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Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy-Eden Prairie Parent Handbook 2019-2020

INTRODUCTION Welcome!The staff at PVMA are excited to welcome you into our community and think you have made a wonderful decision for your child and family!

Our MissionThe Mission of Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy is to create an environment that fosters a love of learning and encourages each child to reach his/her fullest potential while treating others with kindness and compassion. By upholding the principles and practices that Dr. Maria Montessori set forth, we nurture the children to become self-respecting, socially conscious contributors to the community, and to become active citizens of the world.

Who Was Maria Montessori?Maria Montessori was born in Italy on August 31, 1870. She was born to a well-respected family and was expected to grow up to fulfill one of the traditional roles of an Italian woman. Instead, she pursued an advanced degree at the University of Rome and became the first woman physician to graduate in Italy. Her interests drew her to work with children, initially those who were disadvantaged and had special needs.

Because she was a scientist, Montessori’s decisions about working with children were made by observing them first. She was not trained as an educator and thus her decisions were based upon watching children’s actions and what they were attracted to. Through her observations and trial and error, she developed what became known as the Montessori method of education. It was a radical departure from the norm in Montessori’s own time. She did not place children in restricting environments, but instead designed the environment to satisfy children’s needs. Tables and chairs were child-sized, and materials were placed on low shelves to be readily accessible to the students. In addition, many of the skills were designed to teach children how to become more independent and do things for themselves.

Montessori continued throughout her life to work for the betterment of the lives of children, founding training centers for teachers and dispersing this method of education throughout the world. During her later years her focus became centered on educating children to promote the principles of peace. Her legacy has been the establishment of Montessori schools around the world, which promote the cause of the child as a citizen of the world.

The Theory of Montessori EducationAt PVMA we wholeheartedly embrace the philosophy of Maria Montessori, who, in the early twentieth-century, set about to educate children by meeting their developmental needs. Montessori’s experience showed her that children would educate themselves when placed in a beautiful and rich environment that would entice them to manipulate and explore. Through scientific observations she saw that children need to use their hands and eyes together in the learning process.

“Never give more to the eye than to the hand,” she wrote. From this understanding, Maria Montessori created sensorial materials that help the child comprehend the qualities of the universe: varying dimensions, shapes, colors, sounds, etc. She devised math materials to be counted: beads, bars, squares and cubes, among others, and language materials also calling to be touched: letters made of rough sandpaper to be traced, cutout letters to be used in writing. Similarly, she made materials for the active exploration of music, geography, botany, and geometry. The Montessori classrooms are overflowing with beautifully crafted exercises that call to the child. The trained adults in the class are called “Guides,” as they present lessons to the children, and then let the child take over the learning process.

Maria Montessori also gave developmental guideposts for working with children. She noted that all children from the ages of 0-6 have an Absorbent Mind. From 0-3, children absorb everything in their environments unconsciously, without any filtering process. From the ages of 3-6, children still have an Absorbent Mind, but it works consciously, absorbing what the child is interested in. Montessori also wrote and taught about Sensitive Periods. Each child has times in the early years when he can learn in a certain way more perfectly and with

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Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy Parent Handbook 2018-2019

greater ease than at any other time. There are Sensitive Periods we are aware of from observing them – movement (a baby learning to walk), and language (a toddler learning to talk). The Sensitive Periods of movement and language are extended to age 6, but there are also Sensitive Periods for order, touch, attention to small detail and learning social skills.

Montessori classes depend on children being in mixed aged groups: Infants 6 weeks through 15 months, Toddlers; 16 months through 32 months, Primary; 33 months to 6+ years, Lower Elementary; 6 to 9 years, and Upper Elementary; 9 to 12 years. Within these boundaries, children are able to form true communities; the older children become leaders and role models for the younger ones. In these microcosms, the Guide is there to give suggestions and create opportunities. Practical life activities are the basis for early classroom explorations by the young children; they polish and scrub as they refine their hand movements and become more independent. The older children use practical life as needed to keep the environment clean and beautiful. They prepare the lunch settings, clean up after themselves, arrange flowers, sew, and do gardening and cooking. As the children refine their hand movements and become responsible for their environment, they also begin to receive academic lessons they are receiving, and develop the will to work without adult intervention. With her hand and mind and will all forming at developmentally appropriate times, the child moves forth as an eager learner and a responsible contributor to her community.

About Peaceful Valley Montessori AcademyKatie Wagoner and Summer Picha founded Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy (PVMA) in 2009 with the purpose of instilling in children the values of respect, responsibility, grace and courtesy, self-motivation, and self-discipline, culminating in character formation. Our Montessori program’s aim to develop within the children a global vision, a life-long love of learning and a sense of responsibility toward humanity. All aspects of the Montessori experience come together to foster the development of integrated, committed, respectful, loving and caring human beings. PVMA is licensed for 144 children; 24 infants ages 6 weeks-15 months, 41 toddlers ages 16 months-2.5 years, and 76 preschool ages 2.5-6years. Our Children’s House will follow the AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) standards. The AMI standard is a quality control, training and accrediting organization established in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori. All of our Children’s House Guides have received AMI or AMS Diplomas, after a rigorous course, which culminates in written and oral exams. Their knowledge of the developmental needs of the young child is unsurpassed.

At PVMA, we encourage an appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things, giving back to the community, and the cultivation of harmony, honesty, social cooperation, compassion, generosity, and love. Parallel to this nurturing is a study of different cultures and their beliefs, emphasizing a deep respect for diversity. Study of cultures includes their history, traditions, religions, holidays, music, and symbols. PVMA does not promote the beliefs or practices of one culture or religion over another.

In today’s world, where all cultures are fast becoming accessible to each other and where a peaceful future depends on mutual understanding and tolerance, we take pride in fostering familiarity with and respect for many different races, nationalities, and religions. As a non-sectarian community, we do not celebrate the holidays of any particular religion. We do, however, recognize that these holidays are occurring. Instead of traditional school recitals, we have celebrations in which all children and their parents are comfortable and other rituals that promote peace and community.

PVMA is not a substitute for your home; rather, it is a supplement. A child’s home environment is the primary source of love, security, and stability. When you enroll your child in our program, you are entering a partnership. This partnership between the parents and the school is critical to a child’s success. Parents play a key role in our community. Some parents are called upon to support the school in a variety of ways: assisting at open houses, potlucks and other fun family events, helping to make materials; all require parent participation. This participation in the life of the school is rewarding for the parents and sets and example of community involvement for the children.

ADMINISTRATION

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Faculty & StaffThe PVMA faculty works together in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and appreciation with a common commitment to serving the needs of children. We value work and intellectual stimulation and depend on each other for inspiration and support. The staff meets regularly to discuss routine matters and plan for school events. They also complete continuing education hours required by the State of Minnesota, take local and national Montessori courses and workshops, and complete first aid and CPR training. We value our dedicated and gifted faculty and staff, and appreciate their year-round efforts to support our school community.

Regional Operations Director Melissa Semira [email protected] of School Amanda Joynes [email protected] Assistant Donna LaBate [email protected]

PROGRAMS Infant Community- 12 infants

(6 Weeks- 15months- Ratio 1:4)At Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy the Infants’ Daily Schedule consists of some basic routines and activities that occur throughout the day. Our Teachers and support staff take special care to ensure that these routines and activities correspond to the individual schedule of each infant in our care.

Feeding: The infants will be fed on their own schedules. Bottles and solids will be given as needed. Infants will be offered the opportunity to learn to hold their own bottles and begin to self-feed when ready. Once infants are sturdy they will eat at a weaning table and learn to use a fork and spoon.

o You reach us via phone (952-934-6872) or send an email to: [email protected] or [email protected]

o This is an awesome way for us to communicate with any questions concerns or reminders, as we check it frequently throughout the day. Know you can always call us as well.

LABEL, LABEL, LABEL!o Everything that comes to school with your child, MUST be labeled with first and last name. All clothing items,

(we ask you keep extra clothing items in your child’s bin as we tend to get messy often) bottles, food, nooks, diaper cream, and anything else. For food items: if they are not in an original container, it has to have specific labels on the containers as what it contains. If bottles and/or food is not specifically labeled we will not be able to serve your child these items.

For the baby’s safety and health, we are a NO shoe zone. Please remove your outside shoes before entering our classroom. We ask that you also wash your hands when arriving in the room.

We’re not allowed to have any glass items (bottles, food containers, etc) in the classroom. We also aren’t allowed to feed the children any bottles that have had anything added to them (vitamins, supplements, medicine, etc).

Routine and consistency is SO important for your child to succeed so we ask that while at home (weekends, breaks) the child is on a similar schedule as their school schedule.

We provide diapers AND wipes for the children!!!

Any allergies we need to be aware of and need doctor notes. Our room is a peanut/tree nut free zone. We are not allowed to administer over the counter medication (including Tylenol, teething gel, etc) unless there is an emergent need for it (such as Benadryl, etc). Any medications prescribed should be administered at home whenever possible(including antibiotics, etc), except when needed during the middle of the day (ie: anything to be given twice per day should be given at home).

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mailto:[email protected]






When your child is starting to work on standing/walking, we ask that you bring in shoes for them to wear that are only used in our room.

The children are allowed to keep blankets or comfort items, but we are not allowed to let them sleep with them in the crib for safety reasons. All blankets brought to school must be 1-ply, not 2-ply.

Our general guideline for weaning off of bottles is at their first birthday upon recommendation of our Health Nurse.

We ask that you have older siblings wait outside our door for all of the baby’s safety.

Please bring a family picture for us to hang up on our wall. It can be just printed from a computer on regular paper.

7:00 am – 8:30 am Arrival/Daily Greeting/Contact with Parents8:30 am -6:00 pm Feeding as needed Diaper Changing as needed (or every 2 hours) Floor Time Cuddle Time Sensory Play Story Time Outdoor Play Sleeping/Naps as needed3:30 pm -6:00 pm Departures/Good-Byes/Contact with Parents

Toddler Community-18 toddlers(ages 16 months-32 months-Ratio 1:7)

The Toddler Community is a place for each child to explore at his or her own pace and to become a part of a community of peers. Through collaborative work, the child gains self esteem, inner discipline, self awareness, and friendships in a supportive and loving environment. You can reach us at 952-934-7862 or [email protected] and [email protected] Practical life activities include many of the everyday tasks families do at home. Young children delight in working along side adults in sweeping, washing windows, polishing wood, baking bread, making salsa, and learning to dress themselves.Sensory-Motor Coordination activities are designed to aid a child in developing concentration through repetition while allowing for integration of the mind and body through large motor activity. These activities include bead stringing, grading and sorting activities, puzzles, cutting, gluing, sewing, and pushing and pulling large objects such as wagons and wheel barrows.The Toddler Community is alive with language. The children are exposed to language through informal and formal lessons. Language activities include objects and cards to enhance the child’s growing vocabulary as well as opportunities for self-expression.

Toddler Daily Schedule: 7:00 am School Opens for extended day students8:15 - 8:30 Morning Drop-off8:30 - 11:30 Morning Work-Cycle (snack available)11:45 -12:45 Lunch and Outdoor Play12:30 - 12:45 Half-Day Pick-up

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1:00 - 3:15 Napping3:15 - 3:30 Full-Day Pick-up3:30 - 6:00 PM Care (Snack Available) 6:00 School Closes for extended day students

In all of our prepared environments we rely on mixed-age groupings. These mixed aged groups create communities of learners! The youngest children look up to the oldest children who are accomplished at moving slowly, speaking quietly and focusing on their work. The oldest students remember how the older children in their first year helped them, and so consider it an honor to fill that role, now that they have “come of age.” The benefits are many for all the age levels, but for the oldest children, assuming these positions of leadership is, along with their more academic work, a mark of achievement. This achievement is not for awards or outward recognition, but of self-confidence and a sense of having “arrived.”

Primary – 31 months to 6 years (ages approximate, Ratio 10:1)The Children’s House is an environment that encourages the child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn by engaging him/her in purposeful, developmentally appropriate and self-directed activities. The flexibility of this environment allows the child’s needs to be nurtured regardless of ability, social maturity, or learning style. You can reach us at 952-934-7862 and [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected] life exercises act as a link to the home environment. Familiar activities like polishing metal, folding laundry and sewing all help aid in the child’s conquest of independence and refinement or his or her motor skills.The Sensorial apparatus are designed to isolate a specific quality of the environment and through manipulation of these materials, allow the children to refine their senses. Numerous games and extensions give children the opportunity to explore and discover the world together.Language is at the core of any society, and the Children’s House is no different. The materials take advantage of the young child’s desire for language, and help the child not only to speak, write and read, but fall in love with language as well.Dr. Montessori designed concrete mathematic materials to represent all types of quantities. A child not only sees the symbol for 1, 1000 or ½, she can hold each of the corresponding quantities in her hand. Later, by combining this equipment, separating it, sharing it, counting it, and comparing it, she can demonstrate to herself the basic operations of arithmetic.Although much emphasis is placed on the excellent academic materials in the Children’s House, we also focus on the child’s social development. The lessons in Grace and Courtesy include hundreds of small lessons that give the child social skills for living peacefully in a community with others.

Consistency is an important element of PVMA. All of our programs are 5 days a week. The Children’s House is a three (sometimes four) year program, with the children entering first grade upon graduation.Children’s House Daily Schedule: 7:00 School Opens 8:15 - 8:30 Morning Drop-off8:30 - 11:30 Morning Work-Cycle (snack available)11:45 -12:45 Lunch and Recess12:30 - 12:45 Half-Day Pick-up

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1:00 - 3:15 “Afternooners” afternoon Work-Cycle in CH; Napping/younger children Resting in naproom3:15 - 3:30 Full-Day Pick-up3:30 - 6:00 PM Care (Snack Available) 6:00 School Closes

POLICIES, PROCEDURES & GENERAL INFORMATION

AdmissionsPVMA is an equal opportunity provider and accepts students ages six weeks through six years of age. Applications for enrollment are accepted without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, or special needs.

PVMA requires children to be toilet trained upon admission into our Primary Program.

The enrollment and admission procedure begins with a 30-45 minute tour. During the visit, parents will visit all program levels and meet with the Director. After application to the school, a visit with the child is scheduled. During this half-hour visit. A non-refundable $200 registration fee and signed tuition agreement are required to secure the child’s placement in the school.

Accidents and InjuriesPVMA maintains an “Accident / Incident Log” of all accidents at the school. Parents are given a copy of any accident report to sign. In the event of an injury a staff member trained in 1st Aid will administer appropriate first aid. In the event of a medical emergency or accident, that requires medical attention we will call 911 and then contact the parents. We require a parent’s written authorization for emergency transportation before a child begins attending PVMA. You or your designated substitute will be asked to transport your child in less serious situations. In serious cases, an ambulance will transport your child to the hospital. PVMA’s staff members are not trained to make medical decisions and are required by applicable licensing authorities to call 911 for medical emergencies. However, in the case of an emergency, the staff will apply first aid to the degree they are trained until the 911 call is responded to. The school will not accept nor honor requests to withhold emergency care or do not resuscitate (DNR) / (DNI).

AllergiesAllergies are not uncommon among young children. If your child has an allergy, please discuss the situation with the Head of School and your child’s Lead Guide. Paperwork will then need to be filled out and signed by a Dr. The school will then take appropriate precautions to protect your child’s health. We keep a record of all children’s allergies in the kitchen and in each environment, and discuss with all staff in the beginning of the year. If your child requires additional care (such as an Epi-pen or other ongoing medications), an Individual Treatment Plan will be written and discussed with the staff before your child’s first day of school.

ArrivalsPlease allow your child to hang up their coats and change their shoes independently. Parents should then drop their child off in the classroom, making sure the guide or assistant is present before leaving. Those children arriving for the regular half-day or full day may be dropped off between 8:15 and 8:30 in the classroom, where their Guide will greet them. A staff member will assist them in removing their outerwear and changing their shoes (if necessary) before entering their classroom. Late arriving children, will be greeted by a staff member when they are available. Please wait with your child in the classroom until a staff member is present. At PVMA we have an open door policy. Parents are welcome to drop in and ask any related questions in regards to our program.

Attendance and Tardiness

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Daily attendance is essential to your child’s education. A reliable daily routine answers your primary child’s most basic need for order and consistency. Bringing your child to school on time (by 8:30 am) gives your child stability. Tardiness not only disrupts the work cycle in the Children’s House, it also creates internal turmoil in your child. Your child’s stability is contingent on your willingness and ability to comply with the Montessori work cycle.

However, we understand that emergencies, sick days, and vacations are inevitable. Please notify the school in advance if your child is going to be out of school. If your child will be late or absent for the day, please call by 8:00 am.

Because staff assignments are based on enrollment, we are unable to extend any credit for absences due to illness or for vacations. Excessive absences and tardiness may result in termination of enrollment.

Behavior GuidanceOur philosophy is that every child has a right to learn and that no student may prevent another from learning. Every child has the right to be safe at school. In the Montessori learning environment, your child will learn and acquire skills in practical living, socialization, and academics. To facilitate the learning process, we have established basic rules such as following directions and working independently. Our goal is to provide all children with peaceful learning environments. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Inappropriate talk (swearing or sexual talk)• Demeaning name-calling• Teasing or purposefully hurting feelings• Consistent noisemaking • Disrespectful talk to any person• Hitting, spitting or kicking• Aggressive play, or any form of guns or weapons “play” • Inappropriate sexual touching• Purposeful destruction of class materials or equipment• Biting• Disrupting another child’s work• Interfering with the health and/or safety of another

PVMA practices behavior guidance by providing the children with challenging and absorbing activities and by treating them with dignity and respect. We establish clear and realistic limits that are developmentally appropriate and are enforced firmly and consistently. The school will take immediate steps to work with a child and family whose behavior is harmful to him or her, or to the other children in the classroom.

Although most children respond positively to this approach, we recognize that some will continue to test the boundaries established. We will work diligently with the parents and child in these situations.

If the child’s behavior threatens himself or herself or other children, we will request a meeting with the parents to discuss the situation. The purpose of this meeting is to agree on ways to address the unacceptable behavior, and whether to consult an outside child care specialist who will observe the child (any expenses related to this observation will be covered by the parents). Goals and timeframes will be set at this meeting, and will be documented.

It may also be necessary to separate the child from the group. If a child is separated from the group three or more times in one day, five times or more in one week or eight times in two weeks, the child’s parents will be notified and a meeting between the Guide, parents and Head of School will be held within one week. The Guide and support staff will observe and record the behavior of the child and the staff’s response to the behavior. (Note: if the child’s behavior is harmful to him or her or other children, a lower threshold may be appropriate. For instance, if a child is excessively violent, the school may call the parents and ask that they pick the child up immediately.)

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If the school recommends that the family consult with a professional (psychologist or counselor), the family must promptly pursue this course of action. After the child has been observed by an outside professional or child care specialist, a meeting will be scheduled with the parents, the Guide, the Director (and the specialist, if available) to share observations and develop a written plan with specific goals and time lines for the goals to be reached. If at the end of the time line the behavior is still present, the family may be given a termination notice.

PVMA hopes to work with families of children exhibiting persistent behavior problems. However, the school reserves the right to terminate at any time the enrollment agreement due to behavior problems which are hurtful to the child, other children, or the staff; the school may also terminate enrollment if a family refuses to allow a recommended observation by a child care specialist, or refuses to cooperate with the goals set up at the parent and school meeting.

PVMA does not allow the use of physical punishment or emotional abuse by our staff. If you have specific concerns regarding our behavior guidance techniques, we encourage you to discuss them with the Guide or Director.

BirthdaysBirthdays are special events for children, and we acknowledge these with special recognition: Please speak with your child’s classroom teacher to see how each classroom celebrates birthdays.

Infant and Toddler Biting PolicyFor children 3 and under, biting is developmentally appropriate. Although this is true, we want to prevent this type of behavior as much as possible in the classroom. When you have a child in your classroom that has shown a tendency to bite you must follow the following steps:

Shadow! Shadow! Shadow! This means you are this child’s shadow. When they move, you move. At all times of the day the child who has shown a tendency to bite will be no more than an arm’s length away from you.

Document the bites that have occurred and fill out and incident report for the child that has been bitten. If the biter has bitten themselves, you will still fill out an incident report.

Use a bite watch. These watches are specifically used for children who frequently bite, helping relieve the incidents in the classroom.

Monitor the children are be sure to intervene when children cluster too closely together. Proximity leads to more biting incidents.

Discuss the biting with administration and the child’s parents. Brainstorm solutions for the biting. Is the child teething? Does the child need something to keep close by to chew on? (like a bite watch) There are many solutions so don’t give up!

Children’s House Biting Policy Biting is a serious health hazard because of HIV, HBV and other contagious diseases spread through this practice. We have adopted the following biting policy to safeguard the welfare of the children and the staff in our community.

• First time : Child is separated from the group and parents are notified (see Persistent Behavior Problems). Parents and Guides must work together to help the child cope with anger and/or frustration in a respectful, nonviolent manner. Younger children usually need to be given the language to express their emotions. Older children need to be guided toward positive conflict resolution.

• Second time : Parents are called to remove their child from school. Parents and Guides review the guidelines agreed upon and together determine if professional help is appropriate at this time.

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• Third time : Child is sent home and suspended for the following day. • Fourth time : Expulsion.

Child Abuse and Neglect – Reporting PoliciesAny person who works with children in a licensed facility is legally required or mandated to report and cannot shift the responsibility of reporting to his/her supervisor suspected child abuse. If we know or have reason to believe a child is being or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years, we must immediately (within 24 hours) make a report to an outside agency. If we know a child is in immediate danger, we will call 911. All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children enrolled in PVMA will be made to the Department of Human Services (651-431-6500).

Reports regarding incidents of suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring within a family or in the community should be made to the local county social services agency (Child Protection: (612) 348-3552) or local law enforcement. If a report does not involve possible abuse or neglect, but does involve possible violations of Minnesota Statutes or Rules that govern our facility, we will call the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division.

• What to report : Definitions of maltreatment are contained in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act (Minnesota Statutes, section 626.556). A report to any of the above agencies should contain enough information to identify the child involved, any persons responsible for the abuse or neglect, if known, and the nature and extent of the maltreatment and/or possible licensing violations. For reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect occurring within our licensed facility, the report should include any actions taken by the facility in response to the incident. An oral report of suspected abuse or neglect made to one of the above agencies by a mandated reporter must be followed by a written report to the same agency within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays. An employer or mandated reporter shall not retaliate against the mandated reporter for reports made in good faith or against a child with respect to whom the report is made. The Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act contains specific provisions regarding civil actions that can be initiated by mandated reporters who believe that retaliation has occurred.

• Failure to Report : A mandated reporter who knows or has reason to believe a child is or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition a mandated reporter who fails to report maltreatment that is found to be serious or recurring maltreatment may be disqualified from employment in positions allowing direct contact with persons receiving services from programs licensed by the Department of Human Services and by the Minnesota Department of Health, and unlicensed Personal Care Provider Organizations.

Please refer to Maltreatment of Minors Mandated Reporting Policy for DHS Licensed Programs in the Appendix.

Clothing and Personal Belongings The Montessori classroom is a prepared environment. The materials, the furniture, the pictures and posters, the books and the music have all been selected to create a space that is conducive to concentration, higher-level thinking, and creative expression. Our intention is to always incorporate only the finest and most enduring manifestations of our culture. The clothing worn by the children becomes a part of the environment and can affect the children. Just as we would not hang posters on the wall of popular movies, TV, or video themes, we also ask that you reserve shoes or clothing with such depictions for use outside of the school. We prefer plain T-shirts, but those depicting ecology themes, nature, the environment, flora or fauna, the arts, sports, or travel are acceptable. We are confident that the child will not be deprived of fads and pop culture by their exclusion from the classroom. In the same vein, we ask that lunch boxes, backpacks and shoes also be free of popular movie, TV, or video themes and logos.

Your child should be able to put his or her clothing on and off with minimal assistance. We recommend good quality shoes that slip on or have Velcro straps; pants with elastic waists so the child can get them off quickly for toileting; shirts with sleeves that do not hang down over the child’s hands. Soft comfortable clothing is best. Please make sure your child has ample clothing to change into in case of toilet accidents, water spills or artwork soils. Should your child lose clothing or other possessions, check the lost and found box in the coatroom. PVMA is not responsible for lost or damaged items. Please label all clothing!

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CommunicationsIt is very important for us to maintain our commitment of excellence in providing Montessori education for your child. If you have a question, concern, or comment, please talk with us or write us a note and place it in the appropriate staff mailbox. These notes will be responded to by the end of the day, either in person, by phone, or in writing (check your mailbox daily).

PVMA knows the importance of parent’s being well-informed about their child(ren). Because a child’s general behavior and daily eating and resting habits can significantly affect behavior, our staff attempts to informally talk with you daily to inform you of anything unusual, as well as your child’s daily progress. This allows both parents and Guide to better anticipate a child’s behavior and, equally important, to better understand your child.

However, the Guide may not always be available to talk to parents during the morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up. To facilitate daily communication, email the Guide’s email to inform the Guide of upcoming vacations, doctor’s appointments, early pick-up, and the like. Likewise, check the bulletin boards and your email for new postings on school activities.

Cold Weather PolicyAll children need to spend time outside everyday (see Outdoor Play), winter is no exception. Unfortunately, sometimes it is too cold for outdoor play. PVMA established the cold weather guidelines below after surveying other area childcares and schools:

7:30 a.m. to NoonFeels Like Temperature0 degrees or above - outdoor time and length at the Guides discretion

0 degrees or below - no outdoor timeNoon to 6:00 p.m.Feels Like Temperature0 degrees or above - outdoor time and length at the Guides discretion

0 to -10 degrees - 30 minutes or less-10 or below - no outdoor time

ConferencesAt the pre-admission conference with the Head of School, you will tour PVMA and be introduced to the Montessori philosophy and method of education. At the Parent Orientation and through regular written communications, the school will discuss all policies, procedures, forms, and answer any questions you may have concerning the education of your child. Once enrolled, conferences are scheduled each fall and spring. Please refer to the school calendar for specific dates. Email correspondence and phone conversations may be arranged with the Guide at any time.

Conflict Resolution Policy Informal conflict resolution is a commitment to attempt to settle the differences of individuals focusing on basic interests and then developing mutually satisfying options, while acknowledging the respective rights and responsibilities of those involved. This process allows for open discussion of disputes without retaliation. Informal resolution is best achieved when addressed at an early stage, close to the source of conflict. The first step toward a solution to a problem must be the prompt discussion of the problem between the parties involved. Any problem concerning a child will be promptly referred to the child’s Guide for consultation and advice. Problems concerning the classroom or teacher responsibilities will be discussed with the Guide for follow up. The two parties are encouraged to solve the problem privately at this level. If this fails, either party may inform the Director who can assist in resolution of the problem.

Data Practices NoticePVMA strictly complies with the Minnesota Data Practices Act. The Director has been designated the responsible party to collect, use, and disseminate data considered private and confidential. Information is only

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accessed when necessary for the administration and management of our school or as authorized or required by state or federal law. The Hennepin County Community Services Department is an agency with which we share client data on an “as required” or “as needed” basis. You may choose not to provide us with this information. However, we may not be able to admit your child for school without this information. We only request information required by law or regulations promulgated by the state or federal government.

Delinquent Tuition PaymentsPVMA depends upon prompt payment of tuition and fees to remain viable. Failure to pay tuition and other fees on time may result in termination of enrollment and/or denial of future registration. Parents/guardians who have difficulty with tuition payments are responsible to communicate this to the school. In the event that legal action is taken by the school authorities to collect delinquent accounts, parents agree to pay for all collection costs including attorney fees.

DismissalDismissal for Half-Day children is from 12:30-12:45 and 3:15 to 3:30 p.m. for Full-Day children.

Early ArrivalsChildren scheduled to arrive at 8:30 am can be dropped off any time after 8:15 am. If you need to pick up your child early for an appointment, etc., please let us know, and we will have your child waiting for you.

Field TripsPVMA does not do field trips. If the center should happen to take a field trip the center will ensure that written permission is obtained on each occurrence from each child’s parent before taking a child on a field trip. A written permission form will be obtained before each trip or on a form that annually summarizes all field trips that will be taken. The written parent permission will state that the parent has been informed of the purpose and destination of the field trip.

On field trips, the staff will take the emergency phone numbers for the child’s parents, and the person to be called if a parent cannot be reached, the phone number of the child’s physician and a first aid kit. Self-serve water will be available to children at all times.

Fire and Severe WeatherPVMA’s learning environments are equipped well-defined plans for emergency evacuation. Evacuation plans are posted at appropriate locations in the doors of the school, and we schedule and document monthly emergency drills. Should an emergency occur that requires evacuation to an emergency shelter, you will be called immediately and a notice will be posted at the school. During severe winter weather, PVMA closely follows the Bloomington School District for school closings, however PVMA will decide closings. Please look for a Tadpoles email or check Kare11 to see if PVMA is closed during sever weather.

Full Cycle CommitmentPVMA asks for a commitment from parents to keep their children in the Primary program for the three years of the developmental cycle if the child begins at age 3, 4 years if the child is not yet 3 years of age at the time of enrollment, or through kindergarten for a child who begins at age 4 or 5. We hope to attract those families who are committed to a Montessori education for their children through the kindergarten year. The school may elect to not enroll the younger sibling of a family that does not keep an older sibling at the school through the kindergarten year.

Grievance ProcedureWe hope to have open and honest communications with all of our families. If a parent has a complaint they wish to formally make, they may use the following procedure to address grievances with PVMA:1. Submit grievance in writing to any of the faculty. If you wish to receive a written response, you must

sign your grievance.2. Submit your grievance anonymously by putting it in the Head of School’s file located in the file box in

the office. The Head of School will address this grievance at a staff meeting, and the solution will be announced through a memo.

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3. If your grievance has not been addressed to your satisfaction, you may request a meeting with a staff member and the Head of School for mediation and resolution.

4. Meet with a staff member and the Directors for resolution.

Holidays and School ClosuresPVMA is closed in observance of the following national holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Winter Break We also close for parent conferences, staff development, and preparation of the classroom environments before the summer session begins and before the start of the school year. Please consult the school calendar for a complete list of school closures. The tuition schedule takes school closings into account; hence, no discount is available for school closures or absences.

Hours PVMA is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for a 12-month school year. We ask parents to arrive at least ten minutes before the school closes so they have time to gather belongings and be out of the building by the time we close. A late fee of $1.00/ minute will be charged for any pick-up after regularly scheduled time. Staff members will record the exact time-in and time-out daily, referencing the time on a cell phone to ensure accuracy. IllnessWe take every precaution to safeguard your child against illness. Parents may not bring a sick child to school. The Department of Health states that children who are too sick to go outside are too sick to be at school. Please refer to the Exclusion of Sick Children policy below, which has been provided by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, as a guideline on when your child should not be at school.

Unless there are special circumstances prescribed by your child’s pediatrician, if your child cannot participate in the regular daily activities at school, including outdoor play, he or she should not be at school.

If your child becomes ill during the day, we will call you to pick up your child and provide a quiet place for your child to rest, supervised, until you arrive. If we are unable to reach a parent for one hour, we will call the emergency contacts for the child. Parents should pick up their child within one hour of being notified that the child is ill at school. For certain communicable diseases such as strep infection, you will be notified, and a notice will be posted on the bulletin board of the school. If your child is exposed to any infectious disease outside the school, please report it to us immediately.

Illness – Exclusion of Sick Children We empathize with the demands placed on working parents, but sick children belong at home so they can rest and get healthy again, and not spread contagious diseases to other children. A child with any of the following conditions or behaviors is a sick child and must be excluded from school. We are required to exclude a child:

• With a reportable illness or condition that the commissioner of heath determines to be contagious and a physician determines has not had sufficient treatment to reduce the health risk to others;

• With chicken pox until the child is no longer infectious or until the lesions are crusted over;• Who has vomited two more times since admission that day;• Who has had three or more abnormally loose stools since admission that day;• Who has contagious conjunctivitis or pus draining from the eye;• Who has a bacterial infection such as streptococcal pharyngitis or impetigo and has not completed 24

hours of antimicrobial therapy;• Who has unexplained lethargy;• Who has lice, ringworm, or scabies that is untreated and contagious to others;• Who has a 100 degree Fahrenheit axillary (under the arm) or higher temperature of undiagnosed

origin before fever reducing medication is given;• Who has an undiagnosed rash or a rash attributable to a contagious illness or condition;• Who has significant respiratory distress;• Who is not able to participate in our program activities with reasonable comfort;

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• Who requires more care than the program staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children in our care.

Please refer to Minnesota Department of Human Services, Division of Licensing, Rule 3 Guidelines (9503.0080 Exclusion of Sick Children) in the Appendix.

• Medical Forms : By law, you are required to submit your child’s current immunization record upon admission to the school. Immunizations must be up to date at this time, and it is your responsibility to notify the school when your child receives new immunizations and to furnish proof to the school. On the first day of school, you must furnish the health care summary. It is important that your child’s physician, dentist, and preferred hospital be listed in our records.

• Care Plans for Ongoing medical conditions : If your child has an ongoing medical condition (asthma, allergies, seizures, eczema, etc.) please complete an Individualized Treatment Plan, which the school will provide.

• Medicine: We realize there are times when your child may need medication during the day. With your child’s health and safety in mind, PVMA staff will administer only dated, labeled, prescribed medication. Medicine must be in its original container clearly showing the prescribed dosage, name, date, and physician’s name. PVMA staff will not administer over the counter medicines. For your convenience, you may ask your pharmacy to split a prescription into two containers: one to remain at school and one for home. You are required to complete an authorization form each time your child is to receive any type of medication. These forms are kept in a file on the front counter of the school. A record of the amount of medicine dispensed is kept on file. All unused or expired medications will be returned to you. Do not send medications in your child’s lunch box, or in any container other than the original one.

InsurancePVMA carries general liability insurance. We do everything possible to minimize accidents through various safety programs, frequent inspections, and regular maintenance. To maintain its high quality of service, PVMA has monthly consultations with Health Consultants for Child Care. For the health and safety of all children enrolled at PVMA, it is important that parents provide complete information on their children and keep it updated at all times (see Forms). It is important for parents to report any changes in address, home telephone numbers, emergency numbers, employment, and persons who may or may not pick up your child as they occur.

Items Brought to and from School Children sometimes bring home small items, such as beads, cubes, and farm and zoo animals from the classroom. Because each item plays a specific role in the classroom environment, please return it promptly. Appropriate items such as things found in nature and objects from other countries may be brought upon informing staff members. Some small items are not appropriate for ALL age levels at PVMA and can therefore be considered a safety hazard.

Late Pick-UpFor children who leave at 12:45 or 3:30 p.m. a fee of $1.00 / minute late charge will be charged. At the end of the school day, a late fee of $1.00 / minute will be charged for each child remaining in our school after the closing. If no parent has contacted the school by five minutes after closing, the staff will attempt to call the parents first, and then the people listed in the emergency list. If the staff cannot reach anyone to make arrangements for pick up, they will wait until one half hour after closing. The Minnesota Department of Human Services prohibits us from personally transporting a child, therefore, after 45 minutes after closing; the child will be turned over to the Eden Prairie Police. The police, along with the school staff, will determine whether the child will be brought to St. Joseph’s Children’s Home. A note will be posted on the door to let the parents know where the child can be picked up. Please make every effort to provide the school with a list of people with current phone numbers that we can contact you in case of an emergency.

LicensingPVMA is licensed by the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services. Our operations meet or exceed the standards established for childcare. These standards are related to our facility, staff, health and safety,

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nutrition, staff-to-child ratios, and record-keeping. State and city health, fire and licensing offices routinely inspect our center. A complete review of our Health and Safety Procedures are conducted annually with all staff members. If you have questions, contact the Department of Human Services, 444 Lafayette Road, St Paul, MN 55155, 651-431-6500. We are also licensed through the Bloomington Health Department, which annually examines our food prep area, bathroom and classroom facilities for heath safety.

Lunches and Snacks The children’s work at school is directly affected by the nutritional quality of their meals. Please provide your child with a nutritious breakfast each morning. Teaching your children the importance of good eating habits while they are very young will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

In our school, the staff have lunch with the children. Lunch is a social experience and an opportunity to refine manners. It is a time to enjoy pleasant conversation and good food. Whole milk, 1% milk and water are provided at lunchtime. Please do not send any other drinks. Your child’s lunch meets or exceeds the USDA nutritional guidelines. Our caterer follows USDA guidelines when preparing tasty meals for the children.

A morning snack is served daily, and a snack is served at 3:30 p.m. to those children staying for PM Care.

Missing ChildrenIn the event that a child goes missing, we will call 911 and then contact the parents or guardians. We will provide the authorities with the child’s name, hair color, eye color, general description, clothing, ability to communicate, medical history, and information regarding a divorce or custody situation.

Nap/Rest PeriodsTo balance the day, we schedule a rest period after lunch for the younger children. We encourage your child to rest quietly during that time. Each child has his or her own napping cot, and all cots are cleaned once a week. If your child will be napping, please bring one blanket, one pillow and one stuffed toy in a washable fabric or nylon bag to remain at school during the week for use during rest period. The bag and all its contents will be sent home every Friday for laundering.

DHS requires children younger than 4½ years to have a half-hour rest period. Children House children who are still awake after this period or are older than 4½ years can choose or be presented work.

PetsPVMA will notify parents of pets in the classrooms.

Outdoor PlayFresh air and exercise are important to a child’s good health. No exceptions, weather permitting, we take all the children out daily. We carefully monitor outdoor activities and provide adequate water and shade (see Playground Guidelines). Children should have appropriate clothing for all seasons, including sunscreen or bug repellant labeled with his or her name. During extreme weather, we provide large muscle indoor activities. Snow pants, mittens, boots and a hat are required clothing for recess during the winter.

ObservationThe best way to participate in your child’s Montessori experience is for you to schedule an appointment to observe in the prepared environment. Starting in mid-December, Thursday mornings are reserved for current and prospective parents to observe in the Children’s House. Check the Points of Interest for the observation dates. We encourage you to observe at least once during the school year to see how your child and the whole environment evolve as the year progresses. In scheduling an observation, please consider the readiness of your child. If you feel your child is not ready to handle your presence in the environment, it is better to wait.

Parent Education EventsPVMA offers Parent Education several times a year to share the Montessori materials, the philosophy, and provide an opportunity to get together. Refer to the calendar for specific dates, and then mark your calendar! The staff focuses on timely topics which they feel will benefit the parent community, or discusses in length

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some aspect of the Children’s House. A copy of our program plan will be available for parents to view on site at all times.

Playground GuidelinesIt is important that all children understand and adhere to our playground rules. These rules ensure that the outdoor environment will be safe and enjoyable for all children. Please discuss these rules with your child. All children are required to be outside for recess, if a child cannot participate in outdoor recess, he or she should not be at school.

• Play safely : Pushing, pulling, hitting, tackling games, wrestling, kicking, fighting, blocking other children’s activities, or throwing snow, ice, sand, wood chips or equipment in the play area is not allowed.

• Community fun: We encourage children to include other children in games and activities.• Toys and equipment : No toys, games, bats, balls, dolls, action figures or other materials are to be

brought from home for recess use. The school supplies buckets, shovels, brooms, rakes, appropriate garden tools, and balls for work and play.

• Conflict resolution : Children should come to an adult if they have a problem they cannot resolve themselves. We encourage children to “use your words” when in conflict. All of the adults supervising the playground carefully observe the playing children for any such conflicts, and are prepared to help the children resolve them peacefully.

• Respect for materials : Children are expected to respect all materials, tools and equipment, and to use all playground materials for their intended use.

• Slides : Children are not allowed to climb on the inside or outside of any slide. There is one person at a time on the slide, and no head-first sliding is allowed.

• Fence: If a ball goes outside the fence, children should tell an adult so he or she can retrieve it. There is no climbing on the fences.

• Bushes, trees, plants, grass : Unless children are gardening, they should avoid digging in, pulling on, picking at, breaking off, or hanging on vegetation. We have a large sand area for digging and sand toys for the children’s enjoyment.

If a child does not adhere to the playground rules, the adult supervising the playground will discuss the matter with the child, and reiterate the rules. If the child continues to break the playground rules, he or she will be asked to take a five-minute rest at one of the picnic tables. If, after the child returns to play, he or she continues to break the playground rules, he or she will be removed from the playground and brought into the school in the company of an adult for the remainder of recess. If an adult is not free to leave the playground, in order to maintain required adult to child ratios, the child will be seated at the picnic table for the remainder of recess. Repeated unsafe play outdoors may result in the child losing his or her playground privileges for one or more days. We will discuss this with the parent, should it occur, and encourage the parents to talk with the children about playground safety.

Registration Fees and FormsWhen filing the initial application to the school, there is an application fee of $200 is required to complete the child’s registration. This nonrefundable fee is renewed each year and covers the costs of materials and other miscellaneous costs related to the program.

Upon enrollment, appropriate registration forms, medical forms, and other pertinent information must be filled out and submitted before the first day of school. Current immunization records and a Health Care Summary completed by the child’s health care provider must be on file, as well as medical and emergency information.

SecurityPVMA has a secure door system. Do not open the door for strangers or allow people you don’t recognize into the building. Your child’s safety and security are of utmost importance to us. Children are supervised by staff members at all times. As an important security measure, we ask that you bring your child into the school and

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see that he or she is under supervision before leaving the school. It is very important that a child not be left unattended at any time anywhere in the school.

Equally important is that you enter the building when picking up your child at the end of the day. We sign your child in and out upon arrival and departure. We will release a child only to the parent who enrolled the child or to someone they have specifically authorized as a designated substitute on the enrollment form. This designated substitute must be at least 16 years of age. We will request to see identification if we are unfamiliar with that person. We are required by law not to release a child to anyone who is inebriated. If the individual picking up the child is intoxicated, we will call 911 to ensure the safety of that child. PVMA abides by all legally-served court orders. We ask that you provide a notarized court order for our file regarding parental custody matters.

Staff DevelopmentA word about staff development and the preparation of our environments: although your child is not at PVMA during the days that we are cleaning and preparing the school before and after the regular 12-month school session, they are included as part of our fee. Preparing each room is a considerable task involving all staff. During this time, we inspect all of our Montessori materials and outdoor equipment. We ensure materials are complete and repair damaged materials. We also refinish the furniture, thoroughly clean each room, repaint, and shampoo carpeting. We improve room layout based on the activities and work flow of our children over the last year. Our focus on room layout is to make each environment inviting to the children so they will want to use the materials. We also make procedural and educational changes at this time. Staff development includes a review of the policies and procedures of the Department of Human Services (Rule 3), the health policies from the Department of Health, the school’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures, and the renewal of our commitment to the Montessori philosophy. The faculty is required yearly by the Department of Human Services to meet a certain number of hours of continuing education in our field. These hours are based on each staff member’s education and experience.

Termination of EnrollmentPVMA’s commitment to you is to provide a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Parents make a commitment to the school by signing a tuition contract for the 12-month school year. Please read the complete tuition contract thoroughly. You are obligated to pay tuition for the remainder of the school year or until we are able to fill the opening your child vacates. Parents who discontinue their child’s enrollment during the last four months of the year will be obligated to pay tuition through August. PVMA reserves the right to terminate any enrollment without notice.

TuitionPVMA strives to provide your child with the best Montessori education, and this is only accomplished by attracting and keeping the best Guides and staff through competitive wages and benefits.

Tuition for the school year can be paid on a yearly, monthly or bi-weekly basis. Please be aware that although we offer the flexibility of paying tuition in monthly installments, your child’s enrollment agreement is for the entire school year. Scheduling decreases and mid-year enrollment terminations jeopardize the operating budget and disrupt the consistency we strive for in the environment. Tuition is billed on the first (You will pay for the month of September on September 1.) Semester payments are due September 1 st and January 1st. Payments over four days late are assessed an additional $25 per day fee. For the Half-Day and Full-Day enrollment options, an hourly fee of $6.50 is charged for hours incurred more than the program enrolled for. Enrollment may be terminated if payment is overdue by two weeks. A $25 fee will be charged on any returned check. If checks are returned, PVMA will refuse any further payment by check. PVMA uses procare for tuition. You will be required to have a checking account (ACH) or a credit card on file. Note: if using a credit care there will be a $5 per transaction fee.

Tuition Due and PayableIt is each parent/guardian’s responsibility to read the Tuition Agreement and understand it. This tuition agreement is for the entire school year: Tuition may be paid in full at any time, in yearly or monthly installments. Payment dates: Monthly payments are due the first of each month with late fee applied after the

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fourth. A non-refundable application fee of $200 is due with the application and a yearly registration fee of $100 is due at the time of re-enrollment. In the case of children entering the school after the opening date of the school year, the tuition will be calculated on a prorated basis. The school is closed in accordance with the schedule of the school’s annual calendar. Tuition takes closings into account, so no discounts are available for school closings or absences.

Violence and Harassment Policy It is the policy of PVMA to maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment or violence in any form. Harassment, in any form, will not be tolerated at PVMA by any of its employees, enrollees, students, or parents. This includes harassment based upon a person’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, creed, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, and/or other protected category. This policy applies to all employees, enrollees, students, or parents. If, after appropriate investigation, harassment is found to have occurred, the initiator will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, depending on the circumstances, up to and including termination of the relationship with PVMA.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any student, enrollee, parent, or employee of PVMA to harass another parent, student, enrollee, or employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature as defined by this policy. Similarly, conduct which is disparaging of another’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, creed, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, and/or other protected category is not allowed at PVMA.

It shall also be a violation of this policy for any parent, student, enrollee or employee of PVMA to be violent towards another parent, student, enrollee, or employee.PVMA will act to investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written, of harassment or violence and to discipline (or to take action against) any parent, student, enrollee, or employee who harasses or is violent towards another parent, student, enrollee or employee of our school.

ProcedureDefinitions: Violence is an intentional physical act of aggression. Violence may include, but is not limited to: touching, patting, grabbing, or pinching another person; or coercing or forcing the unwanted touching of another. Harassment is verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, creed, marital status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or other protected category, or that of his/her relatives, friends, or associates and that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment, has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfacing with an individual’s work performance or ability to enjoy the benefits of the school; or otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment opportunities or ability to enjoy the benefits of the school. Sexual Harassment is defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) as: unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or enjoyment of the benefits of the school, submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting such individual or is used as a basis for determining whom will enjoy the benefits of the school; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreason ably interfacing with an individual’s work performance or enjoyment of the benefits of the school or otherwise creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Examples: harassment can occur intentionally or unintentionally. Some examples of conduct that is prohibited by this policy are listed below. Please note that these are not the only examples: epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts that relate to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, creed, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or other protected category; written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, creed, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or other protected category that is placed on walls, bulletin boards or elsewhere on PVMA premises or circulated throughout the facility; unwanted sexual comments, innuendos, flirtations, propositions, suggestions or invitations to social events; use of offensive words of a sexual nature describing body parts or the sexual act, telling “suggestive” jokes or stories, and

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conversations about sexual exploits, sexual preferences, and desires or suggestive or sexist remarks about a person’s clothing or body; displaying, in the facility, pictures, objects, cartoons, pornographic magazines, or representations of any action or subject which is sexual in nature, depicting nude, scantily clad or suggestively posed women or men and which can be perceived as offensive; sabotaging another individual’s character, reputation, effects, or property because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, creed, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or other protected category; direct and/or indirect suggestions, requests, or demands that an employees’ job security, job assignment, conditions of employment, or opportunities for advancement depend in any way on the granting of sexual favors; or sexual relations accompanied by implied or overt threats or promises.

ReportingPersons who believe they have witnessed or have been victimized through harassment or violence should report those incidents so that we may promptly address the problem. You may make your concerns known by telling the person engaging in harassing or violent conduct or communication that the conduct or communication is offensive, against this policy and/or the law and must stop; telling the Director of PVMA both verbally and/or in writing. This option may be useful if the individual does not wish to communicate directly with the person whose conduct or communication is offensive, or if direct communication has been unsuccessful.

DeterminationAll complaints involving a claimed violation of this policy will be examined impartially without prejudice and without malice toward the reporting party regardless of the status of the person accused. Information provided will be released only on a need to know basis. After an investigation of the allegations, a determination will be made and resulting action will be recommended by the Head of School. The investigation may include interviews with the person(s) making the charges, the accused individual and appropriate witnesses.

All determinations are made on an individual basis. PVMA has the discretion to apply any sanctions or a combination of sanctions to eliminate any unlawful conduct and remedy the impact of any discrimination, including termination of employment or enrollment. PVMA encourages individuals to make accurate reports of complaints under this policy and provide as much information as possible so that we may properly and thoroughly investigate the report. PVMA will not condone retaliation against any individual who reports possible harassment or violence or who assists in an investigation of possible harassment or violence. Under circumstances, alleged harassment or violence may also be possible abuse under the Minnesota law. If so, the duties of mandatory reporting under the Maltreatment to Minors Act, Minn. Stat. 626.556, may be applicable. Nothing in this policy will prohibit the school from taking immediate action to protect victims of alleged harassment, violence or abuse.

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INTRODUCTION - Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy€¦ · Web viewMaria Montessori was born in...

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Transcript of INTRODUCTION - Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy€¦ · Web viewMaria Montessori was born in...