or supervision of the licensee;
“neglect”, which means the failure of a care provider to meet the needs of a child, including food, shelter, care or supervision;
“other injury”, which means an injury to a child that requires emergency care by a medical practitioner or transfer to a hospital;
“physical abuse”, which means any physical force that is excessive for, or is inappropriate to, a situation involving a child and perpetrated by a person not in care;
“poisoning”, which means the ingestion of a poison or toxic substance by a child;
“service delivery problem”, which means any condition or event which could reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the licensee or his or her employees to provide care, or which affects the health, safety or well-being of children;
“sexual abuse”, which means any sexual behaviour directed towards a child by an employee of the licensee, a volunteer or any other person in a position of trust, power or authority, and includes
(a) any sexual exploitation, whether consensual or not, and
(b) sexual activity between children if the difference in age or power between them is so significant that the older or more powerful child is clearly taking sexual advantage of the younger or less powerful child;
“unexpected illness”, which means any unexpected illness of such seriousness that it requires a child to receive emergency care by a medical practitioner or transfer to a hospital.

Child Abuse
Anyone who has a reason to believe that a child has been or is likely to be physically, sexually or emotionally abused, and/or neglected, is legally responsible under the Family and Child Service Act of British Columbia to report the matter to a child protection worker. If child abuse is suspected the facility manager and classroom teachers will keep written documentation and licensing would be notified immediately.
A Reportable Incident Form will be completed within 24 hours of the injury/incident and notice licencing officer as soon as possible. Staff present at the time of injury/accident will be responsible for notifying the parents/guardians, completing the original copy in the facility and a copy of the incident report is to be submitted to the licensing officer if medical attention has been required.
Missing Child
In the event when a child gets lost while under the care of North Fleetwood Montessori or during a field trip, the Missing Child Procedures are the following:

Immediately:
• The children will be grouped together and kept safe under the supervision of a teacher while another teacher or manager will search within vicinity.

After 2 Minutes:
• Begin expanding the search area.
• If possible, have the child paged.
• Get as many people involved in the search as possible.

After 10 Minutes:
• Call the police.
• Call the child’s parent or guardian.

When the Child is found:
• Contact the parent or guardian.
• Alert everyone else involved.
• Hold a debriefing as soon as possible.
• Fill out and send in a Serious Incident Report to Licensing.

Follow-up to the incident:
• Staff evaluation of the event.
• Implementation of appropriate changes to reduce likelihood of a similar situation occurring.
• Education of children – what to do if they become lost or are approached by an unfamiliar adult, stranger, or a child who asks them to leave the facility.

Emergency Preparedness Procedure

Emergency Plan

Emergency numbers must be posted in clear view near all phones:

• Fire, Police, Ambulance: 911
• Poison Control Center: 604-682-5050 (St. Paul’s Hospital)
• Surrey Memorial Hospital: 604-581-2211 (Hospital switchboard)
Emergency cards and registration forms must be updated with any change of phone numbers, addresses, emergency contact information, etc.

Disaster Plan Preparation

1. At the beginning of the school year each child will complete an emergency comfort kit (copy of emergency consent card, child’s photo, personal letter from parent, personal belonging, granola bar,

2. Regular fire/earthquake drills will be conducted throughout the year. These dates and times will be posted at the school.

3. In the event of a fire, earthquake, or any disaster where the school building is deemed unsafe, the children will be taken to a designated meeting area to be announced and posted at the beginning of each year.

Fire Drills:

• Fire drills are to be practiced once a month
• Fire extinguishers should be checked after each drill to ensure that they are in good working condition
• Attendance sheet must be taken outside; head count and roll call must be completed to ensure all children are present
• Each fire drill is to be recorded on log sheet
• Ensure safety of all children, check washrooms for any children and lead to designated meeting area
• One staff to lead group, one staff to remain at back of line to ensure all children have exited building safely
• Last staff member to exit building must ensure all children have left the building and close exit door

In the event of a real fire:

• Once all children have been accounted for and are safe, one staff member is to notify fire department by phone (Call 911)

Earthquake Drills

When the shaking stops evacuate building. Children outside should be directed away from building and large equipment.
• The earthquake kit will be located by exit door
• The earthquake kit is to be checked after each drill
• The water supply will be replenished as needed
• The food supply will be changed once a year in September

Earthquake drills are to be practiced once a month, separately from fire drills. Each earthquake drill is to be recorded on log sheet

Children Will Be Taught:

• DROP Procedure (duck, cover and hold). This procedure consists of everyone dropping to their knees, taking cover under a table or desk, protecting their head with arms if not under a table or desk, and facing away from windows or mirrors.

(Note: In an actual earthquake, teachers shall immediately instruct students to the DROP Procedure
(duck, cover, and hold) until the earth movement stops, and then evacuate the building immediately).

• All students, teachers, and other employees shall quickly leave the building in an orderly manner
• Teachers are to ensure that no child remains in the classroom and are to check washrooms for any children
• Teachers shall leave the doors open as they are leaving the room – as to not have the doors jam/shift in an actual earthquake
• Teachers shall be prepared to select alternate exits and shall direct their classes to these exits whenever the designated escape route is blocked
• Teachers shall take with the attendance sheet, all emergency and first aid bags to the evacuation area
• Instruct children to move away from windows or shelving.
• Staff persons will take charge of children nearest them and choose the most appropriate safety measures
• Once all children are in the “Duck Procedure” all staff members are to place themselves in a safe place until the shaking stops (Usually in a corner or doorways away from windows and shelving).
• Count aloud to 60 this is calming

Immediately Following an Earthquake:

• Wait ten minutes for aftershocks before evacuating

Staying in the School:

• Turn off valves for gas, hydro, and water; turn on the radio for emergency broadcast
• Staff persons gather children in central area of the room, calm children, do head count
• Retrieve earthquake kit
• Deal with any medical concerns
• Talk about aftershocks
• Staff to stay with children until children have been picked up by parents / guardians

Guiding Children’s Behavior

The early years are very crucial in the child’s social development. The children are learning important social and communication skills in dealing with adults, younger children, and their peers. In school, we are dedicated in promoting positive interactions, caring relationships, and non-harmful behavior.

At North Fleetwood Montessori School, we believe that a harmonious and safe environment is created by instilling values of kindness, respect, care for self and others, as well as respect for the environment.

Our all-encompassing rule is to be considerate of others. Children are reminded to use kind words and not resort to any form of physical harm with other children.

When conflicts among the children arise, we talk about what had happened based on facts and work on finding a mutually agreeable solution. We use an encouraging approach when eagling with the children and strictly a non-punitive philosophy.

Physically restrain your child only if (s)he presents a physical danger either to him/herself or peers; such restraint will protect your child until your child feels (s)he is once again in control of him/herself.

Supervise your child at all times and will not remove your child to an unsupervised area as punishment.

We rely on positive and age appropriate methods such as role modeling, communication, demonstration, reasoning, giving choices, and cooperation. These positive methods maintain respect for each child’s integrity and self- esteem and further encourage positive interactions and sensitivity towards others.

As per section 51 of the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, if a care plan for a child consists of special instructions on behavioral guidance, all school staff will follow and adhere to the written care plan.

Harmful actions not permitted

All school staff must make sure that a child, while under the care or supervision of the teachers, is not subjected to any of the following:
(a) shoving, hitting or shaking by teacher or another child, or confinement or physical restraint by another child;
(b) confinement or physical restraint by teacher, except as authorized in a child care’s plan if the care plan includes instructions respecting behavioural guidance;
(c) harsh, belittling or degrading treatment by a teacher or another child, whether verbal, emotional or physical, that could humiliate the child or undermine the child’s self respect;
(d) spanking or any other form of corporal punishment;
(e) separation, without supervision by a responsible adult, from other children;
(f) as a form of punishment, deprivation of meals, snacks, rest or necessary use of a toilet.
The school must also ensure that a child is not, while under the care or supervision of the teachers, subjected to emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect as those terms are defined in Childcare Licensing Regulation Schedule H.

Release of a Child

Children will only be released to their parents/legal guardians or other individuals identified as having permission to take the child. If a situation arises that another individual had to come, North Fleetwood Montessori School shall require written and verbal authorization by parents before the child shall be released. Administration will never permit a child to leave with an unknown individual.

If parents are late in picking up their children, the centre will keep the children inside the centre and call the parents. After 15 minutes, the centre will charge $1 per minute as late penalty. It is also the responsibility of the parents to give notice to the teacher ahead of time about their late pick-up.

Field Trips and Outings

Our wonderful location in North Fleetwood area allows for regular field trips and outings around the community. These trips will benefit and enrich the learning experiences of children. Notices of the details of field trips and permission forms will be handed out 2 weeks in advance. Permission forms will be accepted until the day before the event. Any parents who do not wish their child to participate will be responsible for their child’s care on that day. Parent involvement is highly encouraged. Volunteers participating in the field trips will be given clear instructions as to supervision, expectation, and responsibilities.

We appreciate your help in transporting our children. Please note:
All children must be wearing their own seat belts, and children under 40lbs must be in an appropriate car seat.
You must carry only the number of passengers covered by your insurance policy.
While all qualified drivers in B.C. are insured, it has been recommended that 5,000,000 liability coverage be carried.
When you transport children in your car, you have full responsibility, should an accident occurs.

Special Needs or disabilities

Every child should be equally valued and included and has the right to be given the opportunity to achieve their potential. We accept special needs children and disabilities. Our centre are physically accessible for children with disabilities.
Occasionally if a child will need more comprehensive support if they have not made the expected progress through our teachers’ support in which case the setting can request an Education, Health, and Care needs assessment by specialists or the Local Authority like Fraser Health Authority. This may result of plan being drawn up after consultation with relevant partner agencies or transferring to specialists.
In case of not being able to count on enough professionals in the area of special care, parents will be notified immediately so that they can choose with options that the institution is willing to provide with respect to some type of staff or one on one teacher by the Government fund of Child Development Surrey or by the parents.
We are committed to working in partnership with parents and to support children. However, the parent will be responsible for applying for the extra support or/ and the extra fee for one on one teacher before to get approved of the government fund.

Active play
What is ACTIVE PLAY?
Active play is physical activity which includes moderate to vigorous bursts of high energy, raises children’s heart rate and may make them ‘huff and puff’ such as running or jumping.

Why active play is important?
Active play helps to promote healthy growth and development and supports body control and movement. Active play can help build strong bones and muscles, improve balance, coordination and assists with the development of gross motor and fine motor skills. Active play also helps to promote children’s confidence, improves concentration and thinking and learning skills and provides opportunities to develop social skills and make friends.
In response to the Standard of Practice “active Play”, outlined in BC Child Care Regulations, Section (4) (1) (e) of the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, Park Place Daycare ensures the program incorporates the required amount of active play for all children throughout the day.
North Fleetwood Montessori full day program ensure the minimum outdoor active play corresponds with 1 hours and the Half day program is with a 30 minutes. We go outside rain or shine so, the parent should be prepared the weather appropriate clothes/shoes for your children to school. Rain boots and muddy buddy should stay at the school for all days and bring home to wash every week. If the weather is extremely poor, we will do the active play indoor.
In addition our enriched program offers yoga, dance and neighborhood walks.

Screen & Technology use
Young children learn best from face to face interactions with adults. Therefore, we minimum the screen time for the children.
All programs in the North Fleetwood Montessori don’t include screen time in our daily programs. However, we use screen time once awhile for specific events such as a movie day, online education lessons, or zoom visit a senior’s house etc only.
To enrich curriculum technology that is used may include:
• Camera’s (Phone camera’s included) to document explorations for families and create pedagogical narration (recording of the ordinary moments of children’s play).
• Light mediums to create shadow exploration activities (i.e. Overhead Projector)
• Music mediums to explore rhythm/dance/etc. (i.e. IPad)
Tax Credits
Canadian taxpayers can claim up to $8000 pre child for children under the age of 7 years at the end of the year. Our school will provide tax receipt for tuition paid in or before November.

Child care subsidy
The provincial government does offer financial assistance for those who qualify. More information is available upon request.

Child care reduction Initiative
The government provides funding to licensed child care for children from the age of 0 to kindergarten. Our school has be opt-in. Every child in our school can receive funding. Please ask our manager to get more information.

Download school event pictures
Please go to our school website www.nfmontessori.com to download your child’s events pictures.
Go into our “home” page and at the bottom there is “Our Photo Gallery”. Click in there and a password is required. The password is “nfmontessori”. Right click on the picture that you want to download
And choose “Save pictures as”.
I will upload some new pictures regularly and the old photos will be deleted. So, please check the photo gallery regularly.
Revised on January 15, 2022